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Biomaterials: silk-like secretion from tarantula feet.

Authors :
Gorb SN
Niederegger S
Hayashi CY
Summers AP
Vötsch W
Walther P
Source :
Nature [Nature] 2006 Sep 28; Vol. 443 (7110), pp. 407.
Publication Year :
2006

Abstract

An unsuspected attachment mechanism may help these huge spiders to avoid catastrophic falls. Spiders spin silk from specialized structures known as abdominal spinnerets--a defining feature of the creatures--and this is deployed to capture prey, protect themselves, reproduce and disperse. Here we show that zebra tarantulas (Aphonopelma seemanni) from Costa Rica also secrete silk from their feet to provide adhesion during locomotion, enabling these spiders to cling to smooth vertical surfaces. Our discovery that silk is produced by the feet provides a new perspective on the origin and diversification of spider silk.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1476-4687
Volume :
443
Issue :
7110
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Nature
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
17006505
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/443407a