We all know that frogs love their flies and insects, but can they eat spiders? The answer is yes; in fact, many species of frogs eat spiders—but not just any spider will do. Let’s examine what types of spiders make up a frog’s diet and why.
Can frogs eat spiders?
Can frogs eat spiders? The short answer is yes, they most certainly can.
Frogs are opportunistic predators and take advantage of any prey available to them. Not only do frogs actively forage for spiders, sometimes even catching them in their mouths in addition to snag-and-gulp tactics.
But it’s important to note that not all spiders are safe for frogs to eat.
A large species of spider or one with a robust defense mechanism could be harmful to the frog, so it’s best if owners carefully assess what kinds of spiders their froggy friend may encounter out in the wild and ensure there’s nothing harmful on the menu.
Five Types of Spiders That Are Safe For Frogs To Eat
1. Araneus diadematus
The Araneus diadematus, or European garden spider, is a species found in Europe, Asia, and North America. This spider is harmless to humans and can be beneficial as it preys on harmful insects. The Araneus diadematus is also safe for frogs to eat as it does not contain any toxins that would be harmful to them.
2. Tegenaria domestica
The Tegenaria Domestica, or hobo spider, is a spider found in Europe, Asia, and North America. This spider is harmless to humans and can be beneficial as it preys on harmful insects. The Tegenaria Domestica is also safe for frogs to eat as it does not contain any toxins that would be harmful to them.
3. Parasteatoda tepidariorum
The Parasteatoda tepidariorum, or common house spider, is a spider found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. This spider is harmless to humans and can be beneficial as it preys on harmful insects. The Parasteatoda tepidariorum is also safe for frogs to eat as it does not contain any toxins that would be harmful to them.
4. Achaearanea tepidariorum
The Achaearanea tepidariorum, or common cellar spider, is a spider found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. This spider is harmless to humans and can be beneficial as it preys on harmful insects. The Achaearanea tepidariorum is also safe for frogs to eat as it does not contain any toxins that would be harmful to them.
5. Pholcus phalangioides
The Pholcus phalangioides, or long-bodied cellar spider, is a species found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and North America. This spider is harmless to humans and can be beneficial as it preys on harmful insects. The Pholcus phalangioides are also safe for frogs to eat as it does not contain any toxins that would be harmful to them.
How to feed spiders to frogs
Feeding spiders to frogs is essential to providing optimal nutrition for your pet amphibian. However, because frogs are carnivores, it’s best to stick with protein-rich prey such as tiny, non-venomous spiders and their kin.
Before feeding live spiders to your frog, correctly identify them and use tweezers, forceps, or a pair of chopsticks to handle them safely.
Diet should be varied – offer no more than one or two tiny spiders a day. Place the spider near your frog and let it capture its food rather than hand-feeding directly – that way, the frog can develop its natural hunting instinct over time.
Always exercise caution when handling live prey, as unexpected movement may startle and stress out your frog.
Why Do Frogs Eat Spiders?
Frogs tend to be opportunistic feeders; they will take advantage of whatever prey is available in their environment that is within their size range to catch and consume.
This means that if smaller house spiders are abundant in the area where the frog lives, they may become part of the frog’s regular diet.
Additionally, some species of frogs may even prefer eating certain types of smaller spiders over other types of prey due to their higher nutritional value.
Nutrition Benefits
Regarding nutrients, most spiders offer a good source of protein which can help supplement a frog’s diet when other sources are scarce.
They also provide essential vitamins and minerals that can help keep your pet frog healthy—including iron which helps transport oxygen throughout the body.
And while it may seem strange at first glance, consuming smaller house spiders can provide numerous health benefits for your pet frog; for example, since most small house spiders don’t have venomous bites, this makes them much safer for your pet than other potential prey items like wasps or bees.
Conclusion
All in all, it’s perfectly safe (and even beneficial!) if your pet frog consumes tiny house spiders as part of its diet—make sure you avoid feeding them larger species like wolves or tarantula spiders! It’s important to remember that each species has unique dietary needs, so always consult with an experienced vet before making any changes to your pet’s diet plan. With proper nutrition and care from you, your pet frog should live a happy and healthy life!
