Editing Shield Spiders (section)

=== Nests ===
Shield Spiders nests, also called ''Pits'', are covered with a camouflaged layer. Inside the nest lies generations of Shield Spiders waiting for prey to fall into the trap, from tiny hatchlings to several foot sized specimens. Often, there is one dominant, large spider which is considered the ''matriarch''<ref name="6.30"/> of her nest. Nest populations can range from least fifty, or as many as three hundred.<ref name="3.22L">[https://wanderinginn.com/2017/10/10/3-22-l/ Chapter 3.22 L]</ref>

Shield Spider pits can be hidden in different surroundings, usually held together by their sticky spiderweb<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2018/07/24/5-05/ Chapter 5.05 mentions glue crafted from webs]</ref>: Within the Floodplains, the Shield Spiders camouflage the pit with a layer of dirt, dead grass and sticks that collapses when the prey walks over the nest.<ref name="1.29"/> Prey includes rats, rabbits, [[Corusdeer]], [[Fortress Beavers]] and unsuspecting travellers.<ref name="6.30"/>

Eggs laid in the late season of the year can provide a problem in the Floodplains in early spring, when they hatch.

Shield Spiders are territorial and and can kill rivaling nests.<ref>[https://wanderinginn.com/2019/10/12/6-48-t/ Chapter 6.48 T]</ref>