Spiders are diverse arthropods that have successfully colonized nearly every corner of the Earth. Their remarkable adaptability allows them to thrive in a wide array of environments, from arid deserts to humid rainforests, and even within human dwellings.
Spiders Across the Globe
Spiders are found on every continent except Antarctica, adapting to varied climates and ecological niches. With over 53,000 recorded species in 136 families, their presence spans nearly all terrestrial biomes, including dense forests, vast grasslands, towering mountains, and bustling urban areas.
Diverse Spider Homes
Spiders inhabit a variety of environments and micro-habitats. Many species reside within human structures. Common indoor habitats include room corners, basements, attics, sheds, and garages. These spaces offer shelter and access to prey for species like common house spiders.
Outdoors, spiders populate terrestrial settings. Gardens, forests, deserts, and grasslands are common locales where spiders can be found under rocks, within leaf litter, or on plants and trees. Orb-weavers, for example, construct their webs in gardens and among foliage, while burrowing spiders, such as tarantulas, create homes in the soil of deserts and savannas. Jumping spiders frequently hunt on the leaves and stems of plants.
Some spiders have adapted to specialized habitats. Aquatic spiders, including fishing spiders and the diving bell spider, live near or under the water’s surface in ponds, streams, and other freshwater bodies. The diving bell spider, Argyroneta aquatica, constructs a silk web underwater, which it inflates with air to create a submerged living space. Other species can be found in high-altitude environments or within specific plant structures.
Factors Shaping Spider Habitats
The choice of habitat for spiders is influenced by several ecological and environmental factors. A primary determinant is the availability of prey, such as insects and other arthropods. Spiders often select locations where prey is abundant.
Shelter and protection from predators, harsh weather conditions, and human disturbance are also important. Many spiders seek out secluded spots, such as crevices, dense vegetation, or burrows. Climate and temperature play a role, as different spider species have specific temperature and humidity tolerances. For instance, some desert spiders survive in very dry conditions, while others thrive in humid forest environments.
Structural support is important for web-building species. The availability of anchor points for their silk webs, whether branches, walls, or human-made structures, dictates where these spiders can build their webs. Habitat heterogeneity also influences spider diversity and distribution by providing varied microclimates and resources.