Spiders often get a bad rap, but the Spider Pavilion at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County aims to change public perception of these gentle creatures. Open from September 21 to November 2, 2014, the walk-through habitat where hundreds of orb-weaving spiders thrive lets visitors check out their webs up close, learn about web architecture and engineering, and watch spider feedings.
From the large golden silk spiders of the Nephila genus, to garden orb-weavers famous for their intricate webs and dramatic yellow and black markings, there are roughly 8 local and exotic spider species spinning inside the pavilion. The world’s largest orb-weaver, Nephila maculata from Malaysia, is returning — they are about the size of a palm of an adult’s hand, and can engineer webs up to six feet across.
This unique living exhibit will show visitors that these animals are actually harmless and quite remarkable. Before entering the pavilion, visitors can get acclimated to the spider experience in a newly designed interpretive area. This special habitat of tarantulas, jumping spiders, and wolf spiders will help Museum entomologists demonstrate how arachnids are present in our everyday lives and how important they are to our ecosystem. NHM’s award-winning Gallery Interpreters are onsite to answer questions.
Spider Survey: Become a Spider-Man or Woman!
Also in the interpretive area details and results from NHM’s Spider Survey, in which citizen scientists all across Los Angeles send Museum entomologists spiders they find. This year, in a push to collect formerly under-represented local spider species, the Museum is asking citizen scientists to collect leaf litter dwelling spiders in their backyards and neighborhoods. (For instructions visit the L.A. Spider Survey section of our “Citizen Science” website section: www.nhm.org/spidersurvey)
Spider Survey Background
In spite of their importance and abundance, we do not know much about the spiders in Los Angeles. To conduct a large-scale survey of urban spiders, the Museum needs the help of the public. There are no truly large collections of urban spiders from this area, as most collectors concentrate on studying natural areas. As an important international port, new species of spiders from various parts of the world are always being accidentally introduced into the Los Angeles area, and some of these have established breeding populations. Museum entomologists need to know how widespread these introduced species have become, and how they have interacted with the native spiders. They also want to know how urbanization and the loss of natural habitat have affected populations and distributions of naturally occurring spiders.
The Spider Survey launched in 2001, and since then the Museum has received over 6,000 entries from over 1,000 participating families. The survey has encountered new species, new distribution records, and even the first examples of the now common (but then undetected) South African brown widow spider.
Disclaimer: NHM appreciates assistance in this scientific project, but if potential participants have concerns, we suggest they do NOT participate. The Museum cannot be responsible for the treatment of bites or for any injury or illness resulting from the project.
About Spider Pavilion
Spider Pavilion is located just outside the main Museum building on the South Lawn. NHM is at 900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007.
Spider Pavilion is open every day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm, with the last tickets sold at 4:30 pm. Tickets are sold in half-hour intervals throughout the day.
Admission
Special ticketed admission applies and includes admission to the Spider Pavilion and the Museum. Tickets are sold in half-hour intervals throughout the day at a rate of $17 for adults, $14 for seniors and students with I.D., and $8 for children ages 3–12. Museum Members and children age 2 and under receive free admission with timed ticket. Tickets can be purchased at any Museum admissions desk or at the Spider Pavilion itself.
For more information
Visit www.nhm.org/spiders or call (213) 763-DINO.
