Spiders are a creature with eight legs that are a member of the arachnid family. Biologists estimate that there are at least 35,000 different species of spiders in the world. Though many of them are venomous, only some of them can actually harm humans. For the most part, spiders are a useful creature, and there are many beautiful and strange varieties. Here are four of those unique creatures.

Argyroneta Aquatica

The Argyroneta Aquatica is also called the water spider or the diving bell spider. It is native to Europe and Asia, and is the world’s only completely aquatic spider. It lives in the water and, to make sure that it has oxygen, it builds a little bubble for itself out of silk. It then fills this with air, and as it fills with air, the bubble becomes more bell shaped. The spider moves along in its bubble, getting more air as it needs it and eating water creatures.

High Rise Flying Spiders

The high rise flying spiders are an interesting phenomenon seen in Chicago. Every year, these spiders migrate through the area, meaning that there are flying spiders in Chicago once a year. They are attracted to the Willis Tower and the John Hancock Centre, and seem to also be drawn to bright lights. Scientists have stated that these flying spiders can get as high as ninety-five stories up in the air. Fancy hotels, like the Hilton in Chicago, warned guests that during the spiders’ migration, they should keep their windows closed. This then keeps the spiders out of the hotel and off the guests. Despite the inconvenience, the spiders help Chicago avoid a fly problem later in the year.

Spiny Orb Weaver

Shiny Orb Weavers, also called horned spiders, are named because of the horns that they have on their bodies. This is a genus of spider that has at least 70 different types in it. They look rather terrifying, but they are actually harmless. Found all over the world, they have spines all over their bodies in addition to their horns, which is supposed to discourage predators from eating them. These spiders also add little flags to their webs. This makes the webs visible to little birds, who can then avoid the webs. This keeps the webs from being destroyed.

Wheel Spider

The wheel spider is also known as the Cartwheeling spider, the Golden Wheel spider, or the Carparachne aureoflava. It is native to South America, and got its name from the rather unique defense mechanism that it uses. The wheel spider escapes from predators by turning cartwheels, and can move at a speed of one meter per second. It is also not harmful to humans, though can be a little unsettling to observe.

The term arachnophobia refers to the irrational fear of spiders and is a common fear. However, these four spiders are just some of the examples of this wonderful creature that is worth catching and setting free. Some spiders can be very dangerous to humans, so if you are moving into a new area, be sure that you know which spiders to avoid.