How Do Spiders Detach Their Legs?
WouterIf you’ve ever been in the presence of spiders, you may have wondered how they can detach their legs. There’s plenty of room in their bodies to fit more than two limbs. It is also common for some spiders to regenerate their lost limbs after they die.
One theory is that spiders amputate their legs as a defense mechanism. This is thought to protect them from predators, but it could also make them more vulnerable. Moreover, the added blood loss might be fatal.
Some spiders even have valves in their legs to prevent deflation. However, this would impede their ability to move, since the valves prevent fluid from entering the leg. This is a problem with long legs.
While the Daddy Longlegs is a well-known example of a spider that has disproportionately long legs, other spiders are known to detach and regrow their legs. For instance, the tufted golden orb weaver spider sacrifices its front legs to its female partner. This increases the likelihood of successful mating.
In fact, it’s not unusual for spiders to lose at least three of their legs. During their growth cycle, they can molt up to eight times. A young growing spider will moult more frequently than an adult.
They also have special mechanisms for shedding the old skeleton and regenerating the new. This process takes away resources from their survival, so they have to find a way to cope.
The Daddy Long Legs has a strange stride. This odd motion might make it more difficult for predators to navigate.
