Common Prey:
* Insects: This is the staple food for most spiders. They catch a wide variety of insects, including flies, mosquitoes, moths, beetles, ants, and grasshoppers.
* Other Arachnids: Some spiders, like wolf spiders, will prey on other arachnids like scorpions and smaller spiders.
* Small vertebrates: Larger spiders, like tarantulas, can eat small vertebrates like lizards, snakes, and even birds.
Hunting Methods:
Spiders use various methods to catch their prey:
* Webs: Many spiders build webs to trap their prey. These webs are sticky and strong, and the spider will wait patiently for an unsuspecting insect to get caught.
* Jumping: Jumping spiders have excellent eyesight and can jump on their prey.
* Running: Wolf spiders and huntsman spiders are fast runners and chase down their prey.
* Ambush: Some spiders hide and ambush their prey, waiting for it to come close enough to strike.
Digestion:
Spiders have a unique digestive system. They inject digestive enzymes into their prey, breaking it down into a liquid which they then suck up.
Important Note: Not all spiders eat the same things. A spider's diet is influenced by its size, species, and habitat.