As the air turns colder and leaves begin to paint the world in shades of amber and gold, the season of Halloween isn’t far away. Amid the festivities, one creature often takes centre stage in decorations and costumes: the spider. Yet, behind the ominous façade lies a world of biomimicry marvels and secrets waiting to be uncovered. Today, we delve into the intriguing world of spiders, exploring their significance, and the unfair stereotypes they endure.

What inventions were inspired by spider webs?

Spider webs are one of nature’s most amazing materials. It’s five times stronger than steel by weight. Spider silk is both elastic and lightweight. It must be sticky in certain areas to catch prey, and non-sticky in others to allow the spider to run across it.

Scientists have recently developed a medical device that mimics spider webs: a flexible, sticky tape that can be peeled away from an injury without hurting the tissue beneath. The adhesive material could be beneficial for attaching tubes or sensors to newborn babies and on the elderly’s delicate skin.

But here’s a brief list of all the other inventions that spider’s silk has inspired!

  • Bullet-proof clothing.
  • Wear-resistant lightweight clothing.
  • Ropes, nets, seat belts, and parachutes.
  • Rust-free panels on motor vehicles or boats.
  • Biodegradable bottles.
  • Bandages, surgical thread.
  • Artificial tendons or ligaments.
  • Supports for weak blood vessels.

Beyond biomimicry, spiders play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. They’re nature’s pest controllers, curbing insect populations that could otherwise spiral out of control. This natural form of pest management reduces the need for harmful chemical interventions in our ecosystems.

Amid the beauty and wonder that spiders bring to our world, there lies a sad reality. Several spider species are on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss, deforestation, and environmental changes. These fragile creatures, like the Gooty Sapphire Ornamental Tarantula with its stunning hues, the Ladybird Spider with its vivid colours, and the Northern Red-legged Parachute Spider with its unique habitat, require our attention and support.

So as Halloween approaches, let’s challenge the stereotype of spiders as mere symbols of fear. Instead, let’s see them as biomimicry marvels and appreciate their role in ecosystem balance.

Just as our audiobook, ‘Lost on Infinity’, inspires a love for creatures both beautiful and scary, let’s take this opportunity to appreciate the intricate tapestry of life that spiders are an integral part of.

A FREE Audiobook Story for All the Family

We’re delighted to share that, for a limited time only, all four parts of ‘Lost on Infinity’ are absolutely FREE on the Apple App Store!

This first adventure in our series is the perfect companion for your summer travels, suitable for listeners of all ages. Download them all now and embark on an unforgettable adventure that celebrates the power of nature and the importance of protecting all living things.

Resources for Teachers and Families

Download our FREE lesson plans and slides about Extinction and Biomimicry, themes in our stories.