News Animals

These huntsman spiders do something weird: live together as a big, happy family

Among the violent loners of spiderdom, a few species evolve some family life

Dozens of tiny Delena huntsman spiderlings in or near their white egg sac, surrounded by their much larger, red-legged mother.

Odd among loner spiders, tiny Delena huntsman spiderlings will live with mom from the time they leave their big white egg sac until well after they start hunting on their own.

© Linda S. Rayor

By Susan Milius

- More than 2 years ago

How descendants of cannibals evolved abilities to share a home mostly without killing each other — never mind the rare oopsie snack — resonates after several pandemic years.