woolly silk

The term "woolly silk" refers to a specific type of silk produced by certain spiders, characterized by its fluffy or woolly appearance. This silk is created by spiders that possess a cribellum, a spinning organ, and a comb-like structure called a calamistrum on their legs. The calamistrum combs the silk as it emerges from the cribellum, resulting in the woolly texture.1

While spiders are true silk specialists, other arachnids and even some insects produce silk-like substances. Spider silk itself is a protein called fibroin, similar to insect silk. This silk is produced in various glands within the spider's abdomen and extruded through spinnerets. Different glands produce different types of silk, used for purposes such as wrapping prey, creating draglines, or forming egg sacs. The production of silk by spiders is a specialized physiological function within their anatomy.12