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Spiders. Photo By MathKnight –

10 Fascinating Facts About Spiders

Spiders are fascinating creatures that have intrigued humans for centuries. From their incredible ability to produce silk, to their unique hunting techniques and not forgetting their sometimes deadly venom, these small creatures are an interesting and varied bunch that continues to amaze scientists and the general public the world over.

With over 48,000 known species of spiders that are found on every continent except Antarctica, these eight-legged largest family of arachnids range in body length from 0.5 to 90 mm.

They are invertebrates, plus arthropods, and are classified as arachnids and not insects because they have two body parts instead of three, and eight legs instead of six. Here are 10 fascinating facts about spiders.

1. There Are No Spiders In Antarctica

Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, and driest of Earth’s continents. This polar desert with very little precipitation is too harsh a climate and therefore not conducive to the survival of spiders.

Nevertheless, spiders are incredibly adaptable creatures that survive in a wide range of habitats from deserts to rainforests and have been around for a very long time, with the earliest known spider fossils dating back to around 380 million years ago. 

Read facts about snakes here.

2. Some Spiders Can Live For Up To 20 Years

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The life cycle of a spider has three development stages which are egg, spiderling, and adulthood. Varying with species, spiders take different amounts of time to mature and become adults, some can reach adulthood in two weeks while others can reach adulthood in about two years.

The lifespan of spiders also varies greatly depending on the species. While some species can live for several years, others may only survive for a few months or even weeks. On average, most spider species have a lifespan of between one and two years.

However, certain species of spiders have long lifespans, with some living for over 20 years. A good example is the tarantula species, known for its longevity. 

3. Female Spiders Eat Male Spiders After Mating 

Female spiders are an important part of many ecosystems. They help in controlling the population of insects and other arthropods. Generally, female spiders are larger and live longer than male spiders. They need to survive long enough to lay their eggs and care for their offspring.

These females are often more colorful and have more elaborate patterns which help to attract multiple potential mates. Another thing is that they can store sperm from different partners, allowing them to choose the most genetically advantageous mate for their offspring.

Some species of female spiders are cannibalistic and will eat males after mating to gain nutrients and energy for producing eggs. The male spider often offers himself as a meal to the female after mating.

4. Spiders Produce Very Strong Silk

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Spider silk is an incredible material produced by spiders from specialized glands located in their abdomen. This silk is stronger than steel and more elastic than rubber, making it one of the most unique materials used to make textiles. 

Spiders use their silk to make webs for catching prey, build nests or cocoons for their eggs, and balloon through the air thus traveling long distances. Spider silk is stronger than steel of the same weight and is being considered in the production of medical implants and even lightweight bulletproof vests.

5. Spiders Use Hydraulic Pressure To Move Their Legs

Spider legs are an important and versatile part of their anatomy that helps them survive and thrive in their diverse habitats. Spiders use their legs for a variety of tasks, including walking, climbing, jumping, and catching prey.

Spiders have unique legs that have a special system of tubes and muscles making it possible to use hydraulic pressure from fluid inside their bodies, causing the leg to extend. This allows spiders to move their legs quickly and with a lot of force, which is important for hunting and escaping from predators.

This mechanism also helps in freeing up space inside their bodies, which makes them lighter and faster. Sadly when they die there is no liquid being pumped into their legs causing the legs to curl up.

6. Spiders Have 8 Eyes

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We all know that spiders have 8 legs but did you know that most spider species have 8 eyes? It is important to note that some species have fewer eyes.  Despite the many eyes, very few spiders have good eyesight. They rely on other senses such as touch and vibrations.

The eyes are usually on the front of their head, arranged in two rows, with four eyes on each siOthers havehave excellent vision and can see quite far and even track moving objects which helps them to locate prey and avoid predators. Their eyesight, compared to that of humans, is approximately five to ten times better.

7. Brazil Is Home To The Largest Spider Species

The Goliath Birdeater, scientifically known as Theraphosa blondi, is the largest spider in the world by mass and body length. Some have legs spanning up to 12 inches.

They are native to the rainforests of South America, particularly in Brazil, and are in the Tarantula family, which are large and often hairy spiders with hair on their bodies, abdomens, and legs.

Despite their name, these spiders mainly eat insects. They also eat small rodents and snakes plus birds on very rare occasions.

Away from spiders in Brazil, here are fascinating facts about the country.

8. Spider Venom Can Be Fatal

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Spiders hunt cane to immobilize their prey by either biting and injecting paralyzing venom, or by silk swathing and wrapping, after which they grab the prey with their pedipalp.

Spider venom, produced in the venom glands, is a cocktail of different types of chemicals released and injected into its prey through the fangs during a bite. Venom can affect the nervous system, muscles, or cardiovascular system.

The effects of spider venom can range from mild irritation and pain at the site of the bite to severe symptoms such as muscle spasms, paralysis, or even death. The black widow spider has venom that is deadly to humans.

9. There Are Vegetarian Spiders

Most of the 48,000 known species of spiders are carnivorous and rely on insects, other spiders, and small animals to survive. There are, however, a few species of spiders that feed on plant material and are commonly referred to as “vegetarian spiders.”

Bagheera Kiplingi is one such spider species that is known to have a herbivorous diet. It lives in Mexico and Costa Rica. This ‘jumping spider’ feeds mostly on protein nodules of the acacia tree.

10. Spiders Are Useful To Humans

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Most people are afraid of spiders, but these fascinating arthropods are useful to humanseveraler of ways. Apart from producing silk as earlier mentioned, scientists are using spider venom from certain species as medicine to treat diseases.

Venom is being used to sort out erectile dysfunction, high blood pressure, cancer, and neurological disorders, not forgetting the development of new antibiotics and environment-friendly insecticides.

Read facts about Butterflies and also check out facts about frogs here.