How Cold Before Spiders Die
WouterSpiders are not immune to the winter weather. However, they have adapted in many ways to survive these cold months. Some have developed the ability to create a plethora of chemical substances that help them to maintain their bodies at freezing temperatures.
Some spiders are ectothermic, meaning they can change their body temperature depending on the surrounding environment. This ability is helpful in situations where they are too cold to bask in the sun. Others, such as the eastern parson spider, rely on their silk-covered casing to keep them warm.
Another common way that spiders survive the cold is to huddle up in a burrow or egg sac. This process is called diapause. In this state, they produce polyhydroxy alcohol (PHA), a form of antifreeze, and may even reemerge on warmer days.
A third means of surviving the cold is by creating a thick web. This helps to keep them warm and allows them to move around. Some of these structures can be built out of leaves or other materials, which will keep the spider from freezing.
To truly survive the cold, spiders must huddle up in an insulated space. Some choose to bury themselves under rocks or tree bark. Other prefer the warmth of a safe house. These abodes are usually found inside, and some arachnids even reproduce indoors.
There are some species that will die if they get too cold. However, most of these creatures have adapted to the cold.
