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The vampire spider, a unique species of spiders native to the shores of Lake Victoria, could up the game in the fight of malaria, one of the leading causes of death in Kenya. From the name, the jumping spider is so intelligent that it singles out the female anopheles mosquito, particularly one with human blood and goes after it, sucking life out of the insect, in minutes.
This small-sized spider, whose scientific name is Evarcha culicivora, was first discovered in 2012 along the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenyan territory.
“We need more research, but nature has already given us a weapon. We just need to understand how to use it,” says Grace Kioko, an arachnologist at the National Museums of Kenya, who has spent years studying spiders and their ecological importance.
While she has studied arachnids for the better part of her career, Kioko admits that the most intriguing spider she has come across is the vampire spider. “Despite its name, it doesn’t bite humans at all,” she says. “Instead, it preys on mosquitoes that have recently fed on human blood.”
The potential implications for malaria control are enormous. If vampire spiders can be encouraged in malaria-prone areas, they could reduce mosquito populations and help curb the disease. Kioko believes that with more research, this tiny predator could become an invaluable tool in the fight against malaria.
Beyond malaria control, spiders are natural pest controllers, consuming a variety of insects, including mosquitoes, flies, and agricultural pests. By helping to maintain ecological balance, they reduce the need for harmful chemical pesticides in farming regions.
“People see spiders and think of danger, but in reality, they help keep ecosystems balanced,” Kioko says.
Spiders also serve as a food source for many other animals, such as birds, reptiles, and even other spiders, making them vital components of the food chain. Unfortunately, deforestation and urbanization threaten many species. Kioko works diligently to raise awareness about the need for conservation efforts to protect these creatures and their habitats.
Kioko’s career has been built on uncovering the mysteries surrounding spiders. With over a decade of research, Kioko has worked tirelessly to both identify new species and educate the public about the critical roles spiders play in Kenya’s ecosystems. “We’ve documented about 805 species in Kenya as of 2018, but the number is growing,” she says, adding that the country’s spider diversity is immense, with approximately 34 to 35 families identified.
Despite the general fear of spiders, Kioko says that most of them are harmless. “All but two families of spiders are venomous,” she explains, “but their venom is primarily used to capture prey. Most have fangs too weak to pierce human skin, making them harmless.”
In fact, she says, only two species—those in the black widow family—are considered deadly. “They are very shy and will only bite when provoked,” Kioko says. “They prefer undisturbed places like under tables or storage areas.”
She describes the black widow’s size and features, stating that they are typically small. Black spiders have a red mark on their abdomen, and measure about 5 mm in length. She believes that understanding these species and their behavior is key to reducing public fear and promoting coexistence.
Another notorious group of spiders in Kenya are the baboon spiders, members of the tarantula family. Known for their large fangs and painful bites, they often cause alarm. However, Kioko says that while their bites can be painful, they are not deadly. “The bite is painful and can hurt for up to 12 hours, but it won’t cause serious harm,” she says. Baboon spiders play a significant role in controlling insect populations, particularly in agricultural settings. “Their presence helps maintain ecological balance by preying on pests,” she explains. However, she also acknowledges the downside of the pet trade, which has led to over-collection and endangered some species.
Growing up, Kioko was never obsessed with spiders, but as life would have it, she ended up studying entomology in university. After graduating, she walked into the National Museums of Kenya, not exactly sure what she would find but driven by a desire to get her hands dirty in the field of entomology.
A suggestion from Professor Gideon Nyamasio guided her there, and it didn’t take long for Grace to realize that there was something truly fascinating about the insects around her—something that went beyond the simple curiosity she’d always had.
“Insects are everywhere,” she says, “but they’re not just creepy crawlers. They’re a world in themselves, with over 50,000 species of spiders alone, and beetles, who knows—maybe 70,000. You can’t cover them all. That’s why you need experts. And that’s where I saw the gap.”
In a sea of entomologists, there was a niche that no one seemed to be diving into—arachnids. While many had a broad understanding of insects, no one was zooming in on spiders, scorpions, or solifuges. This uncharted territory sparked something inside Grace. Spiders, with their strange, almost mystical forms, drew her in. They were different, unique in every way.
Determined to know more, Grace took the plunge. Thanks to a scholarship through a partnership with the Chinese government, she found herself in a lab in China, learning from a world-renowned spider expert. It was like stepping into the heart of the arachnid world. “I got to work with the best,” she says with a grin. “It was intense, but amazing.”
Raised in Kibera, Grace wasn’t one to shy away from bugs. They didn’t scare her, they fascinated her. “I’ve never been afraid of insects,” she says. “Growing up, I was just curious about them. And when you understand how they work, how much they contribute to our ecosystems, you realize that they’re not the villains people think they are. They’re essential. Most of them help with pest control or pollination, and some even help solve crimes.”
Yes, you read that right—solve crimes. Insects can be key players in forensic investigations, providing clues about the timeline of events based on their life stages. It’s one of the hidden powers of the insect world.
While Kenya has made significant strides in documenting its spider species, Kioko believes there is still much to learn. “There are likely hundreds of species we haven’t even identified yet. Each one has a role in nature that we need to understand,” she says.
One of her current projects involves studying the properties of spider silk, which has potential applications ranging from medical sutures to biodegradable textiles. Kioko hopes that the next generation of scientists will continue to uncover the remarkable potential of spiders and their contributions to biodiversity.
But Grace’s work is far from just about learning. She’s passionate about sharing what she knows, especially with young people. There’s so much untapped potential in entomology, especially in Kenya. From researching spider silk to exploring venom for medicinal use, there’s a lot of ground still to be covered. “We’re only scratching the surface,” Grace says. “I’m hoping to create a database of endangered spider species here in Kenya. There’s nothing like it right now.”
“We need to change the way we talk about spiders,” she insists. “Education is the key to overcoming fear.” Kioko’s outreach includes visits to schools where she educates children about the role of spiders in nature, showing live specimens and dispelling myths. She also uses social media to share accurate information and answer public questions about spiders, hoping to replace fear with understanding.
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