Spectacular spider stories: a guide to our eight-legged friendsVideo | Updated 7 years ago Dr Mark HarveySenior Curator and Head of Department, Terrestrial ZoologySpiders occur in all terrestrial environments from the sea shore to the summit of the world's highest mountains. Despite their fearsome reputation, most spiders are completely harmless to humans. In fact, they play a vital role in regulating insect populations.Join Dr Mark Harvey as he presents the common spider and how to separate friend from foe. This lecture was recorded at the Western Australian Museum – Perth on 19 Feb 2010. This video recording was made possible with the support of Chevron Australia.