What surprising prey might larger wolf spiders occasionally consume?

Answer

Very small vertebrates like tiny lizards or small rodents like mice

Although their diet strongly favors arthropods, the size flexibility of larger wolf spider species allows their menu to occasionally expand to include vertebrates. When the opportunity arises, these substantial hunters are capable of tackling prey items such as tiny lizards, small frogs, or even small rodents, like mice. Subduing prey of this size requires the spider to employ its potent venom immediately upon capture to paralyze the victim quickly. Once immobilized, the spider utilizes its digestive enzymes to begin the liquefaction process externally before consuming the resulting nutrient-rich fluid. This capability highlights their opportunistic nature beyond the typical invertebrate diet.

What surprising prey might larger wolf spiders occasionally consume?
dietspiderPredatorarachnidwolf spider