A spider is a small, eight legged invertebrate closely related to scorpions, mites and ticks. They are an ancient order with fossils dating back over 400 million years. All spiders are divided into two body parts; the head area or cephalothorax onto which the legs are connected and the abdomen. They have no jaws so all of their food must be in a liquid form. All spiders have fangs and most possess poison glands which are used in capturing other animals for food. There are two basic types of fang. The most primitive strike vertically downwards such as seen in funnel-webs and tarantulas. The more advanced form close towards each other like a pair of pincers. Huntsman spiders and red-backs are examples of the latter. All spiders can also produce various types of silk, which is used to provide shelter, catch prey and protect eggs and baby spiders.
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Australian Spiders
