The best way to escape land predators is to dive into the water. That’s where aquatic predators come into play, but that’s another matter. The fact is that many animals choose this type of escapism unless it means they will die frozen or drown. This is natural to see in amphibians, but not so much in spiders. Therefore, an international team of scientists was very surprised when the arachnid they were trying to catch in Costa Rica he dived into the stream, trying to avoid them. He not only managed to go under water, but also stayed there for more than half an hour, and then went out as if nothing had happened.
The bath did not help her, as the scientists found even more reasons to capture her. They saw this view for the first time presumably terrestrial, dive into the water. So they studied anatomical features these spiders, which sometimes make them submarines.
Results recently published in ethologypoint out a few very specific traits that may help these spiders stay underwater. It is important to note that the entire study is based on a single observation; but that, given these anatomical features, it is most likely common in this species. It would be necessary to continue the investigation, but everything points to it.
Spiders that think they are frogs
Scientists are well aware that there are water spiderslike the species Argyroneta aquatic. These are arachnids that live permanently under water and, in fact, they feed on other aquatic animals.
However, spiders quasi-amphibian behavior they are much rarer. Those that usually live on land are not adapted to life under water. His respiratory system would not withstand the aquatic environment and temperature change may be fatal. Some may live near the water, even occasionally approaching its surface in search of prey, but if they are immersed in water, they are lost.
This is what was expected of river spidera (extensive trehalia), species, common between Mexico and Panama and is characterized by living in rocks near rivers and streams. It was first described in 1895, so it is not a new species. However, it is clear that he still had some secrets about her.
How will you receive it?
As soon as they recovered from their surprise at seeing a spider passing by, 32 minutes underwater, these scientists captured him to study what features of his anatomy allowed him to accomplish the feat. In addition, they studied photographs and videos taken during their unexpected dive.
They have an air film that protects them from temperature changes and water ingress into their breathing holes.
So they saw that his body was covered with some sort of hair that repels water up to creating a kind of shield around it. This leads to air film which also protects the breathing holes from water. This way they can stay underwater. without fear of drowning. BUT apnea perfect.
On the other hand, according to the main author of the study, Lindsey Swirkthat an air film “may help minimize heat loss caused by cold water the current into which the spider dives. Logically, this species has yet to be studied, but it looks like they are more than willing to hide from their predators by behaving like frogs. More will need to be captured to study them deeper, and it is clear that this will not make things easier for researchers. They will have to resort to patience or good dipping.
Source: Hiper Textual
