spinneret

zoology

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June 17, 2026

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In zoology, a spinneret is an organ found in spiders and caterpillars used to produce silk threads. These threads are made from a protein called fibroin, secreted by silk glands within the abdomen. The spinnerets are modified appendages that force the liquid silk through spigots, where it solidifies into strong, elastic fibers upon exposure to air. Different types of glands produce various kinds of silk for purposes like wrapping prey or creating draglines. Some spiders possess up to seven types of silk glands, enabling them to produce specialized silks for different needs, such as constructing intricate webs for catching prey.1234

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sericulture
…the insect emerge from the spinneret, a single exit tube in the head, hardening upon exposure to air and forming twin filaments composed of fibroin, a protein material. A second pair of glands secretes sericin, a gummy substance that cements the two filaments together. Because an emerging moth would break…
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…the insect emerge from the spinneret, a single exit tube in the head, hardening upon exposure to air and forming twin filaments composed of fibroin, a protein material. A second pair of glands secretes sericin, a gummy substance that cements the two filaments together. Because an emerging moth would break…
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Lepidoptera
The larva, or caterpillar
…which is located a tubular spinneret through which silk is extruded. Each of the three thoracic segments bears a pair of short segmented legs. The remaining 10 segments constitute the abdomen. Abdominal segments 3 through 6 and segment 10 bear a pair of fleshy appendages called prolegs, which may be…
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…which is located a tubular spinneret through which silk is extruded. Each of the three thoracic segments bears a pair of short segmented legs. The remaining 10 segments constitute the abdomen. Abdominal segments 3 through 6 and segment 10 bear a pair of fleshy appendages called prolegs, which may be…
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spider
Silk
The movable spinnerets, which consist of telescoping projections, are modified appendages. Two pairs are from the 10th body segment and two pairs from the 11th. Liphistius, of the suborder Mesothelae, is the only spider with a full complement of four pairs of spinnerets in the adult. Most…
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The movable spinnerets, which consist of telescoping projections, are modified appendages. Two pairs are from the 10th body segment and two pairs from the 11th. Liphistius, of the suborder Mesothelae, is the only spider with a full complement of four pairs of spinnerets in the adult. Most…
Read More