Why the spider does not stick to its web. Why does a spider not stick to its web? Why spiders themselves do not stick to their web

There are three explanations for why a spider moves freely on a web.

According to the second version, the spider does not stick to the web due to the peculiarities of its design. On some threads there is almost no sticky substance in which prey is stuck. The predator itself moves along such threads. Researchers later found that a spider could crawl freely along sticky threads.
It turned out that the movement of the web to some types of spiders helps the device of their legs. On each of them there are two supporting claws (with them the predator clings to the surface) and a flexible claw. It is surrounded by hard hairs. Under the pressure of the web, the hairs bend to the claw. He touches the threads, bends and presses them to the hairs. When the spider raises its paw, the claw straightens. With it, elastic hairs straighten and throw the web to the side.

There are many types of fibers that a spider produces. Sticky are used for catching prey. But there are also not sticky ones that form strong web crossbars. The spider knows which ones are sticky, and easily avoids the dangerous ones. The center of the web, where the spider usually waits for prey, consists of dry threads. Dry threads also extend from the center (radial threads are non-sticky, concentric ones are sticky).

Between the outer part and the center there is a hunting spiral, the sticky or fluffy threads of which are attached to dry threads. It is the hunting spiral that is fatal for flies and other insects. When the spider runs on its web, it grabs only the dry threads.

Why don't the spiders themselves stick to their web?

“Would you like to visit me?” The spider asked the fly. The cunning spider is very smart, isn't it? He knows that she will get confused, and he will have a wonderful dinner.
But if the sticky web is a trap for flies, then why can't the spider itself get there? The answer will surprise you. It turns out maybe. The spider is as easy to find in its web, as are flies.
The reason that this does not happen is that the spider is “at home.” He must know the path in the maze that random visitors do not know. Then the goal is achieved. He knows the web as his five fingers (more precisely, 8 legs :-))
There are many types of fibers that a spider produces. Sticky are used for catching prey. But there are also not sticky ones that form strong web crossbars. The spider knows which ones are sticky and easily avoids the dangerous ones. The network center, where the spider usually waits for prey, consists of dry threads. Dry threads also extend from the center (radial threads are non-sticky, concentric ones are sticky).
Between the outer part and the center there is a hunting spiral, the sticky or fluffy threads of which are attached to dry threads. It is the hunting spiral that turns out to be fatal for flies and other insects. When the spider runs along its web, it grabs hold of dry threads only.

Butterflies, of course, know nothing about snakes. But birds that hunt butterflies know about them. Birds that do not recognize snakes more often become ...

Spiders can be loved or hated, but they still remain one of the most "high-tech" wonders of the animal world. For a long time we could not understand how they do not get into our own networks. The goal of creating spider webs for most spiders is to catch prey. How do they themselves differ from midges?

The answer to this question is rather complicated. It turns out that the guesses of scientists are only partly true.

For a long time, it was believed that spiders secrete an oily substance that counteracts the stickiness of the web and prevents them from getting into their own networks. Researchers at the Museum of Natural History in Bern, Switzerland, tested the stickiness of spider legs under various conditions. Wet or dry paws did not stick to the web, but when they were treated with solvents or cleaning agents, they began to stick - the protective oil coating was removed.

The structure of the spider legs is also relevant. With recent advances in micro- and video shooting, scientists have been able to shoot close-ups of how spiders walk (arachnophobes definitely shouldn't watch this).

Spiders have tiny claws at the ends of their legs. Both paws and claws are covered with small bristly hairs. When the spider moves, it can adjust the angle of the claws. It makes it minimal by reducing contact with a sticky web. The bristles on the claws help stabilize the position of the spider and keep it from slipping.

It turns out that spiders should not be afraid to stick to the web. Moreover, in their networks there are both sticky and non-sticky threads. In fact, all spiders weaving their nets smear with sticky substance only circular threads. External and direct, diverging from the center, are not sticky at all, which further reduces the chances of spiders to get stuck in a web.

And even sticky threads are often not completely covered with sticky substance. Most spiders place on them only small droplets of a sticky substance. This gives them an additional opportunity to avoid sticking, but these droplets are quite enough for flying insects.

The threads of the web seem thin and weak, but in reality they are incredibly strong. If we were to create networks comparable in strength and elasticity to the web, we would have to make them out of rubber and steel.

Web weaving is not the only thing for which spiders use their silk. Some of them use it in mating rituals, while others use it to create small shelters. Silk is also used to wrap and protect eggs, and when spiders hatch from them, they can ride on pieces of silk, slipping away from the nest and millions of their brothers and sisters.