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Introduction: Garden Spiders as Common Sight
Garden spiders are a common sight in many backyards, parks, and gardens around the world. These arachnids are known for their intricate webs and distinctive markings, making them easy to spot among the foliage. Despite their intimidating appearance, garden spiders are harmless to humans and play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling the population of other garden insects. In this article, we will explore the habitat of garden spiders and provide tips on how to identify and study these fascinating creatures.
The Natural History of Garden Spiders
Garden spiders, also known as orb-weavers, belong to the family Araneidae. There are over 3,000 species of orb-weavers worldwide, with many found in North America. These spiders are known for their circular webs, which they use to catch flying insects such as flies, moths, and mosquitoes. Garden spiders are also known for their brightly colored markings, which vary from species to species. The female garden spider is typically larger than the male and can lay hundreds of eggs in a single sac, which she guards until they hatch. Garden spiders can live for up to a year, depending on the species and environmental factors.