Question 1

What is spider silk?

Accepted Answer

Spider silk is a special kind of thread made by spiders. They use it to build webs, catch food, and even to wrap their eggs.

Question 2

How do spiders make silk?

Accepted Answer

Spiders have little organs in their bodies called spinnerets. These help them spin silk from proteins.

Question 3

Why do spiders need silk?

Accepted Answer

Spiders use silk for many things like catching food in webs, making nests, and protecting their eggs. It's like a super tool for them!

Question 4

Are all spider silks the same?

Accepted Answer

No, spiders can make different types of silk. Some are sticky for catching food, while others are strong for building webs.

Question 5

Can people make spider silk?

Accepted Answer

Scientists are trying to make spider silk in labs. It's tricky, but they're doing it because spider silk is very strong and useful.

Question 6

Is spider silk strong?

Accepted Answer

Yes, spider silk is incredibly strong. It's even stronger than a steel thread of the same thickness!

Question 7

How long does it take for a spider to make its web?

Accepted Answer

It can take a spider about an hour to build a web. Some quick spiders might do it even faster!

Question 8

Can spider silk get wet?

Accepted Answer

Spider silk can get wet, but it doesn't melt away. In fact, it's still strong even when it's wet.

Question 9

Do all spiders make webs?

Accepted Answer

Not all spiders make webs. Some spiders hunt for food without using webs, but they still use silk for other things.

Question 10

Can spider silk be different colors?

Accepted Answer

Most spider silk is white or clear, but some can look a bit golden in the sunlight. It depends on the spider and the light.

Question 11

Why is spider silk important to scientists?

Accepted Answer

Scientists love spider silk because it's super strong and stretchy. They're finding ways to use it in clothes, ropes, and more.

Question 12

What happens to old spider silk?

Accepted Answer

Spiders often eat old silk to recycle it. They can use the proteins again to make new silk.

Question 13

Can spider silk hold heavy things?

Accepted Answer

Yes, spider silk can hold the weight of small insects and even more. It's very strong for its size.

Question 14

Do other animals use spider silk?

Accepted Answer

Some animals might use spider silk if they find it, like birds for their nests. But only spiders can make it.

Question 15

Are there any spider silk clothes?

Accepted Answer

There are a few special clothes made from spider silk in labs. They are very rare and special because spider silk is hard to make.

Question 16

How does spider silk help in nature?

Accepted Answer

Spider silk helps keep insect numbers in check. Spiders catch insects in their webs, keeping the environment balanced.

Question 17

Can you see spider silk easily?

Accepted Answer

Spider silk is usually hard to see. But when it's covered with dew in the morning, it can sparkle in the sunlight.

Question 18

Is spider silk sticky?

Accepted Answer

Some spider silk is sticky to help catch insects. Other parts of the web are not sticky so the spider can walk on them.

Question 19

How do spiders avoid getting caught in their own webs?

Accepted Answer

Spiders know which parts of the web are not sticky, so they only walk there. They're like little tightrope walkers!

Question 20

Can spider silk break easily?

Accepted Answer

Spider silk is very strong and doesn't break easily. However, if a big leaf or something heavy hits it, the web might tear.

The Life Cycle of Spider Silk - 20 FAQs Explained Simply