spinneretillä

A spinneret is a silk-producing appendage found in spiders and the larvae of some insects. In spiders, spinnerets are located at the rear of the abdomen and are typically equipped with numerous spigots, each connected to a silk gland. These spigots extrude liquid silk, which hardens upon contact with air, forming a strong, elastic fiber. The spider manipulates the silk threads with its legs and spinneret movements to construct webs, capture prey, or create protective egg sacs. Different types of silk glands produce silks with varying properties, allowing spiders to create specialized threads for different purposes.

In insect larvae, such as caterpillars, spinnerets are usually located near the mouthparts. These larvae use their silk to spin cocoons for pupation, create protective shelters, or aid in locomotion by producing draglines. The structure and function of insect spinnerets can vary significantly depending on the species and their specific needs. The ability to produce silk is a crucial adaptation for many arthropods, enabling them to survive and reproduce in diverse environments. The study of spinnerets and silk production is a field of ongoing research, with potential applications in biomaterials and engineering.