'Spiders Alive' an Important Insect of Our Ecosystem

Spiders Alive! At The American Museum of Natural History

• By Dave Giancaspro

Image Courtesy of The American Museum of Natural History

Spiders: love them or hate them, they are an important part of our ecosystem by helping to keep the insect population in check. It is estimated that the spiders in 1 acre of woodlands consume 80 pounds of insects a year. Spiders come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and an estimated 43,000 species of spiders exist. They have taken up residence on every continent except Antarctica and survive in climates ranging from deserts to rain forests.
They are truly remarkable creatures and The American Museum of Natural History in New York City want you and your kids to experience them up close and personal. “Spiders Alive! represents a new type of exhibition for the Museum,” said Norman Platnick, curator emeritus in the Division of Invertebrate Zoology and curator of Spiders Alive! Most exhibits are made up mainly of preserved specimens, of which the AMNH has the largest collection of spiders in the world. Spiders Alive! will feature over 20 live arachnids, including scorpions and orb weavers. Visitors will be able to interact with museum staff and volunteers during live demonstrations that will highlight the fascinating features and characteristics of the different arachnids.
Along with the live specimens the exhibit will also feature a 40 foot model of the golden orb-web spider which weaves a golden web that can be as large as 3 feet in diameter. The exhibit also includes a rare 100 million year old spider fossilized in limestone.

Here is just a few of the spiders that will be on display:

• Trapdoor spider that ambush their prey from underground burrows.
• The fishing spider that senses vibrations in the water using its front legs.
• The Giant vinegaroon that emits a foul smell to ward off predators
• The Indian Ornamental, the Ivory Ornamental and the Metallica Tarantula, spiders as colorful as tropical birds.
• The Goliath Bird-Eating Spider which is possibly the largest spider in the world.

While spiders are usually the first thing that comes to mind when you hear arachnid, scorpions are also part of this amazing group of animals.
The Spiders! Alive exhibit will run until December 2, 2012, and visitors can purchase tickets online at the American Museum of Natural History Website. The entrances are timed in order to keep the crowds small which means you will have a chance to see some once in a lifetime spiders … ALIVE!

Source:  http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2012/08/spiders-alive-at-the-american-museum-of-natural/