Spiders (Arachnida)

General Information:

Spiders are in the large general category of arthropods known as “arachnids.” They are not insects, and are related to things like scorpions and mites. Many species of spiders live in potato fields, in webs in the foliage, under the foliage, and on the ground. A family of spiders called dwarf spiders (Linyphiidae) is often among the earliest colonizers of potato fields, floating into fields on clumps of silk called “balloons.” All spiders are predators, and most species in potato fields contribute toward biological control of pests.