When Does Spiders Hibernate?

During winter, spiders hibernate. In fact, there are several different varieties of spiders that are hibernating, which is why you may see them scurrying across the snow.

There are actually over 40,000 species of spiders around the world. The majority of these creatures are predators. They hunt their prey with webs and cobwebs. Some are even used for pest control purposes. In fact, there are some species that are so adapted to living in cold weather that they don’t need insulated layers to survive.

There are also some spiders that don’t hibernate. These types of spiders don’t produce the same chemical that hibernating arachnids do, but they are still able to survive the cold. The spider is able to produce a chemical called polyhydroxy alcohol, which helps it to stay warm and prevents ice crystals from forming inside it.

When you see a spider in the winter, it isn’t uncommon to find them hiding under rocks or leaves. They will also lay an egg sac in a sheltered spot that keeps them from freezing.

Some species will also produce an antifreeze compound that helps them to stay warm during the cold months. Some will even build an insulating nest of silk webbing. The cocoon is actually a little bigger than the spider itself.

Some of these creatures will also re-emerge in the spring. These species aren’t as active as they are during the colder months, but they can live for up to a year if they have access to plenty of food and shelter.

Continue reading:

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