What I Should Know About Spiders
WouterSpiders are small insects that live in the environment. They are found everywhere. They are one of the top ten most diverse populations on earth. There are thousands of different species and many are endangered.
Most spiders are carnivorous. They feed on flies, cockroaches, and other insects. They are also known to eat mosquitoes. The number of different species is estimated at over 35,000. However, scientists are certain there are even more species to be discovered.
Besides feeding on prey, some spiders build webs. These webs are made from silk. The silk is a strong protein fiber that helps the spiders trap their prey. They also use it as a tether and to climb. Some spiders recycle amino acids from the silk.
Some spiders, like the wolf spider, carry babies on their backs. Others, like the jumping spider, can leap over 100 feet. They do this by forcing their body fluid into their hind legs.
Some spiders have a drinking straw-shaped mouth. When the spider sucks in its prey, the venom glands in the mouth produce enzymes. This causes the prey to liquify. The spider then sucks in the juices produced by the enzymes.
Some spiders have claws at the tip of their legs. These claws can be used to swing from strand to strand. They can help them climb and stay on their webs.
Some spiders build their own webs, called orb webs. These webs require the creation of about 20 metres of silk. The webs must be rebuilt every night.
