How Do Spiders Keep Their Prey Alive?
WouterIt is well known that spiders will kill, eat, and sometimes take dead prey in the wild. However, it is not known how they keep their prey alive.
Spiders are apex predators in the insect world. They are omnivores that eat both invertebrates and vertebrates.
Spiders use a combination of venom and saliva to suck up prey. Venom can break down cell walls and cause the prey to liquefy. The venom can be delivered through hollow pointy bits at the end of the prey’s body. Some spiders have a mouth that can suck the liquefied prey, while others simply spit it back and forth from the stomach.
Some spiders have an elaborate filtering system that prevents solids from reaching the digestive tract. This helps prevent digestive issues from occurring.
Spiders also have fangs that inject venom into prey. These fangs, called chelicerae, have serrated “teeth” that allow them to chew through the prey’s body. Chelicerae are especially useful if the prey is resting against a hard surface.
Many species of spiders build a web to catch their food. These spiders tend to eat insects, such as flies, mosquitoes, and moths. Other spiders are known to catch fish, tadpoles, and other small creatures.
While most spiders do not eat live insects, they will eat dead ones. A few species of spiders can eat human foods, such as egg yolk, sausage, and marmalade.
Spiders can survive without food for weeks. The venom they produce can be toxic to most arthropods, but a few species are able to eat pit vipers and 45cm rattlesnakes.
