Quck answer
Spiders are arachnids with two body parts and eight legs. They use their legs to move and their fangs to inject venom into prey. Spiders spin webs to catch prey and protect themselves. They have multiple eyes that can detect movement and light. Some spiders can jump, while others can camouflage themselves. Spiders play an important role in controlling insect populations and are studied for their unique adaptations.
Wild Animals
Spider Venom and Feeding Habits
Most spiders use the same basic procedure for killing and feeding on their prey. The spider’s chelicerae, jointed jaws located in front of the mouth, are its primary weapon. Each jaw consists of a basal segment and a sharp fang inside it.
When the spider catches its prey, it swings the fangs out and pierces the animal’s body. The fangs work like hypodermic needles, with a small hole in the tip and a hollow duct leading to the venom gland. The spider injects enough neurotoxin to paralyze or kill the prey, making it safe for the spider to feed without struggle.
In the mygalomorph spider suborder, the chelicerae are positioned to swing forward into the prey like an axe, while in the araneomorph suborder, they swing in toward each other like a pincer. Mygalomorphs require the prey to be on solid ground, while araneomorphs work regardless of the surface. After paralyzing its prey, some spiders wrap it in silk to transport back to the nest or to feed young spiderlings.
Most spiders don’t eat their prey whole. Instead, they expel digestive enzymes onto or into the animal to liquefy it. Some spiders use their fangs to inject the fluid directly into the animal, while others chew their prey up with serrated “teeth” on the chelicerae before vomiting the digestive fluid on the body. Then, they suck in the liquid remains.
Photo courtesy Steve Clark
Huntsmen spiders, liquefying and feeding on their prey
Photo courtesy Steve Clark
Spider Venom and Humans
Only a small percentage of spiders are venomous to humans. Venomous spiders inject humans with dangerous poison, while poisonous spiders would be harmful if eaten. The effects of spider venom vary depending on the species, age, and sex of the spider and on the age and health of the bitten person. Neurotoxins in the venom may affect the human nervous system, causing dizziness, difficulty breathing, nausea, blurred vision, muscle rigidity, and tissue death around the bite.
Generally, if a bite victim gets medical attention, they’ll suffer minimal damage. If left untreated, a spider bite can kill, though this is very rare.
Dangerous Spiders in North America
The black widow and brown recluse are the most well-known dangerous spiders in North America. Although they have the potential to be deadly, the risk is low for healthy adults. These spiders are both shy and will only bite if they feel in danger. For further details on hazardous spiders, refer to this website.
FAQ
1. What are spiders?
Spiders are eight-legged arthropods that belong to the class Arachnida. They are known for their unique ability to spin silk from their spinnerets, which they use to construct webs and cocoons.
2. How do spiders move?
Spiders move using a combination of muscles and hydraulic pressure. They have small muscles in their legs that are used for fine movements, while larger muscles in their cephalothorax are used for powerful movements. This, combined with hydraulic pressure, allows them to move quickly and with precision.
3. How do spiders catch their prey?
Most spiders catch their prey by using webs. They spin silk and create intricate webs that are designed to trap insects and other small animals. Some spiders, like the hunting spider, do not use webs and instead actively hunt their prey.
4. How do spiders eat?
Spiders have a unique digestive system that allows them to consume their prey in a liquid form. They inject digestive enzymes into their prey using their fangs and then suck out the liquefied contents.
5. How do spiders reproduce?
Spiders reproduce sexually, with the male depositing his sperm into the female’s reproductive system. The female then lays eggs, which she either guards or attaches to a surface using silk.
6. Are all spiders venomous?
No, not all spiders are venomous. While all spiders have venom, most are not dangerous to humans. Only a few species, like the black widow and brown recluse, have venom that can be harmful to humans.
7. Why do spiders sometimes eat their mates?
Contrary to popular belief, spiders do not always eat their mates. In some species, the male will sacrifice himself to the female after mating, providing her with nourishment for her developing eggs.
8. How long do spiders live?
The lifespan of a spider varies greatly depending on the species. Some species only live for a few months, while others can live for several years.
9. Are spiders important for the ecosystem?
Yes, spiders play an important role in the ecosystem. They help to control the population of insects and other small animals, which helps to maintain a balance in the food chain. Additionally, spiders are an important food source for other animals, like birds and lizards.
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