8 fascinating spider facts you might not know

If you find arachnids fascinating, especially spiders, you might have wondered about owning a tarantula as a pet. These large spiders often carry an unfairly scary reputation, but most popular pet tarantulas are gentle and unlikely to bite. Understanding the true nature of spiders helps dispel common fears derived from misconceptions and the unknown.

Whether you’re a seasoned spider enthusiast or a beginner curious about keeping tarantulas, here are eight interesting facts that will deepen your appreciation for these intriguing creatures.

1. Spiders Can’t Eat Solid Food

Spiders digest their food externally. They produce digestive enzymes on the underside of their stomach, which they excrete onto their prey. This breaks down the prey's body into a nutritious liquid that the spider then drinks. For pet tarantulas fed on crickets or pinkie mice, this process is crucial as they cannot consume solid chunks.

2. Nearly All Spiders Are Venomous

All spiders except those in the Uloboridae family possess venom glands. This includes common garden spiders and small species like money spiders. Venom strength varies widely—from harmless to humans to potent toxins like those of the Brown Recluse spider, thankfully absent from the UK. Most pet tarantulas have venom only strong enough to subdue small prey.

3. Spiders Form the Largest Carnivorous Group

Spiders are carnivores that actively hunt or trap prey, making them the largest group of predatory animals by order. Depending on size, their diet can range from insects to small vertebrates such as mice or even birds, showcasing their significant role in controlling pest populations.

4. All Spiders Produce Silk

Spider silk is incredibly versatile. While many spiders use silk to spin webs, others don’t build webs but still produce silk for purposes like lining their burrows, creating protective egg sacs, shelter building, or during mating rituals. This natural material is stronger than steel by weight, demonstrating remarkable biological engineering.

5. Not All Spiders Use Webs to Catch Prey

Although capable of spinning silk, many spiders hunt using different strategies. For example, jumping spiders possess sharp eyesight and ambush prey by pouncing. Wolf spiders actively chase down prey. These diverse hunting styles highlight spiders’ adaptability and different ecological niches.

6. Life Is Tough for Male Spiders

Male spiders often face risks during mating, with females sometimes cannibalising them immediately afterwards, as famously seen with Black Widow spiders. These males perform elaborate courtship displays to avoid being mistaken for prey. Even outside of mating, males must be cautious around females to avoid becoming a meal.

7. Spider Movement Combines Muscle Power and Blood Pressure

Spiders move their legs through a combination of muscular contractions and hydraulic pressure. Blood pressure helps extend their legs quickly, especially in jumping spiders that leap by rapidly increasing pressure to propel themselves. This unique movement system is distinct among arthropods.

8. Spiders Camouflage Their Egg Sacs

Female spiders create egg sacs by wrapping eggs in layers of silk. Species that web typically make thick sacs, while ground dwellers produce thinner casings. Some spiders can camouflage these sacs by mimicking the surface on which they lay them, helping protect the eggs from predators and environmental dangers.

Learning more about spiders enriches our understanding and appreciation of these often misunderstood creatures. If you’re considering a pet tarantula, always source from reputable breeders who prioritise animal welfare and provide the care guidance you need. Responsible ownership ensures these fascinating arachnids thrive in captivity.

For responsible tarantula acquisition, see tarantulas for sale from reputable breeders.