Spiders are eight-legged arachnids that can be found almost everywhere. These reepy crawlers have been feared by humans for centuries. Their appearance, habits and feeding patterns make them appear as sinister creatures. But they are also fascinating creatures to study and learn about. Arachnids are without doubt one of the most diverse groups of animals on Earth right now. Researchers have identified more than 42,000 species of these creepy crawlies so far, with new species still being discovered every year. There are around 2500 species of spiders just in Australia alone, which makes them the third most common group of arthropod after ants and beetles. The global spider population is also growing rapidly, with new species being discovered regularly.
1. There are more than 100,000 different types of spiders in
the world
There are around 2500 species of spiders just in Australia alone, which makes them the third most common group of arthropod after ants and beetles. Although there are a lot of different species of spiders, all of them are considered to be one species, called "Araneae." The global spider population is also growing rapidly, with new species being discovered regularly. These arachnids are found in just about every ecosystem on the planet, from tropical rainforests to deserts and even Arctic tundra. Spiders can be found on every continent except for Antarctica. In fact, Antarctica is the only continent on Earth that doesn't have any native species of spiders.
2. The word "spider" comes from an Anglo-Saxon word meaning "web-maker"
The word "spider" comes from an Anglo-Saxon word "spith-er," which means "web-maker." It refers to the fact that almost all species in the order Araneae produce silk that they use to weave webs, which they use to catch their prey. There are many different types of spiders in the world, but only a handful weave webs like you see in cartoons. These are just a small percentage of the spiders in the world, and most people don't realize that. Most of the spiders you'll find in your home are actually stomping around on the floor and walls. People often mistake the large hairy black spiders for tarantulas, when in fact they're just common house spiders.
3. The weight of the largest spider in the world is equal to that of a small child
The Goliath tarantula is the largest spider in the world, and it is one of the biggest arthropods on Earth. This spider is native to the savannas of South America and is also known as the Goliath Bird-Eater because it preys on birds, snakes, rodents and lizards. The Goliath tarantula can reach a leg span of 10 inches (25.4 centimeters) and has a body length of 2 inches (5 centimeters). This species of tarantula can weigh up to 6 ounces (170 grams). A 6-ounce weight is about equal to that of a typical 3-year-old child. The Goliath tarantula is one of the largest spiders in the world, only rivaled by other tarantulas.
4. There are at least 46,000 different species of spider that we know of so far
There are around 46,000 different species of spider that we know of so far. The number of spider species is considered to be growing rapidly, with new species being discovered regularly. In fact, there are some biologists who expect the number of spider species to double in the next 10 to 20 years. The spiders are one of the most diverse groups of animals on Earth right now. There are more species of spiders on Earth than there are mammals and birds combined. In fact, there are more species of spiders than there are of all other insects combined. Some biologists even believe that the number of spider species might eventually grow so large that we can't even identify them all.
5. Spiders breathe using diffusion; their lungs are extensions of their exoskeleton
Spiders have an open circulatory system, which means their blood isn't contained within vessels. Instead, their blood flows freely through their body. They have a single heart that pumps blood throughout their bodies where it is filtered by their tracheas and excretory organs. In addition to blood, the spiders also breathe through tracheal tubes. They use their tracheas to both breathe and excrete excess water and other metabolic by-products. Most species of spiders can't actively breathe; they simply let air flow into their tracheas through their exoskeletons. This is known as diffusion. Because they can't actively breathe, spiders can only live in places that have plenty of oxygen. This means they can't survive in extremely low-oxygen environments like deserts. It also means they can't live underwater; they would suffocate.
6. Spider silk is among the toughest material on Earth
Spider silk is one of the strongest materials on Earth. It is stronger than steel and more flexible than nylon. It can stop a bullet, catch a falling person and hold up to 400 times its own weight. Spider silk can also be up to five times finer than a human hair. However, it's not just the silk that is remarkable. The way spiders produce it is actually more impressive. A spider will pump a special liquid through its abdomen, and the silk is formed as it is pushed out through tiny holes called spinnerets. The silk is then drawn out of the abdomen by a set of spigots. The silk is then coiled around the spigots and pushed out of the abdomen. The silk can then be reeled back in again or combined with other fibers to form a single strand.
7. Not all spiders are poisonous or venomous, but all snakes are? Why?
Not all spiders are poisonous or venomous, but all snakes are? Why? Well, it's actually because of their diets. Spiders don't have stomachs, so they can't digest food like snakes do. Instead, they have to break their food down outside their bodies to get the nutrients they need. They do this by secreting digestive fluids that break down their food externally. This fluid contains lots of proteins and minerals. The spiders use these materials to protect themselves from the predators that try to eat them. Spiders are usually equipped with very potent venoms that can kill or paralyze their predators. Most of these venoms are actually toxic to humans, too.
8. Tarantulas eat almost anything, including other food and even pet food from stores
Tarantulas are voracious eaters and will consume just about anything they can find. Tarantulas feed on a variety of food, including insects, crickets, flies, other spiders, and even pet food. Pet owners need to beware that tarantulas will eat anything they can find and may even eat their own eggs if they get the chance. Tarantulas can also be cannibalistic, so it's best to keep different species separated. They will even eat their own shed exoskeletons. To do this, they will vigorously rub their legs together to create a fine dust that they will then consume.
9. Despite what you might think, most spiders don't actually want to be in your shoes or bed!
Despite what you might think, most spiders don't actually want to be in your shoes or bed! There are a few species of spiders that actually do want to be in your shoes, but for the most part, spiders are just looking for a warm, dry place to live. Spiders can be found all around homes because they like warm and dry places. For example, they like to live in garages and basements because they are usually warm and dry. Spiders also like to live in between walls because there's a lot of dead space between the cracks of the wall.
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insects