Description of types of spiders, names and places of their habitat

Spiders belong to the order Arachnida, the class of arachnids, and the phylum of arthropods. According to scientists, these creatures first appeared on the planet about 400 million years ago. Currently, science knows a huge number of species of arachnids. Each variety has its own specific characteristics and characteristics in behavior and life. Some spiders are poisonous and can cause harm to humans, even death.

There are a huge number of species of spiders, each of them has a number of differences

Folk signs

There are many signs and superstitions associated with spiders. Therefore, before killing them, many people wonder whether it is worth doing it or not. The signs read:

1. Success and prosperity will come in the near future.
2. If an arthropod descends along a web, then you can expect guests or an unexpected letter.
3. If he moves along the floor or runs towards the table, he is moving.
4. Fell on your head or hand - monetary gain is expected.
5. A cobweb over the bed means illness and problems in the family.

It is believed that killing a spider will cause bad luck and trouble. But breeding them in the house, overgrown with cobwebs, is also not a solution. In order not to kill arthropods, it is enough to catch them and throw them outside.

Are house spiders dangerous for humans?

The danger of house spiders to humans largely depends on the type of individual and its habitat. Any insect that lives on trees and shrubs in a given region can reach a person.

In total, there are about 1,000 species of arthropods in Russia, the vast majority of which are absolutely harmless.

The most dangerous insects for the human body are exotic insects that escape from terrariums.

The black street spider is relatively safe for humans. It is poisonous, but the amount of substance it releases when it bites will not be enough to infect people or pets. Insect venom only affects small animals: flies, beetles, etc.

Arthropods pose a problem for humans when they actively reproduce and spread throughout their homes.

To combat the problem, emergency measures are taken: they carry out wet cleaning, collect cobwebs in the corners.

The arthropod itself does not attack a person, but can sting him if he fears for his life. The insect bite site will need to be treated with an antiseptic.

Spiders - tramps and karakurts - are the most dangerous among the representatives of arthropods for humans. When bitten, the latter may develop signs of allergic reactions on the skin and problems with the respiratory system.

Insect bites present with symptoms of varying degrees of intensity. The bite of poisonous creatures is especially difficult for small children and people with immune deficiency.

Class "arachnids"

The fact that spiders are defined in a separate class "arachnids" should not raise any questions. All animals of this class have a characteristic feature - their body is divided into 2 parts: the abdomen and the cephalothorax.

There is another difference that immediately catches your eye - the presence of 8 legs, instead of 6. Arachnids also have chelicerae, which are located in front of the cephalothorax, as well as pelipalps, similar to tentacles. As a rule, they are located on the sides, differ in size from the front legs, but perform the same functions: with their help the spider holds its prey and moves.

Wrap spider

The rarest spiders in the world are found in Australia. The wrapping spider Dolophones turrigera has an amazing body structure and coloration.

Wrapping

The upper part of the abdomen of these creatures resembles a shield, the lower part is concave, which allows them to literally “wrap around” a tree branch. The female’s body length is 0.8 cm, the male’s is 0.5 cm. The coloring allows them to blend in with the bark of trees in the parks where they mainly live.

White karakurt - Latrodectus pallidus

Image of a white karakurt
This is a white spider, with long legs and a round abdomen. The abdomen is white or milky in color, with 4 indentations. The legs and cephalothorax are yellow or light brown. The white spider has a body 10-20 mm long. Females are larger than males. White spiders weave a web in the shape of a cone, which is connected to a trapping net. They live in North Africa, the Middle East, Iran, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. The white karakurt spider is not aggressive, but its poison is toxic and can cause complications. Children and the elderly are most susceptible to the effects of the poison. Toxicological studies have shown that the poison of the white karakurt is similar to the poison of the karakurt (Latrodectus tredecimtugattus). If you are bitten by this spider, you should consult a doctor.

Crab spider "Bird droppings"

Sidewalk spiders have modified limbs that serve them to capture prey. One of the most unusual spiders in the world not only has the colors of the waste products of birds, but also smells accordingly. This is a double win for the unusual creature: it repels birds and attracts flies and moths. The female has a size of 1-1.5 cm, the male - no more than 2.5 mm.

Crab spider "Bird droppings"

The largest spiders on the planet

In the previous section, we looked at the largest representatives of arachnids, but there are other, no less terrifying species (Figure 2).

These include:

1. Tegenaria wall: with a small body length of 3 cm, the paw span is 14 cm. This spider is found in the desert regions of Israel and Jordan. This is a nocturnal predator that also poses a danger to humans, since when it bites it releases life-threatening poison into the wound.
2. Brazilian wandering spider: not the largest, but one of the most dangerous insects. Its body length is 10 cm, and its paw span is 7 cm. It lives in the forests of South and Central America. This is the most dangerous spider on the planet. It usually feeds on bananas, but may eat other insects, small animals and birds. It is also dangerous for humans, since its poison can kill an adult man in 2 hours.
3. Camel spider: it was included in our selection because of its unusual appearance and extreme jumping ability. Such individuals live in desert areas around the world, with the exception of Australia. This spider is not poisonous, but its powerful jaws can even bite through a human nail. Such a bite is very painful, and particles of food debris can get into the wound and cause inflammation.
4. Ornamental Rajai tarantula: a brightly colored spider with a body of 8 cm and a leg span of up to 20 cm. It lives on old trees and in old buildings in Sri Lanka. This spider feeds on small animals, lizards and birds. This species was discovered relatively recently, in 2009, and its research continues.

Figure 2. The largest spiders in the world look scary

In Australia

Australia is an isolated continent, so unique animals and insects have been preserved here (Figure 3).

The largest varieties on the Australian continent are considered to be:

1. Huntsman spider: one of the most common varieties. These spiders quite often get into the homes of Australians and, although they do not pose a danger to humans, the very fact of their presence in the house causes serious discomfort. They are predominantly nocturnal and openly hunt their victims.
2. Nephilous orb weavers: In Australia, this species is often called the large tree spider. The individuals themselves are small, up to 4 cm in length, but are capable of weaving very strong webs, which sometimes even trap small birds. The venom of this spider is quite strong, but does not pose a danger to humans.
3. Black House Spider: As the name suggests, this species is often found in homes, although the spiders spend most of their time in funnel-shaped webs. It does not attack a person first, but if the spider does bite, a deep groove and painful swelling will remain at the site of the wound.
4. Redback Spider: One of the most venomous species on the Australian continent. It is easy to distinguish it from other individuals by the bright red stripe on the upper part of the body. This spider also poses a danger to humans, since its venom can lead to systemic disorders, and without medical assistance it can even lead to death.

Figure 3. Australia has many large and dangerous spiders

Horned orb weaving spider

The horned spider is a type of orb weaver. Their two spikes transformed into real gigantic horns. Some of the rarest spiders in the world prefer to live in damp thickets.

Horned Orbweaver

Interesting fact! Every evening, the female horned spider “weaves” a round web with a diameter of up to 0.3 m at a height of about 6 m above the ground. Males live below females and do not hesitate to feed on her prey.

Is the wasp spider poisonous or not?

The arthropod has poisonous glands that produce a toxic substance. When it enters the victim's body, it causes muscle spasm and immobilization. The poisonous brunette is not distinguished by its aggressive disposition and does not attack unnecessarily. For humans, its presence nearby does not pose a danger. However, if the argiope feels a threat to his own life, the attack will follow.

Due to its unusual color, wasp spiders are kept at home as pets. They live in specially equipped aquariums and feed on insects. Feeding should be done every other day. up to 1.5 years.

The karakurt spider is one of the most dangerous creatures on earth. Despite its small size and non-threatening appearance, the karakurt's venom is 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake and 50 times stronger than that of a tarantula. For a horse or camel, a karakurt bite is often fatal.

The karakurt spider is one of the most dangerous creatures on earth

Without prompt medical intervention and professional help, a meeting with a person can also result in death, although such cases are extremely rare. The black spider evokes mystical associations due to the presence of 13 bright red spots on the body and cannibal family traditions. Kalmyk shamans use a dangerous creature in some rituals. There is a common belief that karakurts live only in deserts and do not pose a danger to residents of the central and even southern steppe and forest regions, but this is not true. Recently, the migration of biting “robbers” to the north has been obvious, and climate warming has led to the fact that karakurts are recorded in regions where they have never been observed before.

The poisonous karakurt spider belongs to the order of spiders of the family of web spiders from the genus of black widows. Translated from the Turkic language, the name is literally translated as a black worm. The Latin name Latrodectus tredecimguttatus reflects the external characteristics - 13 points on the back and the essence of the spider (biting robber). Like the karakurt, which is sometimes called the steppe spider? In terms of size, the spider belongs to the medium arachnids. The size of the male is 4-7 mm, the female karakurt is 2-3 times larger and can reach 20 mm. The body of the eight-legged spider is black, with a pronounced abdomen. Both males and females have red spots or dots on the upper side of the abdomen. On the lower part of the abdomen a clear scarlet pattern is visible, similar to the outline of an hourglass. The spot on the abdomen often has a snow-white halo. Adults (males) can be completely black. Karakurt is a predator; it feeds on insects, which it uses a web to catch.

Despite its small size and non-threatening appearance, the karakurt's venom is 15 times stronger than that of a rattlesnake and 50 times stronger than that of a tarantula.

White karakurt, also related to web spiders, has a white or yellowish color. There is no hourglass pattern or spots on the body, but there are 4 indentations forming a rectangle. White spiders are much less poisonous, their bite is not dangerous to people, although the venom of the white karakurt is similar in its toxicological properties and effects on the human body and animals to the venom of the black widow. White karakurts can be found in Russia and neighboring countries, but the main habitat is located further south - in North Africa, the Middle East, and also in Central Asia

Let's focus on the black widow karakurt as the most dangerous representative of the internet, which you can meet at domestic resorts

Karakurts are distinguished by their fertility; in the southern regions there are periodic surges in the birth rate, which entail an increase in the number of casualties among people and loss of livestock. Poisonous spiders in Kazakhstan and Crimea attack dozens of people every year, but serious consequences occur extremely rarely. The female lays more than 1,000 eggs per year, which are placed in a protective cocoon. The newly born spiders continue to live inside the cocoon and emerge from there only next spring. Puberty occurs 2-3 months after the spiderlings leave their original home. Eggs are laid in holes on the ground or in rodent burrows. Fertilization occurs during the hottest months of summer. After mating, the female karakurt eats the male, although there are exceptions - for unknown reasons, the female can either destroy the male before mating or leave him alive after fertilization.

Names and varieties

In total, scientists have recorded and described more than 42,000 species of arachnids. Many adults suffer from a fear of spiders - arachnophobia. About 3,000 species of these creatures are found in the CIS countries.

In this video you will learn about the strangest spiders in the world:

Blue-green tarantula and flower sidewalker

The blue-green tarantula is considered the most spectacular and beautiful. Its main characteristics:

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• bright green carapace;
• bright blue paws;
• belly red-orange;
• limb span up to 15 cm;
• The size of the cephalothorax is about 7 cm.

Tarantulas are one of the largest spiders.
Venezuela is considered the birthplace of this creature. However, tarantula spiders can safely exist in Africa, as well as in Asian countries. This type of arachnid is not capable of harming humans, and only when danger approaches does the individual shoot out special villi that grow on the abdomen.

The hairs do not pose any danger to human life, but after contact with them, minor burns may remain. In appearance, the injury is somewhat reminiscent of the consequences of touching nettles. Male tarantula spiders can live only 3 years, while females can live up to 12 years.

The flower walker feeds on the nectar of plants.
The color of the flower walker can be different - from pure white to greenish, pink or light green. The maximum length of the cephalothorax is 5 mm in males and 12 mm in females. The species is quite common in all European countries. In addition, the flower spider lives in Japan, Alaska and the USA. Mainly prefers open areas with a wide variety of flowering herbs. This is due to the fact that the flower spider eats the juice of captured butterflies and bees.

Grammostola pulchra and Argiope brunnichha

Grammostola pulchra belongs to a group of tarantula spiders that live in the wild only in southern Brazil and Uruguay. The animal is quite large, growing up to 11 cm in length. It differs from most other species in the beautiful metallic shine of its hairs and dark colors. In its natural habitat, the spider can be found among the roots of large plants. It is worth noting that these arthropods almost never dig their own holes. For many lovers of exotic creatures, the Grammostola Pulhra often becomes a pet.

Grammostola pulchra is popular among keepers (spider lovers)

Argiope bruennichi, which is also popularly called the wasp spider, has a very unusual coloring of its legs and body - white, black and yellow stripes. Thanks to this coloring, the arachnid is called a wasp. Males are paler than females. The maximum size of an individual is 7 mm. Spiders are widespread in the northern regions of the African continent, the Volga region, and also in the southern part of Russia.

You can meet Agriopa brunnich in the countries of Asia and Europe. Basically, spiders prefer to settle on forest edges, as well as in meadows, where there is a great abundance of herbal plants. The web is quite strong, it is almost impossible to break it, it only stretches under pressure.

The wasp spider is found in countries with warm climates

Rim hunter and Apulian tarantula

The edge hunter is quite widespread in Eurasia. They prefer to settle along the banks of reservoirs where the water flows slowly or simply stands still. Arachnids often settle in front gardens where air humidity is high, in shady groves or in wetlands. The maximum body length of a female is 22 mm, and males do not grow more than 13 mm. Body color is black or yellow-brown. On the side of the abdomen there are light yellow, almost white, stripes.

The water spider feeds on fish, which it catches while on the surface of bodies of water.

The Apulian tarantula belongs to the wolf spider family. Their main habitat is the countries of Southern Europe:

• Spain;
• Italy;
• Portugal.

These arthropods are capable of digging holes, the depth of which reaches half a meter. The maximum length of the body is 7 cm. As a rule, individuals are colored red; brown spiders are rare. On the body you can see a long stripe, as well as several light-colored transverse lines.

Orb weaver and peacock

The spiny orb weaver, also called the horned spider, is widespread in subtropical and tropical regions in Australia, the Philippine Islands, Central America, and the southern United States. Females are capable of growing up to 13 mm in width and up to 9 mm in length. Males are no longer than 3 mm. The limbs are quite short, with 6 spines located along the edges. The individuals have a very bright color:

• red;
• black;
• white;
• yellow.

The spiny orb weaver has an extremely unique color and body shape.
The abdomen has a pattern consisting of black dots.

The peacock spider has a very unusual coloring, in which you can find almost all the colors of the rainbow: green, yellow, blue, cyan, red. Females have a duller color. Adults can grow up to 20 mm in length. It is with their bright colors that males actively attract females during the mating season. Distributed in Australia.

Smiling spider and black widow

The smiling spider , also called the “happy face spider,” poses absolutely no danger to people. The main habitat of these arachnids is the Hawaiian Islands. The maximum length of the body is 5 mm. The color can vary from blue to bright yellow. Spiders eat small midges as food. The bright colors help the smiling spider confuse its enemies, which include mainly birds.

The smiling spider is known for its corresponding coloring on its body.

The black widow is a very poisonous and dangerous species for humans. It mainly lives in North America and Australia, but cases of the presence of this arthropod in Russia have been noticed, despite the fact that the Russian climate is not particularly favorable for them. Females reach 1 cm in length, males are smaller. The body and limbs are black, and a bright red hourglass pattern can be seen on the abdomen. Males have a different color: brown with white lines. The bite of one arthropod can even cause death, especially if the individual attacks a small child.

There are other types of spiders that people should be wary of. It is impossible not to mention the karakurt , a relative of the black widow. Females grow up to 2 cm in length, and the maximum size of a male is 7 mm. There are 13 scarlet spots on the abdomen. In some types of karakurt, the spots have a border.

The black widow is a rather dangerous spider due to its venom. Found in warm countries

In mature individuals of certain breeds, these spots are completely absent, and the body has a shiny black color. These arthropods are common in the northern regions of the African continent, in the southern territory of European countries, in the Black Sea region in the Azov region, in the southern regions of Ukraine and Russia, as well as in some countries of Central Asia.

Internal structure

Spiders have a complex internal structure. They have circulatory, excretory, respiratory, digestive, and nervous systems.

Digestive system

The intestinal canal runs directly from the mouth to the anus. Consists of 3 parts. Divided into the esophagus, stomach with five pairs of blind tubes, and intestines. Processing and absorption of nutrients occur in the stomach. The intestines include two branched urinary canals. Liver juice has an effect similar to that of the pancreas of higher vertebrates.

Foregut

Consists of the pharynx, sucking stomach, and esophagus. Covered with chitin. Equipped with powerful muscles. The esophagus is thin and tubular. Forms a right angle with the pharynx. The sucking stomach has the shape of a pyramid with 4 sides. It absorbs part of the food. It also helps with swallowing as it has strong muscles.

Stomach

The stomach of spiders is the anterior section of the midgut. It does not have an internal cuticle. Represents large branched protrusions. It happens: simple, intermediate, classic, complex. Connects to the intestine, which extends through the stalk into the abdomen.

Liver

Large bulge on the intestine at the beginning of the abdomen. Gray or brown. Consists of many blades (lobes). Surrounds all organs except the pulmonary sacs. Releases digestive enzymes and destroys semi-digested food particles.

Cloaca

A voluminous pouch at the end of the intestine. This is where excrement accumulates. The Malpighian vessels flow into it. It continues with the chitinous hindgut. Followed by the anus. Spiders defecate droplets of liquid. After drying, the stains from them become white with a dark center.

Respiratory system

The respiratory organs are unique. The hemolymph of many spiders contains the respiratory pigment hemocyanin. It speeds up metabolic processes. The number of spiracles corresponds to the number of respiratory organs.

Lungs

Consist of many plates. Their appearance resembles a stack of paper. Primitive groups of spiders have 4 lungs. In most spiders, the posterior pair of lungs is transformed into trachea. There are representatives who do not have this body. That is, according to the way they breathe, spiders are divided into:

• Quadruple lungs;
• bipulmonary;
• lungless.

Trachea

Oxygen enters them through air holes. According to development and location, there are local and general significance. The second ones extend into the cephalothorax and limbs. The first ones do not extend beyond the abdomen.

The trachea is more efficient for breathing than the lungs. This has been confirmed by experiment. The stigmata of spider lungs were covered with Vaseline. After 4-7 hours, blood circulation stopped. Then the spider died. Representatives of species with developed tracheae lived significantly longer during the experiment.

Interesting fact. The water spider has predominantly cutaneous respiration. With completely covered spiracles, it lives 4-15 days. Underwater it breathes oxygen, which collects between the hairs on the body.

Circulatory system

The circulatory system is not closed. Heart pulsating. Located in the abdominal cavity. It has lateral stomata that help pump hemolymph (the equivalent of white blood). When the heart contracts, blood enters the artery and the lateral stomata close like valves. Flows through the arteries to the extremities. It rotates around the lung sacs, then returns through the lateral stomata into the posterior vessel.

central nervous system

Consists of the brain and subpharyngeal nerve mass. Concentrated in the cephalothorax. It consists of paired ganglia that act as local control centers for all segments. The brain is created by the fusion of ganglia. Spiders have a centralized nervous system, characteristic of arachnids. There are two visual centers in the brain. One is responsible for the main eyes, the other for the others.

Despite having a relatively small central nervous system, some representatives exhibit complex behavior. For example, the ability to use trial and error.

How many species of spiders are there on earth?

Arachnologists have found out how many species of spiders exist on earth - there are more than 42 thousand of them. They are dioecious. Only 2900 species live within the CIS countries. Each species is unique; they differ from each other in lifestyle, nutrition, and external characteristics. Arachnids are found everywhere in nature and vary from the smallest (0.3 mm) to the huge (30 cm). Most spiders reproduce by laying eggs.

Funny classification

Among lovers of large tarantula spiders, there is an interesting division of pets into categories according to their speed characteristics:

• For beginners. Slow spiders that people like to show on video. These arthropods sit calmly on the palm, and if they try to escape, they move slowly.
• For the advanced. If the spider of this group decides to escape, then the owner can only notice the direction in which the animal disappeared.
• For professionals. The escape of a spider is noticed by its absence from the place where it was just sitting. Where it went is known only to the arthropod itself.

Spiders
The last group suggests that not all breeds of spiders have yet been discovered by scientists. It's hard to see a fast spider if you don't even know it's there.

Description of the spider

The spider is the most ancient creature on the planet. It is much older than humans; these organisms arose in advance. The remains of vital activity, spider webs, were discovered in the structure of amber, which is 100 million years old.

Arachnids lived on the globe back in the Paleozoic era, and this was 2.5 billion years ago. During this period, these creatures practically did not change in appearance.

To understand who spiders are, it is worth considering their features and description of their appearance. They have 6 pairs of limbs. However, the person notices 4 pairs. This is due to the fact that the first 4 limbs are transformed into organs of nutrition and touch.

• The body of arthropods is divided into two parts - the cephalothorax and abdomen. They are connected using a short jumper;
• the cephalothorax is divided by a groove into the head and thoracic parts;
• on the chest part there are the limbs of the spider, due to which it moves and weaves a web;
• on the surface of the head there are two pairs of limbs, eyes and a mouth opening.

What types of spiders are there?

Arthropods have occupied almost all levels of living space on the planet. They can be found in burrows, on the ground, on bushes, and in trees of any height. The only thing they haven't mastered is air. And that’s conditional. Some species spread on webs that they release in windy weather. A spider on a web flying in the wind is able to cover enormous distances.

Unofficially, spiders can be divided into groups:

• burrows;
• ground;
• under-bush;
• woody

The familiar round web in the shape of a “target” belongs to tree spiders. Burrows use cobwebs to secure the ground so that their home does not collapse. Terrestrials “spread” webs along the ground, weaving pieces of soil into it. They use their web as a signaling system. Sub-bush species live at the base of bushes and weave webs in the form of a hut, which is camouflaged with branches and soil.

Interesting!

The silverback spider is the only species that lives in water.

Secretive six-eyed

The central regions of South America and the deserts of Africa are home to a small (body up to 1.5 cm, legs about 5 cm) killer six-eyed sand spider. Outwardly, it resembles a crab, the color is yellow or brown in different shades, allowing it to blend in with the surrounding soil. That is why it is also called sand spider or crab spider. Its characteristic feature is the presence of three pairs of eyes instead of the traditional four. It can live up to 15 years; in other species this value does not exceed 3.

Six-eyed spiders almost never weave webs. Exceptions are the cocoon sacs in which the female lays her eggs. These spiders hunt by waiting for prey in ambush. They are generally secretive and prefer to avoid people. Therefore, although they are very poisonous, only 2 of their victims have been recorded. The deadly substance injected by the spider destroys the blood vessels, and the person slowly dies from internal bleeding. Unfortunately, there is no antidote yet.

Sydney funnel web spider

The venom of this rather rare species of spider can be deadly to humans. Spiders live in burrows, hollows, and damp, dark places exclusively in the Australian state of New South Wales. The web is made in the shape of a funnel. Body size is 1-5 cm, the color is dark: from brown to bluish-black.

Sydney funnelfish

Interesting fact! From 1927 to 1980, 13 deaths were recorded after being bitten by Atrax robustus. Thanks to the antidote invented in 1981, all victims can now be saved.

Brown recluse spider

The degree of danger of this spider's venom depends on the size of the injected portion. The bite is almost insensitive, like a needle prick. But soon a wound appears in its place, which is covered with a black scab and can take up to three years to heal. There have been several reported deaths, mostly among children and the elderly. The brown recluse spider is native to the eastern and southern United States and northern Mexico.

But this probability is quite high due to the habit of this spider to settle in secluded corners of houses; it can even be found in bed. Outwardly, it is easy to confuse it with a harmless haymaker spider, so people usually do not see it as dangerous.

Spider food

Spiders feed in a very unusual way. For a long time, some types of spiders may not eat at all. This period can range from 1 week to 1 month. In some cases, spiders do not eat for almost a year. It is quite remarkable that the amount of food that arthropods are able to eat in a year can be several times greater than the mass of the entire population of our Earth.

Spiders eat different foods . This will depend on the specific species and size of the individual. Most people make traps using spider webs. The prey does not see it, sticks to the trap and becomes food. After this, the arthropods approach the caught insects and inject their digestive juice into the body, which begins to eat away the prey from the inside. After waiting for some time, the spider sucks the resulting cocktail into its stomach. There are types of arachnids that spit out their sticky saliva during hunting, attracting prey to themselves with its help.

This is interesting: how long do spiders live?

The prey of spiders depends on the surrounding fauna, their size and “arsenal” in the form of poison and web

The main diet of spiders consists of insects. Small species eat grasshoppers, cockroaches, butterflies, mosquitoes and flies. Those spiders that settle in burrows and on the ground surface can eat beetles, snails and earthworms.

Species and subspecies

Answering the question of what kinds of spiders there are, it is worth noting that these creatures are divided into species and subspecies, which have some distinctive features.

In nature, there are about 35 thousand species of archanids or arachnids, which differ in appearance.

Different types of spiders have characteristic forms of life activity, which include reproduction, feeding habits, habitat in natural conditions, and size.

• their body consists of two parts - the abdomen, which can have different shapes, it all depends on the type of arthropod, as well as the cephalothorax;
• characterized by the presence of 4 pairs of legs, 2 chelicerae and pelipalps;
• spiders do not have whiskers;
• the main feature of the creatures is to weave webs for various purposes, and its design may have some peculiarities;
• there are poisonous glands, the poison of which has a paralyzing effect on the victim;
• prefer to lead a solitary lifestyle. Most females, after fertilization, eat a select few.

It is impossible to know exactly how many spiders there are in the world, because there are many of them.

At one time, a female is capable of laying 15-20 thousand eggs, most of which hatch into spiders, so it is difficult to imagine how many dozens of females can lay and give birth at a time.

The classification combines many types. In nature, there are exotic representatives of arthropods that do not pose a danger to humans; they are preferred as pets.

Characteristics and description

The general description of spiders may vary depending on the specific species. As a rule, the body of this arthropod consists of only two main parts:

1. Abdomen. The main breathing holes are located here, the surface is covered with fine hair.
2. Cephalothorax. The surface of the cephalothorax is a shell of chitin. There are 8 articular long legs here. In addition, there are two tentacles on the cephalothorax. They are used to allow sexually mature individuals to mate. Also on the cephalothorax are two short limbs with chelicerae, which are poisonous hooks. They are considered part of the oral apparatus. Depending on the variety, the number of eyes in individuals can vary from 2 to 8.

Contrary to popular belief, spiders are arthropods, not insects
. As for the size of arthropods, they can also be different - from 0.4 mm to 10 cm. These parameters apply only to the cephalothorax. The paw span can be much larger, up to 30 cm.

Different types of spiders have different colors and patterns. This will depend on the structure of the structural cover of scales and wool, as well as on the location and available pigments. That is why arachnids can be either monochromatic or have various bright patterns on their bodies.

Interesting facts about spiders

• According to statistics, 6% of the world's population suffers from arachnophobia - the fear of spiders. Particularly sensitive people panic when they see a spider in a photo or on TV.
• Frightening-looking tarantula spiders, with a paw span of up to 17 cm, are actually calm and non-aggressive, thanks to which they have earned the reputation of being popular pets. However, owners must protect their pets from stress, otherwise the spider sheds its bright hairs, which cause an allergic reaction in humans.
• The most poisonous spiders are considered to be black widows, their variety is karakurt, as well as Brazilian soldier spiders. The venom of these spiders, containing powerful neurotoxins, instantly attacks the victim's lymphatic system, which in most cases leads to cardiac arrest.
• Many people mistakenly believe that tarantula venom is fatal to humans. In reality, a tarantura bite causes only a slight swelling, similar to a wasp sting.
• Wall crab spiders, named Selenopidae in Latin after the Greek goddess of the Moon, move sideways as well as backwards.
• Jumping spiders are excellent jumpers, especially over long distances. As a safety net, the spider attaches a silk web thread to the landing site. In addition, this type of spider can climb glass.
• When chasing prey, some species of spiders can run almost 2 km in 1 hour without stopping.
• Fishing spiders have the ability to glide across water like water striders.
• Most species of spiders have an individual form of woven web. House (funnel) spiders weave funnel-shaped webs; dictine weaver spiders are characterized by angular webs. The web of Nicodam spiders looks like a sheet of paper.
• Lynx spiders are distinguished by a property that is uncharacteristic of spiders: to protect the clutch, females spit on the threat of poison, although this poison does not pose a danger to humans.
• Female wolf spiders are very caring mothers. Until the children gain independence, the mother “carries” the cubs on herself. Sometimes there are so many spiders that only its 8 eyes remain open on the spider’s body.
• The New Zealand cellar spider was immortalized in cinema thanks to director Peter Jackson, who used this species as the prototype for the spider Shelob.
• Very beautiful flower spiders lie in wait for prey on flowers, and adult females, as a camouflage, change their color depending on the color of the petals.
• The history of mankind is closely intertwined with the image of the spider, which is reflected in many cultures, mythology and art. Each nation has its own traditions, legends and signs associated with spiders. Spiders are even mentioned in the Bible.
• In symbolism, the spider personifies deceit and immeasurable patience, and the spider’s venom is considered a curse that brings misfortune and death.

Spider hunter

The arachnids of the Sсparassidae family, widespread in the forests of Australia, are excellent hunters; large insects, lizards, frogs, and rodents become their victims. They settle under fallen leaves and in the roots of trees.

Hunting spiders run incredibly fast - they cover a distance of 1 m in 1 second. The body of the creature is pubescent, the color is dark. Despite its terrifying appearance and impressive size (up to 15 cm with limbs), it does not pose a danger to humans.

Hunter

Brown recluse spider/violin spider

This type of spider with three pairs of eyes instead of four is not large in size (0.6–2 cm), however, it is considered one of the most dangerous to humans. Its usual habitat is the Midwest and southeastern United States. The brown recluse spider enjoys living close to humans and will happily spin its webs in a warm, dry, dark place such as an attic, closet or behind baseboards. And if it is not detected in time and not “escorted” from the home, it will definitely bite. After penetration of its poison during the first day, the victim develops necrotic damage to the skin and subcutaneous tissue. Since blood containing poison rapidly spreads it throughout the body, delivering a person to the hospital is a matter of life and death.

Compared to the species described above, tarantula spiders are simply huge. Some varieties, such as the Blonde's Theraphosa, the goliath tarantula, have an abdomen measuring up to 9 cm, legs with a span of up to 25 cm. Tarantulas are common in southeast India. But there are so-called Chinese tarantulas that live in China and Vietnam. This type of spider is especially aggressive, which is why they are nicknamed “earth tigers.” It was experimentally established that the venom of the Chinese tarantula can kill a small experimental animal. However, the venom of the tarantula spider does not have a particularly negative effect on humans, as was previously thought. On the contrary, its poison is capable of dulling pain and has a hypnotic effect. This spider is, of course, capable of damaging human skin with its bite, but it does this as a defense and usually does not use poison.

These poisonous spiders have always had a bad reputation. At one time, people were convinced that these spiders were the main cause of the spread of all terrible diseases and even madness in people. In the Middle Ages, the poison of tarantulas was considered the causative agent of seizures, which were treated with the help of the tarantella - a dance at a fast pace. However, the terrible legends that have been written about this spider over the centuries are highly exaggerated. Although an encounter with this rather large spider (15–30 cm) will not be pleasant, in any case it will definitely not end in death for a person. The consequence of a tarantula bite is usually a complex allergic reaction. These light brown or dark gray spiders covered with numerous hairs with a noticeable black cap are found in steppe, semi-desert and desert areas at night.

Tarantulas or Mizgiri are widespread in Russia. They can be found, for example, in the Oryol and Saratov regions. The bite of the South Russian tarantula is similar to the bite of a hornet. It causes swelling in the affected area, which goes away quite quickly. But this cannot be compared with the consequences of a bite from another species - the Apulian tarantula, a resident of Italy, Spain and Portugal. In addition to pain in the bite area, the person experiences a condition close to fever, which does not subside for 4 days.

List of endangered species: the rarest in the world

Rare species are divided into categories according to the risk of population loss:

• on the verge of extinction;
• extinct due to small numbers and changes in habitat;
• vulnerable - requiring increased attention and constant monitoring.

Officially, 170 species of spiders are considered rare. Of these, 49 threaten to disappear completely in the coming years.

Hawaiian cave wolf spider (Kauai)

This representative of the fauna, inhabiting the islands of the Hawaiian archipelago, is classified as endangered. Today only 6 viable populations are known.

Amazing spiders live in the complete darkness of caves, so they have no eyes - they don’t need vision. Kauai feed on amphipods that live underground.

One of the reasons for the disappearance was low fertility - a clutch of wolf spiders contains no more than 30 eggs.

The Hawaiian cave wolf spider lays only 30 eggs in a clutch.

Pecilotheria

These arboreal tarantula spiders have chosen certain areas of Sri Lanka and India as their habitat. Due to active deforestation, the species' habitat has greatly decreased.

In addition, its beautiful appearance has become the reason for a large number of people who want to get a tarantula for home keeping. Catching wild individuals is cheaper than raising them in artificial conditions. So, even before this, the once rare species was on the verge of complete extinction.

Indian tarantula Pecilotheria.

Formosa

This representative of tarantulas is unusually beautiful - white patches in the form of patterns stand out on the brown surface of the body. The span of the legs reaches 7 cm.

External attractiveness should not be misleading - the poison secreted by Formoza is extremely dangerous for humans. The spider lives in limited areas in the southern provinces of India.

Beautiful poisonous Formosan tarantula spider.

Striata

This is a fairly large spider - adult specimens reach 18 cm in leg span. Young striata live in underground burrows, while adults build nests in trees.

Spiders of this species are gray in color with yellow spots on the legs, back and abdomen.

Striata produce poison; their bite is dangerous for humans and is accompanied by convulsions and spasms, as well as severe pain.

Striata spiders are dangerous to humans.

Miranda

This large spider—the span of its legs in some individuals is more than 20 cm—belongs to the order of tarantulas and lives in the Indian tropics. It builds nests on the tops of trees and goes hunting after dusk.

In the dark, the predator is difficult to notice - the stripes on the legs and body appear to be reflections of light. Miranda is a skilled hunter, an excellent runner and jumper, and its venom is extremely toxic.

Miranda goes hunting at night.

Striped Hunter

This representative of the family of hobo spiders differs from its fellows in that it does not weave webs, but actively moves in search of prey. Because of his ability to move on the surface of the water, he is called a fisherman.

The striped hunter is small in size, the body of the male is about 2 cm, and the female is almost 2 times smaller. But they have long legs, allowing them to glide through the water like water striders. For humans, the bite of such a spider is not dangerous.

A striped hunter gliding through the water is not dangerous to humans.

Brachypelma baumgarteni

This tarantula was included in the Red Book as an endangered species as recently as 2021. The species' habitat is forests in the mountainous regions of southeastern Mexico. Intensive agricultural development and urbanization have caused a sharp decline in the population.

The predator, belonging to the order of tarantulas, sleeps in earthen burrows during the day, and at nightfall goes out to hunt. When in danger, the brachypelma burns with poisonous hairs covering its body and paws. If they come into contact with the skin, they cause severe itching and irritation, and allergic swelling may develop.

Fluffy handsome Brachypelma baumgarteni.

Teridion gralator

The harmless resident of the Hawaiian Islands is often called the smiley spider. He received this nickname due to his unusual color: the pattern on the back resembles a smile.

Harmless arthropods have become endangered due to changes in their habitat. Human development of the territory has led to the appearance of new species of plants and animals in places where spiders live, which leads to a decrease in the gralator population.

Theridion gralator is a smiling spider.

Jumping spiders – Salticidae

Photo of a jumping spider

Jumping spiders or jumping spiders are a family of araneomorphic spiders that includes 610 genera and 5,800 species. They live in tropical forests, deserts, semi-deserts, temperate forests and mountains. These are small spiders, up to 2 cm long. The body is pubescent. These spiders have well-developed vision. They have 8 eyes, thanks to which they see 360º degrees. Jumping spiders differ from each other in body shape, color and range. There are such types of jumping spiders: - the golden jumping spider lives in the south-east of Asian countries, and is characterized by a long abdominal part and a large first pair of legs. The body has a very peculiar golden color. The length of the male rarely exceeds 76 mm, and the females are larger;

- Himalayan jumping spiders are the smallest spiders. They live high above sea level, in the Himalayas, where their only prey is the occasional small insect that is blown onto the mountain slopes by strong winds;

Green jumping spider

- The green jumping spider lives in New Guinea, New South Wales and Queensland. Often found in Western Australia. The male has a very bright color, and his body is decorated with long white “whiskers”;

Redback jumping spider

- The red-backed species of jumping spider settles in relatively dry areas. The red spider is often found on coastal dunes or oak woodlands in North America. These red spiders are unique in that they are able to build tube-like silken nests under rocks and on the surface of vines;

Hyllus Diardi

- the species Hyllus Diardi has a body up to 1.3 cm long. Compared to other types of jumping spiders, it does not weave a web, therefore, to catch prey, it attaches a silk thread to some support, and then jumps from such a peculiar “bungee” onto its victim;

- the ant jumping spider looks very similar to an ant and is most often found in tropical zones from Africa to central Australia. Body color can vary from light yellow to black.

Ant spider jumping

Jumping spiders are unique in that they can jump long distances (up to 20 times their body size). Before jumping, they cling to the substrate with a web (thus securing their jump), then push their body out with their hind legs. Jumping spiders are absolutely harmless to humans. They have poison, but it has no effect on humans, and their bite is almost painless.

Spiny orb spider

On the edges of the female's body there are 6 bright red or orange spines. Males are spineless and have 4-5 dark-colored protrusions. The body is spherical. The color can be varied: yellow, red, lemon. There are many dark crater spots between the spines. Females reach sizes of 3 cm, males are 2-3 times smaller.

Spiny Orbweaver

Distributed in the southern states of North America, in the countries of Central and South America, in the Caribbean. Orb-weaving spiders are often found in orange plantings in Florida, USA; they destroy insect pests of citrus fruits.

Spiders of central Russia

This region has several names at once, so the spiders of the Black Earth Region or the Middle Zone are two names of the same group. The range of these arthropods also extends to Eastern and Central Europe in the west and up to Murmansk in the north. All of the above groups may live north or south of the Central Region.

Spiders of Russia

Spiders of northwestern Russia also belong to the above groups. Among the arthropods living in the central region, we can distinguish the silver spider and the Heiracanthium.

Heiracanthium is a yellow spider whose main habitat used to be the more southern regions of Eurasia. Its Asian name is sak. The bite of this arthropod is quite painful, but not life-threatening to humans. Due to global warming or increased traffic flows, heiracanthium began to spread northward. In Karelia, a spider was found on the shores of Lake Onega.

In areas with a significant number of bodies of water: Karelia, Leningrad region, forests of the Moscow region and others, you can find knitting spiders. These arthropods choose their place of residence near water bodies, since their food is long-legged mosquitoes. Knitters' nets are circular in shape with large holes between the catching threads. Animals are completely harmless.

Which spiders in Russia are listed in the Red Book

Due to the diversity of the climatic zones of our country, many species and families of spiders live on its territory. Some of them are common, others are vulnerable species or are on the verge of extinction.

Southern regions of the country

In the territory of the Republic of Crimea, the Astrakhan region, and the Krasnodar Territory, arachnid arthropods are included in the Red Book, the size of their populations has greatly decreased:

1. Common salpuga. Belongs to the galleod family, a type of phalanges. These spiders are yellow-brown in color to match the color of sand. The salpuga's bite is non-venomous, but it can carry various infections. Considered a vulnerable species.
2. Nemaspela is blind. Belongs to the order of haymakers. The body of the spider is small - 5-7 mm, but its legs reach 20 mm.

Scientists monitor the population size of rare species and monitor the preservation of the environment in their habitats.

Spiders from the southern regions of Russia.

Central part of the Russian Federation

Several rare species of arthropods belonging to vulnerable species are included in the Red Book of the Belgorod, Ryazan and Vladimir regions:

1. Eresus black. It is also called thickhead. An eresus bite is not particularly dangerous, but extremely unpleasant - after severe pain, numbness of the limb occurs. The sensations last from 2 days to a week. Belongs to an endangered species.
2. The amazing Pisaur, or hunting spider. The average size is 12-15 cm. It lives mainly along water bodies, in coastal grass.
3. South Russian tarantula. Another name is mizgir. The color can range from light gray to brown depending on the area of ​​residence. The species is easily recognized by the characteristic black spot on the back. Tarantula venom is non-lethal, but very toxic.

Spiders in the central region of Russia have a wide distribution area, but due to urbanization and the increase in agricultural areas, their numbers have decreased significantly. Some species are on the verge of extinction.

Spiders from the Central part of the country

Most popular representatives

More than 1 thousand species of arachnids live on the territory of our country. Some of them are not afraid to live near people, others are found only in the wild.

Main types:

1. House spiders are the most common. They settle in residential and commercial buildings. For humans, representatives of this family are extremely useful: they hunt bedbugs, cockroaches, and flies.
2. Knitters are distributed throughout Russia. Their favorite prey is long-legged mosquitoes. To catch them, spiders weave nets with large cells between trees.
3. Argiopes prefer the temperate climate of the middle zone, but are also found in the southern regions. These arthropods are distinguished by their bright colors, reminiscent of a wasp from a distance. The bite is quite unpleasant and often causes an allergic reaction, expressed in itching and swelling.
4. Orb weavers live in tree crowns and can be found in forests and gardens. The networks are shaped like a wheel. The venom of these spiders is dangerous for small vertebrates: mice, frogs. The injected dose does not pose a danger to humans.
5. The crossweed, often found in the forests of the middle zone, is not the most pleasant representative of arachnids. Although their venom is non-toxic, they can spread infection. In addition, the bite sometimes causes an allergic reaction. You can recognize the cross breed by its characteristic pattern in the form of a cross on its abdomen.

Most families living in Russia do not pose a particular threat. The only exceptions are karakurts and tarantulas. But their bites are not as toxic as those of the same species living in Central Asia or Africa.

Scorpios

They hunt mainly at night. There are more than 1,500 species in the world. About 15 species are found on the territory of the former USSR. Among them:

• Italian scorpion (body length up to 5 cm) - lives on the Black Sea coast;
• Mingrelian scorpion - from the shores of the Black Sea it spreads along the banks of rivers inland;
• Crimean - found on the southern coast of the Crimean Peninsula;
• thick-tailed scorpion - the largest, up to 10 cm long;
• The motley scorpion lives in the Volga region, Transcaucasia, and Kazakhstan.

Scorpion venom is neurotropic in nature. The toxic proteins contained in it lead to disruption of the functioning of various systems and organs.

The bite is accompanied by severe burning pain, which either subsides or intensifies. Over time, the pain turns into a burning sensation. After 40 minutes, swelling forms at the sting site with a clearly visible dark dot in the center of the bite. Blisters with serous filling may form.

The time period for symptoms to appear ranges from 5 minutes to 24 hours. The headache is growing. Dizziness, convulsive muscle contractions and tremors, tachycardia appear, and blood pressure increases. The victim is agitated and may experience fear. Death from respiratory paralysis is likely within 20–30 hours.

In some cases, after the disappearance of clinical signs of poisoning, a relapse is possible. The victim should be under medical supervision for at least 12 hours after symptoms disappear.

First aid, treatment and prevention

an antidote is injected. In the absence of qualified assistance, the poison is sucked out of the wound, a cooling bandage is applied, and the bite site is treated with antiseptic drugs. The victim needs complete rest.

Scorpions can hide in the grass or burrow shallowly in the sand. Therefore, you must always wear shoes with strong soles. In areas where scorpions live, you should inspect clothing, shoes, and living quarters. Protective nets on windows and doors, sealed cracks in walls and ceilings will protect the house from the penetration of poisonous arthropods.

Poisonous arachnids

Other arachnids

Scientists have studied 110 thousand arachnids. Representatives of this class, in addition to spiders, are ticks and scorpions. By type of feeding, individuals are predatory.

1. Ticks. There are 54 thousand species. The length of an adult tick is up to 0.4 mm. The body consists of the cephalothorax and abdominal organs. The mouth part is piercing and cutting. Most species have a soft body, but some have a hard shell. There are ticks that feed on their relatives - sucking blood from them. They live in any climate, on low plants, grass and trees. The main food is the blood of insects, animals, and humans.
2. Scorpios. More than 1,500 species are known. The body, which is protected by a shell, consists of a cephalothorax and a long abdomen. At the end of the “tail” there is a needle with poisonous glands. Reproduces by viviparous method. They give birth 13 months after mating. 6-8 cubs are born at a time. A scorpion sting is painful and can lead to irreversible consequences. It feeds on spiders, insects and their larvae.

Research on arachnids is ongoing; not all families have been described and studied.