Along the way, we'll also discover some other spider species that boast splashes of red and blue, proving that the spider world is a treasure trove of colorful surprises. To add to the excitement, we'll even be venturing to the Australian Museum, a trusted source for all things spider-related, to learn more about these captivating creatures.
What are the biggest spiders in the world?
The Goliath Birdeater (Birdeater Theraphosa blondi) takes the crown for the world's biggest spider by mass. These hefty arachnids can weigh up to six ounces (170 grams), which is about the same as a small smartphone! Their leg span can also reach a whopping 12 inches (30 centimeters), making them truly impressive creatures.
What does a brown recluse spider look like?
The brown recluse spider, also known as the fiddleback spider for its markings, is a slender spider with a body length around ¾ of an inch (1.9 cm). Their color can vary from light brown to dark brown, but the key feature to look for is the violin-shaped marking on their back. This marking is usually darker brown and points towards the rear of the spider.
Here are some other things to watch for when identifying a brown recluse:
- Six eyes: Unlike most spiders with eight eyes, brown recluses only have six arranged in three pairs.
- No stripes or spots: Their legs and abdomen are typically a uniform brown color without any patterns.
- No spines: Their legs are smooth and lack spines that some other spiders have.
What are daddy long legs?
1. Cellar Spiders (Pholcidae): This is the most likely culprit you'll encounter indoors. They are actually spiders with very long, slender legs and a small body. Cellar spiders are beneficial house guests as they help control insect populations like gnats and mosquitos. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pholcidae
2. Harvestmen (Opiliones): These guys are arachnids, related to spiders and scorpions, but not quite the same. Harvestmen have even longer legs than cellar spiders, and their tiny bodies are fused together, making them look like they only have one body part. Unlike spiders, harvestmen don't spin webs and are found outdoors, often in damp areas like under rocks or leaves.
So, next time you see a "daddy long legs," take a closer look to see if it's a spider with a tiny body or a harvestmen with a fused body. Both are fascinating creatures that play important roles in their ecosystems!
What are the most dangerous spiders in the world?
While many spiders look scary, very few pose a serious threat to humans. The ones that do tend to be venomous, meaning they have a poisonous bite. Here are two of the most dangerous spiders in the world:
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Brazilian Wandering Spider: Also known as the banana spider, this creepy crawly is famous for its potent venom https://www.britannica.com/animal/wandering-spider. This fast-moving spider hunts at night and has a nasty habit of stowing away in fruit shipments, hence the banana spider nickname. While their bites are very painful, there's an antivenom available and deaths are rare.
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Sydney Funnel-web Spider: Found in Australia, this large spider is known for its aggressive temperament and powerful venom. Their bite can be deadly if not treated quickly, but thankfully, there's an effective antivenom available https://www.britannica.com/animal/Atrax-robustus.
What smells do spiders hate?
Spiders have a keen sense of smell, and some scents we find pleasant are actually quite repulsive to them! Here are a few common scents that will deter spiders:
- Peppermint: The minty freshness we love is a major turn-off for spiders. Peppermint oil is a natural spider repellent you can use around your home How to Keep Spiders Out Your Home - Oxford Mail.
- Citrus: Lemon, orange, and grapefruit rinds all contain strong citrus oils that spiders dislike. You can try placing fresh peels around entry points or using a citrus-scented spray.
- Cedarwood: The natural scent of cedarwood is a spider deterrent. Consider using cedar blocks or furniture to keep them at bay.
- Tea tree oil, lavender oil, and cinnamon: These essential oils also have strong scents that spiders find unpleasant.
- Vinegar: While not as pleasant-smelling for us, vinegar's acidity is a natural spider repellent. Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle for a quick spritz around windows and doors.
It's important to note that these repellents may not completely eliminate spiders, but they can help discourage them from taking up residence in your home.
What are cob webs?
Cobwebs are essentially spider webs, but with one key difference: cobwebs are typically older, abandoned webs that have become dusty and cluttered. While all cobwebs are spiderwebs, not all spiderwebs are cobwebs.
Spiders spin webs to trap insects for food. These webs are made from a strong, sticky silk that spiders produce from their bodies. However, webs are not always effective forever. Over time, the sticky strands lose their effectiveness and the web gets filled with dust and debris. This is when a spiderweb becomes a cobweb.
There's also a specific type of spider that actually spins webs that resemble cobwebs! These spiders belong to the family Theridiidae, which includes the common house spider. Their webs are often irregular and tangled, compared to the more intricate designs of orb weavers or funnel web spiders. So, in some cases, a cobweb can be a freshly spun web and not necessarily an abandoned one.
Here are some interesting facts about spiderwebs:- Spider silk is incredibly strong! Some types of spider silk are stronger than steel, thread for thread https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/madagascar-spider-silk-10-times-stronger-than-kevlar/.
- Spiders can spin different kinds of webs, depending on the species. Orb weavers create the classic circular webs, while funnel webs are shaped like tubes https://www.britannica.com/animal/spider-arachnid/Spider-webs.
- Cobwebs can be a sign that your home is due for a good cleaning! They often accumulate in undisturbed corners and clutter.</p>