jumping spider - is one of the most common species among arachnids on the planet.Despite the fact that to meet it is not too difficult, it is almost the eighth wonder of the world.Besides a wide habitat brought him worldwide fame.But what's so special about these creatures and why they are considered unique abilities?To answer all the questions you need to get acquainted with the representatives of these unusual fauna.
Appearance
jumping spider differ in size, color and patterns on the body.It all depends on the environment in which distributed some form of horses.Chest and head in this species of spiders are separated by a small notch.
What they all have in common with each other, so it's "super powers" that are not available to other members of that class.One of them - this is an opportunity to make jumps that exceed the size of the body 80 times.
These animals were considered the wisest members of his class, because the proportions of the body and brain are the same as in humans.
spider eight eyes give him an overview of which is equal to 360 degrees.As researchers have found, functional organ of jumping spider are divided into two types: for motion detection and image sharpness.Eyes that are on the front are large.They serve to distinguish the shape of objects and their colors.In the middle of the head located small eyes.They form the middle row.At the back of the head are two more small eyes.
Habitat
As already mentioned, jumping spider characterized by the fact that we were able to adapt to living conditions in different regions of the planet.But still the favorite habitat can be called tropical forests, mountains, deserts and semi-deserts.Once one of these types of arthropods was found on top of Mount Everest.
In our latitudes jumping spider is also common.He likes to sit on the sun-warmed surface, for example, the walls of houses.Its habitat can be as grass, trees, and soil or rock.
Lifestyle
jumping spider leads daily life, while most of the time he hunts.To catch prey, these creatures do not have to weave a network and languish in waiting.These phenomenal vision makes see insect, regardless of where it is located.After that, the spider makes his famous leap (for which he was nicknamed skakunchikom) and grabs the victim in the air.Sure it is thus enhanced by a special hydraulic features that distinguish this species.
Despite its ability to jump long distances, spiders produce a long silk thread, which serves them as an additional insured.It is attached in the wrong place at which to land later jumping spider with his prey.
all eight legs of these arthropods are covered with special hairs and end in claws.This explains the ability of the spider hold on glass or other smooth surfaces slippery.
Reproduction
Each male has its own territory, which he guards from other spiders.But females are not covered by this rule.
During the breeding season the males to females perform a special dance.They flap their feet one by one, with their whole body trembles.To appease the darling, the spider invites her to dinner.
to lay eggs, the female prepares a special place.Most often it is the nest that is being built from the silk thread produced specifically for the construction of dwellings.In addition, they can hide the eggs under the bark of trees or under stones.In this case, the place previously leveled by the same thread.
value in the ecosystem
Like other living creatures, skakunchiki take their place in the ecosystem.This spider plays the role of a medic who prey on pests and regulate their numbers.
to man this kind of set up very peacefully.Some people are concerned about his presence, because they fear that the jumping spider is poisonous.In fact this is not true.This type of spider is not poisonous to.
jumping spider.Interesting facts
1. Despite the fact that by its very nature, most spiders - predators, scientists have found among them vegetarians.As the researchers suggest, a type of jumping spider completely switched to herbal diet because the calf belts, they eat, are available throughout the year.In addition, they have to eat, do not need to expend energy, as is the case with hunting.These spiders colonies gather around one plant, using it as food and shelter.The only match for arthropods in this case are ants that feed the same plants.However, the organization of the colonies skakunchikam helps defend against intruders.
2. Skakunchiki are curious creatures.If anyone is capable of long and closely monitor the person without changing its location, it's jumping spider.Photos taken during the monitoring of them, are another proof.
3. Some species of spiders, horses have learned to expertly mimic the appearance and lifestyle of ants weavers.They are called ant spiders horses.This view - very quiet and innocuous, so to protect themselves from aggressive neighbors, they settle near the colonies of ants and waiting for prey.
4. Scientists believe that the two front eyes skakunchika can be compared with human.In addition, they have a partial color vision.One of the layers of light-sensitive cells of the retina is composed entirely of green receptors.Therefore, the spiders are not able to focus on the green color and see the picture a little blurred.This, from the point of view of the person, lack of promotes that skakunchiki able to accurately determine the distance separating them from the victim.
