Wolf spiders 'sing' to win the hearts of mates
Spiders might not be thought of as musical creatures, but a new study from the University of Cincinnati could change that.
Being presented this week at the annual meeting of the Acoustical Society of America, the new study revealed that male wolf spiders use their legs to generate a purring sound when trying to woo a female.
The study team said their work offers clues to how animals evolved to use sound as a means of communication. The researchers said they started their work based on knowledge that wolf spiders, and many other spiders, have sensory organs in their legs that they use to detect vibrations caused by the movement of prey and predators.
“I decided I wanted to find out whether this species was using airborne sound to communicate,” study team member Alexander Sweger told BBC News.
Good vibrations
The researchers started by placing male spiders on various surfaces and documenting the sound they made. Using scent cues from females, the scientists were able to make male wolf spiders to ‘purr’ by dragging a unique comb-like organ across the surface below them.
The team then recorded and replayed the sound to female spiders, which meant the females were subjected only to the airborne sound, as opposed to the sound and physical vibrations. The team found the serenade would only work if the wolf spiders were on leaf-like surfaces that vibrated readily.
An image of a male “purring” wolf spider, Gladicosa gulosa, and the spectrogram of his accompanied vibration. (Credit: Acoustical Society)
“We found that it’s the (surface) itself that’s responsible for the airborne component of the sound,” Sweger said. “On granite or wood or dirt, you get little to no vibration and almost no sound. But on a leaf, or paper or parchment, you get vibration and you get the airborne sound.”
Study team member George Uetz added that the female wolf spiders “pick up vibrations” via the surface they are standing on, so “the sound is transmitted to them from leaf to leaf.”
The study team said their future work will aim to ascertain if the spiders can ‘sing’ through the forest floor, and if this behavior is in fact representative of the evolution of a primitive sound-based communication.
—–
Follow redOrbit on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, Instagram and Pinterest.
redOrbit.com
offers Science, Space, Technology, Health news, videos, images and
reference information. For the latest science news, space news,
technology news, health news visit redOrbit.com frequently. Learn
something new every day.”
Source: http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1113397001/wolf-spiders-sing-to-win-the-heart-of-mate-052615/
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
