Spider Predators
Spiders have soft bodies and can easily be eaten. This makes them prey
for many predators. Some nematodes and mites are parasites to spiders.
Birds, lizards, scorpions and insects such as wasps, ants and
centipedes catch spiders from the ground from their web.
Some wasps (Pompilidae), are specialized in spider hunting and use the
captured spider to lay their eggs in. The larvae consume the spider
from inside to emerge.
Spider flies (Acroceridae) attack spiders and deposit the young fly
larvae into the leg of a spider. These larvae then penetrate the book
lungs resulting in death of the spider.
Ants can sometimes been seen dragging a killed spider. The praying
mantis can eat any insect or spider, even other praying mantises. REF9
Humans are also a major predator of spiders. Insecticides used around
the house and in agriculture wipe out the whole populations of insects
and spiders.
Many species of spiders are on a red list and are in danger of becoming
extinct. Tarantulas from South-America have become rare because many of
them are caught and sold as pet animals.
REF3
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