Spider Lifespan: How Long Do Spiders Live?

Whether you are scared of them or not, spiders live a very interesting life. These fascinating arachnids invade our homes all around the world. However, even though we’d probably rather not have them near us, they can actually be very beneficial to have around as they prey on a variety of different insects. One question you might find yourself wondering when you see a spider is how long their lifespan is. You may be surprised to find out that they can live much longer than mere months. In fact, some can live for years! So, keep reading to find out exactly how long spiders live!

How Long Do Spiders Live?

On average, most spiders live for around two years. However, depending on the species, they can live anywhere from a few months to several decades. For example, common house spiders have a short lifespan of around one year, but tarantulas have one of the longest lifespans, as they can reach up to 30 years in captivity. Male wolf spiders live for a year or less, while females may live for several breeding seasons in the wild. However, in captivity, they may reach two to three years.

Incredibly, a trapdoor spider can live past the age of 40. Scientists conducted a long-term study in Australia that studied 150 spider burrows. Incredibly, the spider from burrow number 16 lived from 1974 to 2016. Researchers estimated the spider was 43 years old and could have lived even longer; however, it was killed by a wasp.

It’s also important to note that female spiders usually live longer than males. This could be due to genetic strength, as female spiders are responsible for laying eggs and taking care of their young, or it could be the fact that some species of spiders either kill or consume their mate after they have finished mating. 

The Average Spider Life Cycle

From the common house spider to the tarantula, all spiders have a similar life cycle. They start as eggs, become spiderlings, and then grow into fully formed adults. Let’s look at each of these steps in their life cycle in more detail.

Eggs

Female spiders are unique in that they can fertilize their eggs at will. Once they have mated with a male, they can store the sperm until they are ready to fertilize their eggs. Once they have done so, most spider eggs hatch within a few weeks.

There is an exception to this rule. If a spider decides to fertilize their eggs during inopportune weather or cold months, baby spiders will remain in their eggs until it is warmer and the weather is better. Certain species of spiders can also release their eggs from their egg sacs at will. 

Young Spiders, or Spiderlings

You will recognize a spiderling because it looks just like its mother, only much smaller. Spiderlings hatch from their eggs all at once and tend to disperse from where they were born. Spiderlings will shoot webs into the air and travel on a breeze or attach to nearby plants. This charming act of escaping is known as ballooning.

Unlike ants, spiders need time to grow and form their exoskeleton. This process can take time, and female spiders usually grow bigger, which means they need even more time to reach their full size and potential. 

Adult Spiders

Most spiders reach adulthood within a few months of emerging from their eggs. Some male spiders of certain species are born fully formed, but nearly all female spiders need more time to mature.

Adult spiders are usually classified as such because they are able to breed and start this very common life cycle all over again. Some species of spiders continue molting and changing as they age, the tarantula being among them. 

If a female spider has mated with a male but hasn’t used the sperm from that process yet, the female spider can lose the sperm through molting. This can be an inconvenient step in the life cycle process, but thankfully, there are usually male spiders nearby.

How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Pet Tarantula

Tarantulas are known to live well over 10 years, and can make some unique and charming house pets. While not all of you will be excited to own a spider in your home, tarantulas can be perfect for those of you living in a small space but still interested in owning a pet.  If you currently own a pet tarantula or are interested in adopting one, there are many things you can do to extend its life and give it the best quality of life possible. Here are some tips:

• Find the right-sized enclosure: Contrary to most other house pets, tarantulas don’t actually appreciate living in more space. Spiders hunt their prey, so having live food in a large cage can leave your tarantula having trouble finding its food. Make sure your tarantula has ample space to roam, but not too much space that it loses its food daily.
• Don’t handle your spider while it molts: Tarantulas molt frequently, but it is important to leave them alone during this process. You may feel concerned because your spider will not eat or move around much during this time. This is a completely normal part of the tarantula and spider life process, and you risk hurting your spider when it doesn’t have the protective coating of its advanced exoskeleton. 
• Give your tarantula a place to hide: Tarantulas love the comfort and security of a hiding place, as most spiders often do. While uncovering a hidden spider in the wild can be frightening, giving your tarantula a place to nest and burrow is necessary for its overall health. You can use pieces of bark, dirt, and certain varieties of moss to accomplish this. Don’t be surprised when you can’t find your pet until you overturn its hiding place!