Spiders Have a Spider Sense
WouterSpiders have a sense of smell, but how do they use that to tell what is going on? Some have an unusual way of smelling the air and can detect changes in the environment around them. Others use chemical scents to attract mates. They also use their legs to detect if another spider is nearby.
The’spider-sense’ is actually more of a ‘hyper-awareness’ than a’sensation.’ They are able to detect vibrations, sounds, and even movement from far away. Their ability to do so is surprisingly similar to that of a human.
Spiders have four pairs of eyes. This isn’t much, but they can see enough to evade an approaching predator. Their hairs, called trichobothria, are very sensitive and detect very low level vibrations.
Another important way that spiders can identify predators is through their web. They can perceive vibrations up to three meters away. In addition, their legs can pick up airborne vibrations caused by approaching insects. This enables them to avoid danger and trap prey in their webs.
In a separate study, scientists from Harvard University showed that jumping spiders could distinguish between living and non-living objects with a sensitivity that was not previously observed. This may help scientists understand how other creatures detect and perceive motion.
As with other types of animals, spiders can also recognize the difference between different types of prey. They can do this by using their hairs on their legs to sense movement.
They can also detect airborne vibrations caused by nearby sounds, and can hear very low level vibrations in the web. This is also one of the reasons why some spiders create gossamer webs.
