The North American Opossum is the only marsupial found north of Mexico. These adaptable mammals are classified as opportunistic omnivores, consuming both plant and animal matter depending on what is available. Yes, the possum does eat spiders as a regular part of its varied diet. Their generalist feeding habits allow them to capitalize on a wide range of food sources, which is a key factor in their success across diverse habitats.
Defining the Possum’s Omnivorous Diet
The possum’s non-selective palate allows it to survive in environments from forests to urban areas. Their diet is categorized by a wide array of foods that shifts seasonally and geographically. They readily consume plant-based items, including various fruits, berries, nuts, seeds, and grasses.
Animal matter is also a significant component of the possum’s nutrition, encompassing both small live prey and carrion. This includes small vertebrates like mice, voles, frogs, birds, and eggs found in nests. Their scavenging tendencies lead them to consume roadkill and discarded human food, earning them a reputation as nature’s cleanup crew.
Consumption of Spiders and Other Invertebrates
Spiders are small invertebrates that the possum readily consumes during foraging. Along with spiders, their diet includes soft-bodied invertebrates like snails and slugs, and a variety of insects such as beetles and grasshoppers. Small arthropods constitute an important source of protein and fat for these marsupials.
The possum has a known partial immunity to certain venoms, which allows them to prey on potentially dangerous animals. This resistance extends to the neurotoxic venoms produced by some spiders and scorpions, as well as many venomous snakes. The possum’s blood contains a peptide that can neutralize these toxins, protecting the animal from a lethal dose. This biological defense means that even venomous arachnids are safe for the possum to consume without suffering ill effects.
Foraging Habits and Ecological Role
The possum is a solitary and nocturnal creature, conducting its foraging activities under the cover of darkness. They rely heavily on their keen sense of smell and touch rather than sight to locate food. Possoms are opportunistic hunters and scavengers, constantly moving to find meals, and they possess an excellent memory for consistent food sources.
Their constant need to forage is due to their low body fat reserves, which necessitate a continuous intake of calories. This scavenging and predatory behavior results in a significant ecological benefit, particularly in human-populated areas. By consuming a wide variety of pests, including rodents, cockroaches, and garden slugs, possums act as a form of natural pest control. Their consumption of venomous species like spiders, scorpions, and snakes further contributes to maintaining balance within their local ecosystems.