Spiders Ditch Labels: Study Reveals Their Changing Traits

A groundbreaking study from the University of Portsmouth has questioned the long-held belief that social spiders have stable personalities.

The research, published earlier this week, focused on African social spiders – known for their cooperative behaviour – and found that their actions fluctuate greatly over time.

Contrary to the traditional view that animal personalities remain constant, the study revealed that the behaviour of Stegodyphus dumicola spiders varies according to internal factors, such as hunger and external conditions in their environment.

The England-based research team tracked 28 colonies over four months, observing traits such as boldness and prey-capture speed. Although the arachnids showed some consistency in short bursts, their behaviour changed drastically over time.

The findings suggest that these creatures do not conform to fixed roles like foragers or babysitters, but instead adapt their behaviour according to the needs of the situation. As a result, the scientists have called for more robust, long-term research into animal personalities and warned against labelling based on brief observations;

This new insight could reshape our understanding of animal behaviour and its evolutionary significance.

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