Can Spiders Produce Electricity?
WouterIf you’ve ever wondered if spiders can produce electricity, you’re not alone. Scientists have debated this idea since the 1800s. But now, a team from the University of Bristol believes they have discovered the answer to the mystery.
The team of scientists put a box with a vertical cardboard strip in the center inside a polycarbonate box. Then, they placed several tiny spiders in the box and turned on the electric field. The researchers noticed a dramatic increase in tiptoeing on the cardboard strip. Some of the spiders even began flying. But when the electric field was switched off, the tells stopped.
Morley and Robert wanted to see if switching the electric fields on and off would affect the spiders’ ability to balloon. If so, they wanted to know what would happen if the field was stronger or weaker. They also wanted to know if the spiders could detect the field.
The team used tiny carnivorous spiders from the family Linyphiidae. These spiders have very small hairs on their legs that can detect electrical currents. The hairs are also sensitive to sound. So, the spiders may be able to sense the electric fields surrounding them and take advantage of them.
They also used a different kind of spider, called Erigone. This spider has a unique way of communicating with its hive. Instead of using sound, it uses a strong electrical charge to communicate with other members of its hive. It is this electrical charge that Morley and Robert believe is the key to the spider’s ballooning abilities.
