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strengr t1_iv9x1jp wrote

The accepted theories is that because arachnids can spin both sticky and non-sticky webs, the spider knows where to walk so it doesn't stick to the web. Similarly a builder will know where to walk so their feet don't go through the drywall.

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djublonskopf t1_ivb86wz wrote

There is also research in the last 10 years showing that spider legs are actually covered in a non-stick chemical coating that, combined with adhesive-repellent leg hairs and careful footwork makes spider-web-glue roll right off their legs. When scientists use hexane to wash away the anti-stick coating, their legs were much more likely to get stuck to their webs.

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ElderScarletBlossom t1_ivbcb0s wrote

How does a scientist wash a spider's legs?

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Peasant_hacking t1_ivaf4dh wrote

then how come its feet doesnt get stuck when it is webbing a prey?

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OssiansFolly t1_ivaqape wrote

The webbing isn't sticky. It's just being wrapped like tying someone up with rope in a cartoon.

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Peasant_hacking t1_ivcatjv wrote

OH! so only some parts of the WEB house is sticky?

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Sable-Keech t1_ivdnjcb wrote

Yes, the radiating lines are non-sticky while the circling lines are sticky.

Also when wrapping their prey they manipulate the sticky web with their claws which are coated with an anti-stick substance.

If you were to grab a spider and just slap it directly flat onto its own web it would probably get stuck.

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eyesonthefries_eh t1_ivd4jeu wrote

Fun test: Usually the “support” webs going from the center out to branches or whatever are not sticky at all, and the webs circling the supports are the sticky ones. Touch them with your finger (gently), and it’s immediately clear which is which. Blew my minds the first time I heard this.

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