Why Can Spiders Fly?
WouterIn the 1800s, Charles Darwin wondered why can spiders fly. He noted a large number of spiders alighting on the Beagle, a ship sailing across the ocean. He also noticed tiny spiders in all corners of the ship.
Today, scientists believe that spiders use electrical fields to fly. These fields are generated by the Earth’s thunderstorms. They reach thousands of volts per meter above the ground.
The University of Bristol researchers have shown that spiders can detect and detect the electric field. They have tested this theory on real spiders, and it works. They are the first to prove the theory in a laboratory setting.
The scientists have used computer simulations to create virtual spider hairs and to model a spider web. They then ran simulations to simulate the flight of the Erigone dwarf spider.
They found that the threads had separate electric charges. The spider’s body and legs were negatively charged, while the silk was positively charged. The negative charge caused the threads to expand, creating an inverted cone shape. This in turn provided lift.
The scientists haven’t fully determined how this happens. They are currently examining the interaction between air resistance, gravity and the electric field. They think that electrostatic forces may help spiders take flight in conjunction with light winds.
Several other arthropods may also use the electric field for flight, seeking resources or escape from predators. Eventually, this research may influence the materials used in future smart structures.
