Spiders and Their Webs

Darlyne Murawski`s large and stunningly clear color photographs of spiders superbly illustrate her fascinating explanation of the types of spiders and how they hunt with their amazing webs. Most people know that a thread of spider silk is stronger than a thread of steel of the same thickness, but not everyone is aware that the ogre-faced spider tosses its web over its prey like a net, bites the victim, then spits up juices that `melt` the soft parts of the insect`s body. The spider can hold its meal with its front legs and spin a new web with its hind legs--all at the same time! The happy-faced spider of Hawaii lassos its hapless victims with its web, like a cowboy throwing a rope over a calf. Some spiders work in unison by the thousands to spin huge webs big enough to encircle a huge truck, thus enabling them to catch large prey. Startling trivia, a glossary, and other kid-friendly sources of information appear at the conclusion. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.