MadSci Network: Zoology |
Hi Brittany,
Spiders have a rather unusual way of eating. They are strictly carnivorous but can only ingest liquid foods. After subduing its prey a spider injects digestive juices from its intestinal tract into the victim. These juices contain enzymes which liquify the internal tissues of the prey. After allowing a few seconds for the enzymes to work the spider sucks up a drop of predigested liquid prey. This process is repeated over and over again until the victim has been sucked dry! Because of this unusual mode of ingestion, a spider is unable to eat its own web. If it attempted to do so the web would fall apart. When a spider has no more use for a web it is simply abandoned and eventually it is either eaten by insects, or just disintegrates.
You can find out a lot more about the fascinating world of spiders by visiting the Octopodal World of Spiders website.
Have fun!
Rob Cruickshank
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Zoology.