The spiders among us
This is the time of year when populations of a number of predators seem to peak, including spiders.
There are over 600 species of spiders found in Ohio. Only three, the black widow spider (Lactrodectus mactans) and two “fiddle-backed” spiders, the brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) and the brown spider (L. rufescens), are considered dangerous. Readers should remember that all spiders are predators, and all species in Ohio feed primarily on insects. Beyond their beneficial status, spiders are also fascinating creatures that exhibit a wide range of beautiful color patterns and some spectacular engineering feats.
Some of the interesting spiders currently being seen include the funnel or sheet web spiders (family Agelenidae) and the orb weavers (family Araneidae). The funnel and sheet web spiders produce large, flat, sheet-like webs across grass, under rocks or boards, or over the branches of shrubs such as yews and junipers. These webs are made more evident when covered with morning dew. The funnel weavers include a funnel-shaped tube in their web construction. On shrubs, the tube leads down into the plant material and serves as a place of concealment for the spider. When the spider senses vibrations from a trapped victim, it darts out, grabs the prey, injects a toxin, then carries the quarry back into the tube. The sheet web spiders await the entanglement of their food by standing upright on the surface of the web or by hanging upside down on the underside of the web, depending upon the spider species.
The weavers spin orb shaped webs and they are the master engineers of the spider world. Two Ohio species are remarkable for both their web spinning ability and their colors. The marbled orb weaver (Araneus marmoreus) is a rotund, medium-sized, conspicuously marked spider that may be found in tall grasses or on buildings. Its legs are bright orangish-red with white bands and the bulbous abdomen has a marbled pattern of brown or purple on a field of orange or yellow. This beautiful spider is found at the edge of its large, spiraling web at night. In the morning, it consumes its web and hides until nightfall. In the early evening hours, it spins a new web.
The garden spider (Argiope aurantia), another orb weaver, is a large spider with a leg span that can exceed two inches. The legs are black with reddish or yellow bands. The mostly black abdomen is conspicuously marked with yellow or yellowish-orange spots and bands. This spider is active during the day and usually spins its web in tall weeds. The spider can be found resting in the middle of the web atop a zig-zag pattern of coarse webbing that reflects ultra-violet light and attracts insects.
Although there are several insecticides labeled for spider control, this is not a recommended practice. Spiders are important in reducing insect pest populations. Homeowners are urged to practice restraint, appreciation, and understanding. Aside from providing free Halloween decorations, spiders also provide a great service by reducing the need for controlling more significant pests.
PUMPKIN HISTORY, Traditions and more!!!!
Every October, carved pumpkins peer out from porches and doorsteps in the United States and other parts of the world. Gourd-like orange fruits inscribed with ghoulish faces and illuminated by candles are a sure sign of the Halloween season. The practice of decorating “jack-o’-lanterns”—the name comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack—originated in Ireland, where large turnips and potatoes served as an early canvas. Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, home of the pumpkin, and it became an integral part of Halloween festivities.
The OSU Extension Office Update is compiled by Connie Smith, program assistant and Master Gardener coordinator with the Ohio State University Extension Office in Fairfield County.