How Far Can Spiders Jump?
WouterThere are a large number of spider species around the world. Among these are jumping spiders. Jumping spiders are known for their large eyes. The visual field of a jumping spider is about a foot long. This is a huge distance for a small animal.
These spiders are not aggressive and do not hurt humans. However, if threatened, they will try to flee. Some will bite if they think they are in danger.
Jumping spiders are part of the spider family Salticidae. They feed on insects, especially beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. Many jump up to five times the length of their body.
When a spider is in the air, it relies on a silk dragline to stabilize its landing. In addition, the silk provides direction. It also functions as a safety net when the spider is mid-jump.
A jumping spider’s legs have seven segments. Unlike web-building spiders, jumping spiders do not have extensor muscles at their two leg joints.
To propel themselves, jumping spiders change the flow of blood in their back legs. This sudden change in pressure causes the legs to extend rapidly. The increased blood flow then increases the flow of blood to the front legs.
The blood flow in a spider’s legs is just like that in human respiration. If the spider is in a position where it is close to a predator, the larger animal can visualize the prey.
Jumping spiders are important to the ecosystem. They are found in nearly all habitats.
