What happens when it rains in the, umm, RAINforest

[wedge07]

TTKG, page 162. (3rd edition)

Thanks, I'll have to get my copy back from my nephew.

 

[gambite]

IIRC, tarantulas use their setae to detect vibrations, wind shifts, and touch. Ever try lightly brushing some of the hairs on a T's rump? Most of the time, they will flip around to investigate. I would imagine that all of the hair on a T works like this. Thus, being doused with water would not only stimulate all of their sensitive setae at once, it would also deaden their senses, as wet setae will stick together and not transmit anywhere near the same level of accurate information about their surroundings as they would dry. Combine that with a T's limited eyesight, and I think it would be akin to taking a partially blind person and covering them with ear-muffs and heavy coveralls. In the wild, these guys are suceptible to predation, so it is understandable that they would be very upset if their senses stopped working.

 

[SylverTear]

If you do squirt them directly, the avics might squirt back.

I love that comment lol.

 

[Pacmaster]

IIRC, tarantulas use their setae to detect vibrations, wind shifts, and touch. Ever try lightly brushing some of the hairs on a T's rump? Most of the time, they will flip around to investigate. I would imagine that all of the hair on a T works like this. Thus, being doused with water would not only stimulate all of their sensitive setae at once, it would also deaden their senses, as wet setae will stick together and not transmit anywhere near the same level of accurate information about their surroundings as they would dry. Combine that with a T's limited eyesight, and I think it would be akin to taking a partially blind person and covering them with ear-muffs and heavy coveralls. In the wild, these guys are suceptible to predation, so it is understandable that they would be very upset if their senses stopped working.

Now see, this makes perfect sense as well . . .
Great discussion here.

 

[gambite]

To add to the thread, I have found that a wet tarantula is very reluctant to do anything, especially move. Maybe it supports what I was saying, or maybe it is just uncomfortable (I know *I* hate it when I have to walk around in wet clothes).