How Do Spiders Jump?
WouterIf you are familiar with spiders, you probably already know that they can jump. They are venomous, and can leap up to 50 times their length. This ability is important to their species, as it allows them to easily catch and kill prey.
Jumping spiders are part of a group of spiders called Salticidae. This family of spiders contains more than 6,000 species, making it one of the largest families in the animal world.
Some species can reach as high as six feet, while others can jump as far as fifty times their body length. They feed on grasshoppers, caterpillars, and beetles. They also make silk to protect their eggs.
While the Salticidae may be the most common family of jumping spiders, there are several other types. These include the wolf spider and the tarantula. Some species can attack prey that’s twice their size.
When a jumping spider is about to take a leap, it secures a silk dragline to a substrate. This allows it to stabilize itself during the jump. It also serves as a safety line. If the spider’s landing is faulty, it can climb back up to the safety line.
A large, forward-facing pair of eyes is located in the center of the jumping spider’s head. These provide the spider with the best spatial acuity, while the smaller eyes provide the spider with a sense of motion. This combination of the eyes is what gives the spider a nearly 360 degree view of its surroundings.
