Spiders are arachnids, not insects, belonging to the class Arachnida.
They have eight legs and two body segments: the cephalothorax and abdomen.
Spiders produce silk from silk glands located in their abdomen.
Silk is used for building webs, creating egg sacs, and for other purposes.
There are over 48,000 known spider species worldwide.
Spiders are found on every continent except Antarctica.
They play a crucial role in controlling insect populations through predation.
Spiders have specialized mouthparts called chelicerae used for feeding.
Most spiders are venomous, using venom to immobilize their prey.
Spider venom can vary widely in composition and potency.
Not all spiders build webs; some actively hunt and pounce on their prey.
Some spiders, like the orb-weavers, create intricate and symmetrical webs.
Spiders molt to grow, shedding their exoskeleton as they develop.
Male spiders may engage in elaborate courtship rituals to attract females.
Females may eat the male after mating, although it's not universal.
Spiders have multiple eyes arranged in different patterns.
They sense vibrations through the hairs on their legs, aiding in prey detection.
Some spiders, like the tarantula, can flick urticating hairs as a defense mechanism.
Spiders are found in a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts.
Jumping spiders are known for their excellent vision and ability to leap great distances.
Some spiders, like the black widow, are known for their potent venom.
Spiders can regenerate lost legs during molting.
Certain species of spiders, like the trapdoor spider, create camouflaged burrows.
They are essential in maintaining ecological balance by controlling insect populations.
Spiders can go without food for extended periods, surviving on stored energy.
Orb-weaving spiders may consume and rebuild their webs daily.
Some spiders, like the funnel weaver, construct sheet-like webs for hunting.
Spiders are featured in mythology and folklore across various cultures.
They are crucial in scientific research for silk production and venom studies.
Spiders are known for their ability to produce silk at different viscosities for diverse uses.
They have book lungs or tracheae for respiration, depending on the species.
Spiders are highly adaptable and have evolved diverse hunting strategies.
They have been on Earth for over 300 million years, predating dinosaurs.