How Do Spiders Work Together?

There are many species of spiders that work together to maintain the balance of their ecosystem. During the agricultural season, several species help control insect numbers. The African funnel-web spider shares its web with hundreds of other arachnids.

There are also social spiders, which live in colonies of up to 50,000 members. These spiders hunt large prey, such as bats and birds, using their collective knowledge and abilities. They use vibration sensing to identify prey and ensnare it in their webs.

There are also solitary species, such as the pirate spiders of the family Mimetidae. These arachnids can fool others into believing they are one of their own, making it difficult to detect when they’re ensnaring their prey.

These spiders can enter homes through windows and doors. They often move indoors from outdoors in search of moisture, food, and warmth. Some spiders build their home in a box in the basement, while others use firewood or plants to do the same.

Generally, the size of a spider colony determines the size of its prey. A group of around 1,000 spiders is usually optimum. This size allows the entire colony to subdue a larger animal, such as a bird.

Some species of social spiders have made homes in the United States. They are common in tropical areas, although some have also been seen in the eastern United States.

As you might expect, some of the social species are better at hunting than others. The Anelosimus eximius spider colony in South America is one example. These spiders attack their prey by detecting vibration signals in the webs of other members.