Are Spiders Good to Eat?
WouterThere are many different species of spiders, and not all of them are edible. This is due to the fact that they have a digestive system that cannot break down plant cellulose. However, there are 15 species of spiders that are classified as edible.
The most common house spiders feed on insects such as cockroaches and earwigs. They are also predators of mosquitoes.
Some spider species are carnivorous, consuming small animals, including mice, lizards, and snakes. Some are omnivorous, feeding on both plants and animals. Some are pest control spiders, catching flies, moths, and other insects.
Spiders are considered the first line of defense against pests. While some homeowners may keep these insects as pets, others will kill them. Usually, spiders are opportunistic feeders, snatching their prey when they are at close range. They are rarely a threat to humans, but some people might find them unappetizing.
Arachnophobia, or a fear of spiders, is the most common creature-based phobia. While some people are apprehensive about eating spiders, there is no evidence to support this claim.
In addition to being a meal for humans, spiders are also a tasty snack for birds, lizards, and other smaller animals. They are one of the primary food sources for a number of different bird species.
It is common to see birds like robins and wrens in the U.S. eat smaller spiders. Some species of frogs also eat spiders, but they are not the only ones.
