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How does an orb web spider make its web? No, none of these ideas are true. The solution is simple. The spider releases a sticky thread that is blown away with the wind. If the breeze carried the silken line to a spot where it sticks the first bridge is formed. |
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After the first horizontal line the spider makes a loose thread and constructs with a second thread a Y-shaped line. These are the first three radii of the web. Then a frame is constructed to attach the other radii to. |
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After all the radii are completed the spider start to make the circular threads. At first non-sticky construction threads a made. The distance between the threads is so wide that the spider can span the width with her legs. |
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Finally the sticky thread is woven between the circular thread. While attaching the sticky thread to the radii the construction thread is removed by the spider. After a night of hunting the web becomes worn out. The spider removes the silk in the morning by eating it, only leaving the first bridge line. After a daytime rest the spider constructs a new web in the evening. If the catch was low and the web is not heavily damaged the web may stay during the day and be reused after minor repairing. |
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Here is more about web, silk and other spider info | |
Here a story how thick should a spider silk thread be to stop a Boeing-747 in full flight. | |
The construction told here is very simplified. The site below shows animations of the real construction. |
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Ed Nieuwenhuys, 2 may 2010
06 August, 1997, January 2006