Most people think that big spiders eat birds, but that is not the case. Insects, small mammals, and even pelicans are their main sources of food. However, there are some species that are strictly carnivores, and scientists are not quite sure how they manage to get their protein-rich diets. Here are some examples of what big spiders eat. You can also find out about other spider species.
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Insects
Many big spiders are scavengers, eating anything that comes their way. Their specialized webs help them catch insects and eat them. These creatures can be found all over the world. Besides insects, spiders also feed on the exoskeleton of a dead arthropod. Although the majority of spiders feed on insects, some species also feed on the silk they shed from their webs. These creatures are not only beneficial for the environment, but they are also a source of food for humans.
Birds
The big spiders that eat birds are called bird-eating spiders. They are very aggressive. When disturbed, they hiss and rear up on their hind legs in an ominous position. Their fangs contain poison glands at the base. The venom they produce works on the nervous system and paralyzes its prey. They also have hairs on their abdomen, which can itch and cause extreme pain.
Small mammals
Spiders are well-known for their ability to suck liquids from their prey, but not all of them are adept at catching fish. Among these species are bird-eating spiders, which use their digestive juices to break down the flesh and bones of their prey. While this may seem counter-intuitive, this behavior has actually been observed by researchers. Some spiders have been found to suck up to 30 grams of fish at a time!
Pelicans
It’s hard to imagine a pelican without a large spider – especially if they’re large and powerful! Pelican spiders have long, “necks” and long, fang-tipped “jaws” that they use to impale their prey and then prepare for their next meal. However, it’s not entirely clear why pelicans eat each other, despite reports of a few species of pelican spiders being suspected of cannibalism. For example, arachnologists have investigated the anatomy of these spiders under a microscope to find clues about how they’re different from each other. In particular, arachnologists have noted that male and female pelican spiders have specialized genitals that help them catch and eat one another.
Cat spiders
Did you know that cats are big spider eaters? They are natural hunters and curious creatures, but it’s important to understand that cats don’t always kill spiders because they’re hungry or vicious. Sometimes, a cat will kill a spider accidentally, because they’re bored. And while cats are bigger and stronger than the average house spider, they don’t always kill them for a snack. This is why a cat eating a spider should not be a cause for concern.
Lampona spiders
The Lampona genus includes two species of spiders. Both are white-tailed spiders that hunt other spiders. They are found in southeast Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. White-tailed spiders are commonly found in sheltered nooks in the home, such as between fabric. Unlike their black-tailed cousin, Lampona spiders are not aggressive toward humans, although they may bite if startled.
Cat spiders eat spiderlings
The nocturnal cat spider is often encountered in gardens, porches, and under porch lights. It is a large species with a cat-like appearance. Females are larger than the young males. They lay hundreds of eggs, which hatch into tiny spiderlings. These spiderlings are often seen eating their siblings. They may live for a year. Cat spiders will not survive the winter as the cold kills any living things.
Pirate spiders eat other spiders
Pirate spiders are a clandestine group of spiders. Though they don’t make circular webs, they still produce silk, which is primarily used for wrapping prey and building egg sacs. The elusive spider will deliberately invade the territory of spiders that build webs, killing them when they come out in the open. It will then enclose its prey in its silk-covered legs.
