How Do Spiders Lay Eggs?
WouterSpiders lay eggs throughout the year. The laying times are largely dependent on the species. Some species lay their eggs in the fall, while others do so in the spring.
Spiders lay eggs in egg sacs. These are small balls of silk or woven thread that look like a cocoon. They are generally covered with a silk pad to protect the eggs.
Female spiders can lay as many as 3,000 eggs in their lifetime. Many female spiders make multiple egg sacs, while others continue to do so until they die. A number of species even carry their egg sacks on their back.
Egg sacs are made of woven silk, and the size of a spider’s egg sac can vary greatly. Some are as large as a ball of silk, while others are as small as a dime. In general, however, spider egg sacs are as small as the spider that lays them.
Spiders’ egg sacs are often found in hard-to-reach areas, such as beneath rocks or behind furniture. Some female spiders lay their egg sacs in a web, while others attach them to surfaces such as a wall or a piece of wood.
Male spiders usually do not help with the care of their eggs. However, male spiders can hit limbs against the ground in order to defend themselves against predators.
Most spiders’ egg sacs are made of silk, and they protect the eggs from predators. Some female spiders also use extra silk to wrap the eggs, or to cover the entire egg sack.
