How long do spiders live? Most spiders live for one to two years, but some species can survive up to 20 years in ideal conditions. The lifespan of a spider varies depending on its species, environment, and access to food and shelter. While common house spiders often don’t make it past a year, larger spiders like tarantulas are known for their exceptional longevity.
Readers may be surprised to learn how long do spiders live compared to other small creatures. Understanding their lifespans can help people manage expectations about indoor spiders or plan care for pet spiders more effectively.
The lifespan of spiders depends on their species, environment, and care. Lifespans can range from just a few months to several years, with marked differences between wild and captive conditions.
Spiders exhibit significant variation in lifespan, depending on their species. House spiders (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) commonly live for 1 to 2 years. Jumping spiders (Salticidae) typically live about 1 year, with some species reaching up to 2 years.
Tarantulas have notably longer lifespans. Female tarantulas can live from 15 to 25 years, while males usually survive 4 to 6 years. Orb-weaver spiders, such as the garden spider (Araneus diadematus), often live for around 1 year, usually dying after reproducing.
The table below summarizes how long some typical spiders live:
| Species | Lifespan (Years) |
| House Spider | 1–2 |
| Jumping Spider | 1–2 |
| Orb-Weaver | 1 |
| Female Tarantula | 15–25 |
| Male Tarantula | 4–6 |
| Wolf Spider | 1 |
The lifespan of spiders often changes when comparing them in the wild to captivity. In the wild, many die young due to predators, disease, or harsh climates. House spiders and wolf spiders may rarely reach their full potential because of frequent threats.
In contrast, captive spiders often live longer. Consistent food, stable temperatures, and the absence of predators reduce risks. Female tarantulas, for example, regularly achieve maximum lifespan in captivity.
A well-maintained environment can effectively double the life of some species. However, improper care—such as incorrect humidity or diet—can shorten their lifespan, even in captivity.
Many factors determine how long spiders live. Genetics plays a central role: some species are naturally short-lived, while others can survive for decades. Female spiders usually outlive males, particularly in tarantula species.
Other key influences include:
How long a spider lives is rarely about just one factor; instead, it results from a combination of species traits and life circumstances.
Spiders undergo marked changes throughout their life cycle, which impacts their lifespan. Their development, reproductive habits, and aging process differ depending on the species.
Spiders begin life as eggs, typically laid in silken sacs for protection. The number of eggs varies widely, with some species producing several hundred at once. Incubation lasts from a few days to several weeks, depending on temperature and spider variety.
After hatching, spiderlings may remain with the egg sac for a short time before dispersing. They develop through a process known as molting, where they shed their exoskeleton multiple times as they grow and mature. Most spiderlings pass through 5–10 molts before reaching maturity.
Growth speed and the time to reach adulthood can differ significantly. Some small house spiders become adults in just a few months. Larger orb-weavers or tarantulas may require several years to mature. Environmental conditions—such as food, humidity, and temperature—can influence this timeline.
Upon reaching maturity, spiders are capable of reproduction. Males often have shorter lifespans than females, living just a few months after maturation, especially in species like the common house spider.
Females usually outlive males and can survive for several years. Some tarantula species are notable for exceptionally long lifespans, with females living up to 20 years. In contrast, many small spiders, such as jumping spiders, live for only one year.
Life expectancy in spiders varies depending on the species, environmental factors, and predation. Most die of natural causes, but some may fall prey to disease, parasites, or predators shortly after laying eggs.
Some homeowners notice that the same spiders seem to linger in corners and crevices for months. Many indoor species, such as the common house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum), can live 1 to 2 years under typical conditions.
Why do spiders seem so persistent?
| Spider Type | Typical Lifespan Indoors |
| Common House Spider | 1–2 years |
| Cellar Spider | Up to 2 years |
| Brown Recluse | 1–2 years |
| Black Widow | 1–3 years |
Spiders reproduce inside homes, too. A single egg sac may contain hundreds of spiderlings, which increases their numbers and visibility over time.
If house spiders refuse to go away, professional help may be necessary, especially if you prefer a humane approach to removal. Critter Stop offers effective, wildlife-friendly solutions and has earned excellent reviews due to its thorough service and exceptional customer care.
Call Critter Stop at (214) 234-2616 for a free inspection and let their experts help resolve any spider or pest problem quickly and efficiently.
Spider lifespans can vary significantly based on species, environment, and access to essential resources such as food and water. Some species live for only a few months, while others can survive several years under the right conditions.
Most common household spiders live between 1 and 2 years when kept indoors. Some species, such as the house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum), may live longer if they have a steady supply of food and are not disturbed.
Spiders are resilient and can often survive 1 to 2 months without food, depending on their age and species. Larger spiders may last longer due to their energy reserves, while smaller or younger spiders are less tolerant of starvation.
Outdoor spiders typically live for less than a year, as they face threats from predators and environmental changes. Some spiders, like orb-weavers, usually die after one mating season, while tarantulas can live outdoors for up to 10 years or more.
Spiders obtain most of their water from their prey and humid environments. In dry settings, survival typically drops after several days to a few weeks. Still, in moist environments or with regular prey, some individuals can last significantly longer without direct access to water sources.
Daddy long-legs spiders (Pholcidae) usually live for around 1 to 2 years in sheltered areas. In stable indoor environments, they may reach the upper end of that range.
Jumping spiders (Salticidae) often live for about 1 year, though some can survive into a second year in captivity. This lifespan is typical for many small spider species, but significantly shorter than that of tarantulas or some larger, slow-growing spiders.
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