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Spiders Get Flashy at Night to Lure Prey

Jennifer Viegas, Discovery News

Tso and the other researchers believe that the spider's silver back stripes might even function "as a thermal regulator by reflecting sunlight during the hot hours of the day."

The determinations could apply to many other spider species, especially those that share similar flip-side coloration.

Steve Heydon, senior scientist and collection manager at the Bohart Museum of Entomology, told Discovery News that while moths "can't see red and don't see colors the way that we humans do," the findings are possible.

He explained that moth vision shifts more to the ultraviolet spectrum at night.

Heydon is more skeptical about the proposed thermoregulation theory concerning spider silver stripes.

He said, "These would probably sparkle and shine from the moth's perspective, proving to be dazzling lures when the stripes are exposed."

The Tunghai team hopes future studies will help to further unravel the mysteries behind spider behavior and coloration.

Related Links:

The Spider Myths Site

The Arachnology Home Page

The Bohart Museum of Entomology

Spider Legs