Crossword Puzzles
Most spiders are beneficial
Spiders make up the largest group of arachnids. Despite the handful of poisonous species, many spiders are harmless contrary to fears and beliefs. Although the mere presence of spiders and their webs can be a nuisance, they subsequently are beneficial because they prefer to feed on harmful insects (such as flies) and mites.
Spiders are often called insects or “bugs,” but they are actually quite different and the distinction between the two and among common species should be known. Some examples of different types of spiders include: the black widow, brown recluse, sac spiders, tarantulas, jumping spiders, wolf spiders, and orbweavers.
In this booklet are a variety of exercises designed to help educate your students about spiders and ways they may be beneficial or harmful.