Science News · Science

Deep-Sea Spiders Exhibit Bioluminescence

Researchers have confirmed that certain species of deep-sea spiders, found in the Australian Abyss, possess bioluminescent capabilities, emitting an otherworldly glow.

Giant sea spiders with legs up to 25 cm long exhibit bioluminescence, according to findings in Deep Sea Research Part I. This was documented during a 2017 expedition in the Australian Abyss.

Marine biologist Jérôme Mallefet and colleagues tested specimens from depths up to nearly 5,000 meters. Adding potassium chloride caused spiders to glow for up to 10 minutes. Species Colossendeis tasmanica and C. minor displayed this trait.

The glow is on the underside of legs, near the digestive tract. Researchers speculate spiders may acquire bioluminescence from their diet, possibly from sea anemones.

Three sea spider species also fluoresced green under UV and blue light. This fluorescence is a trait shared by other animals.

The purpose of bioluminescence is uncertain. Mallefet suggests it could be for attracting mates or for spotting prey on the seafloor.

Further research, including advanced deep-sea imaging, is needed to understand the function of bioluminescence and fluorescence in these spiders.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.