Where Do Spiders Come From?
WouterSpiders have been around for millions of years. They’re a common household pest that can crawl up walls, floors, furniture, and more. However, many people don’t know where spiders come from.
Like other insects, spiders grew out of the arthropod class. The first spiders were thought to have appeared during the Triassic period, which is approximately 200 million years ago. Since then, spiders have gone through an evolutionary journey similar to that of winged insects.
Today, there are thousands of species of spiders, ranging in size from one mm to 70mm. Spiders can be found in both land and aquatic environments. Some arachnids are venomous, while others are harmless.
In some cultures, spiders were revered as a source of inspiration. For instance, the Navajo Indians believe that a spider woman was created at the beginning of the world. And the Cherokee people believed that a spider brought fire.
In modern times, spiders can be found in the riparian woodlands of rivers. These areas are usually steep river banks. As such, they are attracted to quiet undisturbed areas.
Despite their reputation, there are actually more dangerous spiders than friendly ones. In North America, the Black Widow is the most venomous. Its venom paralyzes its prey. This allows the spider to access its food. But the bite can be painful and cause swelling in the affected area.
There are also wolf spiders, which thrive in harsh climates. They dig burrows. When the weather turns cold, they turn to your home and basement.
