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Microdissection of Black Widow Spider Silk-producing Glands
Published on: January 11, 2011
Silk production from tarantula feet questioned.
Fernando Pérez-Miles1, Alejandra Panzera, David Ortiz-Villatoro
1Sección Entomología, Facultad de Ciencias, Iguá 4225, 11400 Montevideo, Uruguay.
Nature
|October 23, 2009
Summary
Tarantulas use spinnerets for silk production, not their feet. This study found that sealing spinnerets prevents silk secretion in zebra tarantulas, contradicting previous findings on leg silk secretion.
Area of Science:
- Zoology
- Arachnology
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Tarantulas, like all spiders, possess spinnerets for silk production.
- Previous research suggested the zebra tarantula (Aphonopelma seemanni) may secrete silk from its feet for enhanced climbing.
- This hypothesis proposed a novel silk secretion mechanism in spiders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the source of silk secretion in the zebra tarantula.
- To verify or refute the claim of silk secretion from tarantula feet.
- To clarify the role of spinnerets versus appendages in tarantula silk production.
Main Methods:
- Experimental sealing of tarantula spinnerets.
- Observation of silk secretion capabilities after spinneret occlusion.
- Comparative analysis of silk production with intact versus sealed spinnerets.
Main Results:
- Tarantulas with experimentally sealed spinnerets were unable to secrete silk or form threads.
- The findings directly contradict previous reports suggesting silk secretion from the feet of Aphonopelma seemanni.
- No evidence of silk secretion from the legs was observed under experimental conditions.
Conclusions:
- Spinnerets are the exclusive sites for silk secretion in the zebra tarantula.
- The hypothesis of silk secretion from tarantula feet is not supported by this study.
- This research reaffirms the fundamental role of spinnerets in spider silk production.
