Results: Spiders and the beauty of their webs
Published on 02/18/2017
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1.
1.
If you are arachnophobic, you may want to stop now. Because you might not want to read about an amazing, unbelievable spider web (probably). In order to make the news, a spider web would have to be absolutely spectacular and this one is. A spider web found in a park just outside of Dallas (U.S.), is said to be about a quarter mile long and goes up into the trees at least 40 feet. Apparently this incredible web is a communal nest. It is made up of many different types of spiders and their individual webs. The spiders collaborated in a joint effort to create a massive web that is attracting all kinds of yummy (to the spider) insects like mosquitoes, gnats, ect. They have draped their webs over tree branches like shrouds. Thousands of spiders can be seen in the webs, spinning and eating and doing all the things spiders do. The spiders are not poisonous, so there is no danger to humans, in fact they are doing quite a public service if they are eating the mosquitoes that would otherwise be feeding on human blood. Go spiders! Are you familiar with this story?
Yes
9%
197 votes
No
91%
1966 votes
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How spiders make their webs, what facts are you familiar with?
Spiders weave their webs using glands located at the tip of the abdomen that produces the silk.
33%
721 votes
The silk is produced in silk glands with the help of the spider's spinnerets. Spinnerets are special organs that allow the spider to decide what type of thread it needs for the web.
22%
476 votes
Amazingly, spiders produce different types of silk for different uses. Some spiders are capable of producing up to 8 different types of silk.
12%
255 votes
The silk threads can be thick or thin, dry or sticky, beaded or smooth. The threads a spider uses to construct its web begin as liquid, but they dry quickly in the air.
14%
302 votes
The silk is sticky when the web is new, so its easier to catch their prey. Which is good because just spinning the web depletes their protein and they probably wouldn't have enough energy to chase down their dinner.
15%
314 votes
As the spider moves back and forth, it adds more threads, strengthening the web and creating a pattern. Lines that go from the center of the web outward are called "radial lines." They support the web. Threads that go around and around the web are called "orb lines."
16%
355 votes
Some spiders recycle their webs. When the web dries out and becomes less sticky, its harder for insects to stick to it, so the spiders eat their webs to recoup the spent energy. This happens every day in some cases.
8%
165 votes
I am aware of these facts.
12%
250 votes
N/A or I am unfamiliar with all of these spider web facts.
45%
965 votes
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One of the most striking webs is woven by the Writing Spider. While a spider web might be nearly invisible in some light, the writing spider's silk is pure white and they weave and "X" form (zigzag designs or stitches of a sort). The designs have something to do with luring prey to the web. Are you familiar with these facts about the "writing spider's" incredible spider web designs?
Yes
18%
380 votes
No
82%
1783 votes
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Spiders are an essential part of the Eco-system and need to be left alone to do their thing (as in catching and eating mosquitoes and other insects). Next time you see a web, stop and look at it closely, at the intricate weaving work and see the beauty in it. If you like spiders it will reinforce your admiration. If you don't like spiders it might make you look at them differently. Do you agree that spiders are a essential part of the Eco-system?
Yes
65%
1406 votes
No
15%
314 votes
Undecided
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443 votes
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5.
Arachnophobia (or arachnephobia) - Definition: Spider fear, spider phobia, fear of spiders, or phobia of spiders. Do you have a fear of spiders?
Yes
37%
807 votes
No
63%
1356 votes
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