Why Don't Spiders Get Stuck in the Webs They Spin?

Spiders produce different kinds of silk for different purposes. A spider will use dragline silk, which is the strongest kind of silk, to make the spokes of the web and any part that is intended to bear the weight of the spider. This silk isn't sticky and the spider can safely move over it to different parts of the web. The spiral connections of the web are sticky and are intended to snare prey.

Spiders will only touch the web with the tips of their feet to minimize the chances of becoming stuck. They also spend time grooming their feet, and may secrete substances onto their feet that prevent sticking to the web.

More about spiders:

• Many hunting spiders have specialized foot hairs that split into thousands of tiny extensions, giving them incredible gripping power. This enables them to stick on smooth surfaces like glass, or to walk across ceilings.
• Webs lose their stickiness very quickly, so a spider will usually eat the old web and remake it every day.
• Since spiders can only consume liquids they will inject their prey with a substance that liquefies it before they eat it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do spiders avoid getting stuck in their own webs?

Spiders have evolved several strategies to avoid getting stuck in their own webs. They produce a special non-sticky silk for the parts of the web they walk on, and their legs have a non-stick coating. Additionally, they use careful movements to minimize contact with sticky silk, ensuring they remain free to move about their web.

Do all spiders produce webs that are sticky?

No, not all spiders produce sticky webs. Some spiders, like the tarantula, don't spin webs at all. Among those that do, web types vary, with some being sticky to trap prey and others serving different purposes, such as for shelter or egg protection. The stickiness is specific to webs designed for capturing prey.

What is the purpose of the non-sticky silk in a spider's web?

The non-sticky silk serves as the structural foundation of the web and provides pathways for the spider to navigate without getting ensnared. This silk is used to construct the frame, radii, and the spider's retreat, allowing the spider to move quickly and efficiently when responding to prey or threats.

Can spiders ever get stuck in their own web or in other spiders' webs?

While spiders are adapted to avoid getting stuck in their own webs, they can sometimes get caught in webs made by other spider species. This is because they may not be familiar with the web's structure or the properties of the silk, which can lead to entrapment and potentially becoming prey themselves.

Are there any special adaptations on a spider's body that help it avoid sticking to its web?

Yes, spiders have several adaptations that help them avoid sticking to their webs. Their legs are covered with special hairs and a non-stick chemical that reduce adhesion. Moreover, the tips of their legs have claws that allow them to grip the non-sticky strands of the web without touching the sticky silk.

Does the stickiness of a spider's web degrade over time?

Yes, the stickiness of a spider's web can degrade over time due to dust, pollen, and other environmental factors. Spiders often eat and recycle their web silk to replenish the web's stickiness and maintain its effectiveness for trapping prey. This process also provides the spider with a source of protein.