SPIDERS - Primitive Spiders
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Spiders are classified in the Order Aranae, which is divided into two groups: the "primitive" spiders and the "advanced" spiders. The major distinction between the two groups is the way their fangs move. The fangs of primitive spiders strike downward like daggers, whereas those of advanced spiders move sidewards against each other like pincers. Most primitive spiders must therefore rear up before striking.
The primitive spider group includes funnelwebs, trapdoor spiders and whistling spiders. They are generally large, dark, hairy ground-dwelling spiders with a long life span. Whistling spiders are the largest spiders in Australia and belong to the tarantula family, which includes the largest spiders in the world. Most types spend almost all their time in burrows or under logs, but a couple of species live in holes in tree trunks. Different types of primitive spiders tend to look very similar to each other and have similar life styles.
Primitive spiders are still poorly studied in Australia. Until several years ago there were only two described species of whistling spiders in Australia and not many more species of funnelwebs. In reality Australia probably has at least a dozen species of whistling spiders and several dozen funnelweb species.
davenmidtown Level 7 Commenter 8 months ago
I have a fear of spiders but at the same time I have fascination with them that drives me to learn more and more about them. I think they are wonderful creatures despite the fact they freak me out sometimes. I liked this hub. It was full of information and is well written. good job!