Why is consuming other spiders considered a viable, protein-rich strategy for wolf spiders?
Answer
The spider is already equipped with venom and fangs designed to subdue terrestrial invertebrates.
The ability of a wolf spider to prey on other spiders, categorized as intraspecific prey, is supported by their existing predatory adaptations. Because they possess venom and fangs specifically designed to subdue terrestrial invertebrates, they are biologically equipped to physically overpower and subdue a smaller or similarly sized competitor. This makes other spiders a readily available and effective source of protein, particularly when the usual primary insect prey sources become temporarily scarce in their environment.
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