Where Spiders Lay Eggs
WouterA spider’s egg sac is an elaborate structure built to protect the eggs. It usually consists of silk threads and a cocoon-like outer layer. The inner layer contains nutrients.
The sack varies in size, color, and shape. A round egg sack is the most common. Some spiders lay irregularly-shaped sacks. The Black Widow, a common spider in the US, lays egg sacs of different colors.
Most of the spider egg sacs are made of silk, and are woven in a circular or spherical shape. It is never larger than the spider that lays it.
The shape of the egg sac can help you determine the species of spider. For example, the wolf spider’s egg sac is a fuzzy round ball, with loose woven silk along the outer edge.
Some female spiders carry their egg sacs in their jaws. Others attach their sacks to rocks or plant stalks.
The female spiders’ sacks contain hundreds or thousands of eggs. Most female spiders die after laying their last egg sac.
Some female spiders sacrifice themselves to help feed their offspring. A few female spiders live for up to two years and continue to carry egg sacs.
The female spiders carry their eggs with them as they roam. They can also hide their egg sacs in webs. They can also be found in areas that are difficult to reach, such as basements and behind furniture.
The female spiders’ eggs hatch in about three weeks. Depending on the species, they can be tiny white balls or large, gold-colored spheres.
