Spiders, often a source of both fascination and apprehension, begin their lives as incredibly small creatures. Many people wonder about the earliest stages of a spider’s existence, particularly what these tiny arachnids are called. Understanding their initial development and behaviors provides insight into the diverse world of these eight-legged animals. This exploration delves into the terminology and early life of young spiders.
The Term “Spiderling”
The universally accepted term for a baby spider is a “spiderling.” While “spiderling” is the formal name, enthusiasts sometimes affectionately shorten it to “sling,” especially when referring to young tarantulas. This specific nomenclature accurately reflects their immature stage before reaching full adulthood.
From Egg to Hatchling
A spider’s life begins within an egg, which is typically laid inside a protective silk egg sac. Female spiders create these sacs from web silk; their appearance varies by species, often being spherical or flask-shaped. A single egg sac can contain a wide range of eggs, from a few to as many as 1,000, depending on the spider species. The female spider may guard this sac, carry it with her, or deposit it in a hidden location before hatching.
Spider eggs generally hatch within a few weeks, though some species in temperate climates may overwinter in the egg sac and emerge in the spring. Developing spiderlings are nourished by yolk reserves. The first molt often occurs inside the egg sac, after which spiderlings emerge as miniature adults.
Life of a Young Spider
Upon emerging from the egg sac, these young spiders, now referred to as spiderlings, already resemble their adult counterparts, albeit much smaller. They undergo a series of molts, shedding their exoskeletons as they grow, with males typically having fewer molts than females. A common survival strategy for spiderlings is dispersal, preventing overcrowding and competition for resources. Some spiderlings simply walk away from their hatching site, while others employ a technique called “ballooning.”
During ballooning, spiderlings climb to an elevated point, release strands of silk, and allow the wind to carry them to new locations. This method allows them to travel short distances or, in some cases, hundreds of miles. Initially, spiderlings may rely on residual yolk from their eggs for nourishment. As they begin to feed independently, their diet typically consists of small insects, or they may consume unhatched siblings, depending on the species and food availability.