Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: paul.fr on 14/10/2007 22:41:19

Title: cobwebs and spider webs, are they the same thing?
Post by: paul.fr on 14/10/2007 22:41:19

I really hate walking in to cobwebs, it makes me all itchy and girly. But are they actually just dusty or old spider webs, or something different?


Seems to be a lot of spider related questions lately.

Title: cobwebs and spider webs, are they the same thing?
Post by: kdlynn on 14/10/2007 23:09:24

it's close to halloween

Title: cobwebs and spider webs, are they the same thing?
Post by: JimBob on 30/10/2007 00:36:50

Paul, you should know this! It's Engish.

Cobewb is the Middle English name for a spider web. Origin of the word is coppeweb, coppe pronounced 'cobbie' being the Middle English word for spider, which was introduced to England by Dutch invaders and originally pronounced 'kab' in the Netherlands. Contrary to popular belief, cobwebs only form when dust collects on wayward pieces of silk produced by spiders or insects. Popular myth indicates that dust alone is capable of forming a chain, with each piece connecting to the next piece, finally forming intricate lines in corners and across furniture. This belief is erroneous.

I did cheat - I copied this  - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cobweb

Title: cobwebs and spider webs, are they the same thing?
Post by: Alandriel on 30/10/2007 18:07:04

Quote from: JimBob on 30/10/2007 00:36:50

Paul, you should know this! It's Engish.

Perhaps *that* is why he doesn't know  [;)]

 [;D]

(https://www.thenakedscientists.com/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fbestsmileys.com%2Fhalloween1%2F25.gif&hash=51066f8e7448b201f89ff1b346ff9d71)

Happy Halloween people......  [;D]