How does a spider eat a mouse? - briefly
The spider injects venom to paralyze the mouse, then releases digestive enzymes that break down the tissues into a liquid form, which it ingests through its mouthparts. The digestion can last several hours, depending on the prey’s size.
How does a spider eat a mouse? - in detail
Spiders capable of subduing small mammals possess a combination of size, powerful chelicerae, and potent venom. The predation sequence proceeds as follows:
• Detection – sensory hairs and vision locate the rodent’s movement or scent.
• Approach – the arachnid advances stealthily, positioning itself to strike.
• Envenomation – fangs inject neurotoxic and proteolytic compounds that quickly immobilize the prey and begin breaking down tissue.
• External digestion – digestive enzymes released from the midgut flow into the wound, liquefying muscles, blood, and organs.
• Ingestion – the spider draws the resulting nutrient‑rich fluid through its mouthparts, discarding indigestible exoskeleton fragments.
The cheliceral muscles generate sufficient force to pierce the mouse’s hide, while the venom’s paralytic effect prevents escape. Enzymatic breakdown continues after the spider retreats, allowing the animal to consume the entire liquefied mass over several hours. Nutrient absorption occurs via the gut lining, supporting growth and reproduction.