This is a little off the beaten track as far as usual foraging posts go, but I had a question. Has anyone tried spinning Eastern Tent Caterpillar webs into a usable thread/yarn? I'm definitely not one of those people who hates them and wants them gone; they're native here and relatively harmless, despite what naysayers would have you believe. However, they sure do make a ton of webs! I'm sure they could probably stand to part with a little here or there right? Like, after they're done with them?
Not sure if it would work, but if it is spinnable, seems like it might be a convenient local source for an ahimsa silk alternative.
idk what electrospinning is, unless that's what these scientists are doing, but I do think you should try it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wK52CJXaCy4