The Spider: A Fascinating Insect
Spiders are one of the most widely distributed insects in the world. They could be found in every continent except Antarctica. There are at least 40,000 species of them. They have silk glands in their abdomens and also fangs that could inject venom. However, all the species are not able to secret the silk thread with which they make their beautiful webs. Also every species will not sting though there are some that are deadly poisonous.
The body of spiders is divided into two main parts, which are the cephalothorax and the abdomen. The cephalothorax is the portion of the spider that includes the eyes. The abdomen is the back portion of the spider. In between the cephalothorax and the abdomen is a cylindrical shaped part that is known as the pedicel. This part joins the cephalothorax and the abdomen of the spider. The spider is an interesting creature because of the way that it moves. Spiders do not have muscles that they can use to assist them in moving their limbs. Instead, they use a system of hydraulics that helps them to move their legs.
Spiders are carnivores, and they typically eat other spiders and insects. Different species of spiders use various methods in order to catch their prey. For example, many spiders use webs as a way to get food. Insects get caught in the web, and when the spider notices that there is an insect in the web, it goes over to it and wraps it into a silk casing. The spider then injects some digestive enzymes into the insect, so then it will be able to drink the liquefied portions of the prey. Some spiders are so large that they are able to feed on lizards and birds.
Male spiders have to make sure that they court the female spider properly when it is time to mate because if they do not, then she will eat him. Once the male has mated with the female, the female spider will lay eggs. In order to protect the eggs, the female will make silk sacs around the eggs. Once the eggs hatch, it is the job of the female to feed and care for the baby spiders. Spiders tend to live for about three years; however, they can live much longer in captivity as long as they are well cared for.
There are some people that study spiders in order to find uses for them. For example, since spiders are venomous to insects, there are scientists that are studying the use of the spider's digestive enzymes in insecticide.
The body of spiders is divided into two main parts, which are the cephalothorax and the abdomen. The cephalothorax is the portion of the spider that includes the eyes. The abdomen is the back portion of the spider. In between the cephalothorax and the abdomen is a cylindrical shaped part that is known as the pedicel. This part joins the cephalothorax and the abdomen of the spider. The spider is an interesting creature because of the way that it moves. Spiders do not have muscles that they can use to assist them in moving their limbs. Instead, they use a system of hydraulics that helps them to move their legs.
Spiders are carnivores, and they typically eat other spiders and insects. Different species of spiders use various methods in order to catch their prey. For example, many spiders use webs as a way to get food. Insects get caught in the web, and when the spider notices that there is an insect in the web, it goes over to it and wraps it into a silk casing. The spider then injects some digestive enzymes into the insect, so then it will be able to drink the liquefied portions of the prey. Some spiders are so large that they are able to feed on lizards and birds.
Male spiders have to make sure that they court the female spider properly when it is time to mate because if they do not, then she will eat him. Once the male has mated with the female, the female spider will lay eggs. In order to protect the eggs, the female will make silk sacs around the eggs. Once the eggs hatch, it is the job of the female to feed and care for the baby spiders. Spiders tend to live for about three years; however, they can live much longer in captivity as long as they are well cared for.
There are some people that study spiders in order to find uses for them. For example, since spiders are venomous to insects, there are scientists that are studying the use of the spider's digestive enzymes in insecticide.