Ologies with Alie Ward Kinetic Salticidology (DANCING SPIDERS) with Sebastian Echeverri
Oct 20, 2021
Join Dr. Sebastian Echeverri, a jumping spider expert and captivating communicator, as he shares the enchanting world of these tiny dancers. Discover the intricate courtship rituals, including their mesmerizing vibrational signals and dance moves that rival any rave. Echeverri reveals the remarkable vision of these spiders and their surprising cuteness. He also discusses the genetic aspects of their unique behaviors and how we can change perceptions about these misunderstood arachnids. Get ready for a groovy deep dive into spider culture!
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Spider Love Origin
- Sebastian Echeverri's interest in spiders sparked during a grad school interview.
- A professor showed him a video of a jumping spider dancing, leading to a transformative moment.
Visual Courtship
- Jumping spiders' excellent vision allows for elaborate courtship dances.
- These dances communicate species, maturity, and mating intentions while avoiding cannibalism.
Spider Songs
- Jumping spiders create substrate-borne vibrations with their abdomens and other body parts.
- These vibrations, perceived by the female through her legs, create a 'song' accompanying the dance.