7 Facts About Spiders

Spider Fact #1: They Have a Liquid Diet

Thinking about switching up your diet?

Maybe you can take a tip out from the spider’s book. Or maybe not! 

Spiders do not physically eat their prey whole like us humans. Instead, spider species will do one of two things:

1. Inject a digestive fluid venom inside their prey’s exoskeleton that liquefies the insides. Then they drink the prey’s insides and leave the body empty and dry. 
2. Chew on their prey with their shark teeth-like body parts near the chelicerae. Then vomit their digestive fluid on the body and drink the remains. 

Spider Fact #2: Not All Spiders Make Webs

Everyone knows what it is like to walk through a spider web and solo fight to get it off. Despite looking like you are fighting invisible ninjas, spider webs are highly intrusive and a giant annoyance. 

However, do not blame the first spider you see because not all spiders choose to make webs. It is important to remember that all spiders can produce silk, but not all spiders use webs. Some spider species, like the Giant House Spider, move so quickly that they prefer to chase down their prey. 

They will use various techniques to hunt down their prey instead of catching them on the web. Each method varies by species because they have different characteristics that give them the advantage over their prey. 

Spider Fact #3: Types of Spider Webs

• Spiral Orb Web– This web design is often a stereotype in films as the typical web structure. These spiders usually quickly wait to pounce on their prey next to the web. 
• Funnel Web– As the name implies, these webs are in the shape of a funnel. This shape gives the spider a great way to hide its web from the prey, recognizing a good escape. 
• Cobweb– These webs often look chaotic with no actual design, but they are structurally sound. This spider species will heavily anchor its webs to ensure its prey does not escape. 
• Mesh-Web– This type of web looks like a cobweb, except the spider species that creates them, prefers to be outside. 
• Triangle Webs– This web looks like a giant triangle with webs interweaved. The web contains small fibrous fuzz to help the spider smother their prey. 
• Sheet Webs– This web is only outside, spread across the top of grass and bushes. 

Spider Fact #4: All Spiders Produce Silk

Despite not all spiders actually using webs, every spider does produce silk. Spider silk is unique because it is one of the strongest natural materials in nature. Silk is five times stronger than steel, matching the same size. 

Spiders use their silk for various reasons other than spinning webs.

• They will wrap their prey in silk to immobilize them. 
• Spiders lead the pack in workplace safety because they will use silk to create draglines. These act as safety lines in case they fall off their web. 
• Did you know spiders are also into extreme sports? They are known to create balloons to pick them up with passing wind to help them disperse after hatching. 
• Just like Maslow’s Hierarchy, spiders need shelter too. They will create a sturdy and protective cover with their silk. 
• Spider egg sacs are created with highly sticky material and are often in hard-to-reach locations. 

Spider Fact #5: They Have Bad Vision

If spiders were humans, they would have a prescription for glasses because their vision is not great. Ironically most spiders have eight eyes, some even six, but only a few have quality eyesight. Spiders, instead, rely on movement and vibrations to navigate the world.

Most spider species navigate better at night, allowing them to avoid and react against predators active during the day.

Some spider species require good vision because of their proactive approach to hunting. These species need to be able to see their prey because they chase them down instead of using webs.

Spider Fact #6: Almost Every Spiders Species Carries Venom

Yup, you read that right. Your nightmares are confirmed because it is a fact that almost all spiders have venom. Very few species do not. 

However, that does not mean every spider threatens your health if you experience a bite. Most people will experience mild symptoms like red, itchy skin from most spiders, while only a few are more dangerous.

The Black Widow spider is probably the most venomous species because its bites inflict significant health harm. However, it is a rarity for Black Widow bites to turn fatal; this typically occurs when there is no medical attention.

Spider Fact #7: Spiders and Their Eggs

Spiders are great at growing population numbers, but unfortunately, at a fateful cost. Typically female spiders will lay several thousands of eggs in their egg sacs. Unfortunately, some female spiders die after laying their eggs, while others pass away within months of hatching. 

Additionally, when it comes to egg sac placement, most species will place the egg sacs in hard-to-reach locations. The egg sac consists of thick silk protecting the eggs until they hatch.