Hydraulic Legs
Uploaded: September 01, 2009
1/160 @ f 22.0; ISO 400
Ogletree Gap Park
Copperas Cove, Texas
31 August 2009
Exif: F Number: 22, Exposure Bias Value: 0.00, ExposureTime: 10/1600 seconds, Flash: did not fire., ISO: 400, White balance: Auto white balance, FocalLength: 105.00 mm, Model: NIKON D200
Jim Baines September 01, 2009
The seven segments of a spider's legs (coxa, trochanter, femur, patella, tibia, metatarsus, and tarsus with attached claws) make them much more flexible than human legs. Like humans, spiders have muscles that bend the legs closer to the body. However, spiders do not have muscles that move the legs away from the body. Each time a spider needs to stretch a leg back out, it must pump its hemolymph (blood) into that leg. Then, to bend the leg back, pressure is relaxed and the hemolymph flows out of the leg as the muscles do their work. This is similar to the way a garden hose gets stiff and moves around when filled with water, and then gets limp again when the water drains out. That's right, a hydraulic system for limb extension! If a spider weakens because of sickness or dehydration and can no longer maintain adequate internal hemolymph pressure it will no longer be able to extend its legs. As it weakens the loss of hemolymph will cause it to curl its legs under in a very characteristic pose reminiscent of a loosely clenched fist, commonly termed the "death curl". (The Tarantula Keeper's Guide, Stanley A. & Marguerite J. Schultz)#1175112
Tammy M. Anderson September 01, 2009
Good morning, Jim. Excellent colours and details. This is superb. No bear today either but I probably can find you one from past images. LOL. #7906209Jeff Robinson September 01, 2009
Outstanding capture - Fantastic color and detail Jim!! Jeff #7906245Eric S. Rundle September 01, 2009
Stunning macro image and great info Jim #7906251Amy M. Wilson September 01, 2009
Excellent comp, colors, details and outstanding clarity, Jim! #7906411Colette M. Metcalf September 01, 2009
Terrific colors and capture!!! #7906573Ron McEwan September 01, 2009
My gosh, between you and Maria I can learn every thing I need to know about bugs and butterflies. This is one incredible close up shot Jim, very well done indeed. #7906660Jane E. Kirn September 01, 2009
STUNNING macro with such vivid contrasting color Jim! WOW, great stuff. #7906923Val Feldman September 02, 2009
Love this! Love this! Fantastic macro, Jim, filled with the most incredible detail and color! A fav for me! Excellent work - keep 'em coming! #7909591Cassie L. Woodlee September 21, 2009
AMAZING Jim!!!! #7966001Sign up for an interactive online photography course to get critiques on your photos.
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