Environment
Fact-checked

At AllThingsNature, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What Are the Different Types of Spider Species?

Kathy Heydasch
Kathy Heydasch

There are over 40,000 different spider species that have been identified by taxonomists and spider specialists, called arachnologists. These fall into two main categories: mesothelae and opisthothelae. These two sub-orders are differentiated mainly by their abdomen.

Mesothelae spiders have segmented plates and ganglia in the abdomen and four pairs of spinnerets. Opisthothelae spiders do not have segmented plates or ganglia in the abdomen, and they have one, two or three pairs of spinnerets. The vast majority of spiders fall into the second category, with only about 87 species that fall into the first category.

A spider.
A spider.

All spiders are arthropods, which means that they are invertebrates with exoskeletons, segmented bodies and jointed appendages. Spider species are found on every continent except Antarctica, and in every natural habitat except for sea or air. They comprise the largest order of arachnids and they are the seventh most diverse among organisms.

Almost all known spider species are predators, although some can derive as much as 90% or more of their food from plants, making them vegetarian species. Most feed on insects, but some go after larger prey like birds and lizards. They all have fangs that can inject venom, but only a few spider species have venom that is potentially harmful to humans. While the average life cycle of a spider is only about two years, some spider species like tarantulas have been known to live in captivity for up to 25 years.

The Black Widow is a poisonous spider species.
The Black Widow is a poisonous spider species.

Most spider species live and work independently, but a few have been known to demonstrate social characteristics similar to, but not nearly as complex as, insects. One species in the Family Theridiidae forms colonies of up to 50,000 spiders. Some cooperate just to protect eggs and young spiders, but others join forces to hunt and capture prey as well.

The tarantula is a spider that has been known to live as long as 25 years in captivity.
The tarantula is a spider that has been known to live as long as 25 years in captivity.

The web of a spider is its best known method of capturing prey, and the characteristics of webs vary greatly. Unfortunately, there is no relation to the type of web spun by a spider species and its classification in the animal kingdom. Despite this, spiders can be grouped into orb web spinners and non-orb web spinners. Orb webs have a distinct pattern with straight lines extending from the center like spokes on a wheel, and radial web lines connecting the spokes. Non-orb webs follow no distinct pattern and are often called cobwebs.

The more than 40,000 spider species have been broken into over a hundred different families according to modern taxonomists, but that has not simplified the matter enough for some scientists. Since 1900 there have been 20 or more proposals to categorize spiders in different ways. Plus, there is ongoing research on the subject as well as scientific confusion and controversy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many different types of spider species are there?

There are over 45,000 known spider species worldwide, according to the World Spider Catalog. This number is constantly growing as new species are discovered. Spiders are incredibly diverse, ranging from the common house spider to exotic tarantulas, each adapted to their unique environments.

What are the most common spider species found in homes?

The most common house spiders include the American house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum), the cellar spider (Pholcus phalangioides), and the jumping spider (family Salticidae). These species are typically harmless and often help control pests by feeding on insects like flies and mosquitoes.

Are all spiders venomous?

Almost all spiders have venom, but only a small percentage have venom that is harmful to humans. For instance, the black widow and the brown recluse possess medically significant venom. However, most spiders use their venom to subdue their prey rather than for defense against humans.

What is the largest spider species in the world?

The Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi) holds the title for the largest spider by mass and size, according to the Guinness World Records. Native to South America, this tarantula can have a leg span of up to 11 inches and weigh more than 6 ounces.

How do spiders differ from other arachnids?

Spiders are distinguished from other arachnids by their specialized structures. They have two body segments: a cephalothorax and an abdomen, eight legs, and spinnerets that produce silk. Unlike scorpions or ticks, spiders do not have a segmented tail or pincers, and they are the only arachnids that spin webs.

Can spiders be beneficial to the environment?

Spiders play a crucial role in ecosystems as both predators and prey. They help control insect populations, which can prevent the spread of disease and damage to crops and gardens. Their presence is an indicator of a healthy, balanced environment. Additionally, spider venom and silk have potential applications in medicine and materials science.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • A spider.
      By: Cathy Keifer
      A spider.
    • The Black Widow is a poisonous spider species.
      By: peter_waters
      The Black Widow is a poisonous spider species.
    • The tarantula is a spider that has been known to live as long as 25 years in captivity.
      By: Sebastian Duda
      The tarantula is a spider that has been known to live as long as 25 years in captivity.