Brazilian Wandering Spiders are carnivorous arthropods that primarily consume other small invertebrates and occasionally small vertebrates.
Insects: These spiders prey on various insects like beetles, grasshoppers, and other small bugs.
Arachnids: They often consume other spiders and scorpions.
Small vertebrates: Occasionally, they hunt small lizards, frogs, and mice.
Amphibians: Small frogs are also part of their diet.
Crickets: These are a common food source in their natural habitat.
Caterpillars: They prey on caterpillars, especially those found on the forest floor.
Small birds: Rarely, they can prey on small, nestling birds.
How do Brazilian Wandering Spiders Eat?
Brazilian Wandering Spiders are active hunters that use venom to paralyze their prey before consuming it.
They seek out and stalk their prey, primarily insects and small vertebrates.
Once they locate a target, they inject it with venom, paralyzing or killing the prey.
After the prey is immobilized, the spider uses its chelicerae (jaws) to crush and ingest the prey.
The spider's digestive system liquefies the prey's internal tissue, which is then sucked up by the spider.
What do Brazilian Wandering Spiders Drink?
Brazilian Wandering Spiders, also known as Phoneutria, are large, venomous spiders native to tropical South America. They are primarily carnivorous but also consume fluids for hydration.
Water: The primary fluid intake for hydration.
Body Fluids of Prey: They consume body fluids of their prey, which include small insects and sometimes small amphibians or reptiles.
FAQs about Brazilian Wandering Spiders
1. How often do Brazilian Wandering Spiders eat?
Brazilian Wandering Spiders typically eat once or twice a week, depending on the size and availability of their prey.
2. How long can a Brazilian Wandering Spiders live without eating?
A Brazilian Wandering Spider can survive without eating for up to a month, as they have a slow metabolic rate.
3. What do Larvae Brazilian Wandering Spiders eat?
Larvae Brazilian Wandering Spiders do not eat; they are dependent on the yolk sac from their eggs until they mature into spiderlings.