Are Spiders Carnivores or Omnivores?

By Staff WriterLast Updated December 07, 2023

Spiders are carnivorous animals, eating insects such as flies, moths, cockroaches, fleas, mosquitos and even other spiders. Some species, such as the tarantula and the Goliath bird eater, are large enough to eat small rodents, amphibians, lizards, snakes and small birds.

Spiders use various techniques to capture prey. Some spin webs, some actively hunt and some lie in wait in burrows or on bushes to pounce when a potential victim passes by. Spiders have toothed edges in their jaws that move from side to side to break up the catch during feeding. Digestion starts with enzymes injected into the prey before swallowing.