What Young Spider Is Called a Spiderling?
WouterWhen an adult spider lays an egg, the young are called a spiderling. Most species will molt 5-10 times before reaching adulthood. Some will die without reproducing.
Some spiderlings disperse on their own while others are cared for by their mothers. Female jumping spiders take care of their young for a long time. The mother usually takes the offspring to a projecting object. This allows them to reach a broader area.
Female spiders also produce an elaborate egg sac. These can include multiple layers of wrapping and extra-tough silk. The shape of these egg sacs can help to identify the species. Some may include sticks.
Once the spiderlings are born, they attach themselves to the mother’s body for protection. After a few weeks, they will leave her. Some species balloon away.
During the growth process, female spiders molt 6-12 times. These molts can delay development. This is believed to be caused by faulty hormone balance. If the molt is delayed, the young may dry out and fail to emerge. This can be fatal.
When the baby spiders are ready to eat, the female spider bites the egg sac. She then uses her mouth to create an opening for the spiderlings to crawl out.
The mother also guides the young to food. The offspring will often eat from her mouth, but some may feed on other insects. The black widow spider may block the offspring from feeding on its own. If the offspring has a weakened immune system, they may be attacked by a predator.
