Name
Class
Date
Spider Identification Lab
Background Information: In order for scientists to study and learn more about spiders they
need to observe spiders in the field and collect them for study in the lab. Observing spiders
under magnification offers important detail in classifying them and identifying their particular
species. Careful observation and recording of detail, along with accurate comparison of
physical and behavioral characteristics, is important in accurately identifying specimens. Use of
hand lenses, stereoscopes and microscopes aid scientists in accurately observing and recording
detail. Once specimens are positively identified their genus and species names should be added
to the specimen labels. Preserved specimens should be handled carefully with tweezers only.
Materials: Spider specimens (use those you collected or choose from the class collection), hand
lens, stereoscope, microscope, pencil.
Objectives:
 To utilize scientific observation to identify physical characteristics of spider specimens.
 To use inference and comparison to classify spider specimens.
 To use dichotomous keys and reference materials to positively identify spider specimens.
Hypothesis: The
useful in identification because
(choose a characteristic) of the spider will be the most
Procedure:
1. Choose two different spider specimens from your own collection or from the class
collection.
2. Use the data table below to help you identify and compare the physical characteristics of
your specimen.
3. Use all the reference materials, including the internet, to determine the family, then the
genus and species of your specimens.
4. Challenge: Choose a third specimen to identify. Be sure to record all data and include
this specimen in your summary.
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Data:
Physical
Characteristics
Size of body (mm.)
Body shape carapace
Specimen 1
Specimen 2
Challenge
Body shape abdomen
Body coloring (note
any patterns,
markings, etc.)
Body covering
(smooth, hairs –
short/long,
many/few)
Legs (size in
proportion to body,
coloring, covering)
External features
(spinnerets,
pedipalps, etc.)
Eyes (number, size,
location,
arrangement)
Characteristics of
Location where found
(ground, tree, house,
moist, dry, etc.)
Web type present
where found (if
possible)
Any observed
behaviors (jumps,
runs fast, retreats
into corner of web,
etc.)
Miscellaneous (other
information you have
about the specimen
that may aid in
identification)
Family name
Genus
Species
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Questions:
1. Describe the process you used in identifying your species.
2. Were all of the physical characteristics of the specimen easily viewed and determined?
Which were easily determined? Which were difficult? Explain why.
3. How positive are you in the family, genus and species you arrived at for each of your
specimens? Explain why/why not.
4. Describe how you think scientists would go about determining the family, genus and
species of a newly discovered spider specimen that no one has ever seen before.
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Conclusion: (Be sure to state if your hypothesis was supported or negated and what the actual
findings were)
Summary: Write a three paragraph summary of this activity using our standard format (what
you were doing and why you were doing it, what you found out, how this information relates to
life.)
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