How thin can spider webs be?

You've likely heard that silk is incredibly strong. Spider silk in particular can be both strong and mind-boggingly thin, hinting that nature is still the master spinster. Now, after studying the remarkable webs of a common garden spider, researchers think they are just a bit closer to learning nature's craft. read more

The diameters of even the largest spider web silk is measured in millionths of a meter. As already pointed out, smaller spiders may produce smaller-diameter silk. Ordinary garden spider produce silk with a diameter of about 0.003 mm and some of the largest produce silk with a diameter of 0.007 mm. read more

The spider sits in the middle of its web, monitoring the radius threads for vibrations. If an insect gets caught in any part of the web, the spider will feel the motion through the radius threads and make its way to the vibration source. In this way, the web extends the spider's sensory system over a much wider area. read more

SPIDER WEB SHAPE & STYLE. Along with placement, there is another characteristic that can help you identify a spider by its web – the web’s overall shape. In general, there are five main types of bait-style webs: Spiral Orb Webs – Featuring the classic spider web design, spiral orb webs are usually constructed by spiders in the Araneidae family. read more