There are around 40,000 known species of spiders found across the world. They are present on every continent except Antarctica. Though many people fear spiders they are an essential part of our ecosystem. They eat more insects than bats and birds combined. Without them, insects would devastate crops and threaten our food supply.
Spiders come in a variety of sizes and shapes. The biggest is the Goliath Bird Eater, a tarantula that can get to 11-inches in width. They feed on small reptiles, rodents, and birds.
North America is home to 3,400 species of spiders, and you’ll find some of them on this infographic.
While most spiders pose no threat to humans, the United States has its fair share of downright scary spiders including two of the world’s most dangerous: the Black Widow and the Brown Recluse Spider. However, the honor of most venomous spider belongs to the Brazilian Wandering spider whose venom is deadly to humans.
Nonetheless, a Black Widow’s venom is fifteen times more powerful than that of a rattlesnake–though its bite will cause nausea and muscle pain rather than death.
Many people fear spiders and would rather not have them in their homes, but did you know that insecticides have no effect on spiders? You really don’t want to kill them anyway since they are a natural defense against insects. Spiders gravitate to dark places. So, keep the garage and cellar doors closed and avoid clutter and if you’re lucky, they’ll keep their distance.