Let’s take a look at a series of statements about spiders and find which are fact and which are fiction.
Spiders are older than dinosaurs
This is a fact. Spiders are ancient creatures, which have evolved over hundreds of millions of years. At first, they were rudimentary insects, without the ability to weave webs. Instead, they relied on hunting, much like the wolf spider does today.
There are more mammal species than spider species in the world
This is not true. There are over 44,500 species of spiders in the world, and only around 5,400 species of mammals. Spiders vastly outnumber us, and we still have not discovered all the spider species out there.
Spiders shed their exoskeleton several times during their life
True. Spiders will molt several times during their lives, especially the more primitive species. Most species however will stop molting once they reach adulthood.
Spiders do not see very well
This is also true. Despite having eight eyes, spiders have very poor eyesight, and they use their other senses, such as the sense of smell and touch, when they are trying to catch their prey.
All spider species are capable of making web
When we think of spiders, we think of spider webs. However, only about half of the spider species we’ve discovered are capable or willing to make webs in order to catch their prey. The other half will stalk or hunt their prey.
Spiders play an important role in the ecosystem
Spiders are considerable predators, and they play a key role in maintaining the balance of an ecosystem. According to one estimate, the spiders found on one acre of woodland consume about 80 pounds of insects each year.
Not all spiders are venomous
While most spider species rely on their venom to paralyze and consume their prey, there are some, like the Uloboridae, which will wrap their prey in silk, because they do not produce venom.
While there are many facts and misconceptions about spiders, one thing remains universally true – we do not want them inside our homes. Whether you’re dealing with the common house spider, or a black widow infestation, we can help you keep your home spider-free. Contact us today if you have a spider infestation that you would like to get rid of, or if you have any questions about spiders and spider control methods.
