An Australian spider species has stunned researchers by setting a new speed benchmark, now recognized as the fastest spider recorded to date. The Heteropoda jugulans, commonly known as the jungle huntsman, can achieve speeds up to 3.59 meters per second, surpassing all previously known spider speed records.
A research team from Imperial College London uncovered this remarkable fact while analyzing the locomotion of numerous spider species. Their aim was to uncover the anatomical reasons behind such rapid movements and what physical traits contribute to this agility.
Although spiders are typically linked with stillness and patience—waiting in webs for prey—certain species are active predators, capable of sudden, explosive bursts of speed when pursuing food or evading danger.
This study aimed to move beyond isolated cases by examining a broad variety of species worldwide, seeking to link their speed with body structure and movement style.
Australia’s Jungle Huntsman Spider Sets New Speed Standard
The reigning speed champion, Heteropoda jugulans, resides in Queensland’s forests and weighs roughly three grams. Observations revealed it can run at a peak velocity of 3.59 meters per second.
As reported on BioRxiv, this speed dwarfs the previous official record of 1.7 meters per second, held by the Moroccan desert spider Cebrennus rechenbergi, which uses a distinctive rolling technique across sand to escape quickly.
Unlike the desert spider, the Australian huntsman sprints using its eight lengthy legs without any rolling. The spider’s form is perfectly tuned for running, boasting a powerful yet lightweight physique.
Even though Heteropoda jugulans is small, its speed shows that fast movement isn’t solely a function of size but also depends on anatomical design.
Testing 258 Spiders to Find the Velocity Leader
Rather than concentrating on a few species, researchers examined a broad sample of 258 spider species spanning 64 different families.
Led by Shreyas Kuchibhotla and colleagues, the team collected 162 live spiders during expeditions across the UK, North America, southern Europe, and Australia. They supplemented their data with measurements from museum collections and laboratory specimens.
Each spider was weighed and tested on A4 or A3 sized grid paper to determine its speed precisely. Some spiders moved freely, while others required coaxing with a gentle brush or brief air puffs, especially for less reactive mygalomorphs.
This comprehensive approach enabled a detailed comparative study of spider locomotion, revealing that speed is not directly connected to size or web-building behavior.
What Influences a Spider’s Sprint Speed?
After gathering speed data, the researchers analyzed physical traits linked to faster movement. One key feature was leg length.
Spiders that sprint fastest generally have longer legs relative to body size, allowing them to cover greater distances per stride and run more efficiently.
The study also highlighted impressive feats in very tiny species. For instance, the orange goblin spider, Oonops pulcher, weighs about 0.1 milligrams but can move at speeds exceeding 20 centimeters per second.
Interestingly, thinner legs do not always correlate with faster speeds, nor does whether a spider lives primarily in trees or on the ground directly influence its sprinting ability.
For slower species, rapid movement isn’t essential; many rely on alternative survival strategies such as web-building or employing ambush tactics to catch prey.
- Categories:
- Science
0 comments
Sign in to Comment