Spiderlings, the newly hatched young of spiders, possess dietary requirements that differ significantly from their adult counterparts. Their journey from emerging from an egg sac to becoming independent hunters involves distinct feeding stages. Understanding these stages reveals the specialized ways spiderlings obtain the nourishment necessary for growth and survival.
Initial Nourishment
Immediately after hatching, many spiderlings rely on internal food reserves like a yolk sac, providing essential nutrients for their first days or weeks. Within the egg sac, some spiderlings may also consume unhatched eggs, providing an additional, readily available meal. In certain species, a form of cannibalism can occur, where stronger spiderlings may consume weaker or deceased siblings, which helps ensure the survival and growth of the remaining individuals before they disperse. These initial food sources are important for supporting their development during this vulnerable period.
Transition to Independent Foraging
After their first molt, spiderlings disperse from the egg sac and begin foraging independently for small prey. Their diet consists of tiny insects like fruit flies, gnats, springtails, and aphids. As they grow and undergo subsequent molts, their prey size increases, allowing them to tackle larger insects like pinhead crickets or small roaches. Hunting strategies vary by species; orb-weaving spiderlings build miniature webs, while active hunters like jumping spiders pursue and pounce on targets. Their readiness to consume external prey often coincides with the hardening of their fangs after a molt, which can take several days to a week.
Parental Provisioning
While most spider species do not provide extensive parental care regarding food, some exhibit unique behaviors to nourish their young. For example, Toxeus magnus mothers produce a milk-like fluid rich in protein and fat, which spiderlings drink directly from the mother for nearly 40 days. Other examples include certain social spiders, such as some Stegodyphus species, where females may regurgitate partially digested food for their spiderlings. Wolf spider mothers, known for carrying their egg sacs and then their spiderlings on their backs, do not directly provision food, but their presence protects the young as they learn to hunt. These specialized forms of maternal care, though not universal, highlight the diverse strategies spiders employ to support their offspring.