A Step by Step on How Spiders Catch Their Prey

There are hundreds of species of spiders in Australia and they all have different ways of catching and eating their prey. Thankfully 'prey' does not include people so rest up and read on friends.

 

The Funnel Web Spider: Fast and Venomous

Our keepers are SUPER careful when working with this animal, one tiny bite from a Sydney Funnel-Web Spider will have our keepers in an ambulance off to hospital for treatment.

Funnel web spiders are one of the most notorious spiders in Australia, known for their aggressive behaviour and potent venom. Here's how they hunt their prey:

Step 1: Waiting in the Funnel
The funnel web spider builds a burrow or silk-lined retreat shaped like a funnel. It hides inside, with only its front legs exposed, waiting for prey to pass by.

Step 2: Sensing Vibrations
This spider relies on its acute sensitivity to vibrations in the ground or air. Once it feels the movements of a passing insect, the funnel web knows it's time to strike.

Step 3: The Ambush
In a split second, the spider rushes out of its burrow, grabbing its prey with its powerful fangs. Its venom is injected immediately, paralysing the victim.

Step 4: Returning to the Lair
Once the prey is immobilised, the spider drags it back into the safety of its funnel to begin feeding.

 

The Orb-Weaving Spider: Master of Webs

Orb-weaving spiders are iconic for their intricate, spiralled webs, which they use to trap unsuspecting prey. Here's how they work their magic:

Step 1: Building the Web
The orb-weaver constructs a large, circular web overnight. The sticky threads are perfectly positioned to catch insects flying by.

Step 2: Luring the Prey
The spider sits quietly at the centre or at the edge of the web, waiting for a fly, moth, or other insect to become entangled in the sticky silk.

Step 3: Detecting the Struggle
Once the prey is caught, the spider detects its frantic movements through vibrations in the web. This triggers the spider to rush toward its next meal.

Step 4: Wrapping and Biting
Before delivering a venomous bite, the orb-weaver wraps the prey in silk, immobilising it. Once the insect is securely bound, the spider delivers its bite to finish the job.

 

The Huntsman Spider: Stalk and Pounce

The Wolf Spider and Huntsman Spider don't make webs to catch their food. Instead, these awesome hunters use the element of surprise by hiding under leaves, bark and sticks and chase down their prey when it passes by.

Here's how it goes about the hunt:

Step 1: Stalking
Unlike web-building spiders, the huntsman actively searches for prey. It uses its excellent vision to spot insects and slowly creeps closer, staying low to the ground.

Step 2: The Pounce
Once in range, the huntsman makes a sudden leap, pinning the prey under its body. It uses its legs to hold the prey down while delivering a powerful venomous bite.

Step 3: Holding the Prey
With the venom taking effect, the huntsman simply holds its prey in place until it's immobilised and ready to be eaten.

Spiders in Your Home: How to Avoid Bites and Evictions

Dealing with spiders in your home can be a daunting experience, especially when you’re faced with a large, hairy intruder. Here’s how to stay safe and get them out of your house without a heart attack:

Tip 1: Prevention is Key

• Seal Gaps: Spiders love sneaking in through cracks in windows, doors, or walls. Make sure your home is well-sealed.
• Declutter: Spiders like dark, undisturbed spaces. Keep your home clutter-free to reduce hiding spots.
• Use Natural Repellents: Peppermint oil, vinegar, and citrus peels are known to repel spiders. Try placing them around entry points.

Tip 2: Stay Calm
Yes, easier said than done, but it’s important to remember most spiders are harmless. The bigger ones like huntsmen may look terrifying, but they rarely bite.

Tip 3: Use the Glass-and-Paper Method
One of the most humane ways to get a spider out of your house is to trap it in a glass and gently slide a piece of paper under it. You can then carry the spider outside and set it free (preferably far away from the house!).

Tip 4: Call a Professional
If you’re not comfortable handling spiders yourself or suspect you’re dealing with a venomous species like a funnel web, it’s best to call a pest control expert.

Spiders are fascinating creatures, but it’s completely understandable to be unnerved by them, especially when they make an uninvited appearance in your home. With the right approach, you can handle them safely—and maybe even come to appreciate their unique role in nature.

Some people think spiders are cool, some think that they are beautiful and lots of people think that spiders are terrifying. Whatever your thoughts and feelings about spiders are, there is no denying that we could not do without them. If we didn't have spiders, the world would be overrun by bugs. And that's a lot more horrifying!

Want to meet our spiders and other creatures? Click here to buy tickets today! Save up to 20% when booking online!

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Hello animal lovers!

When visiting the zoo, I think the most exciting thing to see is an animal being fed. So I have created a sneaky keeper preview of the action that you can see when visiting us at WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo.

 

A Kiss that can Kill

Spinning a Death-Trap

Experts of Camouflage

Tips for the Home

With the colder weather rolling in I would like to remind readers to be spider conscience. Spiders want to stay warm too, so you may find them inside the house more often.

Checking inside shoes and gloves before putting them on is a fantastic way to avoid being bitten. Spiders generally only bite when they are surprised or when they feel threatened, so if you can see a huntsman on the wall, don't freak out too much. You could leave it there to eat up all the bugs invading your house (including mosquitos), or grab a container and catch it and release it outside. That's a much nicer way they reaching for the insect repellent can.

 

Stay tuned for more animals in the coming weeks!

Keeper Kylie :)