Do spiders drink water? If not how do they quench their thirst?
• Yes, spiders do drink water. In the wild, most will drink from any available source such as droplets on vegetation or the ground, and from early morning or evening dew that has condensed on their webs. For those kept in captivity, it is a good idea to provide a fresh water source such as a small bottle cap or damp sponge for smaller species, or a small dish for larger species such as tarantulas. Incidentally, spiders’ need to quench their thirst seems to have given rise to the myth that they live in drains. When a spider is in a building, an excellent source of water is droplets left from taps and showers around the plugholes and sink edges. Needless to say, spiders remain trapped in the sink or bath because the sides are too slippery or steep for them to climb. Sean Lenahan, Cartmel College, Lancaster University, UK • Like all other animals, spiders require a regular intake of water. Different species use different methods to quench their thirst. For example, the whistling spider, f
