Hobbies And Interests
Sheet-Web Weavers
When fully grown, sheet-web weavers are typically less than one-eighth of an inch in length. These are perhaps the most populous spiders in Ohio, but they often go unnoticed due to their unobtrusive nature. They are able to spin multiple types of webs -- either a flat sheet or one in the shape of a dome or bowl. Sometimes these spiders spin an additional non-sticky kink of thread above their webs into which prey fly. This knocks the prey askew, causing it to fall into the web where it gets stuck.
Crab Spiders
Most crab spiders grow to be no larger than .4 inches in length. Their name is derived from their unique appearance, with longer front legs than back legs, and shuffling sideways like a crab. Crab spiders hunt for prey using their front legs rather than spinning webs. They camouflage themselves among tree bark or leaves and use their motion-sensitive eyes to detect prey to ensnare.
Jumping Spiders
Jumping spiders do not spin webs to capture their prey. Rather, they make use of their small, solid bodies and strong legs to leap on and seize prey. Though they only grow to be about one-eighth of an inch long, this does not limit their jumping potential; the distance these spiders can leap is many times greater than their body length, using a silk line for guidance in case they land off target. Their large eyes and superb vision also aid in their hunting.
Sac Spiders
Adult sac spiders may be up to .4 inches in length, with two rows of four eyes each. Instead of spinning webs to catch prey, these spiders chase their prey down and are sometimes justifiably referred to as running spiders. The name sac spider, though, comes from its unique web, shaped like a sac and usually concealed within a corner of a home or among logs outdoors. The nocturnal sac spider hunts at night and uses its sac web purely as a daytime retreat.