How Far Can Spiders Fall Without Dying?

If you have ever wondered how far spiders can fall without dying, then you are not alone. Many species of spiders are so small that they float in the air, even falling from great heights. They are able to survive a fall because their skeletons are small and fragile. They have a slow metabolic rate, low oxygen consumption, and they can live for months without water.

Some spiders can survive a fall from 30,000 feet. These creatures have developed a special set of muscles that clamp shut any blood loss. These muscles are also what enable the spiders to keep their legs extended for very long periods of time.

Normally, the legs of spiders come off at a series of “break points” when the spider’s joints become constricting. After a certain amount of blood is lost, the leg will disappear.

Some scientists have tried to understand why ballooning spiders can steer themselves down. They have found that the spiders are able to sense wind speed and direction. They then reach up with their forelegs. This is similar to the golfer’s spit-slick finger test to determine the direction of the breeze.

Another theory suggests that spiders use electrostatic forces to push themselves into the air. Some spiders are able to survive a fall, but other spiders die before they get to the ground.

Jumping spiders can jump 10-50 times their body length. They are venomous, but they do not bite humans. Their venom is less deadly than that of a bee sting.

Continue reading:

Why Are There So Many Spiders in My House? Which Spiders Have 2 Eyes? How Much Do Spiders Have to Eat? How Many Spiders Are Extinct? Do Spiders in the UK Hibernate? Why Do Jumping Spiders Raise Their Arms? How Do Spiders Lose Weight? How Do Spiders Reproduce Sexually?