Spider web silk. Coloured light micrograph of a line of silk from an orb web spun by an unidentified spider. This line of silk has an outer viscous layer that gives it adhesive properties. The beads (round) that can be seen on the silk are formed from a sticky gum. These delay drying out of the adhesive and provide better stopping power to prey hitting the web. Orb webs are aimed exclusively at catching flying insects. An average orb web may contain 20 metres of silk fixed at 1,000 junctions. It needs constant renewal as its threads become damaged by prey and the adhesive properties are rapidly lost. Magnification: x80 at 35mm size | |
Lizenzart: | Lizenzpflichtig |
Credit: | Science Photo Library / Abbey, Michael |
Bildgröße: | 3543 px × 2442 px |
Modell-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Eigentums-Rechte: | nicht erforderlich |
Restrictions: |
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