Spiders – Types, Facts & Videos

Spiders, belonging to the class Arachnida, are a fascinating group of organisms that play essential roles in our ecosystems. These eight-legged arthropods are found in nearly every habitat on earth. There are over 45,000 known species, each with various sizes, shapes, and colors. 

For me, spiders are both fascinating and, at times, frightening. Arachnophobia is quite common and can sometimes overshadow the fact that these creatures are an integral part of our ecosystems. Of all the species, only a tiny fraction possess a venom potent enough to affect humans. We can understand their behaviors and benefits through education to help mitigate our fear of spiders. 

Spider venom has been researched for potential medical applications. Most research involves harnessing unique venom molecules for pain relief, cardiac conditions, antibacterial agents, and cancer treatment. 

Spiders are predators that contribute to ecosystems through pest control. They control pests that are harmful to agriculture and human health. Additionally, their movements from plant to plant aid in pollination. 

Spider Overview

50 Types of Spiders

There are 45,000 spider species, and here is a list of 50 of the most common species. Let’s see how many you recognize: 

Spiders are one of the planet’s most diverse groups of arthropods. They are found in nearly every corner of the globe. Their extraordinary hunting methods include using complex spun-out webs, jumping, and camouflage. You can find spiders almost everywhere from deserts to rainforests, even in human homes and urban areas.

Learn More About Spiders

Most Popular Spider Species

Different Types of Spider Webs

Different spider species use a variety of different types of spider webs. Below the different types are listed and described:

1. Orb Webs: These are the classic wheel-shaped webs one pictures when we imagine a spider web. They are often found in gardens and forests.
2. Funnel webs: Created by funnel-web spiders belonging to the family Agelenidae. They have a flat, horizontal web with a funnel-shaped retreat at one edge. The spider waits in the funnel for the prey to touch the web, then rushes out to capture it. These webs can be found in grasses, under rocks, and building walls. 
3. Sheet webs: Horizontal or angled silk sheets, often found in bushes or between grass. Spiders (usually from the Linyphiidae family) hang beneath the web and wait for the prey to drop into the sheet. 
4. Cobwebs (Tangle Webs): Irregular, tangled webs often found in corners or under furniture. 
5. Triangle Webs: As the name suggests, these webs are triangular. 
6. Bolas Webs: Highly specialized web produced by Bolas spiders (Araneidae family). This web consists of a single thread with a sticky globule (bolas) at the end. The spider swings the globule (bolas) at flying prey. 
7. No Web: Some spiders don’t build a web to capture prey. Jumping spiders (family Salticidae) and wolf spiders (family Lycosidae), for example, are active hunters and rely on their ability to stalk and ambush prey. Tarantulas construct burrows in which they hide until the right moment to ambush their prey. 

Spider News

Facts That Suprised Me About Spiders

1. Spiders “fly”: Some spiders practice ballooning, where they release silk threads into the air, allowing them to move great distances. Interestingly, this method does not rely solely on air; rather, spiders harness the Earth’s static electric fields to help them become airborne.
2. Spiders “dive”: The diving bell spider (Argyroneta aquatica) spends almost its entire life underwater. It uses its silk to create a bubble filled with air to breathe underwater.
3. Silk strength: Their silk is incredibly strong. By weight, spider silk is stronger than steel.
4. Healing venom: Spider venom contains compounds being researched for medical purposes. 
5. Spiders dance: Male peacock spiders perform dances with their brightly colored abdomens to attract mates. 
6. Ancient species: The oldest spider fossil dates back 300 million years ago, meaning they have been around since the dinosaurs!

Images & Videos of Spiders

Spider FAQs

How Do Spiders Perceive Their Environment?

Spiders typically have eight eyes. Their eyes are often arranged in different patterns that are specific to each family group. Some spiders however have fewer eyes. The number of eyes varies from six to no eyes at all.  They usually possess two main types of eyes; the principal (or anterior median) eyes and the secondary eyes. The principal eyes usually face forward and are capable of forming images, while the secondary eyes are used for peripheral vision and are used to detect changes in light intensity helping to orientate the spider in its environment. 

Spider Conservation

There is a widespread fear of spiders among humans. While maintaining a healthy level of fear and respect for wild animals in nature is advantageous for both humans and the species involved, it is important to recognize that excessive fear can lead to aggressive behavior towards these animals. Therefore one of the most challenging aspects to combat in spider conservation is the widespread fear and misunderstanding of these creatures. Education programs assist in encouraging people to recognize the important ecological role spiders play in ecosystems.

My Personal Connection To Spiders

Growing up in the tropical region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, my childhood was rich with encounters with nature, but none were as memorable as when I found a tarantula under my bed. The spider was as giant as my hand, and I panicked. Luckily, my parents responded calmly and removed the tarantula from my room without harming it. They taught me that every creature has a rightful place on this planet and that my fear does not justify harming it. I now have a healthy fear of wild animals and can admire and respect the creatures from a safe distance. I believe that with education and good role modules, we can all coexist peacefully amongst nature.