Science: UC biologist explains how spiders 'hear' with legs
UC professor George Uetz is a renowned expert on spiders
Science Magazine talked to University of Cincinnati professor George Uetz about how spiders can "hear" with their legs.
George Uetz. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II/UC Creative + Brand
A study on ogre-faced spiders by researchers with Cornell University was published in the journal Current Biology. Cornell found that spiders reacted to certain frequencies of sounds that were similar to those made by the fluttering wings of their preferred prey, moths.
Many spiders have excellent vision, but their ability to sense sound vibrations is far less understood. In his UC biology lab, Uetz and his biology students study "multimodal communication" in which courting wolf spiders use a combination of visual and vibratory cues to attract a mate.
Uetz said Cornell's finding about this new spider superpower is a surprise, given how much we already know about the acuity of spider vision. He was not part of the study.
"They are much more complex than people ever thought they were," Uetz said.
Featured image at top: An ogre-faced spider. Photo/Jay Stafstrom/Cornell University
Related Stories
Decade of discovery
July 27, 2026
Every summer, UHP Discover has connected undergraduate students in the University Honors Program (UHP) to a unique array of opportunities in original interdisciplinary research. This year, the program celebrates its 10th anniversary.
The subtle changes in hearing you should never ignore
July 24, 2026
It’s easy to dismiss changes in hearing as minor. But as The Washington Post recently reported, these symptoms could also signal a medical emergency that many people don’t recognize — known as sudden sensorineural hearing loss, a rapid decline in hearing that occurs suddenly or over a few days.
UC experts say proper produce washing is key defense against Cyclospora
July 24, 2026
Hamilton County Public Health reports confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, as concerns persist. Cyclospora is a parasite that can cause a stomach illness lasting days — sometimes even weeks. University of Cincinnati medical experts say it is usually linked to contaminated water or food, often fresh produce.