Why is a Group of Spiders Called a Cluster, Clutter Or Colony?

A group of spiders is called a cluster, clutter or colony. These groups of spiders have been found in almost all continents except Antarctica.

A group of spiders can be either social or solitary. The social behavior of spiders is not as complex as that of other animals such as insects. Some species of spiders are solitary while others live in large colonies.

Social behaviors include mating rituals. Female spiders carry an egg sac around. These eggs are then deposited in silken sacs. The newly hatched spiders may look like a small cluster of spiders.

These groups often form at certain times of year. They might congregate on tree trunks, buildings or other areas. The weather and time of year can affect the location of these groups. Some spiders travel by ballooning.

Some types of spiders build their own webs. These are usually irregular and non-sticky. However, they sometimes use other methods to capture prey. Some spiders lasso small insects with sticky bolas.

These types of spiders also use silk to trap and ensnare other spiders and small insects in their sticky webs. This method is especially effective in catching smaller animals.

In addition, some species of spiders build community webs. These community webs are typically used by Tetragnatha guatemalensis, a long-jawed spider that lives in U.S. mega-webs.

Several spider families have different modes of prey capture. Some hunt in packlike structures while others prefer to work alone. Most spiders eat insects and other arachnids. Some will even eat other spiders.