What Do Spiders Eat?
Spiders regularly get portrayed as creepy-crawly invaders people should be terrified to be near. In actuality, they are fascinating creatures and play an integral role in the ecosystem. With some spiders boasting large sizes and others venom, seeing an unexpected spider would cause you to jump. But, most spiders do not present a danger to our health. If you find out the answer to the question, what do spiders eat? You will see the pivotal role they play in mother nature.
Regardless Of Size, Most Spiders Eat The Same Thing
When wondering what do spiders eat, the answer is almost always the same. Spiders feed primarily on insects. A spider’s size and lifestyle will dictate what type of insects they eat. Spiders that build webs off the ground will feed on whatever flying insects become caught up in their elaborate webs. Some spiders build funnel webs or webs on the ground with entrances in the shape of a funnel. These spiders feed on ground-dwelling insects like crickets, ants, and worms. However, giant spiders won’t pass up a meal of small reptiles and amphibians if they can catch them.
Some Spiders Don’t Use Webs To Catch Their Meal
While many spiders create various types of webs, many species of spiders do not rely on webs to trap bugs. One such spider found throughout the United States, and Oregon is the Goldenrod Crab Spider. This tiny spider, found around yellow or white flowers, will change colors for camouflage. Then, it sits still, waiting for its prey to arrive. It predominantly feeds off pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and flies. When the quarry lands close to these little spiders, it quickly strikes, subduing the unsuspecting prey. So, the answer to what do spiders eat may surprise you when you see how a tiny spider can catch much larger prey.
Some Giant Spiders Feed On Mammals
What do spiders eat when they are as big as your hand? The answer is still primarily insects. However, these giant species, often found in tropical and subtropical regions, eat reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals. Tarantulas are opportunistic and will attack prey bigger than themselves. Even birds are unsafe if they venture too close to these nocturnal predators. Additionally, a spider is not going to turn down a free meal. Small birds, and even bats, become spider food when they find themselves unlucky enough to be caught up in a web.
It’s Not Just What Do Spiders Eat, But How Do Spiders Eat?
The world is full of spiders of all sizes, shapes, and colors. One thing they have in common is how they eat and digest their food. There are many interesting facts about spiders. Yet, when you wonder what do spiders eat, you probably didn’t realize the better question is, how do spiders eat? Regardless of how the spider caught its prey, the process of consuming it is straight from a horror film. It is a myth that spiders only ‘suck the juices’ of their prey. But, once the spider has killed its dinner, it expels digestive fluid onto the prey. This process begins the digestion process outside the spider’s body. Next, the spider ingests the liquified prey. It repeats this process until consuming the entire insect, leaving behind a tiny husk of remains.
Do Spiders Drink Water?
So, now that you have the answer to what do spiders eat, the next question is, do spiders drink water? As with all living creatures, spiders require water. However, most of the needed water is ingested with their food. Because spiders can go for extended periods without eating, having access to a water source is essential. If they are not getting enough moisture from their meals, they will supplement with drinking water.
Contact Prime Pest Solutions
Even though spiders play a crucial part in the environment, we do not want them living in our homes. If you find yourself sharing your home with spiders, contact Prime Pest Solutions. Our dedicated and experienced technicians will help rid your home of spiders and other pests. Our quarterly pest control services take the planning and worry out of your hands. Routine services will monitor your home to stay ahead of spider and other pest infestations. Call us today for your free estimate.
