How Do Spiders Stop Growing?
WouterSpiders are creatures that are predators. They hunt for prey and are capable of molting, which is a process that helps them grow. Some species of spider also build webs. These are made from silk.
Most species of spiders live a short life. They molt several times during their lives. They are able to regrow lost limbs within a few moults. Some species have peculiar color patterns.
The chitenous exoskeleton covers the body of the spider. It is like a suit of armor. During a molt, the spider’s exoskelton is replaced by a soft, flexible new one. This is called the exuvium.
The exuvia contains the spider’s eight legs, chelicerae, and palps. These organs are responsible for feeding and sensing. Once the new exoskeleton is formed, the spider can expand.
Female spiders are larger than males. This is attributed to the higher energy requirements of female spiders. In addition, female spiders lay more eggs than males. These eggs are then dispersed through ballooning.
Spiders can molt every few weeks. However, they can go through as many as eight moults before adulthood. These moults are triggered by hormones. These hormones cause the spider to secrete cuticle material. This helps the spider to re-absorb its old skeleton. The re-absorbtion of the old skeleton causes the new exoskelton to form.
Most species of spiders take about 5 to 10 molts to reach adulthood. Some spiderlings fail to molt and are killed. During a molt, a spider’s body is unable to move until the new exoskeleton hardens. If the exuvia gets stuck, the spider dies.
