Spider behavior Spider behavior Spider behavior refers to the range of behaviors and activities performed by spiders. Spiders are air-breathing arthropods that have eight legs and chelicerae with fangs that inject venom. They are the largest order of arachnids and rank seventh in total species diversity among all other groups of organisms which is reflected in their large diversity of behavior. Almost all known spider species are predators, mostly preying on insects and on other spiders, although a few species also take vertebrates such as frogs, lizards, fish, and even birds and bats. Spiders' guts are too narrow to take solids, and
Stinger receiving the venom. Spiders only bite, although some tarantulas have urticating hairs. Certain caterpillars also have urticating hairs. Organs that perform similar functions in non-arthropods are often referred to as "stings". These organs include the modified dermal denticle of the stingray, the venomous spurs on the hind legs of the male platypus, and the cnidocyte tentacles of the jellyfish. The term "sting" was historically often used for the fang of a snake, although this usage is uncommon today. Snakes are said, correctly, to bite, not sting. Stinger A stinger, or sting, is a sharp organ found in various animals (typically