Spiders Have Emotional Intelligence
WouterSpiders may not seem like much, but their personalities are anything but simplistic. They’ve developed complex thought and a remarkably refined nervous system over millions of years.
As a result, they are capable of amazing feats. For example, black widows can remember the exact location of their prey in their web, hours after it has died. Similarly, jumping spiders have been known to take circuitous routes to their next meal.
Spiders have a complex neuro-system that is over 80% of their body. This allows them to be able to detect air vibrations through their hair. These can also trigger emotional responses.
The most basic of these are the obvious: they want to eat. But some species are also highly social. Social spiders can build communal nests as big as cars. In addition, many are protective of their young.
Although spiders aren’t known for their emotional intelligence, they do have a touchy-feely side. There are several species that exhibit a maternal instinct. A mother whip spider will stroke her offspring with feelers to nurture them.
Another example is a species in Tanzania called the Damon Diadema. When threatened, these arachnids will huddle together and elicit the “baby face” effect. The “baby face” effect refers to an animal that exhibits childlike features, which can trigger powerful feelings of empathy.
Tarantulas, on the other hand, do not have the most elaborate or complex emotions. Their emotions are based on their innate needs to feed, hunt and reproduce.
