Contents
- 1 Everything You Thought You Knew About Spiders Could Be Wrong!
- 2 General Fallacies
- 3 Myth: Spiders are insects
- 4 Myth: “Arachnid” is synonymous with “spider”
- 5 Myth: Eight legs always indicate a spider
- 6 Myth: All spiders construct webs
- 7 Myth: Orb webs are the standard type
- 8 Myth: “Daddy-longlegs” are a type of spider
- 9 Myth: Spiders with small fangs can’t bite
- 10 Myth: Spider species are universally distributed
- 11 Myth: All spiders are male
- 12 Myth: Late summer marks peak spider season
- 13 Myth: You’re always within three feet of a spider
- 14 Myth: Spiders only consume the juices of their prey
- 15 Myth: Oil prevents spiders from sticking to their webs
Everything You Thought You Knew About Spiders Could Be Wrong!
As a spider expert with over 15 years of experience, I’ve encountered countless misconceptions about these fascinating creatures. From mistaking them for insects to fearing their presence in our homes, spider myths abound.
Let’s unravel the truth behind these misconceptions and shed light on the captivating world of spiders.
General Fallacies
Myth: Spiders are insects
Despite popular belief, spiders are not insects. They belong to the arachnid family, making them distant relatives of scorpions, ticks, and mites.
Myth: “Arachnid” is synonymous with “spider”
The term “arachnid” encompasses a diverse group of creatures with eight legs, including spiders, scorpions, and ticks. Spiders represent just one order within this vast class.
Myth: Eight legs always indicate a spider
While spiders possess eight legs, this characteristic is shared by all arachnids, not just spiders.
Myth: All spiders construct webs
Although all spiders produce silk, not all use it to build webs for trapping prey. Some species are active hunters, relying on speed and agility to capture their meals.
Myth: Orb webs are the standard type
The iconic spiral-shaped orb webs, while beautiful, are not the most prevalent type of spider web. Spiders exhibit a remarkable diversity in web designs, each tailored to their specific hunting strategies and environments.
Myth: “Daddy-longlegs” are a type of spider
The term “daddy-longlegs” suffers from an identity crisis, referring to both harvestmen (arachnids but not spiders) and cellar spiders. It’s best to use more precise terminology to avoid confusion.
Myth: Spiders with small fangs can’t bite
While most spiders have fangs, they rarely bite humans. However, this isn’t due to the size of their fangs; many could pierce our skin if they chose to.
Myth: Spider species are universally distributed
Each spider species has a defined geographical range, limiting their distribution.
Myth: All spiders are male
Just like many other animals, spiders exhibit sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females have distinct physical characteristics.
Myth: Late summer marks peak spider season
The noticeable presence of garden spiders and house spiders in late summer might suggest a population boom, but it’s actually a time when many native spider species are in their juvenile stage.
Myth: You’re always within three feet of a spider
While spiders are ubiquitous, the idea that you’re always within a specific distance of one is a common misconception.
Myth: Spiders only consume the juices of their prey
Spiders don’t simply suck the juices out of their prey. They use a process called external digestion, breaking down their food with enzymes before consuming it.
Myth: Oil prevents spiders from sticking to their webs
The notion that spiders avoid sticking to their webs due to oily feet is an oversimplification. The mechanics are more complex, involving specialized hairs and careful movements.