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Do conkers keep spiders away? And other conker facts and uses
Rachel Hoskins • 30 Aug 2019
Spiders and harvestmen
They might not be the UK's most loved animal, but spiders are pretty special. They are air-breathing arthropods with eight legs and special glands for producing strong and sticky webs. Some species of spider thrive in woodland habitats, decorating trees with their webs and prowling wood edges and canopies for a tasty morsel.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Buzzing spider
Keep a keen ear out for this leaf-lover with real rhythm. Look for the buzzing spider on leaves and stems of deciduous trees and shrubs in woods and parks.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Garden spider
A patient predator and web-spinning extraordinaire. Garden spiders are a common sight across the UK, devouring the flying insects that fall victim to their webs.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Harvestman
Spindly, gangly, with small, rounded bodies. These oddly proportioned spider relatives escape predators by losing their limbs. Look for them in damp woodland environments.
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Trees woods and wildlife
Woodlouse spider
Woodlouse assassin and protective mum. This feisty arachnid is perfectly equipped to take on tough customers – and other spiders won’t mess with it either.
Keep exploring
Trees woods and wildlife
Other invertebrates
Find out about the millions of woodland insects and invertebrates that live among the leaves, under bark, in dead wood, leaf litter and soil.
Trees woods and wildlife
Slugs and snails
Find out how slugs and snails are key parts of the woodland ecosystem, providing food for many.