
Why don’t spiders bleed to death if they lose a leg?
Try 3 issues of BBC Science Focus Magazine for £5!
Asked by: Lily Johnson
Check out ‘Bob the Former Disabled Tarantula’ on Facebook. This pet (now renamed Bobbi after she was discovered to be female) lost seven legs during an escape attempt, only to regrow them at her next moult, a few months later.
Advertisement
She didn’t bleed to death because when spiders lose legs, they usually come off at ‘break points’ – joints which contain muscles that constrict to minimise blood loss. If a leg becomes amputated before the break point, the spider still sheds its leg but only after additional blood loss. This can be fatal.
Read more:
Advertisement
Authors

Helen PilcherScience writer, presenter and performer.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Sponsored Deals

Spring Savings!
- Try your first 6 issues for just £9.99 when you subscribe to BBC Science Focus Magazine.
- Risk - free offer! Cancel at any time when you subscribe via Direct Debit.
- FREE UK delivery.
- Stay up to date with the latest developments in the worlds of science and technology.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Advertisement