How Long Do Spiders Live?
WouterWhat is the average lifespan of spiders? The life of a spider is largely dependent on the species. The largest species tend to live the longest. The smallest species may die before they are able to reach adulthood.
Most spiders are carnivorous and feed on insects. A few species also eat birds and small vertebrates. However, only a few species are dangerous to humans.
The life of a female spider is much longer than that of a male. Females care for their young and may carry them around. They usually store eggs in dark secluded places, such as basements or garages.
In some species, the mother spider will protect the egg sac from predators, or release silken threads to line it. Other species will cover the egg sac with mud or small pebbles.
The development of a spider egg takes several weeks. Once the egg hatches, the young will grow as they mature. They will molt a few times before reaching maturity. A majority of baby spiders are eaten before they are able to survive.
A female spider will lay a few dozen eggs at a time. The eggs are wrapped in a silk egg case. Some species of spiders will release the silken threads to float on the breeze. The strands will form a triangular pouch, or “kite”, sometimes called a “pouf”. Some of these egg cases may contain hundreds of eggs.
Female spiders can live up to two years. Most house spiders are able to live for a year. Some species can live up to ten years.
