How Do Spiders Give Birth to Spiderlings?
WouterSpiders give birth to spiderlings, or baby spiders. Baby spiders are colorless, with no bristles, hair, or eyes. They lack poisonous glands and are helpless.
The baby spiders are called nymphs. These babies are completely dependent on their mother for food. Many female spiders keep their babies with them for several months or even years.
When the baby spiders are ready to molt, they cut a hole in the wall of their egg sac. If the molt is delayed, it can be fatal. But if the molt is on time, the offspring can survive for a long time.
The egg sac is wrapped with silk for protection against predators and the elements. Some species of spiders even use extra silk to protect the eggs. Egg sacs are often distinctive in color and shape.
In spring, female spiders lay their eggs in silky sacs. A few days after laying the eggs, the mother spider will fertilize them. This process takes about 30-50 days. After that, the eggs are protected by a cocoon.
Eggs are fertilized by sperm, which travels through the reproductive organs of the female spider. During this time, the spider is unable to eat. It also loses weight while its offspring develop in its egg.
As the spiderlings grow, they learn how to weave webs. Eventually, some of them disperse by ballooning. Others stay in the egg sac to develop.
Most spiders are born in the springtime. But some breed in the fall and winter. Their lifespan is generally two or three years.
