Nature Notebook – Leaf Rollers

Look inside a rolled-up leaf to find a variety of surprises. This type of shelter is usually constructed by a larva from one of the many insect species grouped as “leaf rollers” (how appropriate). The larva retreats into its “tunnel” when threatened.

Sac spiders also roll leaves. The female spider places her egg sac inside the cozy abode. Unlike most spider species, she also stays in the shelter to guard the eggs and young hatchlings against predators. When she gets hungry, she will leave the next at night to hunt for food to catcher with her long front legs.

Sac spiders usually feed on other spiders, as well as small insects and eggs. They will also drink nectar…another unspiderly-thing to do. It seems to increase their survival rate and success at producing offspring.