Misc: S. American rodent with soft grey fur?

Questions

What lively neapolitan dance was named after a spider?

What travels towards earth at between 100 and 1000mph and returns at 87000 mph?

Which book features the love affair of Connie and mellors?

Who played Mr Peters in Worzel Gummidge?

The sound of which insect was once thought to be an omen of imminent death?