Why Spiders Don't Get Stuck In Their Web

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Spiders use their sticky webs to catch insects and other prey. Why don't they get stuck in their own web?

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Spiders have several adaptations that help them avoid getting trapped in their own web

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Spiders can spin both sticky and non-sticky silk, and they avoid walking on the sticky silk

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They have moveable claws on their feet that grip and release the web's threads as they walk

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Spiders have tiny hairs on their feet called tarsi that reduce the amount of surface area that touches the silk

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Spiders have a non-stick chemical coating on their feet that helps them avoid getting stuck

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The center and spokes of the web are made with dragline silk, which is dry and provides routes for the spider to move around

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Spiders carefully creep across the web, only touching it with the tips of their feet

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