Wolf Spider's Intelligence

[dr_wu002]

I always see those cute little wolf spiders when I'm hiking around Mt. Washington. Ironically, I rarely ever see them anywhere else like Franconia Ridge. Only in the Presidentials. Anyway, they seem friendly enough and I hear they only eat other bugs (maybe we can import a few more of them up there to get rid of the annoying black flies that'll be hatching in a few weeks...) so apparently they're "good" bugs and you shouldn't stomp on them should you have the opportunity. My question is the following: Has anyone ever tried to measure their intelligence, ie. their IQ? I realize this is probably difficult for spiders because they hate flash cards but compared to other spiders are they actually more intelligent than other species? And in general, are they pretty much smarter than most other bugs? I read somewhere (no reference, sorry) that their brain is actually a smaller version of the average human brain so this could be a significant find. Has anyone ever dissected a dead one to see what their brain looks like? Any info could be helpful. Does anyone know if they make NH48 Patches for wolf spiders? I don't think they're allowed in to the ceremony though so this is a problem.

-Dr. Wu

 

[Kevin Rooney]

A bit too much coffee this morning, Dr Wu002? Sudden medication change?

 

[DougPaul]

Search and ye shall find:

Google: "wolf spider" intelligence http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&..."wolf+spider"+intelligence&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=

Doug

 

[dr_wu002]

A bit too much coffee this morning, Dr Wu002? Sudden medication change?

Just a bottomless curiosity of all things pertaining to nature is all...

-Dr. Wu

 

[Nif]

All I know is that you hardly ever see them out skiing because the cost of eight little boots and eight little ski is prohibitive for most spider families. This is fine with me however...

 

[DougPaul]

All I know is that you hardly ever see them out skiing because the cost of eight little boots and eight little ski is prohibitive for most spider families. This is fine with me however...

You missed the goggles for their 8 eyes...

Doug

 

[ferrisjrf]

Search and ye shall find:

Google: "wolf spider" intelligence http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&..."wolf+spider"+intelligence&aq=f&aqi=&aql=&oq=

Doug

The second result in that search is this thread. Now, when asked for citations during discussions with my arachnophile friends, I'll have a legitimate answer. Dr. Wu, is your PhD from Boontaka, or is that just where you currently teach?

 

[DougPaul]

The second result in that search is this thread.

It wasn't when I wrote the post...

FWIW, I've found Google to be pretty quick at picking up threads on VFTT.

Doug

 

[dr_wu002]

The second result in that search is this thread. Now, when asked for citations during discussions with my arachnophile friends, I'll have a legitimate answer. Dr. Wu, is your PhD from Boontaka, or is that just where you currently teach?

Looks like this thread is finally taking off and we're getting some legitimate issues. I wonder how many times real scientists have classified "bug IQ" -- it's not for the amateur observor anymore!

-Dr. Wu

 

[SteveHiker]

Whoa, miniature human brains and eight legs with the ability to live in harsh environments? We should be thankful that they don't have opposable thumbs as well lest they overrun us. Although, I, for one would welcome our new wolf spider overlords.

 

[dr_wu002]

These days, if you Google "Wolf Spider Intelligence" you get a whole boat load of info. Not like back in the day when this thread kind of started an entire genre of science.

Dr. Wu

 

[Hillwalker]

Look who just stepped out of his Tardis . Welcome back Dr. Wu

 

[jreckard]

These days, if you Google "Wolf Spider Intelligence" you get a whole boat load of info. Not like back in the day when this thread kind of started an entire genre of science.

Dr. Wu

A specialist in this "genre of science", one scientist concentrated on studying the lice that bothered some wolf spiders. He and his assistant would collect these lice and put each one in separate test tubes to be analyzed later ... some they put in a refrigerator for future experimenting ... others they saved in a rack on the wall, to be used for a baseline.
One day the scientist asked his assistant for a louse in one of the test tubes.
The assistant asked, "Do you want one from the fridge? Or ..."
The scientist said, "A rack nit."

 

[SAR-EMT40]

My favorite class of spider. I had one under the rim of my garbage can. He was the size of my pinky fingernail. He would come out, and when I would move my hand near him, he would rear up as to say, "I dare you". I played that with him many times. He had balls, I'll say that. Really enjoyed interacting with him. Really felt that there was a consciousness, self awareness there.

 

[Mountain Thunder]

I always see those cute little wolf spiders when I'm hiking around Mt. Washington. Ironically, I rarely ever see them anywhere else like Franconia Ridge. Only in the Presidentials. Anyway, they seem friendly enough and I hear they only eat other bugs (maybe we can import a few more of them up there to get rid of the annoying black flies that'll be hatching in a few weeks...) so apparently they're "good" bugs and you shouldn't stomp on them should you have the opportunity. My question is the following: Has anyone ever tried to measure their intelligence, ie. their IQ? I realize this is probably difficult for spiders because they hate flash cards but compared to other spiders are they actually more intelligent than other species? And in general, are they pretty much smarter than most other bugs? I read somewhere (no reference, sorry) that their brain is actually a smaller version of the average human brain so this could be a significant find. Has anyone ever dissected a dead one to see what their brain looks like? Any info could be helpful. Does anyone know if they make NH48 Patches for wolf spiders? I don't think they're allowed in to the ceremony though so this is a problem.

-Dr. Wu

My favorite class of spider. I had one under the rim of my garbage can. He was the size of my pinky fingernail. He would come out, and when I would move my hand near him, he would rear up as to say, "I dare you". I played that with him many times. He had balls, I'll say that. Really enjoyed interacting with him. Really felt that there was a consciousness, self awareness there.

When they rear up like that, it’s always been my understanding that they are warning you to stay away. Spiders fascinate me. How amazing that they can build a home anytime or anywhere they need to with all the supplies they need in their built-in backpack.

 

[SAR-EMT40]

When they rear up like that, it’s always been my understanding that they are warning you to stay away. Spiders fascinate me. How amazing that they can build a home anytime or anywhere they need to with all the supplies they need in their built-in backpack.

That's kind of my point. I got the distinct impression he was saying, "I'm going to kick your ass. Don't mess with me" Gutsy, to say the least. But clearly he never studied physics.

 

[Salty]

When I see one in the bedroom, as happens at least 3 times a year (old house), they are then my least favorite spider.