Are Spiders More Active at Night?
WouterThe majority of spiders are nocturnal. They have a slow-wave sleep phase that is less active than the REM sleep phase.
These sleep phases allow them to conserve energy. Spiders are also more aware of their surroundings during the sleep stage. This is important because many predators are more active during the day. If a spider is asleep and a predator is close by, it could easily capture it.
Nocturnal spiders use their senses to keep them hidden. Their hairs are more sensitive, and they rely on vibrations to find their prey. Some even rely on vibrations as a warning signal.
While most species of spiders are nocturnal, there are some that are diurnal. A few of these, such as the orb weaver spider, are highly active during the night. Others, such as the brown recluse spider, are only active at night. However, the process of catching their prey can vary.
For instance, the orb weaver spider has a highly intricate nest that it dismantles in the morning. Many orb weaving spiders are found in the United States and Canada. Another example is the jump spider, which has movable eyes and uses suspension to avoid being hit by predators.
Another type of nocturnal spider is the black widow spider. It is venomous and can be found in dark, unlit areas. When trapped, it bites humans.
Wolf spiders are another example of a nocturnal species. They are also active at night and have a special reflective grate behind their eyes. Unlike other spiders, wolf spiders do not build webs. Instead, they ambush their prey.
