Microstructure of Spider Dragline
Masayoshi KITAGAWA, Masanao YASUTOMI and Akihide FURUKAWA
Abstract:In order to investigate the microstructure of dragline silk of Nephila clavata (Jorougumo), we used its super contraction behavior in urea/salt solvent to facilitate the observation of cross section. We proposed a model of the dragline consisting of three layers at least; outer coat, middle layer with micro fiber and inner core. The model is slightly different from the 4-layers model of Vollrath et al. The outer coat may play a roll as the resistance to aqueous environment such as rain and fog. Key Words:Spider dragline, Microstructure, Super contraction, Outer coat, Micro fibril