TAXONOMIC VARIATION AMONG SPIDERS IN THE ABILITY TO REPEL WATER: SURFACE ADHESION AND HAIR DENSITY

摘要: A variety of arthropods forage and avoid predators via locomotion on the surfaces ponds streams. For these animals, cuticular hydrophobicity functions to keep them dry well supported by water's surface tension, also allows move easily between wet habitats. Among spiders, members family Pisauridae exemplify this semi-aquatic lifestyle and, not surprisingly, spiders remain entirely even when submerged. In current study, we sought quantify degree which in a families resist wetting liquid water. Two properties spider's hairs are predominant determining resistance: adhesion energy (a consequence molecular interactions hair water) density. When density is low, cuticle itself plays role. ten studied, pisaurids pholcids defined ends spectrum resistance, with nearly 50 times more resistant than pholcids. We discuss both impact variation spiders' potential for aquatic selective forces that may have contributed impressive capabilities.