University of Cincinnati researchers have found a jumping spider. Scientists examined Saitis barbipes. This is a common jumping spider in Europe and North Africa. Male Saitis barbipes have a furry red crown and legs.
Scientists have collected spiders in their lab and they used microspectrophotometry to identify photoreceptors sensitive to various light wavelengths or colours. But they have found no evidence of a red photoreceptor. They have looked for coloured filters within the eye which might shift green sensitivity to red. But the scientists found none.
They found patches on the spider which absorb ultraviolet wavelengths and look as bright “spider green” to other jumping spiders. The vivid red colours appear as black markings to jumping spiders.
This study has been published in the journal The Science of Nature. Scientists said, animals use colour in all sorts of ways. They use camouflage, warning potential predators of their toxicity and they even show off to potential mates or intimidating rivals. But scientists do not know what bright colours might signify.
Scientists found out that the spider’s red and black colours improve defensive camouflage.
Scientists found many colourful jumping spiders see red very well. Also, some drab-coloured spiders have excellent colour vision.
The new discovery is a reminder of how animals sometimes perceive the world in different ways than us. Like, sunscreen absorbs ultraviolet light, but we cannot see that spectrum.
What is Saitis barbipes: Saitis barbipes is probably the most colorful common jumping spider found in the Mediterranean region.
