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The Silk Spinners

Episode 3 of 5

David Attenborough investigates the power of silk, the secret weapon of the undergrowth, and looks at its many uses in the insect world.

David Attenborough looks at silk, the secret weapon of the undergrowth, with many insects using it in an amazing variety of ways. Spiders are the ultimate silk spinners though, catching their prey by throwing silken nets and 'bungee jumping' on ropes of silk. Wolf spiders spin delicate capsules to carry their eggs, male spiders strum desperate serenades, and baby spiders float up into the air on strands of silk.

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58 minutes

Last on

Wed 26 Nov 201413:10
BBC Two except Scotland

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Taking to the Air

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Intimate Relations

See all episodes from Life in the Undergrowth

Clips

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Credits

PresenterDavid Attenborough
Series ProducerMike Salisbury
ProducerBridget Appleby

Broadcasts

  • Wed 7 Dec 200521:00
    BBC One
  • Tue 17 Jan 200619:00
    BBC Four
  • Thu 23 Feb 200601:35
    BBC One
  • Thu 9 May 201316:00
    BBC Two except East, Northern Ireland (Analogue), Wales (Analogue) & Yorkshire
  • Wed 26 Nov 201413:10
    BBC Two England, Wales, Northern Ireland & HD only