How Do Spiders Live Through the Winter?
WouterSpiders are cold-blooded invertebrates. They survive the cold by conserving their moisture. They can also produce a chemical called glycol which protects their bodies from freezing. This antifreeze compound functions like the antifreeze in a car engine.
When the temperatures drop, female spiders select a safe place to lay their eggs. They may lay them under rock piles, tree bark, or piles of leaves. They also lay eggs in dark places that allow them to remain warm and cozy.
Some species hibernate during the winter months. Others stay active during the season. They may burrow under snow, create a cocoon-type insulating nest, or come out during warmer days to hunt for food.
Some spiders die during the winter. They can do this if their food source dies or if they cannot survive the freezing temperature. They also die to let the next generation take their place.
Some spiders create a cocoon-type insulating sac that they can carry with them. They can hide it in a web, or they can attach it to a surface. They can also produce multiple silken sacs. They can lay up to 100 eggs in each one.
Spiders produce cryoprotectants in their blood and tissues to help them survive at below-freezing temperatures. This chemical, like the antifreeze in a car, keeps the car engine running in subzero temperatures.
Some species build a warm fort out of leaves. They can keep themselves warm if they bask in the sun or if they sit under rocks.
