Blonde By Nature

Ever wonder what triggers spiders to get randy?

Maybe not. And it’s not that I sit at home on a Monday night thinking about what turns the Chinese jumping spider on either.

A team of scientists led by Matthew Lim of the University of Singapore recorded and analyzed a pair of spiders under ultraviolet B and UVB-blocked light the BBC reports “Study Sheds Light on Spider Sex.” As a result they can now add these spiders to the growing list of animals that use UV reflection and fluorescence to survive, eg. butterflies, parrots and fish. In fact, the only species of animal that ultraviolet light is not so important in communication is mammals (yes, that includes humans). I, on the other hand, believe that a week in Dominican Republic sun does wonders for my libido which is very easily communicated after a few Mama Juanas.

But these spiders are special because the UV reflection and UV origin are based on gender. The little lady produces an inner-glow of love from front sensory organs (called palps) which glows bright green under the light. The gentleman then kindly returns the sexy light by reflecting it from scales on his face and body. The mating ritual is fully dependent upon the exchange of light and the success of the mating is measured by the strength of the afterglow. (ok, I made that last part up)

That’s hawt.

You can check out their video-recorded research here.

(Source: Spider Seduction Requires UV Light)

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