Spider quiz: Test your web of knowledge

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Are you an arach-nerd or just tangled? Take our spider quiz to find out!

Macrophotography of jumping spider.
There are around 50,000 spider species on Earth. (Image credit: Nguyễn Thảnh / 500px via Getty Images)

Spiders: they're creepy, they're crawly and they’re undeniably fascinating. With around 50,000 known species worldwide, spiders have adapted to nearly every environment on Earth; we're talking deserts, caves, rainforests and even underwater. Whether they send a shiver down your spine or make your senses tingle, there's more to these eight-legged enigmas than meets the eye.

As scary as they can appear — often starring in horror movies and our nightmares — most spiders tend to avoid humans and would much rather scurry away than attack. In fact, spiders are some of nature's most skilled engineers, survivalists and hunters. From questionable courtship rituals to elite hunting strategies, we can't help but be amazed by these adaptable arthropods.

So, are you a true arach-nerd or will you get caught in a web of lies? Brave this quiz to test your spider smarts, if you dare.

Question 1
What are baby spiders called?
Use Hint
Larvae
Pupae
Spiderlings
Squiggs
Question 2
Which of the following is not a real spider species?
Use Hint
Sparklemuffin peacock spider
Eyebrowed jumper spider
Angelina Jolie trapdoor spider
Odd-eyed sand spider
Question 3
Which spider has the largest leg span?
Use Hint
Camel spider
Giant huntsman spider
Goliath birdeater spider
Shelob spider
Question 4
Where did the spiders from the 1990 film "Arachnophobia" come from?
Use Hint
Venezuela
Brazil
Chile
Peru
Question 5
What is the primary purpose of spider venom?
Use Hint
To defend against predators
To paralyze and begin digesting prey
To mark their territory
To make food taste better
Question 6
What is the deadliest spider in the world to humans?
Use Hint
Black widow spider
Brown recluse spider
Huntsman spider
Sydney funnel-web spider
Question 7
Phoneutria nigriventer venom has an unusual effect on some humans. What does it do?
Use Hint
Causes them to lactate
Causes an erection that lasts for hours
Makes them lose control of their bladder
Causes uncontrollable flatulence
Question 8
What color is spider blood?
Use Hint
Red
Blue
Purple
Yellow
Question 9
Why do spiders molt?
Use Hint
To grow a larger exoskeleton
To get rid of parasites
Because they are ill
To create a decoy
Question 10
The male sparklemuffin peacock spider has a very sexy mating ritual, what is it??
Use Hint
Drum a hypnotic and rhythmic beat
Stroke the female spider's legs like a massage
Flashing iridescent scales whilst performing a seductive dance
Woo a potential mate by building an elaborate nest
Question 11
How does the male Asian hermit spider avoid being gobbled up after mating?
Use Hint
It brings a snack offering
Wraps the female up in web so it can't move
Knocks the female spider unconscious with its venom
Detaches and ejects its own penis
Question 12
What helps a spider to walk on walls and ceilings?
Use Hint
Electrostatic charge
Hooked claws and fine hairs
Sticky pads on their feet
They're very strong for their size
Question 13
Spider silk is five times as strong as the same weight of…
Use Hint
Diamond
Human hair
Kevlar
Steel
Question 14
Spiders spin many different web shapes. Which of the following is a real type of spider web?
Use Hint
Mesh web
Orb web
Spiral web
Vortex web
Question 15
What is unique about the Bagheera kiplingi spider species?
Use Hint
They have no eyes
They have 10 legs
They're predominantly vegetarian
They don't produce venom
Question 16
How does the diving bell spider survive underwater for hours?
Use Hint
It has gills
It can hold its breath for a long time
It fills its web with air bubbles
It doesn't
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Christina Hughes
Christina Hughes

Christina is a freelancer writer and editor from the UK. She has a degree in English Language and Literature with geography from the University of Keele, and a Masters in Publishing from Anglia Ruskin University. She covers everything from Lego sets and science kits through to laptops for students. If it helps you learn, she'll help you find it for cheaper.