How Do Spiders Die in the Winter?
WouterSpiders are not just creepy but they can be useful too. For example, they can kill mosquitoes and houseflies. Some species have also learned how to live with humans.
One interesting fact is that some spiders have adapted to the cold and stay alive during winter. They even produce a chemical that helps them to resist the freezing temperatures. These are called glycol compounds. The name sounds like antifreeze, but the compounds are a natural byproduct of the spider’s metabolism.
There are many ways that spiders survive the cold. Some will hibernate, others will live in shelters, and others will use polyhydroxy alcohol (PHA) to avoid ice formation. Another common method is to make a fort from leaves.
Most spiders will hibernate in a warm location until warmer weather hits. Some spiders will leave their nests and hunt for food on warmer days. This is a good way for them to reduce the amount of food they need during the colder months.
Besides producing an antifreeze like compound, spiders have other tricks up their sleeve. For instance, some will spin a web, or build a cocoon type insulating nest. Other species will go underground to avoid the cold.
Some spiders can stay alive for more than a year. Others will die from cold or starvation. However, the majority of them will survive. It all depends on the specific species.
Among the more impressive things that spiders do is create an antifreeze like compound in their bodies. This compound is called polyhydroxy alcohol, and it works by keeping the fluids of the bloodstream from freezing.
