How Spiders Fall to Their Death
WouterSpiders aren’t afraid of falling. Indeed, some species can live for decades. But they aren’t always safe from the forces of gravity. In fact, some types of spiders can become deadly when falling. So, how do they survive?
For starters, a spider’s legs are incredibly slender, allowing them to survive without two of them. These limbs are also surprisingly flexible. Their lack of spines also gives them a certain degree of agility. They can jump from ceilings and windows. A little caution can help keep them from doing harm.
For the most part, spiders don’t seem to have an interest in humans. They don’t even seek out a bite. In fact, many species have been known to use their webs to think. That said, you may notice some irritability.
Regardless of how you feel about spiders, they aren’t as bad as people make them out to be. They can tolerate heat as high as 43 degrees C. They are also remarkably resilient underwater. For example, one species of wolf spider works to keep harmful bugs in check. In addition, they produce thick silk to prevent prey from falling to the ground.
But, despite their incredible adaptability, spiders aren’t immune to falling. A few feet off the ground can be enough to damage a heavy bodied arachnid. That said, most species are designed to be adapted to a specific temperature.
They also have a comparatively low metabolic rate. This is primarily due to the presence of hemolymph. The hemolymph is a fluid that flows through the spider’s body and causes its legs to contract.
