Be Kind to Spiders Week is observed annually from April 1 to April 7. The purpose of this week is to give us the opportunity to intentionally show kindness to these eight-legged creatures. Spiders have been on the receiving end of bad publicity for eons, yet they have positively impacted agriculture and pest control. Unlike what most people believe, very few spiders are actually poisonous. In fact, scientists have begun carrying out research on how to use spider venom in the treatment of epilepsy, stroke, and pain. Perhaps it is time we actually gave these arachnids an opportunity to thrive.
History of Be Kind to Spiders Week
Be Kind to Spiders Week is a time for befriending these arachnids that have been feared and despised for centuries. The word ‘spider’ is derived from the Proto-Germanic word ‘spin-pron,’ literally meaning ‘spinner,’ in reference to the way spiders make their webs. Spiders can be found on all continents except Antarctica and are present in almost every land habitat. As of 2021, around 49,623 species of spiders had been recorded by taxonomists.
Spiders belong to a class of arthropods that also includes creatures like ticks, mites, and scorpions. They have eight walking legs; their bodies are split into two main parts: the cephalothorax and the abdomen. The cephalothorax is made up of the head and thorax. Usually, spiders have eight eyes, though some have six or fewer. Despite this number, most spiders have poor eyesight and rely on other senses for survival. The ones that do see clearly, like the jumping spider, can see more colors than humans can.
All spiders have varying degrees of venom; there are only a few that are poisonous to humans. Interestingly, spiders are useful to the environment. They control the population of insects that would otherwise destroy crops. Additionally, they also help in disease prevention by eliminating some disease-carrying pests. Most spiders are carnivorous, and consume insects and flies by hunting them down or trapping them in their webs. Some spiders don’t build webs but merely hunt for their prey. They inject their kill with digestive fluids and then suck out the liquefied insides. Most spiders have an average lifespan of two years, though some live up to twenty years in captivity.
Be Kind to Spiders Week timeline
Spider webs are used to treat minor ailments such as fevers and flesh wounds.
Marvel Comics publishes "Spider-Man."
The first antidote for the poisonous venom of the brown recluse spider is discovered at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, U.S.
A jumping spider of the Phidippus johnsoni species becomes the first spider to get to the International Space Station, where it spends 100 days.
Be Kind to Spiders Week FAQs
What are the most poisonous spiders?
The Brown Recluse and the Black Widow spiders are the most poisonous to humans.
What are spiders most afraid of?
Spiders are most afraid of natural predators, that is, humans and other animals.
Do spiders lay eggs?
Yes, spiders lay eggs.
Be Kind to Spiders Week Activities
Be kind to spiders
They might look scary but not all spiders are poisonous. So next time you catch a spider in your home, resist the urge to squash it if it’s not a dangerous one.
Learn about classes of spiders
Today is a good opportunity to learn about classes of spiders. Learn how to differentiate the poisonous ones from the harmless ones.
Spread the word on social media
Tell others about Be Kind to Spiders Week by posting about it on social media. Be sure to include the hashtag #bekindtospiders for more visibility.
5 Common Spider Species
Crab spiders
Patient enough to wait weeks for their prey, crab spiders use their legs for hunting as they don’t make webs.
Wolf spiders
Usually found above the ground or underground, wolf spiders are large and hairy prey hunters.
Jumping spiders
As their name suggests, jumping spiders are known for being able to jump with extreme agility while hunting.
Sac spiders
Sac spiders are most often found in piles of leaves, wood, or timber and in gardens.
Ground spiders
Usually red or gray-brown in color, ground spiders can often be found under rocks, leaves, and logs.
Why We Love Be Kind to Spiders Week
It is a learning opportunity
Spiders need no extra P.R. because their reputation precedes them. However, most people might not be aware of the little facts about spiders, such as what they eat and how they breathe. This week is a good opportunity to learn such interesting facts.
It promotes kindness
This week reminds us that spiders are living beings too. Therefore, cruelty to them should not be tolerated.
Spiders are important
Spiders make meaningful contributions to the environment. They control pest populations and prevent the onset of some diseases by eliminating disease-carrying pests.
Be Kind to Spiders Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 1 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | April 1 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | April 1 | Thursday |
| 2028 | April 1 | Saturday |
| 2029 | April 1 | Sunday |
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