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Hydraulic Legs

© Jim Baines

Hydraulic Legs

Uploaded: September 01, 2009

Description


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

Comments

Jim Baines level-classic 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 level-deluxe 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. #7906209

Jeff Robinson level-deluxe September 01, 2009

Outstanding capture - Fantastic color and detail Jim!! Jeff #7906245

Eric S. Rundle September 01, 2009

Stunning macro image and great info Jim #7906251

Amy M. Wilson September 01, 2009

Excellent comp, colors, details and outstanding clarity, Jim! #7906411

Colette M. Metcalf September 01, 2009

Terrific colors and capture!!! #7906573

Ron 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. #7906660

Jane E. Kirn September 01, 2009

STUNNING macro with such vivid contrasting color Jim! WOW, great stuff. #7906923

Val Feldman level-deluxe 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! #7909591

Cassie L. Woodlee September 21, 2009

AMAZING Jim!!!! #7966001

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