The Ant-eating Spider is a tiny, red-and-black theridiid spider that specializes in preying on ants despite the danger involved. It uses silk threads anchored to the ground to trip passing ants, then delivers a rapid, precisely placed venomous bite before the ant can retaliate with its own venom. It is often found living near ant trails.
Habitat
Sandy soil and leaf litter near ant colonies
Diet
Adults: ants captured with silk-tripping technique
How common
Uncommon
Not certain it is a Ant-eating Spider? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Ant-eating Spider sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted an Ant-eating Spider?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.
5,300+species
63national parks
50states