Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: neilep on 14/11/2023 13:22:27

Title: What Do the Spiders In My Garage Eat In Winter ?
Post by: neilep on 14/11/2023 13:22:27

I have a garage, and it has quite a few spider inhabitants.....we also have a couple of indoor spiders too (prolly a lot more)


At this time of year as I write this (14 Nov 2023) it's cold , it's wet, there's no flies and yet all the spiders seem to be doing ok.


What Do the Spiders In My Garage Eat In Winter ?

Title: Re: What Do the Spiders In My Garage Eat In Winter ?
Post by: Halc on 14/11/2023 14:40:48

If they're active, they're probably finding warmth and food somewhere. They're quite capable of preventing their fluids from freezing.
Some species do a form of hibernation (diapause I think is the term) where they go dormant and wait for spring.
Some simply die, leaving egg sacks to repopulate the joint in the spring.

Title: Re: What Do the Spiders In My Garage Eat In Winter ?
Post by: alancalverd on 14/11/2023 15:22:47

Probably nothing. Some spiders can remain dormant for a few years, as long as they don't dry out completely.

Title: Re: What Do the Spiders In My Garage Eat In Winter ?
Post by: Karen W. on 15/11/2023 10:56:25

Do spiders eat ants that seek refuge from the winter and or do they ever store food... in webs etc..

Title: Re: What Do the Spiders In My Garage Eat In Winter ?
Post by: neilep on 15/11/2023 14:45:47

Quote from: Halc on 14/11/2023 14:40:48

If they're active, they're probably finding warmth and food somewhere. They're quite capable of preventing their fluids from freezing.
Some species do a form of hibernation (diapause I think is the term) where they go dormant and wait for spring.
Some simply die, leaving egg sacks to repopulate the joint in the spring.

Thank ewe Halcy.

They are definitely active. I'm just wondering what nourishment they are receiving. Maybe, as ewe suggest, they are preparing to bed down for the winter. I will come back to this topic next Month and report what's happening.

Title: Re: What Do the Spiders In My Garage Eat In Winter ?
Post by: neilep on 15/11/2023 14:57:21

Quote from: Karen W. on 15/11/2023 10:56:25

Do spiders eat ants that seek refuge from the winter and or do they ever store food... in webs etc..

Thank ewe Kareny Mam.

I am sure some spiders do store supplies. I'm not sure about eating ants but if one wandered onto the web i'm sure it would make a tasty snack !

Title: Re: What Do the Spiders In My Garage Eat In Winter ?
Post by: Karen W. on 16/11/2023 08:58:44

Your welcome Sheepy! 
     I imagine so..Little bugs that slip into dry areas for warmth may include fleas, ants and many other bugs. Hey do spiders eat other spider species that may wander into their webs?

Title: Re: What Do the Spiders In My Garage Eat In Winter ?
Post by: paul cotter on 16/11/2023 21:30:49

Yes they do eat other spiders. Their most horrific behaviour involves the female who will frequently eat the male after he has done the business.

Title: Re: What Do the Spiders In My Garage Eat In Winter ?
Post by: Karen W. on 21/11/2023 10:03:16

Yes, that's a familiar fact I recall hearing, but forgot about..