If you’re looking for information on the diet of a cobweb spider, you’ve come to the right place. This insect-eating spider is not only a nuisance, but also a helpful pest control tool. Among its favorite prey are other spiders and their webs. However, these creatures are also known to feed on flies, mosquitoes, and even insects.
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Cobweb spiders eat other spiders’ webs
Triangulate cobweb spiders consume their prey in much the same way as any other spider, but the twist is in their web design. They use sticky silk to trap their prey, encase it in a web, and inject venom. They also eat other spiders’ webs and other insects, but their diet is not primarily comprised of other spiders’ webs.
They eat insects
The family of cobweb spiders has a large variety of web architectures, with different species varying in color, markings, and sizes. Some species have black or gray bodies, while others have red dots, yellow dots, or orange stripes. Though native to Eurasia, cobweb spiders have been found throughout the world. These creatures have similar habits and eat a wide variety of insects, from flies to mosquitoes and other pests.
They eat mosquitoes
Despite their name, Cobweb spiders are not the only insects that eat mosquitoes. In fact, the spiders have a very keen sense of smell and can jump up to 40 times their body length. Their preferred prey are female mosquitoes, especially Anopheles. However, there is no conclusive evidence that these spiders can distinguish between male and female mosquitoes.
They eat flies
Triangulate cobweb spiders are found in many parts of the world and weave triangular webs near lights and corners where flies gather. They are particularly common in homes and indoor bathrooms. These spiders lay their egg sacs on their webs and hatch them in the spring. Their diet consists mainly of flies. During summer, they feed on flies and other insects, but in winter, they tend to eat other insects.
They lay eggs
Female cobweb spiders bend the stems and leaves of their host plant into the shape of a canopy for their egg sack. Additional webbing keeps these protective fixtures in place. Afterward, the spiders lay their eggs. They lay about 200-250 eggs per clutch. The eggs are fertilized when the spiders are at least three weeks old. The spiders’ cocoons are typically located at least 15 cm above ground level.
They are not poisonous to humans
A bite from a cobweb spider is not fatal, but there are several symptoms. These include a painful pinprick-like sting, abdominal muscle cramps, hypertension, and pyrexia. Although these symptoms are usually temporary, they are often mistaken for acute abdominal pain. The most common symptoms include redness and swelling around the site of the bite. However, there are rare cases of death from a cobweb spider bite, and the chance of suffering a serious injury is extremely low.
They are a common pest
There are approximately 230 species of cobweb spiders, with the females being smaller and more disorganized. Their bodies are round and have eight pairs of eyes, while their legs are long and thin. Their first pair is longest, while their hind legs are adorned with microscopic bristles. These spiders are considered pests due to the mess they leave behind. These spiders can also be dangerous, as their venom can be harmful to humans and animals.
