Cylindrical Glands and Egg Sac Silk of Giant Wood Spider, Nephila pilipes

Abstract

Different types of silk glands are located inside the abdomen of spider. Three pairs of cylindrical glands are developed in female giant wood spider, Nephila pilipes. In the present study, attempt have been made to explain the anatomy and histology of cylindrical glands and details of its spinning field with the help of scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The microscale topology and surface nanostructure of egg sac silk threads was studied with advance techniques of atomic force microscopy (AFM).It is concluded that, in female spider, cylindrical glands and egg sac silk produced by them plays a very important role in successful perpetuation of species. Roughness analysis of egg sac silk suggested that this biomaterial has high toughness that may be suitable for dissipating high amounts of mechanical energy. This silk is having high and stable mechanical performance. Hence, successful large scale production of this beautiful and strong, naturally pink colored spider silk will definitely open a new gate in textile sector.