Chemistry of Spider's Thread

Abstract

The paper describes the following items; (a) the construction of orb-web, (b) the chemical composition of secretions and the adhesive materials, (c) the toxin of spider, (d) the courtship and ferromon, (e) the thermal properties of spider's drag line, (f) the change in color of drag line. For example, the toxin of spider contains spermine whose existence is detected in human semen. The DSC curve between room temperature and 600 °C shows that the spider's thread should be at least stable up to 200 °C. The color of drag line changes from white to yellow with changing seasons from summer to autumn. The fact suggests a possibility that the color of spider's thread protects the spider from foreign invaders. © 1985, The Society of Synthetic Organic Chemistry, Japan. All rights reserved.