Wait, spiders can fly now? To a certain extent, yes. Researchers have recently discovered that certain large spiders can maneuver in the air, steering their course as they fall. “Gliding” might be a more accurate term instead of flying spiders, but we’re not sure either term really makes anyone feel more comfortable.
These spiders can control their descent from around 100 feet in the air by steering with wing-like forearms. It also helps that these are larger spiders, which tend to be flatter compared to their overall body size. Scientists often call them “Flatties”. Having a flatter surface allows more wind to catch beneath the spider. Think of how skydivers put their arms and legs out while lying flat to slow down, but aim vertically at the ground and tuck their limbs in to speed up. Flattening out allows more control over speed and direction – these spiders come naturally flat.
When they twitch a left or right foreleg, this sends them in the opposite direction, meaning they can maneuver their descent between branches. They can also flatten out and “swoop” to a landing once they get closer to the ground.
This isn’t the first example of flying spiders. Many make “balloons” out of their webs in order to travel when food runs out in an area. Although the intention seems to be to quickly move around a particular region, these ballooning spiders don’t have much control over their trajectory. They’ve been found by ships 1,000 miles out to sea and they’ve been collected in atmospheric weather balloons 3 miles above the earth.
Do you have to worry about either form of flying spider? Neither form are common house spiders, and you shouldn’t be too worried. Flying spiders might seem scary, but they don’t mean any harm. These spiders aren’t daredevils. They float to the ground for a purpose, not to climb back up and go again.
Infestations of spiders in the house are a far greater worry, and certain species can actually lead to danger – especially for infants and pets. If you suspect a spider infestation, contact us immediately.