Ask A Scientist Zoology Archive

name         Jana D.
status       other
age          30s

Question -   We have had an orb spider outside our window for a few
months now.  This morning we noticed that she has laid an egg sac.  I
have been searching for some information on the emergence of the spiders
from within the egg sac.  So far all I have found is that they usually
hatch in early fall, stay in the sac for the winter an emerge next spring.

I live in a suburban area and do not mind that spider being around.  But I
also do not want to end up with 100 or so little orb spiders all over the
outside of my house and yard.  Do they disperse after emerging and if so
how far do they go?
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Yes, they will disperse after emerging and most, like all highly fecund
small organisms, will not survive. Enjoy watching them, they are no threat
and not likely to become so numerous as to be even mildly troublesome.

J. Elliott
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