The world trembles at the sight of a spider, right? But what if we told you that even these creepy crawlies have nightmares? As you swipe, you’ll see those creatures that send shivers down the spindly legs of spiders—and some of them will amaze you!
Wasps
Not all wasps go for humans! Some, like the Ichneumon wasp, prefer to takedown spiders. These tiny terrors use their ovipositors (egg-laying tubes) to pierce the spider’s body and lay eggs inside. The hatched wasp larvae then devour the spider from the inside out, a gruesome fate for even the most fearsome eight-legged foe.
Spider-Eating Flies
If you thought these flies were slowpokes, you’re wrong. They are agile hunters who chase down spiders and overpower them with their wings. Once subdued, the fly injects the spider with venom, liquefying its insides for a tasty, protein-rich meal.
Jumping Spiders
Yes, some spiders hunt other spiders! Jumping spiders are formidable hunters known for their excellent eyesight and leaping abilities. Their agility allows them to outmaneuver their target, and their venom quickly incapacitates the victim.
Spiny Flower Mantis
This creature is a master of disguise. Its flower-like appearance lures unsuspecting spiders close. Once the spider is within reach, the mantis strikes with lightning speed, snatching it in its spiny grasp and delivering a fatal bite.
Birds
Many bird species, from wrens to jays, consider spiders a delicious treat. Birds have a keen eye for spotting webs and their inhabitants. Their sharp beaks can quickly dispatch even the most venomous spider, making them a natural predator in the spider’s world.
Army Ants
There’s a reason they call them “armies.” Army ants swarm in incredible numbers, and while individual ants may not threaten a giant spider, a coordinated assault by thousands can overwhelm even the most ferocious spider. Their powerful mandibles and coordinated attacks make them a force.
Shrews
These small, fast-moving mammals are excellent insectivores. Their keen senses and relentless hunting techniques make them a threat to spiders. Shrews can navigate webs with surprising agility and overpower spiders with their poisonous bites.
Cobweb Spiders
Not all spiders are created equal! Cobweb spiders, known for their messy, tangled webs, are hunters of other spiders. They build their webs near those of their larger cousins and wait. When an enormous spider gets stuck, the cobweb spider emerges from its lair, delivers a paralyzing bite, and enjoys a meal delivered right to its doorstep.
Lizards
Quick and agile, lizards are opportunistic feeders that include spiders in their diet. Their long, sticky tongues can snatch spiders from their webs, and their sharp claws make them adept at subduing their prey.
Centipedes
The sight of a centipede can be unsettling for many, but it can be downright terrifying for spiders. Centipedes can overpower and inject venom into spiders with their numerous legs, turning the tables on the usual predator.
Robber Flies
Not to be confused with spider-eating flies, robber flies are aerial pirates of the insect world. They steal prey captured by other predators, including spiders. With their speed and maneuverability, they can snatch a spider from its web mid-air, leaving the hungry spider with nothing but a dangling thread.
Spider Flies
These tiny flies are specifically adapted to exploit spider webs. They’ll lay their eggs on or near the web, and the hatched larvae feed on the spider’s captured prey or even the spider itself.
Lacewings
The larvae of lacewings, beneficial insects in our gardens, are ambush predators. They camouflage themselves with debris and wait for a spider to get close. Then, they use their sharp mandibles to deliver a fatal bite.
The Flatworm
This tiny internal parasite might not seem like much, but it can be a spider’s silent killer. Flatworms can manipulate their host’s behavior, making them more vulnerable to predators, including other spiders.
Vinegaroons
Also known as whip scorpions, these pack a powerful punch with their venomous pincers. Vinegaroons have long, whip-like appendages that can spray a potent acidic mist capable of melting a spider’s insides. They grab a spider, inject it with poison, and then liquefy it for consumption.
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