Spiders explained by an entomologist for Halloween
The Mini Page interviews an entomologist to describe spiders. Spiders are arachnids with eight legs two body sections and venom glands. They differ from insects which have six legs three body sections wings and antennae. Venom paralyzes and digests prey, spiders eat liquids, and most spiders are not dangerous to humans though black widows and brown recluses are poisonous. If bitten seek medical help and preserve the spider for identification.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
America
Importance and strength of spider silk
Spiders eat billions of insects helping crops and human health by reducing pests. Silk is one of Earth's strongest materials and, while flexible, can be shaped. Spider silk starts liquid in glands, hardens in air, and passes through spinnerets to form varied threads and protective covers for egg sacs.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Earth
Spiders on the Web and at the Library
Resources on the web include bit.ly/MPspiders and bit.ly/MPspiders2. At the library the book Spiders: 101 Super Fun Facts and Amazing Pictures by Janet Evans is available for readers seeking arachnid facts and vivid images.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Janet Evans
Endangered butterflies face threats from habitat loss and warming
Butterflies, in their caterpillar stage, rely on specific leaves and habitats. Habitat disturbance and global warming threaten survival as temperatures rise and food sources vanish. The Mini Page credits Jim Kalisch of the University of Nebraska Lincoln for help with this issue.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jim Kalisch
Department of Entomology
University of Nebraska Lincoln
Also Mentioned on This Page
Black Widow
Omo
Buffalo Burgers
Sally
Seth
Eco Note
WWE Am
Facebook
MiniPageBooks.com
Andrews McMeel Universal
MiniPage Books
Walnut
Kansas City
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