During which seasons do spiders typically mate and lay eggs?

The correct choice indicates that spiders typically mate and lay eggs primarily during the spring and fall. This is due to the fact that these seasons provide favorable environmental conditions for spiders to reproduce. In spring, temperatures begin to rise, allowing spiders to emerge from their overwintering sites and engage in mating rituals. The abundance of prey during this time also supports growing spider populations.

Fall is another crucial time when many species of spiders mate before winter sets in. Spiders often enter a period of dormancy or die off as temperatures drop, so mating in the fall ensures that their offspring can hatch in the spring when conditions are optimal for growth.

The other options do not accurately reflect the behavior of most spider species. Spiders do not typically mate only during the warm months, as the life cycles of many species are closely tied to specific seasonal patterns that encompass both spring and fall. While some spiders may be active in winter in warmer climates, the majority do not mate during that time, focusing instead on spring and fall for reproduction. Thus, the identified choice captures the clear seasonality of spider mating habits effectively.