Spiders Have 8 Eyes, But Are They Really That Useful?
WouterSpiders have a number of eyes, but are they really that useful? They may not be the best at seeing in low light, but they can tell you where to find food or what direction the sun is facing.
There are several pairs of spider eyes, but the primary ones are important for hunting. The front pair of eyes help the spider see colors and shapes. The secondary eyes aid the animal in detecting motion and gauging distance.
While the primary eyes are functional, they can’t be twisted to provide a more accurate view. That’s why the secondary eye is a pricier toy.
Other spiders have no eyes at all. In fact, there are over 40,000 species of spiders, but not all of them have eyes. Some spiders use vibrations to detect their surroundings, while others rely on webs.
Spiders can also use their main eyes to detect ultraviolet light, which helps them in their hunt. They also have some pretty cool night vision. This is especially true of jumping spiders.
Another fun fact about spiders is that their secondary eyes have the power to detect polarized light. Polarized light is useful because it tells them where to go in relation to the sun. These eyes are often oval or round in shape, but can be pointed forward or backward.
The spider’s secondary eyes have to work well together to make them effective. That’s why you’ll often find spiders with multiple pairs of eyes.
