What kind of web?

Are all spider webs the same? This was the question of the day.  Following a week and a half of enthusiastic web designing in the loft,

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we thought we’d look into the facts of the issue.092314_5400

In our research, we discovered that almost all spiders make silk.  Many use them to make webs, but not all of them.  Spiders produce webs using a spinneret, which is a small opening on the abdomen.  Spiders use their legs to manipulate the web into place.  Different kinds of spiders produce different types of webs.  The main web types that we learned about are:

  • orb webs (a spiraling web shape)
  • cob webs (webs that don’t appear to have any pattern or design)
  • funnel webs (webs that are more like homes with an entrance tunnel for the spider to hide in)

We read about an idea to “capture” spider webs on paper and bring them inside, but we are still trying to decide if it would be harmful to the spider.  Sometimes “think[ing] of the comforts and rights of others,” includes nature, too.

Some spiders use their silk for purposes other than snagging prey.  Some burrowing spiders use their silk to create a soft, cozy lair to sleep in.  Spiders also wrap their eggs up in silk.  Can you guess why?

Dun, du du duh….Be Safe!

Our most disgusting revelation of the day came from our discovery regarding the eating habits of spiders.  After they catch an insect, many spiders wrap up their dinner and then suck out their juices later. Ew. We all decided that we are quite glad that we are not spiders.