Astonishing Photo: Odd-Looking Horned Frog

Amazing Video: Spider Silk Golden Cape

Nina Sen, Life's Little Mysteries Contributor

Date: 27 January 2012 Time: 10:11 AM ET

More than a million spiders spun the silk that made this stunning golden cape.

The thread, which has not been dyed, is the silk from the golden orb spider. These eight-legged spinners are found in tropical countries and females are large enough to fit in the palm of your hand. The spiders were harnessed for 20 minutes while some of their silk was spun for the cape. Weaving the garment took over eight years. Spider silk is a naturally flexible and strong material that can stretch about 50 percent of its length. Scientists have looked into using spider silk to make bulletproof vests, bandages and even to help adhere thin electronics to the brain.

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