How I Discovered the Dew Drop Spider in a Writing Spider’s Web
Recently, I stumbled upon a beautiful mature writing spider (Argiope aurantia) carefully wrapping her lunch. In this case, she had captured an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus).
Can you spot the dewdrop spider as the writing spider is wrapping her lunch?
Sue Watts, ©2025, SC Botanical Garden, Clemson University
As I watched her work, my eyes were drawn to a tiny shiny object in her web. At first, I thought it was a raindrop, but then I looked closer and discovered the tiniest spider I think I’ve ever seen, just a few millimeters in size.
Close up of the dewdrop spider.
Sue Watts, ©2025, SC Botanical Garden, Clemson University
What I Learned About the Dew Drop Spider’s Behavior
After some research, I found out that this was the perfectly named dew drop spider (Argyrodes sp.).
What I discovered was fascinating. This small creature is typically found in the webs of larger spiders, often but not always Argiope, waiting for food scraps. These scraps can be small prey, Argiope’s eggs or even the web silk.
Since it steals food, it is designated as a kleptoparasite.
Revisiting the Dew Drop Spider After a Storm in the Garden
After an enormous rainstorm, I went back to revisit the scene the next morning.
I found the writing spider gone, but the tattered remnants of her web were still there, as was the tiny dew drop spider. This time, she was spinning her own web in the absence of her large benefactor.
I initially assumed the storm dislodged the writing spider but then learned that this tiny spider may attack and eat a larger spider when it is vulnerable during molting.
I think it is more likely that the storm prompted her disappearance, particularly since I think it would be hard for the Argyrodes to consume such a large meal overnight.
But I am left wondering several things. What happened to the writing spider? Can the dew drop spider really attack and eat such a large meal? Can the dewdrop spider survive without a host? If so, for how long? I think more research is in my future!
