Spiders

Spiders are not insects. They are arachnids, which means they have eight legs instead of six. There are over 45,000 different kinds of spiders. Most spiders are harmless to humans and actually help us by eating mosquitoes and other pests.

Spinning Silk

Spiders can make silk that is incredibly strong. Some spider silk is stronger than steel of the same thickness! Spiders use their silk to build webs, wrap up prey, and make egg sacs. Different spiders build different shaped webs.

Hunting Styles

Not all spiders use webs to catch food. Some spiders, like jumping spiders, hunt by leaping onto their prey. Trapdoor spiders hide in burrows and jump out to grab insects. Wolf spiders chase their prey along the ground.

Fun Facts

• Spider silk is one of the strongest materials in nature.
• Most spiders have 8 eyes but still cannot see very well.
• Spiders are found on every continent except Antarctica.

Did You Know?

The smallest spider in the world is smaller than the head of a pin. The largest, the Goliath birdeater tarantula, can be the size of a dinner plate!