ARAIGNÉES DANS LE JARDIN AMIES OU ENNEMIES… LES PETITS SECRETS DE PRÉDATEURS TERRIFIANTS MAIS UTILES

The fear of spiders (arachnophobia), generated by their appearance, the unpleasant texture of their webs, and the suspicion of danger due to their venom, generally leads them to be considered "pests." However, these eight-legged arthropods are valuable helpers in the garden, due to their carnivorous diet and predatory behavior. Spiders therefore contribute to regulating insect populations. Spiders therefore play a vital ecological role, as it is estimated that they capture 400 million insects per hectare each year (far more than birds). They are voracious predators, consuming 10 to 20% of their own body weight daily. Patrick begins by presenting the book "50 False Ideas About Spiders" (Quae Editions), which helps dispel preconceived notions in a very informative way. Roland, who respects spiders in his garden and lets them act naturally, confirms that these animals are frightening because they swarm. But although he fears larger specimens, he appreciates the attempt to familiarize children with them by singing the nursery rhyme "The Gipsy Spider." Patrick recalls the hunting behavior of spiders, particularly the more discreet species that lie in wait. To get an idea of the spider population in the garden, our favorite gardener recommends going out early in the morning, when the dew will bead on the countless webs of the almost invisible spiders hunting in the lawn. The editor-in-chief of NewsJardinTV goes on to explain that life for spiders is not "a long, quiet river," as the threat of predators is constant. He responds to Roland, who was concerned about the spider's venomous function, by explaining that the latter consumes only liquid. The substance it injects into its prey has the effect of dissolving its organs, which the predator then sucks out to feed on. Spider mites (red spiders, ticks, and chiggers) are mentioned in this section, but they will be addressed specifically elsewhere because they cause serious problems in gardens. Patrick especially recommends spraying plant foliage in hot, dry weather, as mites generally dislike humidity. This spider "rehabilitation" column is richly illustrated with remarkable photos that allow you to discover the incredible richness of the spider world. Thank you for following the NewsJardinTV shows, and we hope you enjoy them. We look forward to seeing you again next Saturday for "Bienvenue au Jardin!", our weekly one-hour podcast focused entirely on plants, gardens, and gardening. Please note that you can chat live with other users between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. This show can also be listened to wherever and whenever you like in its audio version, either on the NewsJardinTV website or on most major podcast platforms: Apple Podcast, Spotify; Deezer, Google Podcast, Podcast Addict, Tune In, Stitcher and SoundCloud, etc.