When you think of spiders, you might picture creepy crawlers lurking in corners — but there’s a lot more to these eight-legged creatures than meets the eye. Whether you’re an arachnophobe or an admirer, spiders play a vital role in our ecosystem and possess some truly incredible traits. Here are 10 surprising facts about spiders that may just change how you see them.
1. Spiders Aren’t Insects — They’re Arachnids
While many people lump spiders in with insects, they actually belong to a different class called arachnids. Unlike insects that have six legs and three body segments, spiders have eight legs and two main body segments — the cephalothorax and abdomen.
2. There Are Over 45,000 Known Species of Spiders
Scientists have identified more than 45,000 species of spiders around the world — and they believe there are still thousands yet to be discovered. From the tiny jumping spider to the massive Goliath birdeater, spiders are incredibly diverse in size, color, and behavior.
3. Spider Silk is Stronger Than Steel
Spider silk is not only flexible and lightweight — it’s five times stronger than steel of the same diameter. Some researchers are even working to replicate spider silk for use in medical sutures, bulletproof clothing, and artificial tendons.
4. Most Spiders Are Harmless to Humans
Despite their scary reputation, less than 1% of spider species are dangerous to humans. In fact, most spiders avoid humans altogether and only bite in self-defense.
5. Spiders Help Control Pests Naturally
Spiders are nature’s own pest control system. They eat mosquitoes, flies, cockroaches, and other insects — many of which can damage crops or spread disease. A single spider can eat hundreds of insects in a year!
6. Not All Spiders Spin Webs
While many spiders are famous for their webs, not all spiders spin them. Some, like wolf spiders and jumping spiders, hunt their prey rather than catching it in a web. They rely on their speed, agility, and stealth instead.
7. Spiders Have Blue Blood
Like octopuses and horseshoe crabs, spiders have blue blood. This is because their blood contains hemocyanin, a molecule that uses copper to transport oxygen (rather than iron, which gives human blood its red color).
8. Some Spiders Can Walk on Water
Certain species, like the fishing spider, can walk on water using the surface tension of the water and tiny hairs on their legs that repel moisture. They even dive and hunt underwater!
9. Spiders “Smell” and “Taste” With Their Legs
Spiders don’t have noses or tongues like humans. Instead, they detect scents and tastes through sensory hairs on their legs and pedipalps. That’s how they sense prey, danger, and even potential mates.
10. Female Spiders Are Often Bigger Than Males
In many spider species, females are significantly larger than males. This size difference often helps with egg-laying and web construction. In some species, females even eat the male after mating — a behavior known as sexual cannibalism.
Final Thoughts: Spiders Are More Helpful Than Harmful
Although spiders can look intimidating, they are remarkable creatures that play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. By eating pests and recycling nutrients, they help us more than we realize.
Next time you spot a spider in your home or garden, try to look at it with a bit more curiosity — and maybe even a little admiration.