9 nifty things to know about spiders
Here are nine little-known reasons why you should be fascinated rather than frightened of spiders.
Having recently completed her PhD on ecological impact on spiders, 听shares some of her favourite facts about these little wonders.
They have an under-appreciated artistic vision
They are great artists who love to make patterns in their webs (just like !)
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They make great fishing buddies
Spiders from the genus Dolomedes are able to catch and eat small fish.
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听
They love being snug
They really love making and sleeping in cute little silk tents.
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Some of them really just want to be Christmas decorations
The Arkys genus of spiders contains a range of very colourful and oddly shaped spiders that would look at home on any Christmas tree.
They love being close to their kids (literally)
Some mother spiders carry their babies around on their backs with them. Warning: closer inspection of this photo may result in a case of the heebie-jeebies.
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They love changing their outfits to match flowers
Crab spiders live in flowers and will often camouflage themselves in order to prey upon unsuspecting bees and other pollinators.
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Some go to great lengths to impress
These guys dance, drum and dress fabulously to impress the lady spiders. Peacock spiders are found all over Australia, they may only be small but each species has its own amazing display of colours and drumming pattern that the males use to attract mates.
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They can be great at mimicry
Like the ant mimic jumping spider,听Salticidae.
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Their idea of fancy dress can use a little work
The听Arkys curtulus听avoids detection from prey and predators alike with its unique camouflage resembling bird-droppings.
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Lizzy Lowe recently completed her PhD in the听听within the听.听
Follow her on听听and her听听to learn more about her research.