Hobbies And Interests
Wanted Prey
The golden orb spider's main diet is large insects. The spider positions the web to trap flying insets and feeds mainly on flies, moths and other large, airborne bugs. The spider is not picky when it comes to insects, however, and will also eat nonflying insects that end up stuck in the web. Younger golden orb spiders that are not yet large enough for large insects eat fruit flies and other smaller insects.
Web
The strength and design of the gold orb spider's web makes it an ideal trap for catching its prey. The spiders strategically position their web between branches and foliage where insects are apt to fly and get stuck in the sticky and wide web, according to the Australian Museum's website. The Smithsonian National Zoological Park's website notes some of the larger webs are up to 6 feet across.
Unwanted Prey
Because the web's silk is so strong and the web so large and hearty, unwanted prey sometimes gets stuck in the spider's web. Small birds are a prime example. Golden orb spiders do not usually eat birds stuck in their webs, but there have been rare cases of them doing so. If they do consume birds, the spiders break down the bird into manageable and consumable pieces with its venom, according to Joel Shakespeare, head spider keeper at the Australian Reptile Park, in an article in the "UK Telegraph."
Thievery
Golden orb spiders are not adverse to turning to thievery for a bite to eat. Male golden orb spiders are only about one-sixth the size of the female, according to the Smithsonian. This makes it easy for the males to hide on the edges of the web, free to roam about and steal parts of her food. He also uses his small size to sneak up on the female for breeding purposes, often while she is busy molting or eating. The spider's web is often also home to smaller spiders who live around the perimeter and eat smaller insects that get caught, according to the Australian Museum's website.
Cannibalism
One more way golden orb spiders fill their stomachs is by eating each other. After the young spiders hatch, they remain in a pack until their mouths, glands and organs are fully developed. Once they are able to eat, spin webs and inject venom as adults, they will start to eat each other unless they go their separate ways.