The fascinating world of spiders

Writer: Dr Anina Lee.

I like spiders. I especially like jumping spiders (Salticidae) because they are so cute, with many beady eyes and a whole lot of attitude. That they are way too small to sink a fang into me helps a lot too. They are always welcome in my kitchen where they jump on any flies that dare to enter.

Children often enjoy keeping spiders as pets. PHOTO: PetAssure

I am more ambivalent about rain spiders. I know they seldom bite and are not particularly venomous. I’m quite chuffed when one appears from behind a picture on the wall because I know that no mosquito will plague me while this spider guards my bedroom.

But the same spider on the ceiling above my bed is a different matter. What if it should jump or fall down onto my face in the night?

Rain spider. PHOTO: Wikimedia Commons

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