Save a Spider Day is celebrated on March 14 annually in the U.S. in part to reduce arachnophobia, a fear of spiders, and to conserve spiders. People are usually afraid of spiders, mostly due to their bites which are considered deadly. Although most of the fear is largely unfounded and exaggerated, spiders are incredibly useful to humans as they work as effective pest control among other things. On this day, we look at the many reasons why we should rather trap a spider in a jar and take it outside than kill it. Let us spin webs about spiders and why they should be saved.
History of Save a Spider Day
The history of Save A Spider Day, as well as the organization or individual who created it, is still being researched. Natural-resource organizations or biologists may have instituted this National Save A Spider Day in response to the growing recognition of spiders’ significance in both the environment and the daily lives of humans.
In the opinion of specialists, spiders perform a very vital function in maintaining the balance of nature’s ecosystem. Spiders, together with other species such as birds and ants, have a substantial impact on the reduction of insect populations. The world’s natural ecology would be severely out of balance if they didn’t exist. Cobweb spiders and cellar spiders are the two most prevalent types of spiders that have been discovered to invade our homes, according to scientific research. They are quite common inhabitants of the indoor ecosystem, and they can improve the living conditions of our living areas.
This is because spiders prefer to hide in dark places while waiting for their victim. The pests they trap and devour include annoying pests such as cockroaches and pincer ants, as well as disease-transmitting insects such as mosquitoes and flies. Sometimes the spiders work together to kill the toxic spiders, although this is not always the case. Among other things, our good friend the basement spider is well-known for killing dangerous black widow spiders.
Save a Spider Day timeline
The first spider is reported as a species.
Spiders — as we know them today — appear at this time as they evolve from their ancestors.
Dan Babbit from The Smithsonian Museum works with spiders and comes to appreciate their uniqueness.
Mark Bushell and his team of spiders go on to successfully reproduce and bring back 25 spiders from Madeira.
Save a Spider Day FAQs
Are spiders friendly?
No, they are not. Spiders often are isolated and do not intentionally seek the company of humans if they enter their homes.
Can a spider be tamed?
Spiders can be tamed including tarantulas which is why you can see them as pets.
Do Spiders live on every continent?
Except for Antarctica, spiders can be found on every other continent.
How to Observe Save a Spider Day
Save a spider
When you see a spider, you can save one instead of killing them. You can put the spider in a jar and then release it back into the wild.
Learn about spiders
On this day, you can learn about the behavior of spiders and learn about their habits. You can also study the difference between poisonous and non-poisonous species of spiders.
Watch Spider-Man
You can watch your favorite superhero bitten by a radioactive spider, Spider-Man. Watching Spider-Man can add to the interest of others so that they are not as afraid.
5 Interesting Facts About Spiders
Arachnophobia is common
This is the fear of spiders and is the third most common phobia in the U.S.
Only a few are dangerous
Most spiders do not have venom dangerous enough to the average-sized human.
A symbol of good luck
Many cultures such as Greek, Roman, Scottish, and American Indian cultures consider spiders to be a symbol of good luck.
They produce silk
Spiders produce silk that researchers use to test its strength and elasticity to see how it can be employed in several ways.
Spiders have gone to Space
Researchers have sent spiders to space to study the effects of zero gravity on their skill to spin their webs.
Why Save a Spider Day is Important
Spiders are Important Predators
Spiders eat insects wherever they are situated —inside or outside the house— which reduces the number of insects around. They keep the number of pests under control reducing the diseases that are being spread and fewer insects bothering humans.
Spiders produce silk
All spiders produce silk which is one of the strongest materials that have been discovered. The tensile strength of high-grade alloy steel.
Spiders are sensitive
Spiders have poor eyesight but they have sensitive legs. These legs have tiny hairs which help them detect scents, help them find food, find potential mates, and sense vibrations.
Save a Spider Day dates
Year | Date | Day |
---|---|---|
2025 | March 14 | Friday |
2026 | March 14 | Saturday |
2027 | March 14 | Sunday |
2028 | March 14 | Tuesday |
2029 | March 14 | Wednesday |