What is the diet of all spiders?

Spiders are classified as carnivorous, which means their diet consists primarily of other animals. They primarily feed on insects, although some larger species may prey on small vertebrates, other arachnids, and even larger insects. This feeding behavior is crucial for their survival and plays a key role in controlling pest populations in various ecosystems.

Being carnivorous allows spiders to utilize various hunting strategies, such as building webs to trap prey or actively hunting down their food. Their physiological adaptations, such as fangs and venom, help them subdue and digest their prey, further solidifying their role as predominantly meat-eaters in the food chain.

In contrast, other dietary classifications such as herbivorous, omnivorous, and detritivorous do not accurately describe spiders' feeding habits. Herbivores consume plant material, omnivores eat both plants and animals, and detritivores feed on decomposing organic matter, none of which align with the diet and behavior of spiders.