Spiders

Question 1

What is the Great Fox-Spider?

Answer 1

A critically endangered spider species found on sandy heathlands in southern England. Rediscovered in 2020 after being thought extinct.

Scientific name: Alopecosa fabrilis.

Question 2

Where is the Fen Raft Spider found?

Answer 2

In specific wetlands in England and Wales.

Scientific name: Dolomedes plantarius. It is a large semi-aquatic spider protected under UK conservation laws.

Question 3

What distinguishes the Ladybird Spider?

Answer 3

It has a bright red abdomen with black spots and is extremely rare, found only in a few locations in southern England.

Scientific name: Eresus sandaliatus.

Question 4

What is the habitat requirement for the Silky Gallows Spider?

Answer 4

It depends on very specific environmental conditions and is found in some heathland areas of the UK.

Scientific name: Dipoena torva.

Question 5

True or False: Many spiders in Britain are also found elsewhere in Europe.

Answer 5

True

The text highlights unique or localized species requiring specific habitats found only in Great Britain.

Question 6

What is the significance of conservation efforts for spider species in Great Britain?

Answer 6

They are vital for preserving unique or rare species like the Great Fox-Spider and Ladybird Spider.

Conservation efforts help maintain biodiversity and protect species that may be at risk of extinction.

Question 7

What is the largest spider species in the world by size?

Answer 7

Goliath birdeater (Theraphosa blondi)

Question 8

What spider has the strongest silk relative to its size?

Answer 8

Darwin’s bark spider (Caerostris darwini)

Question 9

What is the most venomous spider in the world?

Answer 9

Brazilian wandering spider (Phoneutria species)

Question 10

What spider is known for its bright red abdomen with black spots?

Answer 10

Ladybird spider (Eresus sandaliatus)

Question 11

Which spider species is famous for its golden silk?

Answer 11

Golden orb-weaver (Nephila species)

Question 12

What is the common name for Latrodectus mactans?

Answer 12

Black widow spider

Question 13

Which spider mimics ants to avoid predators?

Answer 13

Ant-mimicking spider (Myrmarachne species)

Question 14

What spider is known for building trapdoors to ambush prey?

Answer 14

Trapdoor spider (Ctenizidae family)

Question 15

What is the scientific name for the tarantula?

Answer 15

Theraphosidae (family)

Question 16

Which spider species was rediscovered in the UK in 2020 after being thought extinct?

Answer 16

Great fox-spider (Alopecosa fabrilis)

Question 17

What spider is famous for its “peacock-like” display to attract mates?

Answer 17

Peacock spider (Maratus species)

Question 18

Which spider is often found in bananas and has highly toxic venom?

Answer 18

Brazilian wandering spider (Phoneutria)

Question 19

What spider is known for diving underwater to hunt?

Answer 19

Diving bell spider (Argyroneta aquatica)

Question 20

Which spider is known for its unique “spitting” hunting technique?

Answer 20

Spitting spider (Scytodidae family)

Question 21

What is the world’s smallest spider?

Answer 21

Patu digua, found in Colombia

Question 22

Which spider’s bite can cause necrotic skin lesions in humans?

Answer 22

Brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa)

Question 23

What is the only spider species that primarily feeds on plant matter?

Answer 23

Bagheera kiplingi

Question 24

Which spider species can glide through the air?

Answer 24

Flattie spiders (Selenopidae family)

Question 25

What spider can mimic bird droppings for camouflage?

Answer 25

Bird-dropping spider (Celaenia species)

Question 26

What spider uses its silk to create a “lasso” to catch prey?

Answer 26

Bolas spider (Mastophora species)

Question 27

Which spider’s silk is used to build webs strong enough to catch bats?

Answer 27

Golden orb-weaver (Nephila species)

Question 28

What spider has translucent skin that makes its internal organs visible?

Answer 28

Glass spider (Hyalinobatrachium species)

Question 29

Which spider is endemic to Madagascar and creates massive webs across rivers?

Answer 29

Darwin’s bark spider (Caerostris darwini)

Question 30

What spider species has iridescent blue legs?

Answer 30

Cobalt blue tarantula (Cyriopagopus lividus)

Question 31

Which spider is known for its heart-shaped abdomen marking?

Answer 31

Hawaiian happy-face spider (Theridion grallator)

Question 32

What spider species was sent to space to observe web-building in microgravity?

Answer 32

Common orb-weaver (Araneus diadematus)

Question 33

Which spider spins webs shaped like a funnel?

Answer 33

Funnel-web spider (Atrax robustus)

Question 34

What is the scientific name of the wolf spider?

Answer 34

Lycosidae (family)

Question 35

Which spider uses reflective eyes to see in near-total darkness?

Answer 35

Jumping spider (Salticidae family)

Question 36

What spider is known for its unusually long legs compared to its body?

Answer 36

Daddy longlegs spider (Pholcus phalangioides)