Arthropod sensory biology

2007 Impact statement
  • Gilbert, Cole

abstract

People are typically ignorant of spiders. Such ignorance fosters fear and overuse of pesticides to control these largely beneficial arthropods. Dr. Linda Rayor and I worked with the NYSDEC to develop and disseminate an informational brochure on the biology of common spiders of NY in order to better inform the public about spiders.

submitted by

issue being addressed

The NYSDEC, Dr. Rayor, and I get many calls and letters about the identification and biology of spiders in NYS and there is no good accessible guide. Spiders are important members of all communities, both natural and around human modified habitats. Thus, all citizens of NY are hindered by their ignorance of spiders. This issue is especially important around homes, where homeowners may use a commercial pesticide to spray for spiders if they do not understand the beneficial role spiders play.

response

The project with the most impact was to educate the public about spiders. Dr. Linda Rayor (Dept. Entomology, Cornell) and I published a full color brochure on "Common Spiders of New York" with help of the NYSDEC. It was circulated to 90,000 subscribers of the NYSDEC "Conservationist" magazine.

impact assessment

The spider brochure has informed people about the common spiders in New York, which ones are dangerous, and which ones are benign or beneficial. Such education has increased well-being, may have resulted in less spraying of pesticides to control spiders, and thus reduced the use of pesticides.

academic priority area

has geographic focus

funding source description

Unrestricted funds

collaborators

New York State Dept. of Environmental Conservation

key personnel

  • Patricia Kernan
  • Eileen Stegeman
  • Linda Rayor

mission focus

From CALS annual faculty reporting. Imported on August 5, 2008