Do Spiders Have Blood When You Kill Them?
WouterWhen you kill a spider, you’re not really killing it. Instead, you’re creating a new home for it. This may seem like a waste of time, but in the long run, it’s a win-win.
There are many myths surrounding the life and death of spiders. For instance, do they have blood?
The truth is, they do have something called hemolymph. Hemolymph is a transparent liquid that has a number of beneficial properties. It carries oxygen, immune response cells, and other substances necessary for a spider’s survival.
In addition to the hemolymph, spiders have two respiratory organs. One is called the book lung.
The other is the tracheae, which are small balloons connected by thin tubes. Spiders use these to passively diffuse oxygen into their lungs.
They also have an open circulatory system. As it’s pumped through their arteries, hemolymph spreads throughout their bodies.
A more sophisticated version of this process is found in their heart. Their hearts are muscular tubes with valves that help stop backflow.
There are several types of hemocytes. These cells are found throughout the spider’s body and are responsible for transporting important nutrients, enzymes, hormones, and bacteria.
They’re also responsible for the body’s immune system. Although not as big as a red blood cell, they’re able to perform the same functions as white and red blood cells.
Unlike blood, hemolymph isn’t a stable substance. It’s pumped through arteries, then forced back into the heart by negative pressure.
