How Good is a Jumping Spider’s Eyesight?
WouterIf you’ve ever watched a jumping spider scurry from place to place, you’ve likely noticed their eyes. Their eight pairs of eyeballs provide them with an impressive near 360 degree view of the world.
A new study, led by Nate Morehouse of the University of Pittsburgh, provides insights into the complexities of spider eyesight. Using a custom-built micro-ophthalmoscope, researchers were able to see inside the eyes of baby jumping spiders. The researchers used this eye-tracking device to record the movements of the spider’s primary and secondary eyes.
According to the researchers, their findings suggest that spiders have an X-shaped region of high-resolution color vision. These eyes allow them to discern between three channels of color and even distinguish different colors at a distance.
The secondary eyes are also important. The primary eyes help spiders track the movement of objects in their environment.
For instance, the principal eyes may shift their focus to a dark oval, indicating a potential threat. The secondary eyes are especially good at detecting motion.
The jumping spider also has a pair of side-of-the-head eyes. These are referred to as the “looming response” and are a key feature of the animal’s sensory capabilities.
The secondary eyes are actually four. Two are small and face forward, while the other two are located to the side and rear. This last pair of eyes are located to the rear. The researchers discovered that each of these pairs of eyes was capable of recognizing the same triadic signal.
