House spiders are one of the most common arachnids found in the UK. They are generally harmless and play a vital role in controlling other household pests such as flies, mosquitoes, and moths. They are also known to be great web builders and use their webs to catch their prey. However, have you ever wondered what UK house spiders eat? In this article, we will explore the diet of house spiders and how they catch their prey.
What do house spiders eat?
House spiders are carnivorous and feed on other insects and arthropods. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever they can catch. The most common food sources for house spiders include flies, moths, mosquitoes, and other small insects. They are also known to feed on other spiders, including their own species.
How do house spiders catch their prey?
House spiders use their webs to catch their prey. They are expert web builders and can construct intricate webs in just a few hours. Once the web is built, the spider will wait patiently for its prey to get trapped in the web. When an insect gets caught in the web, the spider will quickly immobilize it by injecting venom. The venom helps to break down the insect’s internal organs, making it easier for the spider to digest.
Do house spiders hunt for their food?
House spiders are not active hunters and do not actively seek out their prey. Instead, they wait for their prey to come to them. However, some house spiders are known to leave their webs and search for food when they are hungry. These spiders will typically hunt for smaller insects, such as ants and mites.
Can house spiders eat other spiders?
Yes, house spiders are known to eat other spiders, including their own species. When there is a shortage of food, house spiders may turn to cannibalism to survive. They will eat smaller spiders or spiders that have become trapped in their webs.
Do house spiders eat anything other than insects?
House spiders primarily feed on insects and other arthropods. However, they have been known to eat other small creatures, such as small lizards and frogs. House spiders can also survive for long periods without food and will resort to cannibalism if necessary.
How often do house spiders need to eat?
House spiders do not need to eat often and can survive for weeks without food. However, they will typically feed on small insects every few days to maintain their energy levels. Female house spiders may require more food than males, especially during the breeding season, when they need to produce eggs.
Conclusion:
In summary, UK house spiders are carnivorous and primarily feed on other insects and arthropods. They catch their prey using their webs and inject venom to immobilize them. House spiders are not active hunters and do not actively seek out their prey. They can also resort to cannibalism if there is a shortage of food. House spiders do not need to eat often and can survive for weeks without food, but they will typically feed on small insects every few days to maintain their energy levels.