Do Spiders Come Out in Winter?
WouterIf you’ve ever wondered, “Do spiders come out in winter?”, you’re not alone. Several species of spiders have developed ways to survive the harsh winter months. Some live through the cold, others hibernate for the winter, and others still remain active during the cold season.
Spiders are actually quite beneficial to the environment. They help control pest populations, such as flies and cockroaches. In addition, they kill disease-carrying mosquitoes. However, some species are venomous. It’s best to avoid them if you’re a homeowner.
Some spiders live in the arctic, where temperatures range from -40 to -50 degrees. They take advantage of geothermal heat and the cold air to maintain their bodies at a temperature several degrees higher than the ambient air. Their bodies produce glycol compounds, which protect their tissues from freezing. These compounds are also present in the blood of some amphibians during the cold season.
The North American Black and Yellow Garden Spider is one of the few species that only lives for a single winter. It commonly lives in a secluded area, and its eggs are usually stored in a secure location. During the summer, it can be found in a warm area.
Spiders don’t really hibernate during the cold weather, but they enter a state of diapause. This means that they slow their metabolisms, and they may leave hiding spots. As the temperature increases, they will wake up and hunt for food.
They are also known to produce polyhydroxy alcohol, which works with the bloodstream fluids to prevent ice crystals from forming inside the spider. When the weather gets warmer, they stop producing this chemical.
