Buzz
Many spider species lay their eggs inside silk sacs, often concealed within their webs. These sacs can be securely attached to surfaces or carried by the female spider. A single spider can produce several egg sacs, with each containing hundreds of eggs. These egg sacs are woven from silk and are usually about the size of the spider itself.
Steps
Examine the Spider Egg Sac
Observe the shape and texture. To determine if the object you are examining is a spider egg sac, focus on its shape and texture. Since spider egg sacs are made from silk, their appearance and structure can vary depending on the species. Some common shapes for spider egg sacs include:
- round
- disk-shaped with a raised center
- soft pillow-like
- fine silk mass
- spiny ball-shaped
Observe the size of the egg sac. Spider egg sacs are typically smaller than a coin. You can estimate the size of the object you suspect might be an egg sac to determine whether it is indeed the product of a spider.
- For instance, if you find something about the size of a soccer ball, it is unlikely to be a spider egg sac. However, if the object is smaller than a coin, it is quite possible that it's a spider egg sac.
- Spider egg sacs are generally the same size as the spider itself. For example, if the spiders in your area are roughly the size of a golf ball, their egg sacs would likely be about the same size.
- Keep in mind that some spider species only produce one egg sac, while others can have multiple smaller sacs.
Look at the color. Most spider egg sacs are white or off-white, but not all of them follow this pattern. Some can be brown, yellow, or even lemon-yellow.
- Check the color to determine whether an object might be a spider egg sac. For example, if the object is pink or black, it is probably not a spider egg sac.
Pay attention to the location. Some spider species carry their egg sacs, but most typically hang them in their webs. If you notice an object that might be a spider egg sac, check if it is suspended in a web or attached to a wall or other surface by spider silk.
- Some spiders lay their eggs in sacs on the ground, so you may not always see a web.
Watch for spiderlings. The presence of baby spiders can also indicate that you've found a spider egg sac. Female spiders can lay hundreds of eggs in a single sac, and when the eggs hatch, many tiny spiders will emerge from the sac.
- If you see light-colored spiders crawling around the object you suspect is an egg sac, it's likely to be the egg sac itself.
Observe the spider and its web
Pay attention to the shape of the spider web. The webs of different spider species vary in shape. Not all spiders create egg sacs within their webs, so you might not always be able to identify the species by examining the web. However, if you cannot identify the spider by its egg sac, inspecting the web is a good alternative. Common types of spider webs include:
- Round shape. The web is circular.
- Clumped tangles. These webs look like cotton balls and are often found in corners of ceilings.
- Tube-shaped. These webs appear in more secluded areas, forming tubes.
- Flat sheets. These webs are either flat or bowl-shaped.
- Spongy. These webs are slightly sticky and have irregular shapes.
Consider the location of the web. Spiders can build their webs almost anywhere. You might find them in gaps in brick walls, room corners, on trees, or among piles of dry leaves. The web's location can help narrow down the species of the spider whose egg sac you're examining.
- For example, tarantulas typically create webs in underground burrows with a thin web covering the entrance. Disc-web spiders often spin small gray webs on tree branches and brick walls, while harvestmen typically build webs on indoor plants.
Examine closely if possible. Since many spider egg sacs look similar, it can be hard to identify the spider species without seeing the spider that created the egg sac. Some spiders leave after laying their eggs, and you won’t see the spider nearby, but other species stay close to guard their egg sacs until the eggs hatch.
- If you find the spider that produced the egg sac, observing it closely is your best chance to identify it accurately.
Take note of the color. Spiders come in a variety of colors and patterns. Some species, like the Yellow and Black Garden Spider, are easy to identify, while others can look quite similar to each other.
- Pay attention to the details. For instance, if the spider is brown, what shade of brown is it? Are there any distinguishing marks? Is the brown color uniform across its body?
Observe the hair on the spider's body. Spiders are covered in fine hair, but it’s not always obvious. If you notice the hair, try to describe what it looks like.
- For example, can you spot the hair on the spider from a distance, like with a Jumping Spider, or is it difficult to see the hair up close, like with a Brown Recluse Spider?
Estimate the size. Many people have a fear of spiders and often imagine them as being larger than they actually are. However, accurately estimating the size of the spider can help you identify it more easily.
- Try to assess it objectively. Does the spider look about the size of an eraser? A coin? A golf ball? Or the size of your fist?
- Most spiders are about a few centimeters in size. Try to estimate the spider's size in centimeters to gather more information for identifying the species.
Warning
- Do not attempt to catch the spider or handle its egg sac if you're unsure about it. Some spiders are venomous and can cause severe pain or harm. If you suspect a spider infestation in your home, call pest control services.
