© 2026 Rentokil Initial plc and subject to the conditions in the Legal statement
If you’re wondering, “What do black widow spiders eat?” look no further. These spiders mainly feed on insects and small arthropods. They may also feed on tiny animals, but in general, a black widow’s diet includes:
- Flies, mosquitoes, and beetles that get stuck in their webs
- Grasshoppers, crickets, and caterpillars
- Cockroaches and even other spiders
Black widows are poisonous spiders, which means that when an insect gets stuck in their web, they quickly bite it, injecting venom that paralyzes it. The spider then wraps the prey in silk and stores it for later, allowing it to go a long time without eating if needed.
Need spider control? Click the button below to schedule your free inspection with us.
How black widows catch their prey
These spiders don’t chase their prey. Instead, a black widow’s web is its best tool for catching food. Unlike the neat, circular webs of other spiders, black widow webs look messy and tangled, but their sticky silk is very strong, making sure that anything caught in it can’t escape.
When prey gets stuck, the black widow feels the movement through the web and moves in fast. It bites the trapped insect. The venom also breaks down the prey’s insides, turning them into liquid that the spider can easily eat.
Do black widows eat their mates?
Many people believe that female black widows always eat their mates, but this isn’t completely true. While it can happen, it’s not as common as most think.
Females usually only eat the male if they are very hungry or if food is hard to find. Since females need extra energy to lay eggs, eating the male can provide important nutrients.
However, in many cases, the male manages to escape after mating without being harmed. Whether or not the female eats the male depends on her hunger and the situation at the time.
What eats a black widow? (predators & threats)
Even though black widows are venomous predators, they still have creatures that hunt them. Some of their natural predators include:
- Birds: Wrens, bluebirds, and other insect-eating birds sometimes eat black widows.
- Wasps: Certain wasps, like the blue mud dauber, hunt black widows and use them as food for their young.
- Other spiders: Bigger spiders, like wolf spiders and jumping spiders, may attack and eat black widows.
You can learn more about the types of spiders you can handle and which ones to leave alone in our spider identification guide.
How long can a black widow survive without food?
These spiders are pretty tough and can survive for a long time without eating. In good conditions, they can go for weeks or even months without food. Black widow bodies are designed to save energy, which helps them survive when prey is hard to find, especially in winter when insects are less active.
When food is scarce, black widows slow down their movements and metabolism to use less energy. Even though they are good at surviving without food, going too long without eating makes them weaker and more at risk from predators and environmental dangers.
Get expert spider control today
Dealing with black widows around your home? Our spider control experts are ready to identify, remove, and prevent infestations. Schedule your free inspection with your local Western Exterminator expert today.
Frequently asked questions
They eat insects like flies, mosquitoes, grasshoppers, beetles, and caterpillars. They trap their prey in irregular, sticky webs, then bite and inject venom to immobilize it. After that, they digest the insect by breaking it down with enzymes before sucking up the liquid.
Yes, black widows can go weeks or even months without food. Their bodies store energy, allowing them to survive when prey is scarce. However, long periods without food make them weaker and more vulnerable to predators.
Black widows don’t drink water the way humans do. Instead, they get moisture from their prey and the environment. If needed, they may drink tiny water droplets from surfaces like leaves or their web.
Young black widows eat smaller insects like fruit flies and tiny ants. As they grow, they start hunting larger prey.
Many people confuse false widow spiders with black widows, but they’re two different species. False widows usually eat small insects and other bugs, like flies, ants, beetles, woodlice, and sometimes even other spiders.
Like black widows, they catch their prey in webs, then bite and use venom to stop it from moving. After that, they suck up the liquefied insides to feed.
Book your free pest inspection today
Our local technicians will assess your property and recommend tailored solutions. Fast, friendly, and completely obligation-free.
- Targeted treatments applied safely and responsibly
- Local experts, fast response
- Trusted, trained technicians