In the lands of Middle-earth, spiders, and other insects generally prove to be much more than a mere nuisance. Spiders especially have a long history of animosity toward the Free Peoples of Middle-earth. In ages past, monstrous creatures of darkness and wrath descended from the great spider Ungoliant, a legendary source of the deepest and most sinister of shadows. Most of these were slain in the wars of old, but some survived even into the Third Age, lurking among the twisted branches of the darkest forests and in the deep darkness beneath the earth. There they spin impenetrable webs to ensnare the unwary, striking with poisoned fangs to deliver a slow and agonizing death. This category also encompasses bees, crawlers, flies, midges, and the neekerbreekers.
For a current listing of all Spiders and Insects creatures, see Genus:Spiders and Insects.
