How Long Do Spiders Take to Hatch?
WouterThe length of time spiders take to hatch depends on the species of the spiders. Some species of spiders take only a few weeks while other spiders take a year. The time it takes for spiders to mature is also affected by the species.
Most spiders take a year or more to reach adulthood. In some species, males grow faster than females. In other species, females reach maturity earlier. They molt frequently.
Some females will carry the eggs on their abdomens or spinnerets until the baby spiders emerge. Others will attach the egg sac to a plant or a spider web. Some species, like the western black widow, lay hundreds of egg sacs in a lifetime.
The brown widow spider, for example, lays 120 to 150 eggs per egg sac. The egg sac is round and smooth, and contains silk spikes.
The average house spider egg is round and white. The females of this species will stay on the egg sac for about a week. After a few weeks, the young spiders will exit the egg sac and move to a new place to fend for themselves. They will molt several times as they grow.
Many spiders overwinter in an immature stage. In fact, some species overwinter in an immature state for two or more years. They will then prepare a safe place for the next generation. Some species will even sacrifice themselves for their babies.
Some spiderlings are capable of climbing long distances. They will release their silk threads as they balloon to a new location. They will then climb onto a projecting object.
