Spider Season: A Time for Learning

As September ushers in the peak of spider season, with arachnids making their presence felt in homes across the country, experts are seizing the opportunity to dispel common fears surrounding these often-misunderstood creatures. The Leeds Discovery Centre has curated an exhibition that aims to shed light on the diverse world of spiders, both local and exotic.

The exhibition showcases an impressive array of specimens, including a large West Indian spider discovered in 1955 and several huntsman spiders found nesting in imported bananas. However, it also highlights more familiar species such as the house spider, woodlouse spider, and various orb-weavers native to the UK. This juxtaposition of the exotic and the everyday serves to illustrate the rich biodiversity of arachnids.

Clare Brown, curator of natural sciences at Leeds Museums and Galleries, emphasizes the ecological importance of spiders. She points out their role as "remarkably efficient pest controllers," eliminating potentially harmful insects like mosquitoes and house flies. Brown also explains that the increased spider activity observed during autumn months is primarily due to male spiders venturing out in search of mates.

The exhibition not only aims to educate but also to foster a more positive perception of spiders. By understanding their behavior and ecological role, the curators hope to transform fear into fascination, encouraging a more harmonious coexistence between humans and these eight-legged arthropods.