This week, the 35th European Congress of Arachnology is taking place at the University of Zadar, where 175 scientists from over 40 countries – mainly from Europe, but also from New Zealand, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Taiwan and other countries – are sharing the latest findings on arachnids. Although spiders are the best known to the public, this group also includes scorpions, weavers, mites, ticks, whip spiders and other organisms that also play an important role in the ecosystem.

Arachnids inhabit almost all ecosystems on earth – from deserts and grasslands, forests and mountainous regions to urban gardens and houses. They are primarily known as insectivores, but their role goes far beyond that.

“Unfortunately, people are afraid of spiders, and arachnophobia is the most widespread biophobia in the world. Yet they are predators of many insects and invertebrates, and without them life would be really difficult for us. In Europe, only the black widow is truly venomous; other arachnids are actually harmless, and if harassed, they can deliver a sting similar to that of a wasp. In this sense, Europe is the safest, while our colleagues from Australia have to be much more careful – as with other organisms on this continent,” said the chair of the organising committee, Dr Martina Pavlek from the Ruđer Bošković Institute.

The Vice-Rector of the University of Zadar, Professor Zvjezdan Penezić, PhD, wished the participants a successful congress and emphasised that this was the first time that scientific discussions about these fascinating creatures had been held at the university.

“Spiders are not only tiny, inconspicuous inhabitants of house corners, but also rulers of ecosystems, tireless regulators, sensitive indicators of environmental health and even an inspiration for medicine and technology. Their silks and venoms inspire awe, and their diversity reminds us of the incredible complexity of life on Earth. That's why your work is not only valuable academically, but also socially – because understanding spiders means understanding nature and the world we belong to,” emphasised Vice-Rector Penezić.

From Monday to Friday, numerous topics covering a broad spectrum of research areas will be covered: systematics and evolution, ecology and behaviour of spiders, molecular biology and toxins as well as conservation of biodiversity and protection of natural habitats. On Wednesday, an excursion to the Paklenica National Park is planned, where researchers can collect spiders, as well as visits to the natural beauties of Krka and Kornati.