How Spiders Help the Environment
WouterSpiders are important to the ecosystem, as they provide food for other animals, birds, and insects. They also play a significant role in controlling insect populations.
There are over forty thousand species of spiders on earth. Some are generalist consumers, while others are more active hunters. Despite the differences, most spider species are effective predators of other insects.
The two main threats to spiders are habitat loss and fragmentation. Habitat loss can be caused by development, especially parking lots and roads, and by agricultural practices, such as tilled fields. It is also easier for small mammals and birds to find their prey if the ground is bare.
Pesticides are used on farms to control pests, and some studies show that spiders can be affected by them. However, they can indirectly benefit humans by consuming agricultural pests.
Many spiders are also able to help with medical research. Their venom may be able to cure muscular dystrophy and strokes, as well as provide antivenom for spider bites. And the silk they produce can be used in bullet-proof vests, as well as in parachutes.
Scientists have also studied the use of spider silk as a male contraceptive pill. In Chile, scientists have also explored its potential for use in erectile dysfunction treatment.
Spiders are one of the few insects that are able to spin silk. All spiders produce silk through their spinnerets. When they are exposed to air, the silk hardens. But the silk they produce isn’t fast enough for engineering purposes.
