Black widow spiders, scientifically known as Latrodectus, are carnivorous spiders that primarily feed on insects. Their diet typically consists of a wide variety of arthropods, but they occasionally consume other small prey as well. Heres an overview of the black widow spiders diet:
The black widow spider, with its iconic hourglass marking and venomous bite has a notorious reputation. But despite being feared by humans, these spiders actually have a number of natural predators that regularly make meals of them. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the main creatures that eat black widows.
Wasps Rule the Roost
One of the most formidable predators of the black widow is actually an insect – wasps. There are several types of wasps that hunt kill, and eat black widows including
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Blue mud dauber wasps – These clever wasps paralyze black widows with their sting then carry them back to their mud nests to feed their larvae. A single mud dauber can capture dozens of widows in its lifetime.
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Spider wasps – As their name suggests, these wasps specialize in hunting spiders. They consume the black widows themselves and also provision their nests with them
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Iridescent celionid wasps – These tiny wasps lay their eggs inside black widow egg sacs. When the eggs hatch, the larvae devour the widow eggs/spiderlings as their first meal.
With lightning fast reflexes and a venomous sting of their own, wasps are able to overcome black widows with minimal risk. They are likely the spider’s most significant predator.
Bugs That Bite Back
Insects other than wasps also prey on black widows on occasion. These include:
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Praying mantises – With quick reflexes and strong forelegs, mantises can snatch widows before being bitten. Their tough exoskeleton also protects them somewhat if they are envenomated.
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Ants – While individual ants are no match, entire colonies can overwhelm solitary widow spiders with their sheer numbers. Some species like fire ants actively hunt widows.
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Beetles – Rove beetles and ground beetles may attack widows, flipping them onto their backs to safely access the undersides. Some also consume widow egg sacs.
Though taking some risks, these insects are able to use specialized tactics to turn the tables and consume the venomous black widow.
Lakeside Lunch
Widows that wander too close to the water’s edge can quickly become prey for aquatic predators. These include:
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Frogs – A frog’s sticky tongue can snatch a close-by widow before it has a chance to react. Their protective mucus helps safeguard them from envenomation.
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Fish – Some fish will opportunistically eat wandering widow spiders. Their scales and gills likely provide some protection from venom.
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Turtles – Aquatic turtles are resistant to many venoms and will consume widows they come across near ponds and streams.
Though not seeking them out specifically, these aquatic predators help keep local widow numbers in check by picking them off if given the chance.
Lizards Large and Small
Various lizard species partake in widow hunting. Their scaly armor provides defense against venom while their speed and agility help them capture the spiders before being bitten. Lizards known to eat black widows include:
- Monitor lizards
- Geckos
- Skinks
- Alligator lizards
Alligator lizards are particularly fond of black widows, seeming to have developed an immunity to their neurotoxic venom. They are bold widow hunters, also eating other dangerous prey like scorpions and rattlesnakes.
Birds Both Big and Small
Many bird species feed on spiders, including the black widow. Their ingestion of venom does not affect them as it does mammals. Birds that actively prey on widows include:
- Sparrows
- Wrens
- Bluebirds
- Blackbirds
- Crows
- Roadrunners
- Flycatchers
Some birds even use tools to access widows hiding in cracks and crevices. Phoebe flycatchers are incredibly adept at swooping down and catching widow spiders mid-air in a flash. Overall, insect-eating birds keep widow numbers in check wherever they overlap in range.
Mammals: Wild and Domestic
Mammals are generally more vulnerable to black widow venom than other creatures. However, some still actively hunt them, including:
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Cats – An owner’s free-roaming feline often presents them with the unsettling gift of a lifeless black widow, having deftly caught and killed it. Their quick pouncing technique allows them to avoid being envenomated most of the time.
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Mice – Though not seeking them out specifically, mice will occasionally eat black widow spiders if hungry and other food is scarce. They have some innate resistance to venom.
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Shrews – As voracious insectivores, shrews consume any small invertebrates they come across, including widow spiders if given the opportunity.
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Monkeys – Contrary to popular belief, monkeys do not only eat fruit. Spider monkeys have been observed opportunistically eating black widows.
Though taking bigger risks, these mammals’ crafty hunting skills allow them to eat the dangerous spider.
Arachnid Against Arachnid
Remarkably, some arachnids have evolved an immunity to black widow venom, allowing them to prey on their fellow spiders without harm. These spider-eaters include:
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Wolf spiders – Larger and quicker than widows, wolf spiders overpower them with speed and agility. They are known to selectively hunt black widows even when other prey is available.
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Tarantulas – Despite the name, tarantula hawks (a type of wasp) paralyze and consume black widows as well as tarantulas.
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Jumping spiders – With good eyesight and agility, some jumping spiders attack and eat black widows despite the size difference.
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Pirate spiders – As their name suggests, these spiders infiltrate other spiders’ webs and devour the inhabitant. They specifically target black widows.
Though fellow arachnids, these creatures have adapted the ability to consume black widows and even selectively hunt them down.
Eat or Be Eaten
Black Widow Spiders Eat Insects:
Black widow spiders are opportunistic predators that primarily feed on a variety of insects and arthropods. The specific insects they consume can vary depending on their habitat and what is readily available. Heres a list of common insects that black widow spiders often eat:
- Flies: Black widows frequently capture and consume various types of flies, including house flies, fruit flies, and other small flying insects.
- Mosquitoes: Mosquitoes are a common food source for black widow spiders, as they are attracted to the spiders webs and become ensnared in them.
- Grasshoppers and Crickets: Grasshoppers and crickets can be part of a black widows diet, particularly when they become trapped in the spiders web.
- Beetles: Various types of beetles may end up in a black widows web and become prey.
- Ants: Black widows may capture ants, especially if they stray into the spiders web.
- Moths and Butterflies: Larger flying insects like moths and butterflies can be caught by black widow spiders, providing a substantial meal.
- Caterpillars: These are a common prey item, especially for juvenile black widow spiders. Caterpillars often become trapped in the webs while searching for food.
- Bees and Wasps: While less common, black widow spiders may catch and eat bees and wasps that fly into their webs.
The primary mode of hunting for black widow spiders is through their webs. They create messy, three-dimensional webs that are designed to capture any insect or arthropod that inadvertently lands on them. Once the prey is ensnared, the black widow injects venom to paralyze it before consuming the immobilized victim. Their diet is largely influenced by what insects are present in their habitat and get caught in their webs.
Black Widow Spiders Eat Small Arthropods:
Black widow spiders are opportunistic predators that may consume a variety of small arthropods when they become ensnared in their webs. The specific small arthropods that black widows might eat can vary depending on their habitat, but some common examples include:
- Scorpions: Black widows are known to capture and consume small scorpions that wander into their webs.
- Centipedes: Small centipedes can become trapped in a black widows web and serve as a potential food source.
- Millipedes: Similarly, small millipedes may also find themselves caught in the spiders web and become prey.
- Harvestmen (Daddy Longlegs): Daddy longlegs are often caught by black widows when they inadvertently stray into the spiders web.
- Pseudoscorpions: Some species of pseudoscorpions are tiny and can become prey for black widow spiders.
- Mites and Ticks: Various small mites and ticks can be captured by black widow spiders when they enter the spiders web.
While black widow spiders may consume these small arthropods, their primary diet still revolves around insects that get caught in their webs. The consumption of other arthropods typically occurs when these organisms become accidental victims in the spiders hunting grounds.
Scorpion vs. Black Widow (Warning: May be disturbing to some viewers)
FAQ
Do black widows have predators?
The blue mud dauber species, Chalybion californicum, is a wasp that, in western North America, is the primary predator of black widow spiders.
What naturally kills black widow?
Diatomaceous earth, a sedimentary rock that occurs naturally, can serve as an effective physical means to manage black widow spiders. This substance functions by slicing through the spider’s exoskeleton, leading to dehydration and eventual death of the spider.
What is the enemy of the black widow spider?
Chalybion californicum, the blue mud wasp, is most famous for its predation of black widows. Blue Mud Wasp (Chalybion californium). Photo by Johnny N.
Do daddy long legs eat black widows?
While the various versions of this story are interesting, they are unfortunately not true. In fact, daddy long legs are not spiders at all; they are more closely related to harvestmen. They do, however, hunt and eat other spiders, such as the brown recluse and black widows, which are particularly venomous.
Do Black Widows eat spiders?
The black widow is widely feared because its bite results in severe pain that may take several days to subside. Such bites are rarely fatal, but because small children and elderly persons are at risk, spider control is important if you suspect black widows. Black widows eat any insect they can capture.
What do Black Widows eat?
Mosquitoes: These are another common prey for black widows. Grasshoppers: Larger black widows can subdue and eat grasshoppers. Beetles: Various types of beetles can become prey for these spiders. Caterpillars: Some black widows may catch caterpillars in their webs. Other spiders: Black widows are known to be cannibalistic, especially after mating.
Do Black Widows eat arachnids?
Like most other spiders, black widows generally eat insects, but they also eat other arachnids. Notably, the female black widow may also eat the male spider during sex, hence the “widow” in its name. San Diego, famous for its stunning beaches and parks, is also home to a wide range of spider species.