Common Myths and Interesting Facts About Spiders

Spiders are some of the most mysterious and misunderstood creatures on our planet. Although science knows more than 50,000 species of these arthropods, many people continue to feel fear and dislike for them. Spiders inhabit almost every corner of the Earth, except Antarctica, and play a crucial role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations.

In this article, we will debunk popular myths about spiders and share fascinating facts that will help you better understand and perhaps even appreciate these unique beings.

Species Diversity and Sizes

Spiders inhabit a variety of ecosystems, from hot tropical forests to cold mountain peaks and arid deserts. Their species diversity is especially high in warm regions. Spider sizes range from microscopic to impressively large giants.

The smallest representative is Patu digua from Colombia, measuring only 0.37 mm in length; it is so small that it is hard to see with the naked eye. On the other hand, the Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi), native to South America, boasts a body length of up to 9 cm and a leg span of up to 25 cm, making it the largest spider by mass.

Arachnology: The Study of Spiders

The science that studies spiders and other arachnids is called arachnology. Arachnologists examine the structure, behavior, ecology, and evolution of these creatures. Although spiders have existed on Earth for over 300 million years, many aspects of their lives remain a mystery. Thanks to arachnological research, we learn about new species, uncover their unique abilities, and understand their role in nature.

Arachnophobia: Fear of Spiders

Arachnophobia, or an irrational fear of spiders, is one of the most common phobias in the world. This fear is often based on myths and misconceptions passed down through generations.

Psychologists link arachnophobia to evolutionary survival mechanisms but also note the influence of cultural stereotypes and mass media, which often portray spiders as dangerous and aggressive creatures.

Venomous and Non-Venomous Spiders: Myths and Reality

There is a belief that spiders are divided into venomous and non-venomous species. In fact, almost all spiders are venomous, but their venom is intended to paralyze small prey and poses no danger to humans. Only a small number of species have venom potent enough to harm people. Most spiders cannot pierce human skin due to weak chelicerae (jaws) or their small size.

Dangerous Spider Species

• Sydney Funnel-Web Spider (Atrax robustus): native to Australia, known for its potent venom. Its bites can be fatal, especially to children, without timely medical attention.
• Black Widow (Latrodectus mactans): found in North America. The bite of this spider can cause severe pain and muscle spasms.
• Brazilian Wandering Spider (Phoneutria): one of the most venomous spiders in the world. Its venom can lead to serious health consequences for humans.

It is important to remember that these spiders rarely attack humans unprovoked. Taking precautions and respecting nature can help avoid unpleasant encounters.

Does Size Matter?

There is a common belief that the larger the spider, the more dangerous it is. However, this is not true. Large spiders, such as the Goliath birdeater, may look intimidating, but their venom is relatively weak and not dangerous to humans. A bite may cause only local irritation or a mild allergic reaction. Conversely, some small spiders have more toxic venom.

For example, the Australian Mouse Spider (Missulena) measures about 3 cm in body length, but its venom is dangerous and requires medical attention. Another example is the Karakurt (Latrodectus tredecimguttatus), a small spider from the widow family, found in southern Russia and Eurasia. Its bite can be very painful and dangerous.

Spiders Are Not Insects

Many people mistakenly classify spiders as insects. In fact, spiders belong to the class of arachnids (Arachnida), which also includes scorpions, mites, and harvestmen.

The differences between spiders and insects are significant. Spiders have eight legs, whereas insects have six. The bodies of spiders are divided into two parts (cephalothorax and abdomen), while insects have three segments (head, thorax, abdomen). Spiders lack antennae and wings, which are characteristic of many insects.

These differences make spiders a unique group of arthropods with distinct features and evolutionary history.

The Myth of Web Retraction

There is a belief that spiders can retract their silk back into their bodies, especially when climbing up their webs. However, this is a misconception. Spiders cannot reuse silk by retracting it.

In reality, when climbing, a spider either wraps excess silk around its legs or body or simply leaves it behind. Silk is produced by specialized glands and is a single-use material in its structural function.

Web Repair: Do Spiders Fix Their Webs?

Many believe that spiders do not repair damaged webs but simply build new ones. This statement is only partially true. Spider behavior in this regard depends on the species.

 Orb-weavers (Araneidae) often repair their webs, fixing minor damage to save energy. Cross spiders may either repair or completely replace their webs, depending on the degree of wear and contamination. Some species prefer to build a new web each day to ensure maximum hunting efficiency.

A spider's decision to repair or replace its web is based on a balance between energy costs and hunting efficiency.

Amazing Properties of Spider Silk

Spider silk is one of the most amazing natural materials. Its properties astonish scientists and inspire new technologies.

Spider silk has incredible strength: relative to its weight, it is stronger than steel and Kevlar. It is also extremely elastic, capable of stretching up to four times its original length without breaking. The lightweight nature of silk allows spiders to create large webs with minimal effort.

Sometimes spiders reuse silk by eating damaged threads, which are digested with the help of special enzymes.

Silk is used not only for catching prey but also for building cocoons, protecting eggs, moving (ballooning), and even communicating.

Scientists study spider silk to create new materials with similar properties for use in medicine, aviation, and industry. Experiments are underway to integrate spider genes into the DNA of other organisms, such as silkworms, for mass production of spider silk.

Diversity of Hunting Strategies

Not all spiders use webs to catch prey. Their hunting methods are diverse and adapted to their environment.

Active Hunters

• Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae) pursue prey on the ground, demonstrating high speed and stamina.
• Jumping Spiders (Salticidae) have sharp vision and can jump distances several times their body length.
• Crab Spiders (Thomisidae) camouflage themselves on plants and attack insects that land nearby.

Water Hunters

• Fishing Spiders (Dolomedes) can run on the water's surface and even dive to catch fish or tadpoles.

Unique Methods

• Bolas Spiders (Mastophora) use a sticky droplet at the end of a thread, swinging it like a lasso to catch nocturnal moths.

Spider Sensory Abilities and Vision

Spiders do not have ears, but they hear using fine hairs on their legs that are sensitive to air vibrations. With these hairs, a spider can very precisely determine the source of sound by interpreting the movement of air caused by it.

Spiders detect smells through specialized sensory hairs also located on their legs.

Spiders lack taste sensations in their mouths. They determine if their prey is edible using chemically sensitive hairs also located on their legs.

The eyes of spiders from different families vary greatly. Spiders that hunt without webs, like wolf spiders, lynx spiders, and jumping spiders, have very well-developed vision. Jumping spiders can see almost as well as humans. Experiments have shown that they can even distinguish colors. Cave spiders, which live in darkness, are either completely blind or have very poor vision. They rely entirely on sound and tactile sensations.

Reproductive Behavior and "Wedding Gifts"

Spider mating behavior is diverse and fascinating. In some species, females may eat males after mating. This could be linked to an additional source of nutrients for their offspring. Males, to avoid such a fate, employ various strategies.

Jumping spiders and some other species present females with prey wrapped in silk to distract them and avoid being eaten. Sometimes, lacking suitable prey, a male may offer an inedible object, risking being exposed.

Some males perform elaborate courtship dances, vibrate webs, or display bright colors to attract females. In certain species, females are significantly larger than males, increasing the risk of the male being eaten.

Social Spiders: Life in Colonies

While most spiders are solitary, there are social spiders that live in groups. For example, Anelosimus eximius form colonies of up to 50,000 individuals, jointly building massive webs and sharing prey. Stegodyphus spiders collectively care for their offspring, even sacrificing themselves to feed the young.

In such colonies, there is a division of labor: different individuals perform various roles such as hunting, web building, and caring for offspring. Spiders use vibrations and chemical signals to coordinate their actions.

Practical Tips: How to Avoid Dangerous Encounters

Although spiders dangerous to humans are rare, it is important to know precautionary measures, especially in regions where they are found.

Tips

• Wear protective clothing: When working in gardens or outdoors, wear gloves and closed footwear.
• Check your belongings: Inspect clothes, shoes, and bedding, especially if stored outdoors or in basements.
• Avoid contact: Do not touch spiders with bare hands, even if they seem harmless.
• Teach children: Educate children about dangerous species and the importance of not playing with spiders.

What to Do in Case of a Bite

• Stay calm: Panic can worsen the situation.
• Wash the bite area: Use soap and water.
• Seek medical attention: Especially if there are signs of an allergic reaction or you are in a region with dangerous species.
• Describe the spider: If possible, remember or photograph the spider for identification.

Interesting Facts About Spiders

1. Spiders in Space: In 1973, spiders were sent to the Skylab space station to study how they spin webs in zero gravity. Results showed that spiders adapt to new conditions and can spin webs even without gravity.
2. Spider Lifespan: Some tarantula species can live up to 30 years in captivity, making them some of the longest-living arthropods.
3. Spider Silk as Medicine: In ancient times, spider silk was used to stop bleeding and accelerate wound healing due to its antibacterial properties. Modern research confirms the medical effectiveness of spider silk.
4. Fastest Spider: A jumping spider can reach speeds of up to 2 km/h, which is impressive for its size.
5. Spiders Can Regenerate Lost Limbs: If a spider loses a leg, it can regenerate it during its next molt. This ability is especially pronounced in young individuals.
6. Some Spiders Make Sounds: Certain spider species can produce sounds by vibrating their abdomens or chelicerae. This process, called stridulation, is used for communication or to scare off predators.
7. Camouflage and Mimicry: Some spiders mimic the appearance and behavior of other insects, like ants, to hunt them or avoid predators. This helps them effectively blend into their environment.
8. Ancient Predators: Fossilized remains of arachnids date back over 380 million years, making them some of the oldest terrestrial predators on Earth.
9. Unique Eyes of Jumping Spiders: These spiders have four pairs of eyes, with the central anterior eyes providing high resolution and enabling them to focus precisely on prey. They can distinguish colors and even see in the ultraviolet spectrum.
10. Spiders Use Electrostatic Forces for Flight: Some small spiders can take to the air by releasing silk threads and using atmospheric electrostatic forces to travel long distances. This phenomenon is known as "ballooning."
11. Spiders Can Be Divers: The diving bell spider (Argyroneta aquatica) lives underwater and creates a silk bubble filled with air, where it breathes and hunts.
12. Spiders Influence Weather: Mass "ballooning" of spiders can create giant webs that cover large areas, sometimes affecting local microclimates by reflecting sunlight.

Spiders are an integral part of our ecosystem. They help control insect populations, many of which are pests and disease carriers. Despite numerous myths and fears, spiders deserve our respect and admiration. By understanding their true nature and role in nature, we can overcome prejudices and learn to coexist with these amazing creatures.

We have already written about the most unusual spiders in some articles in our "Most Unusual Animals" section. Take a look at them:

• Spiny Orb-Weaver Spider
• Peacock Spider
• Horned Spider
• Flower Spider
• Rabbit Spider
• Happy-Face Spider

Spider Superpowers: Top 5 Moments