Where Does Spiders Go in the Winter?
WouterThere are about 170 species of spiders, but how do they survive the winter? They can survive cold temperatures and still thrive, as long as they have a warm place to hide.
Some of the best places to find spiders are in cracks and holes in walls, under tree bark, and under rocks. They can also build cozy pods to keep themselves warm during the winter. Some of these pods will include an egg sac, which can be hidden in a web.
When the temperatures drop, spiders enter a dormant phase called diapause. This is similar to the process of hibernation. They slow down their bodies and conserve energy, and they may come out on warm days to hunt for food.
Some spiders build web sacs on siding or roofs, or in high corners of buildings. They may also have burrows deep underground. The sacs help them stay warmer, while the webbing helps them block the air from getting too cold.
Some spiders produce polyhydroxy alcohol, which acts as an antifreeze, preventing ice crystals from forming inside the spiders. Other species do not hatch eggs until spring, and others have a dormant life cycle all year round.
The female spiders seek a safe place to lay their eggs. They can lay their eggs in a silk egg sac, which can be attached to a surface or carried by the female. The egg sac is usually the same size as the spider, but may have up to several hundred eggs.
