Why Do Spiders Go Dormant in the Winter?

Many animals enter a period of dormancy during the cold season. This is a natural reaction for animals to conserve their energy and avoid desiccation. Spiders are no exception. When the temperatures drop below 0 degrees Celsius, many species of spiders go dormant for the winter.

Some species of spiders build cocoon-type insulating nests under rocks and tree bark to keep themselves warm. They also produce a compound called polyhydroxy alcohol to prevent ice crystals from forming inside their bodies.

These insulated shelters help these spiders to survive during the cold winter months. The spiders thaw out on warmer days and come out to hunt for food. While they remain dormant, they may return to their shelters in the spring.

Most spiders, especially those with a thick coat of ice-resistant pigment, will search for shelter under a rock pile or in a leafy spot when they can’t find a place to hibernate. Others seek protection in homes.

Many spiders make their nests in dark, secluded areas. This helps to keep their eggs warm. If the temperatures are too cold, the eggs will freeze and die. A female will lay her egg sac under tree bark or a rock.

Another way to protect the eggs is to build a web. Spiders are very good climbers and have a variety of web types. For example, the eastern parson spider weaves a thin silk casing to cover its body and block the air outside.

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