Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My black widow has nested several egg sacks and we have removed and hatched one of them. We are just disposing of the rest. How long can a female store sperm. I know that she has not been in contact with a male for at least three months.

"Once the female has mated, she can store sperm for several months up to a year. She may produce 2 to 3 egg cases during that time. Depending on the species, a few to a few hundred eggs may be laid per egg case, but usually each subsequent egg case is smaller with fewer viable spiderlings."

found at:

http://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_spiders_intro.html

You said that a female may store sperm from several months up to a year and possibly lay 2-3 egg sacks. Our female has thrown about 3 or 4 sacks in a period of maybe 4 or 5 months. Can you fill me in a little more on this subject. Thank you.