Паук-скакунчик – это один из самых common species among arachnids on the planet. Despite the fact that it is not so difficult to meet him, he is considered to be almost the eighth wonder of the world. In addition, a wide range of habitat brought him worldwide fame. But what is so special about these creatures and why are their abilities considered unique? To answer all the questions, you need to take a closer look at these unusual representatives of the fauna.
Appearance
Horse spider differ from each othersize, color and patterns on the body. It all depends on the habitat in which one or another species of horses is common. The chest and head of this species of spiders are separated by a small groove.
What unites all of them among themselves is"Superpowers" that are not available to other members of this class. One of them is the ability to make jumps, the length of which exceeds the size of the body 80 times.
These animals are considered the smartest representatives of their class, because the proportions of the body and brain are the same as in humans.
The eight eyes of the spider give him an overview, whichequated to 360 degrees. As the scientists found out, functionally, the organs of vision of the jumping spider are divided into two types: for recording movement and for sharpness of the image. The eyes, which are in front, differ in large size. 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 there are two more small eyes.
Habitat
As already mentioned, horse spiders are differentthat they were able to adapt to the conditions of life in different regions of the planet. Still, the favorite places of their habitat can be called tropical forests, mountains, deserts and semi-deserts. Once one of the species of these arthropods was discovered on the top of Everest.
In our latitudes, the sky spider alsois common. He likes to sit on surfaces warmed by the sun, for example, the walls of houses. Its habitat can be grass, trees, and soil or rocks.
Lifestyle
Horse spider leads a daytime life, withThis most of the time he hunts. To catch prey, these creatures do not have to weave a web and languish in anticipation. Their phenomenal vision helps to see the insect, regardless of where it is located. After that, the spider makes its famous jump (for which he was nicknamed the steed) and grabs the victim right in the air. At the same time, its extremities are expanded due to a special hydraulic function that distinguishes this species.
Despite their ability to jump largedistances, spiders produce a long silk thread, which serves as their additional insurance. It is attached in the place where the jumping spider with its victim should later land.
All eight paws of these arthropods are covered with special hairs and end in claws. This explains the ability of the spider to hold onto glass or other slippery smooth surfaces.
Reproduction
Each male has his own territory, which he protects from other spiders. But for females this rule does not apply.
During the breeding season, the males perform a special dance in front of the females. They alternately swing their legs, while their whole body trembles. To appease her darling, the spider offers her lunch.
For laying eggs the female preparesspecial place. Most often it is a nest, which is constructed from a silk thread, produced specifically for the construction of housing. In addition, they can hide eggs under the bark of trees or under stones. In this case, the place is pre-aligned with the same thread.
Value in the ecosystem
Like other types of living creatures, horsemen take their place in the ecosystem. This spider plays the role of a medic who preys on pests and regulates their numbers.
In relation to man, this species is very customizedpeacefully. Some people are worried 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.
Horse Spider Interesting Facts
one.Despite the fact that by nature most spiders are predators, scientists have managed to find vegetarians among them. According to researchers, one of the species of horse spiders has completely switched to a herbal diet due to the fact that the Belt bodies they eat are available throughout the year. In addition, in order to enjoy them, you do not need to waste energy, as is the case with hunting. These spiders are gathered in colonies around a single plant, using it as food and shelter. The only enemy for arthropods in this case are the ants, which feed on the same plants. However, the organization of the colonies helps the racers to defend themselves from uninvited guests.
2. Horse racers are curious creatures.If anyone is able to keep a close eye on a person for a long time without changing his location, then this is a horse spider. Photos taken during the observation of them, are additional proof of this.
3Some species of horse spiders have learned to skillfully imitate the appearance and way of life of weaver ants. They are called ant spiders. This species is very calm and harmless, therefore, in order to protect themselves from aggressive neighbors, they settle near ant colonies and wait for prey.
four.Scientists believe that the two eyes of the horse can be compared with the human. In addition, they have partial color vision. One of the layers of photosensitive cells of the retina is completely composed of green receptors. Therefore, the spiders are not able to focus on the green color and see the image a bit blurry. Such, from the point of view of a person, the disadvantage contributes to the fact that the horsemen is able to accurately determine the distance separating them from the victim.
