When Spiders Have Babies
WouterWhen spiders have babies, they are vulnerable for a while until their exoskeletons form. Their survival is often dependent on their mother’s guidance. A spiderling’s first molt takes place after three to four days of growth. If they molt before the new exoskeleton forms, they may fall victim to a predator while defenseless.
Spiders are capable of producing hundreds of eggs at once. They also build protective egg sacs. The sacs are usually made from silk. Depending on the species, the egg sacs might be built inside burrows, under bark, or on plant stalks.
Eggs are usually white, pearly or green. Many species lay a single egg in a single sac, but others create several. Some spiders construct elaborate egg sacs that may include soil, extra-tough silk, multiple layers of wrapping, and sticks.
Female spiders prepare the eggs for laying by fertilizing them. Then they wrap the eggs in more silk to make an egg sac. Once the egg sac is ready, they hang the egg sac in a safe location. This helps to keep the eggs protected from predators and parasites.
As the young spiders grow, they begin to molt repeatedly. Some species undergo more than ten molts. In addition, male spiders have smaller bodies than females. During molts, spiders secrete silk threads. These are then released into the air. It is not uncommon for insects to get tangled in these threads.
Many species build their egg sacs to protect the eggs from predators. Some female spiders carry the sacs in their jaws or spinnerets. Others leave the egg sacs on plant stalks and hide them under rocks.
