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Silk-like secretion from tarantula feet

Author

Listed:
  • Stanislav N Gorb

    (Evolutionary Biomaterials Group, Max Planck Institute for Metals Research
    Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology)

  • Senta Niederegger

    (Evolutionary Biomaterials Group, Max Planck Institute for Metals Research
    Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology
    Institute of Forensic Medicine, Friedrich Schiller University of Jena)

  • Cheryl Y Hayashi

    (University of California)

  • Adam P Summers

    (Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California)

  • Walter Vötsch

    (Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology)

  • Paul Walther

    (University of Ulm)

Abstract

Silk root Spiders spin silk from organs called abdominal spinnerets and use it to catch prey, for protection, reproduction and dispersal. The discovery that zebra tarantulas secrete a silk-like substance from their feet, and use it to help them cling to smooth vertical surfaces, introduces a new source of spider silk as well as a new attachment mechanism. This provides a window on the evolution of spider silk: the genetics involved in producing this tarsal silk should indicate whether the original function of spider silk was to increase traction or whether it was later co-opted for that purpose.

Suggested Citation

  • Stanislav N Gorb & Senta Niederegger & Cheryl Y Hayashi & Adam P Summers & Walter Vötsch & Paul Walther, 2006. "Silk-like secretion from tarantula feet," Nature, Nature, vol. 443(7110), pages 407-407, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:443:y:2006:i:7110:d:10.1038_443407a
    DOI: 10.1038/443407a
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