ACADEMIA Spider ecology, behavior, and learning Behavioral Ecology Spiders at the Cinema Focus on extremely receptive sensory organs allow MACIEJ BARTOS them to perceive those signals accurately, There are plenty Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection helping them construct complex webs and of spiders that are University of Łódź remotely localize insects flying or scuttling as colorful as the
[email protected] nearby. Eyesight and sensory organs used prettiest butterflies, Dr Maciej Bartos studies the behavior of jumping spiders to perceive chemical stimuli also play an have better eyesight important role in orientation and commu- than many birds or In spite of severe brain size limitations, nication between individuals. Most spiders’ mammals, and exhibit many spiders are able to solve simple eyes, like those of insects, are not more complex behavior complex problems, recognize their prey capable of perceiving complex images. They than many higher allow them to notice motion, changes in light animals. Pictured: with great accuracy, and learn new intensity, and to a lesser degree allow them American Cardinal hunting techniques to identify a partner or prey. As such the jumper (Phiddippus majority of spiders exhibit relatively simple cardinalis) To most people, spiders are hairy crea- behavior. However, not tures that lurk in dark corners behind the all spiders are limited by cupboard. They are widely disliked, and low acuity of vision. in some people even trigger panic fuelled There is in fact a large by tales of the creatures’ terrible venom. group of diurnal spiders However, arachnophobia can be cured: those whose world is domi- afflicted simply need to find out more about nated by visual stimuli.