Spiderman - champion among jumpers

A spider-hopper is one of the most common species among arachnids on the planet. Despite the fact that it is not so difficult to meet him, he is considered almost the eighth wonder of the world. In addition, a wide range of habitats brought him world fame. But what is so special about these beings and why are their abilities unique? To answer all questions, it is necessary to get to know these unusual representatives of fauna.

Appearance

Spider-roebucks differ in size, color and patterns on the body. All this depends on the habitat in which this or that kind of horse is common. The chest and head of this species of spiders are separated by a small groove.

What all of them have in common is "supernormal abilities", which are inaccessible to other representatives of this class. One of them is an opportunity to make jumps, the length of which exceeds the body size 80 times.

These animals are considered the smartest representatives of their class, because the proportions of the body and the brain are the same for them as for humans.

Eight eyes of the spider give him a view, which is equivalent to 360 degrees. Scientists have found out that the functional organs of sight of spider-spiders are divided into two types: for recording motion and for sharpening the image. The eyes that are in front are very large. They serve to distinguish the shapes of objects and their colors. In the middle of the head are small eyes. They form the middle row. In the back of the head are two more eyes of a small size.

Habitat

As already mentioned, spiders-hoppers differ in that they were able to adapt to the conditions of life in different regions of the planet. But still, their favorite habitats are tropical forests, mountains, deserts and semi-deserts. Once one of the species of these arthropods was discovered on the summit of Mount Everest.

In our latitudes the spider-horse is also common. He likes to sit on sun-warmed surfaces, for example, the walls of houses. The environment of its habitat can be either grass, trees, or soil or rocks.

Lifestyle

A spider-hound conducts a daily life, while most of the time he hunts. To catch prey, these creatures do not have to weave networks and languish in anticipation. Their phenomenal vision helps to see an insect, regardless of where it is. After that, the spider makes his famous jump (for which he was nicknamed a horse) and suffices a victim right in the air. The extremities of it expand at the same time due to the special hydraulic function, which distinguishes this species.

Despite their ability to jump over long distances, spiders release a long silk thread that serves as additional insurance. It is attached to the place where the spider-scooter should land next to its victim.

All eight legs of these arthropods are covered with special hairs and end with claws. This explains the ability of the spider to rest on glass or other slippery smooth surfaces.

Reproduction

Each male has his own territory, which he protects from other spiders. But this rule does not apply to females.

During the breeding season, males perform a special dance before the females. They alternately flap their legs, while their whole body trembles. To cajole the chosen one, the spider offers her lunch.

For laying eggs the female prepares a special place. Most often this is a nest, which is built of silk thread, produced specifically for the construction of a dwelling. In addition, they can hide eggs under the bark of trees or under stones. In this case, the place is previously aligned with the same thread.

Significance in the ecosystem

Like other species of living creatures, the steeds take their place in the ecosystem. This spider performs the role of the orderly, who hunts pests and regulates their numbers.

In relation to man this species is very peaceful. Some people are worried about his presence, because they are afraid that the spider-horse is poisonous. In fact, this is not true. This species of spiders to poisonous does not apply.

A spider-hopper. Interesting Facts

1. In spite of the fact that by nature most spiders are predators, scientists managed to find vegetarians among them. As the researchers suggest, one of the species of spider-spiders has completely switched to the herbal diet due to the fact that Belt's bodies, which they eat, are available throughout the year. In addition, to enjoy them, you do not need to waste your energy, as in the case of hunting. These spiders colony gather around one plant, using it as food and shelter. The only enemy for arthropods in this case are the ants that feed on the same plants. However, the organization of the colonies helps the scapegoats protect themselves from uninvited guests.

2. Horses are curious creatures. If someone is able to watch a person for a long time and closely, without changing his location, it is a spider-hopper. The photos taken while watching them are unnecessary proofs.

3. Some species of spiders-horses learned to masterfully imitate the appearance and way of life of ants-weavers. They got the name of ant spiders. This species is very calm and harmless, therefore, in order to protect themselves from aggressive neighbors, they settle next to the colonies of ants and wait for the prey.

4. Scientists believe that the two front eyes of a horse are comparable to human eyes. In addition, they have partial color vision. One of the layers of photosensitive cells of the retina completely consists of receptors of green color. Therefore, spiders are unable to focus on the green color and see the image a little blurry. Such a disadvantage from the point of view of the person contributes to the fact that the sturgeon is able to accurately determine the distance separating them from the victim.