- Insects: Spiders primarily feed on insects of all kinds, making them important predators in controlling insect populations. Common insects consumed include flies, mosquitoes, cockroaches, ants, beetles, and crickets.
- Other invertebrates: Besides insects, spiders also prey on other invertebrates like worms, snails, spiders themselves (some species are cannibalistic), and centipedes.
- Small vertebrates: Larger spider species may hunt small vertebrates such as lizards, frogs, small rodents, birds, and even fish if they live near water bodies.
- Plant material: A small number of spider species, such as those in the family Synotaxidae. are known to feed on plant nectar, pollen, or even decaying plant matter.
It's worth noting that spiders generally use venom or silk to capture and subdue their prey before feeding on it. Different spider species have unique hunting techniques and prey preferences based on their size, habitat, and available food sources.