Welcome! Parasteatoda spiders belong to the cobweb or comb-footed family. Most of them are found in the Old World with 42 types known by May 2020. But guess what? Some also live in parts of the New World. In this post, we’ll share cool facts about this topic!
Female spiders make multiple egg sacs in their lifetime, with a single sac containing about 200 eggs.
They hatch in 7 – 10 days, and within a short time, they disperse to live on their own.
These spiders make messy, asymmetrical webs usually found near human settlements, mostly around garages, backyards, and gardens.
Yes, Parasteatoda spiders have venom. They use it mainly to catch their food, like tiny bugs.
Yes, they can bite if they feel threatened. But don’t worry too much; their bites are usually not serious for people. It might feel like a bee sting.
The Parasteatoda genus plays a significant ecological role, particularly in the control of insect populations. As natural pest controllers, their predation helps maintain a balanced ecosystem. Their behavior is characterized by their web-building. Unlike the geometric precision of orb weavers, Parasteatoda spiders create irregular, seemingly chaotic webs that are nonetheless effective traps for their prey.
Natural Predator: Despite their predatory skills, Parasteatoda spiders are not without their own predators. Birds, larger spiders, and even some species of wasps are known to hunt them. Their survival in a variety of habitats, including those altered by human activity, is a testament to their resilience and adaptability.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: Parasteatoda spiders exhibit interesting prey-predator dynamics. They primarily feed on common household pests such as flies, mosquitoes, and wasps. This diet reflects their ecological niche as both predator and prey. Through their predatory behavior, they control the populations of these insects, thereby exerting a considerable influence on their local environments.
Relationship with Humans: In human environments, Parasteatoda spiders often go unnoticed or are considered beneficial due to their diet of common pests. While they are venomous, their bites are rare and typically result in symptoms no more severe than a bee sting. The common house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) is a familiar example, often residing in human dwellings where it continues its role as a natural pest controller.
| Distribution | New Guinea, Asia, and Europe |
| Habitat | Garden and grasslands |
| Web Type | Messy |
| Diet | Flies, mosquitoes, wasps, and other insects |
| Lifespan | 1-2 years (depending on species) |
In summary, Parasteatoda spiders manage insect populations, face various predators, and coexist closely with humans, often unnoticed.
Welcome! Parasteatoda spiders belong to the cobweb or comb-footed family. Most of them are found in the Old World with 42 types known by May 2020. But guess what? Some also live in parts of the New World. In this post, we’ll share cool facts about this topic!
Female spiders make multiple egg sacs in their lifetime, with a single sac containing about 200 eggs.
They hatch in 7 – 10 days, and within a short time, they disperse to live on their own.
These spiders make messy, asymmetrical webs usually found near human settlements, mostly around garages, backyards, and gardens.
Yes, Parasteatoda spiders have venom. They use it mainly to catch their food, like tiny bugs.
Yes, they can bite if they feel threatened. But don’t worry too much; their bites are usually not serious for people. It might feel like a bee sting.
The Parasteatoda genus plays a significant ecological role, particularly in the control of insect populations. As natural pest controllers, their predation helps maintain a balanced ecosystem. Their behavior is characterized by their web-building. Unlike the geometric precision of orb weavers, Parasteatoda spiders create irregular, seemingly chaotic webs that are nonetheless effective traps for their prey.
Natural Predator: Despite their predatory skills, Parasteatoda spiders are not without their own predators. Birds, larger spiders, and even some species of wasps are known to hunt them. Their survival in a variety of habitats, including those altered by human activity, is a testament to their resilience and adaptability.
Prey-Predator Dynamics: Parasteatoda spiders exhibit interesting prey-predator dynamics. They primarily feed on common household pests such as flies, mosquitoes, and wasps. This diet reflects their ecological niche as both predator and prey. Through their predatory behavior, they control the populations of these insects, thereby exerting a considerable influence on their local environments.
Relationship with Humans: In human environments, Parasteatoda spiders often go unnoticed or are considered beneficial due to their diet of common pests. While they are venomous, their bites are rare and typically result in symptoms no more severe than a bee sting. The common house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) is a familiar example, often residing in human dwellings where it continues its role as a natural pest controller.
| Distribution | New Guinea, Asia, and Europe |
| Habitat | Garden and grasslands |
| Web Type | Messy |
| Diet | Flies, mosquitoes, wasps, and other insects |
| Lifespan | 1-2 years (depending on species) |
In summary, Parasteatoda spiders manage insect populations, face various predators, and coexist closely with humans, often unnoticed.
Dr. James Watuwa on September 11, 2019.
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