Wildlife Wednesday 10/01/2025
Happy #WildlifeWednesday!
Ohio is home to over 620 species of spiders.
While spiders are sometimes feared and misunderstood, they play a very important part in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations. In this way they are also helpful in protecting crops and agricultural resources.
Not insects themselves, spiders are arachnids, related to ticks, scorpions, and mites. Arachnids have two body segments and eight legs.
Spiders have high diversity, with a vast range of sizes, colors, shapes, habitats, and behaviors.
All spiders can produce silk, but not all spiders spin webs. Silk can be used to cocoon eggs, make shelters, and travel through the air on long strands. Spider silk is extremely strong and is even tougher than steel of the same dimension.
Spiders have fangs and are able to inject venom into their prey. Very few spiders are a threat to humans and they typically only bite in self defense.
Spider legs and bodies are covered in thousands of tiny hairs which detect vibrations. Many spiders do not have particularly good eyesight, and instead perceive their world through vibration and sound.
Spiders have appeared in cultural stories and mythology for centuries. They are often depicted as symbols of patience due to their hunting strategy of setting webs and traps and waiting for prey, as well as mischief and malice due to their venom and speed. Learn more about these incredible creatures at our Enchanted Forest, where Spider will be one of the storytelling characters to encounter on the trail!