The Spider
Watch the busy spider,
He's helpful as can be,
Eating insects all day long
Now they won't bite me.
Author Unknown
artificially produce this silk, making arthropods the only
organism in the world that can (Cookson and Krafft, 2012).
Almost all insects produce some sort of silk protein. For
instance, worker ants have been known to sew leaves
together with silk containing larvae. The construction of
a web can be highly complex and sophisticated which is a
reason why web building is very important to the survival
of the spider. By building this three dimensional structure
the spider is able to manipulate its environment similar to
an architect constructing a suspension bridge over a body of
water.
These adaptations are highly complex behaviors not
always taken into consideration when observing these truly
amazing creatures. Spiders may be a lot different than other
organisms in terms of look and appeal, but none-the-less
are just as important to the overall health of the planet and
humans.
Spiders are an important part of the ecosystem
preying on the occasional bird or mammal and all insects
common around houses. Their contribution to controlling
insect populations in residential and natural areas is a key
ingredient to the health of Kiawah’s fragile ecosystems. n
Works Cited:
Krafft, B., Cookson, L. 2012. The Role of Silk in the Behavior and Sociality
of Spiders, Article ID 529564, 25 pages.
Upadhyay, R. et al, 2011. A Review on Spider Toxins a Useful Source of
Pharmacological Peptides, Journal of Pharmacy Research , 4(4), 1169-1172.
Photographs courtesy of Pamela Cohen
presents
Conservation Matters
Conservation Matters is a free series of
programs and presentations held monthly by the
Kiawah Conservancy. Past programs have included
hands on experiences from the South Carolina
Aquarium and The Center for Birds of Prey and
presentations from local and regional speakers about
a range of topics including: native landscaping,
diamondback terrapins, alligators, dolphins and sea
turtles just to name a few. Bird tours and property
field trips are also offered occasionally throughout the
year.
For a listing of upcoming presentations,
programs and field trips, visit us online at www.
kiawahconservancy.org or call 843-768-2029.
For last minute announcements “Like” the
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for monthly announcements and to learn more
about how the Kiawah Conservancy is working to
protect