Connecticut

NATURE Common Core State Standard

ELA Reading Informational Text (Grades 3-6) CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3-6.1 and CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RI.3-6.2

WHAT IS A SPIDER?
Text and spider graphics provided by Jay Kaplan, Roaring Brook Nature Center
Spiders are members of the animal group called Arthropods. Arthropods are the largest and most diverse animal group, and are characterized by a hard exoskeleton and
jointed legs. Centipedes, millipedes, insects and crustaceans (crabs and lobsters) all belong within this group.

Within the animal group called anthropods, spiders are part of the order known as arachnids and can be distinguished from insects by the number of legs and
body parts. Insects have three body parts and six legs, while spiders have only two body parts (a cephalothorax and abdomen) and eight legs. Spiders
may also have up to eight eyes. Unlike insects, spiders do not have antennae. The arachnid group includes ticks, mites, scorpions and harvestmen
(more commonly known as daddy longlegs).

Spiders, as we know them today, first appeared in the Triassic period, over 200 million years ago. However, primitive spiders have been found as
fossils in rocks that are over 300 million years old. Spiders are also diverse. Over 40,000 species in 109 families have been recorded. Spiders have
been found on every continent except Antarctica.

Spiders have “spinnerets” which allow them to produce silk from glands on their abdomens. This silk is used to construct a variety of different
web types -- from the intricate webs of orb weavers to tunnel webs and even purse webs. Spider silk provides a combination of strength and
elasticity that is superior to all synthetic, or man-made, materials.

Did You Know Student

• An herbivorous (plant-eating) spider was first described in 2008. All other spiders prey
upon insects and other animals.

• The “bird-eating” tarantula of South America is considered to be the world’s largest spider
with a leg span of up to 11 inches – the size of a dinner plate! These large spiders eat insects
and have a life span of up to twenty-five years.
Activity
Many spiders are nocturnal and spin their webs after the
sun goes down. In early morning, these webs are easily found in overgrown fields and
• The world’s smallest spider is found in Western Samoa in the Pacific Ocean. A male speci- gardens, on tree branches, or between fence posts. Inspecting spider webs will show
men was only .43 mm (or .017 inches). what they have been catching and eating.
• According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the world’s most venomous spider is
the Brazilian Huntsman. Its venom is so strong that only .00000021 oz. can kill a mouse! Bring your camera, as the webs are also highly sought after by photographers,
especially when covered by the morning dew.
• Scientists are researching the use of spider venom in medicine and as a pesticide.
This time of year, there is easy evidence of the work of spiders! Did you know that
• Daddy Longlegs or “Harvestmen” are not closely related to spiders. Contrary to popular some spiders in Connecticut remain active in the winter? You may find these winter
opinion, they do not possess venom glands nor can they spin silk.
spiders near bodies of water. Use a spider field guide or the internet to try to identify
• Arachnophobia is the fear of all spiders. Those who suffer from this malady (fear) can usu- different types of local spiders.
ally give no explanation as to why they are afraid of spiders. Other common phobias include
fear of heights, tight spaces and crossing bridges. Make your own web! Spiders weave their webs in order to catch prey.
• Where and when to see spiders - It has been said that spiders can be found “everywhere.” Look for spiders
on house corners, on tree trunks, under bridges, fallen logs or rocks, on the edges of streams and ponds,
1 Study some examples of spider webs and observe how they create patterns in their
amidst the flowers of goldenrod and other fall wildflowers. Later in the season, look for spiders in the warmer
webs. How is this an efficient way to catch dinner?
confines of basements and attics.
2 Using yarn, string or thread, try to weave your own web using a paper plate or
• Tarantulas - There are about 900 species of tarantula. Those found in North and South America defend even a hoop as a base. How would you attach the string to the base? How would you
themselves by shedding the hairs on their abdomen. These “utricating” hairs irritate the eyes and mucous design your web to make the circular pattern of a spider?
membranes of would be predators or curious people. Athough a tarantula bite may hurt, it is not con-
sidered lethal or deadly, although some people can develop an allergic
reaction to a spider bite as
3 Visit The Children Museum’s “Spineless Wonders” exhibit. The exhibit
others do to a bee sting. The maintains on display a number of tarantulas and other unusual arachnids.
venom of a few spiders such
as the Black Widow and the
Brown Recluse are dangerous
to humans.