How Spiders Jump

In recent research, scientists at the University of Manchester have investigated how spiders jump. By analysing videos of the jumps, researchers have provided a detailed view of the jumping mechanism. This study may prove to be useful for robot design.

The University of Manchester researchers trained Kim, a regal jumping spider, to perform a number of jumping tasks. This allowed them to develop sophisticated kinematic models that can be used to reconstruct the motion of the spider.

Phidippus regius, a species of jumping arachnid, uses different jumping strategies depending on the challenge. One type of jump involves an upward jump. The spider starts at the edge of the platform and adjusts its take-off speed to compensate for gravity.

Another type of jump is a descending jump. The spider ascends to its prey. It has a sharp sense of vision, which allows it to size up its distance and determine the appropriate angle for the jump. The spider can jump distances of up to six times its body length.

During a jump, spiders increase the blood pressure in the legs. This results in an expansion of the flexor muscles and the leg length. The spider’s rear legs are the main source of propulsion.

The femur, patella, tarsus and metatarsus are the major components of the spider’s legs. The legs end with a claw.

The regal jumping spider uses acute muscle contraction and hydraulic power to propel its limbs. This means it does not need to store energy.