Did you know that spiders roamed the earth before dinosaurs or that scientists currently study spider silk to develop high-performance synthetic fibers?
Experience Fernbank’s Spiders – From Fear to Fascination exhibit now through May 5, 2024, where these misunderstood arachnids will amaze you.
“This spider exhibit is transformational,” said Dr. Linda S. Rayor, Senior Lecturer and Senior Research Associate, Department of Entomology, Cornell University. “It’s so interactive with gorgeous models, live spiders and dioramas.” Rayor served as a primary content expert and provided live specimens from her lab.
Come see more than 250 live and preserved spider specimens, including a live black widow, brown recluse, tarantulas, huntsman and more.
“It’s impressive because they have a lot of variety of actual live spiders that aren’t local to here,” said guest Ashley Churchwell.
Case in point, check out the Mexican Golden Red Rump Tarantula, one of the 10 tarantulas on display, and the silk she’s likely spinning.
“She so pretty and looks like black velvet,” said Sarah Arnold, Fernbank’s Director of Education. “She’s also busy! Spiders have multiple types of glands to produce silk for lining their burrows, for safety, for laying egg sacks – for just about everything.” Many spiders make webs to capture prey, but tarantulas don’t.
According to Arnold, the exhibit is laid out in three main areas: anatomy, evolutionary history and diverse habitats; growth and reproduction; importance to people. Within them, guests of all ages can explore touchscreen interactives, examine specimens and macro sculptures and play games.
For example, use the family tree touchscreen to explore 48,000+ species from around the world or view specimens organized by males on the left females on the right to look for differences.
“Males have longer legs and smaller bodies,” Arnold said. Females also have larger abdomens.
Spiders can be found everywhere, except Antarctica, but some of their habitats may surprise you.
“I like having a fishing spider on display,” Arnold said. “They can live directly next to a body of water. This spider can stride across the water and dive.”
Play a game to learn about spider anatomy and behavior.
“One really fun interactive in the growth and reproduction section has two people side-by-side following instructions from a peacock spider to compete in a courtship dance off,” Arnold said.
Towards the end of the exhibit be sure to watch scientist videos discussing spider-related advancements that benefit humans.
“There is so much interest right now in using spider venoms as a model for drug use in humans, “ Dr. Rayor said. “for controlling pain in non-addictive ways, beta-blockers for heart arrhythmia [irregular heart beat] and neurological issues.”
There’s also interest in the biotechnology of spider silk, the strongest biopolymer known, to produce protective military vests that prevent bullet penetration, per Rayor. Adding, “Spiders are really interesting and important and for some reason have a bad rap!”
“This exhibit has changed my attitude about spiders, 100 percent,” Arnold said. “The fact that less than 1% are actually dangerous for people, now I actually want to get a pet jumping spider or tarantula.”
Arnold’s top three exhibit must do’s: check out the larger than life macrosculptures (especially the spinnerets), do the peacock spider mating dance and see all the live spiders.
