ämblike

ämblike is the Estonian word for spiders. Spiders are arachnids belonging to the order Araneae. They are characterized by having eight legs and two body segments: the cephalothorax and the abdomen. Spiders are found in almost every habitat on Earth, from deserts to rainforests, and from sea level to high altitudes.

Most spiders are predators, feeding on insects and other arthropods. They capture their prey using a variety of methods, including hunting, trapping in webs, or ambushing. Many spiders possess venom glands that are used to subdue their prey, and some species can inflict painful bites on humans. However, the vast majority of spider species are harmless to people.

Spiders are well-known for their ability to produce silk. This silk is used for a variety of purposes, including building webs for catching prey, creating egg sacs, lining burrows, and as a means of dispersal. Spider silk is a remarkably strong and versatile material, inspiring research into its potential applications in fields such as medicine and engineering.

The diversity of spiders is immense, with over 48,000 described species. They range in size from tiny, less than a millimeter long, to large tarantulas with leg spans of up to 30 centimeters. Their appearances also vary greatly, with different colors, patterns, and body shapes adapted to their specific environments and hunting strategies. In Estonian folklore and culture, spiders, like in many other cultures, are sometimes viewed with a mix of fear and respect, often associated with their weaving abilities.