Spiders may give some people the creeps, but they’re also one of the most fascinating creatures on Earth. With more than 50,000 known species, these eight-legged arthropods are found all around the world, and each species has unique characteristics and behaviors.
From their vision to their webs to their eating habits, spiders have plenty of surprises in store. Here are 11 fun facts about spiders that will help you see them in a whole new light.
1. Are Spiders Insects?
Though spiders share some similarities with insects, they are not insects. Insects belong to the class Insecta, while spiders are part of the class Arachnida. Insects have three body segments (head, thorax, and abdomen) and six legs (three pairs), while spiders have two body segments (cephalothorax and abdomen) and eight legs (four pairs).
Insects also have antennae and/or wings and undergo metamorphosis, changing from the larval stage to the adult stage, while spiders do not.
