How Long Do Spiders Live?
WouterSpiders are part of the arachnid family, which includes tarantulas, scorpions, and harvestmen. Arachnids lack mandibles, and they are usually near-sighted, although some spiders have only six eyes. The majority of spiders eat insects, but some larger species also eat birds, small mammals, and fish.
Most species live for a few years. Some, such as tarantulas, are known to live up to twenty years. However, smaller species may only live for a few months or a year. The lifespan of a common house spider can vary from two to three years.
The lifespan of a spider depends on several factors. They can live long periods without food, but they also need water. A female spider’s egg sac will carry her young around, and they may even share some of their food with them.
Spiders are voracious eaters, consuming as much as 400 million to 800 million tons of food each year. The average consumption rate is 10 percent of the total weight of the spider.
A spider’s silk is very thin. It is thirty times thinner than human hair. The silk is used in a variety of ways, from wrapping prey to building webs. It can also be used as safety lines to escape predators. It is very strong, up to five times stronger than steel.
Arachnids generally live in clusters. Some spiders build communal webs. Other arachnids create individual webs. Some use drag lines to move their prey.
Spiders are not shy about cannibalism, though they do not usually eat babies or siblings. A male hunting spider will use its legs to signal to a female.
