Spiders are patient creatures that work tirelessly to build intricate webs to trap their prey.
Unfortunately, it can take weeks for the flies and moths to get caught in the net and become their food. However, these resilient arachnids will probably adapt by foraging elsewhere or dipping into their stash of insects hidden in a corner.
Anyhow, spiders don’t quickly starve to death — but how long can they survive? Read on to find out.
How Long Can Spiders Live Without Food Or Water?
Research on how long can spiders live without food or water hints that they don’t starve so easily, but they may not survive longer than three weeks without water. Anecdotal evidence and reports by homeowners with spiders living in their property also suggest that spiders live weeks without eating or drinking.
Scientifically speaking, most spiders don’t need to eat much because they are ectothermic or cold-blooded creatures with low metabolic rates. As a result, you can expect an average spider to last about four to eight weeks before starving to death. However, the period they can survive without foraging depends on factors such as age and sex and varies from species to species.
That said, here are a few types of spiders and how long they can live without food or water:
1. Daddy Longlegs
Apart from their characteristically long legs, these spiders have the unique ability to regulate their metabolism, allowing them to survive up to two months without starving. However, they are susceptible to dehydration and may need to drink water every two or three weeks.
2. Black Widow Spider
Known for their toxic bites and predatory nature, black widows are a hardy species that can live up to a year without eating their prey. And while an average black widow spider can survive a few months without food, they need to drink water every few weeks.
3. Tarantula
Tarantulas are perhaps the most resilient species, with the ability to survive as long as two and a half years without eating. Similarly, their large-sized bodies can store more water, allowing them to live a few weeks without drinking.
4. American House Spider
American house spiders are known to survive about four to eight weeks without food and water. Interestingly, this species eats its own web for protein and can manage to live longer if they are unable to catch their prey.
Final Words
Although spiders receive flak for being unwanted house guests, they are interesting creatures with extraordinary survival instincts.
On that note, common house spiders in your property can probably survive a month or two without food and water. So, if a spider has moved into your basement, I think you can expect a long residency even if they can’t find bugs to eat down there.
Fortunately, this is a short duration compared to their more strong-willed and intimidating counterparts, such as the tarantula and black widow.