Story: Spiders and other arachnids

Wrapping up prey (3rd of 3)

Wrapping up prey

Spiders produce a variety of silk. Wrapping silk traps prey with glue droplets on the web. The spider then paralyses the insect with venom so it cannot escape. This may also stop it from drying out, so the spider can enjoy a juicy meal hours later.

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Photograph by Simon Pollard

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How to cite this page:

Simon Pollard, 'Spiders and other arachnids - Webs', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/12710/wrapping-up-prey (accessed 24 April 2024)

Story by Simon Pollard, published 24 Sep 2007, reviewed & revised 14 Mar 2024