Identification
• Spiders are quite variable, but are different than insects by having 8 legs, no antennae, and only 2 body regions. Some species build webs to trap prey, some wait in ambush, others actively hunt for their next meal.

Host range
• Spiders feed on a variety of insects, both beneficial and pest species, but many avoid wasps, ants, and beetles. Potential pests likely make up a large part of their diets.

Life cycle
• Spider life is extremely variable. Web builders generally produce egg masses during the fall that overwinter and hatch in the spring. Some hunting spiders may carry the egg mass with them until the spiderlings hatch.

Other information
• Although much maligned, spiders should be a welcome addition to any agricultural setting. They are almost exclusively insectivorous. Only a few species (black widow and brown recluse) are dangerous.