Quck answer
Spiders are arachnids, not insects. There are over 48,000 species of spiders. They have two body parts: the cephalothorax and the abdomen. Most spiders have eight eyes, but some have six or fewer. Spiders are known for their ability to spin silk, which they use for webs, egg sacs, and to wrap their prey. Only a few species of spiders are dangerous to humans. Some species of spiders, like the jumping spider, can jump up to 50 times their body length.
Wild Animals
It has been discovered that jumping spiders have the ability to solve simple 3-D puzzles, and they also learn the behavior patterns of other spiders to catch them. Check out more arachnid pictures.
2008 HowStuffWorks
Research has shown that spiders are closer to us than we think, with estimates suggesting that we are never more than ten feet away from a spider, and in some cases as close as three feet. To be completely “spider-free,” one would have to travel to space in a fumigated capsule. Instead of running away from these fascinating creatures, learn about them and appreciate their unique characteristics.
Unlike insects, spiders do not fly, but they can balloon. Young spiderlings produce silk that catches the wind and lifts them into the sky. Although most do not travel far, some have been spotted at altitudes of 10,000 feet and on ships over 200 miles away from land. While most ballooners are very small spiderlings, adult spiders have been caught by planes with nets.
Female wolf spiders carry their egg sacs attached to their spinnerets behind them. After the spiderlings hatch, they climb onto their mother’s abdomen and cling to her while she hunts and runs. After about a week, the spiderlings molt and grow larger before venturing out to live on their own.
While most spiders live for one year, some have more than one generation per year. Certain spiders can live for three to four years, while some tarantulas have been known to live for 25 years or more.
Some spiders live their entire lives underwater. They surface to collect an air bubble, which acts as their underwater lung. An underwater spider fills its web’s bell shape with air bubbles and derives oxygen from them.
The fisher or raft spider has the ability to walk on the surface of a pond or other body of water by skating like a water strider. When it detects prey such as insects or tiny fish under the surface, it can quickly dive to catch them.
Male spiders are generally smaller than females and often more colorful. Some males are so tiny that they look like they have just hatched.
Predators and Prey
Spiders consume more insects than birds and bats combined, making them one of our greatest allies in controlling insect populations.
Spiders are not only predators, but they also fall prey to other animals. Many birds and animals enjoy eating them. Coatimundis, relatives of raccoons, have a particular fondness for large tarantulas.
A few species of trapdoor spiders use their abdomens to seal their burrows and protect themselves from wasps. Their flat and tough abdomens prevent wasp stingers from penetrating them.
Spider Web Facts
It is estimated that up to 1 million spiders can live in one acre of land, and in tropical regions, that number may be closer to 3 million.
2008 HowStuffWorks
Male spiders have a unique secondary copulatory organ, unlike any other animal. Rather than spreading their sperm in water or inserting it into the female, mature male spiders weave a small “sperm” web. They then place a drop of semen on the web, suck it up using their pedipalps, and use the pedipalp to insert the sperm into a female.
Hummingbirds utilize silk from spider webs to weave sticks together to form their nests.
The web decoration of orb-weaving spiders has multiple functions. It serves as a warning to birds to prevent them from flying into the web. It also acts as an attractant to lure insect-prey into the web intentionally. In addition to that, it can also act as an umbrella and provide shade to the spider from the scorching sun. Some orb weavers make unique webs that extend eight feet above the spider, creating a ladder web. On the other hand, bolas spiders make webs of a single sticky line with a bola at the end. The spider twirls the bolas in the air, and moths are attracted to the smell and stick to the web. The spider then reels in the catch. “The Book of Incredible Information,” published by West Side Publishing, a division of Publications International, Ltd., adapted this article. For further information, check out the related HowStuffWorks articles on How Spiders Work, Spider Activities, What is a spider’s silk made of?, and Banana Spiders.
FAQ
1. What are spiders?
Spiders are arachnids that belong to the class Arachnida and order Araneae. They have two main body parts, eight legs, and fangs that inject venom.
2. How many species of spiders are there?
There are over 45,000 described species of spiders, making them one of the largest groups of arachnids.
3. Where do spiders live?
Spiders can be found in almost every habitat on Earth, including deserts, forests, and even underwater. They are most commonly found in warm, humid environments.
4. What do spiders eat?
Spiders are carnivores and feed on a variety of insects and other arthropods. Some species of spiders are known to eat small vertebrates, such as lizards and frogs.
5. How do spiders catch their prey?
Spiders use a variety of methods to catch their prey, including spinning webs, ambushing, and actively hunting.
6. Can spiders be dangerous?
Some species of spiders are venomous and can be dangerous to humans. However, most spiders are harmless and play an important role in controlling insect populations.
7. What is the largest species of spider?
The Goliath birdeater tarantula, found in South America, is the largest spider in the world. It can have a leg span of up to 12 inches (30 cm) and weigh over 6 ounces (170 g).
8. How do spiders reproduce?
Spiders reproduce sexually and lay eggs. The male spider deposits sperm onto a web or directly into the female’s reproductive system. The female then lays her eggs and protects them until they hatch.
9. How long do spiders live?
The lifespan of a spider varies depending on the species. Some spiders only live for a few months, while others can live for several years.
10. What is the purpose of spider silk?
Spider silk is used for a variety of purposes, including building webs, wrapping prey, and creating egg sacs. It is known for its strength and elasticity and is being studied for potential use in materials such as bulletproof vests and artificial tendons.
11. How do spiders molt?
Spiders molt, or shed their exoskeleton, in order to grow. They typically molt several times throughout their lifespan, with the frequency and process varying by species.
12. Can spiders hear?
Most spiders do not have ears and cannot hear in the traditional sense. However, they are sensitive to vibrations and can detect sounds through specialized hairs on their legs.
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