Spiders get a bad rap for being a little creepy-crawly. But you know, and we know, that spiders are some of the coolest arachnids ever.
Not convinced? Here are 8 fun and sometimes strange facts about spiders, Hoard’s critter of the month.
1. Spiders are nearsighted
It’s funny, but with all 8 of their eyes, spiders can’t see that far into the distance. Can’t you just imagine a spider wearing eight-lensed glasses? Cute!
2. Spiders inspired their own dance
In the 16th and 17th centuries in Italy, it was believed that the tarantula’s bite would make victims spasm. This false belief inspired a dance called the tarantella.
3. Spiderwebs can stop you from bleeding
Back in the day, people used to put spider webs on their wounds to stop them from bleeding. Turns out, webs have vitamin K, a coagulant! Dr. Spider to the rescue.
4. Some spiders are great at fishing
Well… sort of. The ogre-faced spider weaves a net with its front legs and then dangles it above places prey are likely to pass. Sort of like catching fish with a net.
5. Some spiders actually eat small fish
Yep. Turns out 18 species of spider have been observed catching and eating small fish. These include spotted fishing spiders, pond wolf spiders, and great raft spiders.
6. Some male spiders want to be eaten
The male of the red widow species actually force feeds itself to its mate, by putting itself in her mandibles. If she spits him out, he’ll keep putting himself back until she eventually eats her!
7. Spiders can see what we can’t
Even though they’re nearsighted, spiders can see into spectrums we can’t. In fact, a few of them have been observed as being able to see UVA and UVB light.
8. Spiders can work together
Although they’re mostly solitary animals, some spiders form communities that build large cobwebs, such as a “football-field length” web spotted in 2015 in Texas, made by Tetragnatha guatemalensis.
So what do you think? Are spiders still super creepy, or super cool? Or super creepy AND cool?
Show the little fellas some love at the Hoard, with our collection of spider-themed treasures and accessories.
Black Spider Ring
$18.99
$23.99
This cute little crawling spider ring is a great addition to your accessories collection. A perfect gift for all spider fans. Ring Sizing Chart Material: Zinc Alloy, Bead Click ADD TO CART To Order Yours Now! The Checkout Process is Guaranteed to be… SEE MORE
Gothic Spider Choker Necklace
$22.99
$28.99
These creepy crawlers sure make an impressive addition to any Gothic-themed accessories collection! A perfect gift for all spider fans. Material: Zinc Alloy, Velvet Chain Length: 33 + 7 cm (12.9" + 2.8") Click ADD TO CART To Order Yours Now! The Checkout… SEE MORE
Crawling Spider Earrings (1 Pair)
$17.99
$23.99
These creepy crawlers look absolutely terrifying and realistic when seen from afar! A perfect accessory for Halloween or any horror-themed event. Material: Zinc AlloySize: ~4cm x 4cm (1.5" x 1.5")Each package includes:2 x Spider Earrings Click ADD TO CART To Order Yours Now! The… SEE MORE
Spider's Web Earrings
$19.99
$24.99
These intricate spider's web earrings are delicately designed to be a statement piece. Inspired by the spiral orb web, it is the perfect accessory for all spider fans. Material: Zinc Alloy Click ADD TO CART To Order Yours Now! The Checkout Process is… SEE MORE