As a curious spider enthusiast, you may be wondering: can jumping spiders eat isopods?

With their armored exterior, isopods seem hard for any predator to crack open. But the truth is, jumping spiders and isopods do interact in nature, and sometimes this results in the spider making a meal of the crustacean.

What are the hunting capabilities of jumping spiders? How do isopods defend themselves against predators? Do jumping spiders actively hunt isopods in the wild? Have scientists documented jumping spiders successfully preying on isopods?

To find the answers of these questions, keep reading. You’ll learn all about the predatory powers of jumping spiders versus the protective adaptations of isopods.

Discover what specific isopod species are most vulnerable to spider predation. And satisfy your curiosity around whether those tough-looking isopods actually end up as juicy snacks for jumping spiders after all.

Let’s take a deep dive into the possibility do jumping spiders eat isopods!

Can Jumping Spiders Eat Isopods?

Yes, jumping spiders can eat isopods like pill bugs, sow bugs, roly pollies, and woodlice, but they do not rely on them as a major food source.

Jumping spiders are generalist predators that hunt a wide variety of small insects and invertebrates. With their large front eyes, jumping spiders have excellent vision and actively stalk prey before ambushing with a quick pounce and venomous bite.

This allows them to capture and eat a diversity of creatures. Isopods like pill bugs and sow bugs can be eaten, but often roll into a tight ball as a defense.

Their segmented plates also make it difficult for predators to penetrate.

So isopods are not a preferred prey item for jumping spiders.

Jumping spiders likely only target younger isopods that have softer bodies or those that are molting and have shed their exoskeleton.

Are Isopods Dangerous for Jumping Spiders?

No, isopods like pill bugs, sow bugs, roly pollies, and woodlice do not pose a major threat or danger to jumping spiders. Isopods have two main defenses – curling into a ball to protect their vulnerable underside and secreting noxious or foul-smelling fluids from their scent glands.

Neither of these are very effective against jumping spiders. Jumping spiders are agile hunters and can avoid the isopod’s defensive ball. Their thick exoskeleton also protects them from the isopod’s secretions.

Jumping spiders typically hunt by stalking their prey and then quickly ambushing with a pounce and venomous bite. This allows them to attack before isopods can enact their defenses. Jumping spiders’ speed and hunting technique makes them well-adapted to prey on isopods on occasion without much danger.

Do Jumping Spiders Eat Rolly Pollies?

Yes, jumping spiders do eat rolly pollies, which are a type of terrestrial isopod. They do not make up a significant portion of a jumping spider’s diet.

As generalist predators, jumping spiders eat a wide array of small insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. Rolly pollies are only supplemental prey and are not a preferred food source.

This is because when threatened, rolly pollies can roll up into a tight armored ball. Their segmented plates and armored exoskeleton make them difficult for predators to eat.

Jumping spiders likely only go after younger or molting rolly pollies that have softer bodies. In general, jumping spiders get most of their nutrition from insects rather than isopods like rolly pollies.

They will eat rolly pollies opportunistically but do not rely on them as a major food source.

Do Jumping Spiders Eat Woodlice?

Yes, jumping spiders do eat woodlice, although they are not a primary food source.

Woodlice are a type of isopod, related to pill bugs, sow bugs, and rolly pollies. Like other isopods, they can roll into a defensive ball to protect themselves, making it difficult for predators to eat them.

Their segmented exoskeleton also helps defend them. So while jumping spiders can and do eat woodlice on occasion, they make up a very small part of the jumping spider’s diverse diet.

Much of a jumping spider’s nutrition comes from eating insects like flies, mosquitoes, moths, and crickets that are easier to digest and penetrate. Woodlice provide minimal nutritional value compared to insects.

What insects can jumping spiders eat?

Jumping spiders are generalist predators and eat a wide variety of insects, including flies, mosquitoes, moths, crickets, beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and bees. With their large front eyes, jumping spiders have excellent vision and actively hunt insect prey.

They do not spin webs, instead using their agility and jumping ability to ambush prey. Jumping spiders use venom to paralyze and kill insect prey. They can take down insects much larger than themselves.

Almost any small insect is potential prey for jumping spiders. Soft-bodied insects like flies and moths are easier for jumping spiders to penetrate with their fangs.

Harder shelled insects like beetles take more effort to puncture but provide substantial nutrition.

Can isopods live with spiders?

Yes, isopods like pill bugs, sow bugs, woodlice, and rolly pollies can safely live alongside most spider species.

While spiders may opportunistically prey on isopods, they do not rely on them as a primary food source. Isopods have effective defenses against predators like the ability to roll into an armored ball.

Their plates and shells make it difficult for spiders to penetrate and eat them.

Some spiders like jumping spiders and wolf spiders will eat isopods on occasion, but their populations are not significantly threatened by this occasional predation.

Isopods and spiders are able to coexist in ecosystems through limited interactions. Neither poses a substantial threat to the other. So spiders and isopods can and do live together peacefully in many environments.

FAQs

What kills jumping spiders?

Jumping spiders face predators like birds, lizards, amphibians, and other larger spiders that can prey on them. Harsh environmental conditions like extreme heat, cold, or drought can also kill jumping spiders.

Spiders are vulnerable when molting as their new exoskeleton hardens. Diseases like fungi or parasites can infect and kill them.

Jumping spiders have a lifespan of about 1 year, so old age is another common cause of death. Their small size makes them susceptible to many predators and environmental stressors.

Jumping spiders’ excellent vision and agility helps them avoid threats, but they face many predatory and environmental risks common to small invertebrates.

Can you overfeed a jumping spider?

It is possible to overfeed a jumping spider if too large of prey items are offered or if prey is given too frequently.

In the wild, jumping spiders do not eat daily.

Offering food every 2-3 days is sufficient. Prey should be no larger than 1/3 the size of the spider.

Overfeeding could lead to obesity which impairs mobility needed for hunting. It may also lead to regurgitation and/or premature death.

Signs of overfeeding include a swollen opisthosoma (abdomen), lethargy, and loss of interest in food.

Jumping spiders have a low metabolism so requirements are minimal. Portion control and proper intervals between feedings can prevent overfeeding in captive jumping spiders.