How Spiders Eat Their Prey

Spiders eat their prey in a few different ways. They either inject venom into their prey, wrap it in silk, or liquefy it. In addition, they can inject digestive fluids directly into their prey.

Using a combination of venom and digestive juices, spiders break down their prey’s body tissues. The prey is then regurgitated into the spider’s stomach.

Some spiders inject venom into their prey to paralyze it, whereas others suck liquefied prey into their stomach through hairs on their chelicerae. Besides, some species of spiders immobilize their prey by enclosing it in a silk tube.

During the process of capturing prey, some spiders build intricate orb webs. These structures are among the most complex created by living organisms. An orb web consists of two types of silk, one that spirals inward and one that frames. While orb webs are not as strong as frame threads, they are very elastic.

Another method used by spiders is to bite their prey before wrapping it in silk or a web. Spitting spiders, for example, approach their victim very carefully. Before they begin to bite, they shoot a zigzag stream of sticky material over the prey’s head. This sticky material is emitted from a modified venom gland in the cephalothorax.

Several species of spiders eat their prey in pieces. Flower spiders inject digesting fluids into bitten prey, while other spiders suck liquefied internal tissues from the prey.

The abdomen of a spider contains the heart and reproductive organs, and is connected to the legs. It is also a place where the spider’s blood collects.