spinne

Spinne is the German word for spider, an arachnid in the order Araneae. Spiders occur in virtually every terrestrial habitat, from deserts and mountains to forests, wetlands, and human dwellings. They vary widely in size, color, and behavior, but share common features such as eight legs, a two-part body, and silk production.

Anatomy and silk: Spiders typically have two main body segments—the prosoma (cephalothorax) and the opisthosoma (abdomen). They possess between six and eight simple eyes, and mouthparts adapted for predation. Most species produce silk from spinnerets located at the rear of the abdomen. Silk serves multiple purposes, including building webs, lining burrows, wrapping prey, creating egg sacs, and enabling safety lines for movement.

Webs and hunting: Many spiders construct webs to capture prey, with orb-weavers forming circular structures, while others use sheet, funnel, or cobweb designs. Other species are wandering hunters that rely on stealth, speed, or powerful vision to catch prey. Silk also aids in dispersal through ballooning and provides protection for eggs and young.

Diet and venom: Spiders primarily feed on insects and other small arthropods. They immobilize prey with venom and/or constricting silk. Venom potency varies among species, but most spiders are harmless to humans; a few can cause painful bites and allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

Reproduction and life cycle: Mating often involves species-specific courtship behavior. Females lay eggs in silk sacs, which may be guarded or hidden. Spiderlings hatch after a period of incubation and undergo several molts before reaching maturity.

Ecology and human relevance: Spiders play a key ecological role as predators of pests and as part of biodiversity. While encounters can be unsettling, they are generally beneficial and only rarely pose medical risks to people.