How Long Spiders Hatch
WouterHow long spiders hatch depends on the species. Some species take as little as one week to start a new brood, while others can live for several years.
Female spiders lay eggs in silken egg sacs. The sacs are made of a strong silk and can contain hundreds of eggs. They are usually kept warm and protected by the mother until it is time for them to hatch.
The female spider then wraps the eggs in silk and hangs the sac in a secure spot. Some spiders leave the sac to be carried by the mother until the eggs hatch, while others keep the egg sac at home. Some spiders also protect the egg sac from predators by laying a silk ‘blanket’ over it.
When the young spiders are ready to molt, they will shed their skins. Those who molt often will have delayed molts. Some males may have a single molt before emergence, while females may have as many as two.
The eggs of many spiders can vary in size, color, and texture. They are usually white or pearly in color. They can be placed in a spider web or laid in corners. If the weather is suitable, the eggs can hatch within a few weeks.
Some of the spiders that overwinter in egg sacs are wolf spiders, trapdoor spiders, and tarantulas. They typically lay their eggs in late autumn and winter.
When the spiderlings emerge, they will seek out a place to call home. Some of them will molt and die, while others will become prey to other animals. They will eventually disperse by ballooning or windborne dispersal.
