Nano-scale-silk
Guides
Haploembia
webspinners
Haploembia is a genus of webspinners (order Embioptera) in the family Oligotomidae, containing at least three described species. Native to the Mediterranean region, members of this genus have been introduced and naturalized in California and other areas. These insects are notable for producing silk from specialized glands on their forelegs, which they use to construct protective tunnel systems. Species within this genus exhibit distinct reproductive strategies: Haploembia tarsalis is parthenogenetic, while H. solieri reproduces sexually.
Haploembia solieri
bicolored webspinner
Haploembia solieri is a sexually reproducing webspinner species in the family Oligotomidae, distinguished from the parthenogenetic congener H. tarsalis by its social behavior and smaller genome size. Adults are orange and black, approximately 11 mm in length. The species produces nano-scale silk fibers using specialized silk ejectors on the front tarsi, which they use to construct tunnel systems under bark or in crevices. Originally described from Europe, it has been introduced to North America and recorded from Georgia in the Caucasus region.