Quck answer
Spiders are arachnids that have two main body parts, eight legs, and fangs that inject venom. They use their silk to spin webs, catch prey, and create egg sacs. Spiders have adapted to various habitats and diets, including hunting, scavenging, and even eating other spiders. They have a unique respiratory system that allows them to breathe without lungs and a hydraulic mechanism that powers their movement. Some spiders are venomous and dangerous to humans, but most are harmless and play an essential role in controlling insect populations. Overall, spiders are fascinating creatures with a complex physiology and behavior that continue to intrigue scientists and enthusiasts alike.
Wildlife
Spider’s Egg Sack
A silk sack keeps the spiderlings of this crab spider safe.
Photo by Ed Nieuwenhuys
After a spider’s eggs are fertilized, they need to be protected from predators until the spiderlings hatch. As mentioned earlier, some spider species wrap their eggs in a silk sac and leave them, while others stay with them until they hatch. Several wolf spider species carry their spiderlings on their back until they are capable of taking care of themselves.
A wolf spider carries its young spiderlings on its back.
Photo by Steve Clark
The spiderlings keep molting and getting bigger until they reach sexual maturity. This procedure is then repeated, with males seeking out females and females laying eggs. The majority of spiders have a short lifespan of a few months to a couple of years. However, some species of spiders, like female tarantulas, can live up to 20 years. These spiders lay eggs many times throughout their lives and molt annually to repair any damaged body parts.
For more information about spiders and other intriguing creatures, click on the links below.
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More Great Links
- Spiders and Immunology
- National Geographic’s Tarantulas
- The Silk Protein Project
- Spiders of Medical Importance
- Steve’s Australian Spider Pics
FAQ
1. What are spiders?
Spiders are arachnids, which means they belong to a class of joint-legged animals that includes scorpions, ticks, and mites. There are more than 45,000 known species of spiders, ranging in size from tiny to as large as a human hand.
2. How do spiders catch their prey?
Most spiders use silk to weave webs that trap insects and other small animals. Some spiders, such as wolf spiders and jumping spiders, hunt their prey actively without using webs. Once caught, spiders use venom to subdue their prey and digestive enzymes to break it down.
3. How do spiders produce silk?
Spiders produce silk from specialized glands in their abdomen. The silk is a protein made up of long chains of amino acids that are extruded through tiny spigots in the spider’s spinnerets. Different types of silk are used for different purposes, such as building webs, wrapping prey, or making egg sacs.
4. How do spiders mate?
Male spiders usually approach females cautiously to avoid being mistaken for prey. They use specialized structures called palps to transfer sperm to the female. In some species, males must pluck the strings of the female’s web to announce their presence and avoid being eaten.
5. What is spider venom used for?
Spider venom is used to subdue prey and defend against predators, but it also has potential medical applications. Some compounds found in spider venom have been used to develop painkillers and treatments for neurological disorders.
6. How do spiders protect themselves?
Spiders have a variety of defenses, such as camouflage, mimicry, and venom. Some spiders also have spines or hairs that deter predators, while others can detach their legs to escape from predators.
7. How long do spiders live?
The lifespan of a spider varies greatly depending on the species and environmental factors. Some spiders live only a few months, while others can live for several years.
8. Are all spiders dangerous?
Not all spiders are dangerous to humans. In fact, most spiders are harmless and play an important role in controlling insect populations. However, some species, such as black widows and brown recluses, have venom that can be harmful or even deadly to humans.
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