Do Spiders Show Affection?
WouterTypically, arachnids are defined by aggressive predatory behaviors. However, some species have been known to show affection toward their young. This is a result of years of biological programming.
Among the most friendly spiders are the Mexican Red-Knee and the Jumping Spider. These spiders are very intelligent and respond well to mirror images, videos of insects, and food treats. They also tend to like the green colors.
The Damon diadema is a species of spider that maintains a touchy-feely relationship with its offspring until they reach sexual maturity. When threatened, these spiders huddle together, and soothe their young with feelers.
Although many species have been known to display protective and maternal traits, they generally lack the ability to recognize faces. Their nervous systems have been fine-tuned through trial and error.
The human nervous system and the insect nervous system are completely different. In fact, the insect nervous system reacts to stimuli more similarly to humans than spiders. For example, bees exhibit emotion-driven behaviors, and fruit flies demonstrate emotional responses to fear.
A recent study of two whip-spider species revealed that the number of squeezes made by a male during sex was associated with the number of female cries. Researchers mated 68 virgin P. globosus females with two males.
The Goliath Bird Eating Tarantula was known to shift into smaller cases and lived in a butterfly garden for years. Interestingly, they were also chill creatures.
Despite their amazing feats, spiders are not generally considered to be friendly. Some species have been shown to exhibit affection, but it isn’t common.
