• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Nature World Today

Nature World Today

Nature's Best Site

  • Top Stories
  • Environment
  • Science
  • Climate
  • Animals
  • Biology
  • Energy
  • Physics
  • Health

Spiders deploy multiple silk strands to take flight

October 24, 2020 by Dan Taylor

Large spiders take to the air by deploying dozens of thin fibers to catch the wind, a new study published in PLOS Biology reports.

For years, scientists have known that certain spiders are able to use their silk to “fly” to new locations. However, the recent findings — which come from researchers at the Technical University of Berlin — are the first to show exactly how that process occurs.

“The fibers are very hard to observe with our naked eyes,” said lead author Moonsung Cho, a researcher at the Technical University of Berlin, according to New Scientist. “This is why, until now, we have not been able to explain the flight of ‘ballooning’ spiders.”

Editorial content

Gliding spiders spin up into the air on their silk. While scientists have long understood how that process works in spiderlings, it is much harder to explain how large spiders get off the ground.

Previous research suggested they release just a few thick, short fibers, but that would not provide enough lift to take them up into the air.

To solve that mystery, the team in the new study observed ballooning in adult ground crab spiders of the genus Xysticus by raising them in the lab and letting them take off in a wind tunnel.

That revealed the arachnids anchor themselves to the ground before takeoff and use their legs to test the wind. If the conditions are right, the spiders spin out fibers that are roughly 6 to 13 feet long to form triangular sheets.

Then, they spin 50 to 60 ballooning fibers made from much thinner silk. That combination gives them the lift they need to get up into the air.

While most spiders use their fibers to wrap up their prey, crab spiders use it only for flying. Should wind conditions change during the process, the arachnids will cut all of their fibers and start again. If things go well, they cut their anchor line and take off.

This research is important for many reasons. Not only does it shed new light on spider biology, but it also may one day help physicists create better flying machines.

“Over millions of years, these spiders fine-tuned the use of these proteins for certain functions,” Cheryl Hayashi, a researcher at American Museum of Natural History who did not work on the study, told Gizmodo. “I think we could certainly get some ideas from them about aerodynamics and moving things through the air.”

Filed Under: Environment, Top Stories

Primary Sidebar

More to See

All About Nitrogen Cycle and It’s Impact on Planet Life

January 19, 2023 By Jesse Olson

Most Popular Wild Animals

January 17, 2023 By Elizabeth Grillo

What Does Climate Change Mean

January 15, 2023 By Dave Brooks

The Science Behind Precipitation

January 12, 2023 By Jesse Olson

How to Live More Eco-Friendly

January 10, 2023 By Dave Brooks

Most Popular Stories About Nature

January 8, 2023 By Elizabeth Grillo

Footer

About Us

Founded in 2018, At Nature World Today our goal is to enrich and brighten up your day with interesting stories, amusing photos, and viral topics. If you’re looking to take a break from everyday routine, you’ve reached the right place!

Send tips to [email protected]. Comments and feedback can be sent to [email protected].

  • Terms of Service
  • natureworldtoday.com Privacy Notice
  • Disclaimer
  • Contact Us

Search

Copyright © 2023 · natureworldtoday.com