Spiderwebs

Spiderwebs are silk structures produced by spiders, primarily used to capture prey but also serving as shelters and egg sacs. They vary widely in shape and size and occur in many habitats. While the classic orb-shaped web is well known, thousands of species build a range of designs, and some spiders do not spin webs at all.

Silk is produced in specialized glands and extruded through spinnerets. As fibers exit the spider, they solidify into strong, elastic threads. Different silk types serve different tasks: dragline silk for support and safety lines, frame silk to construct the framework, capture silk for the sticky spiral, and wrapping silk to immobilize prey.

An orb web typically consists of radial lines radiating from a central hub with a circular or spiral capture area coated in glue. When prey strikes the sticky threads, vibrations travel through the structure and alert the spider. Wind, humidity, and prey availability influence web size and placement, and many webs are rebuilt regularly.

Webs are energetically costly to produce, and many spiders rely on other hunting strategies or on environmental conditions when webs are sparse. In ecosystems, webs help regulate insect populations and inspire biomaterials research, as scientists study silk strength, toughness, and its ability to withstand environmental stress.