Spiders might give some people the creeps, but they’re ecological superheroes in disguise. As natural pest controllers, they help keep insect populations in check, especially mosquitoes, flies, and crop-damaging bugs. Without spiders, ecosystems (and even agriculture) would be overwhelmed by pests.
They’re also marvels of engineering. Spiders spin silk that’s stronger than steel by weight, using it to build intricate webs, wrap prey, or even glide through the air. With over 53,000 known species worldwide, spiders come in all shapes and sizes from the tiny jumping spider to the massive tarantula. And while some are venomous, very few pose any danger to humans.
This edition of World-Wide Q&A celebrates spiders as silent guardians of balance. Whether weaving webs in your garden or hiding in forest leaf litter, they remind us that beauty and usefulness often come with eight legs and a little mystery.