What do black widows eat?

Black widow spider overview

Black widows are a well-known species of spider with shiny black bodies and a red hourglass marking on their abdomen. They belong to the Latrodectus genus and are mostly found in warm areas of North America, especially in the southern and western United States. 

These spiders like dry, quiet places where they can safely spin their webs, making them common invaders of home spaces like basements, woodpiles, garages, and even outdoor furniture. They like to build messy, sticky webs close to the ground, helping them catch prey and stay protected from predators. 

Since black widows prefer quiet and undisturbed areas, they sometimes end up in the nooks and crannies of homes.

What do black widows eat in the wild?

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.

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.

Black widows protect themselves in different ways. If they feel threatened, they often hide in a safe spot in their web or drop to the ground and stay still to avoid being noticed. They use their venom primarily for hunting, but if they feel trapped, they will bite to defend themselves. 

Black widow bites are rare for humans – and they usually only happen to you if you accidentally corner or attempt to handle the spider yourself. 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. 

Dealing with black widows around your home? At Western Exterminator, we understand how unsettling it can be to find these spiders in your space. Our spider control experts are ready to identify, remove, and prevent infestations.

Frequently asked questions