![]() In unusual conditions like collapsed buildings or mines, the action could help small robots avoid obstacles. It is able to either walk or tumble, depending on which offers the most efficient method of transportation in varying environments. Tabbot is designed to test the nature-inspired technology that could, one day, be used on robotic craft in the depths of the ocean or the surface of Mars. Rechenberg was so impressed by the ability of the spider to perform this act he designed a new robot, able to perform cartwheels. Although the spiders regularly acted out the behavior in the desert, the act was rarely performed in a laboratory setting. Golden wheel spiders, related to the flic-flac, can cartwheel downhill, but the newly-discovered species can perform the move while traveling upward, as well. So far, the new species has only been seen in the Erg Chebbi region where Rechenberg first encountered the organisms. ![]() ![]() These are known for their hunting abilities. The spider researcher conducted a careful analysis of the creatures.Īfter confirmation of Rechenberg's discovery, the species was classified as a new form of Cebrennus, or huntsman spiders. Rechenberg brought specimens to Peter Jäger, of the Senckenberg Research Institute in Frankfurt, Germany. Next week we have a goliath sized request from But until then critic, comment and discuss future species to cover as well as checking out past issues in Impurest’s Bestiary.When performing this strange behavior, the tiny creatures can travel up to 6.6 feet per second. Wow and with that we watch the Flic-Flac Spider cartwheel into the distance. "Fog, wind and heat - life in the Namib desert". At current there are suggestions that robots based on this design could be used in exploration in difficult and extra-terrestrial environments (4). Igno Rechenberg (1934-Current) the discover of the Moroccan Flic-Flac Spider and professor in bionics created a robot, based on the spider named in honour of him, that uses the same flic-flac movement. When picked up the Flic-Flac Spider instinctively clings to the surface, and while venomous, the bite is not harmful to humans. The Moroccan Flic-Flac Spider isn’t the only spider who rolls, the Wheel Spider ( Carparachne aureoflava) also rolls to escape predation, although it relies on gravity to keep it moving.īecause flic-flacing takes a lot of energy, the spider easily becomes fatigued after a long period of activity, even risking death through exhaustion The name ‘flic-flac’ comes from the aerobic maneuverer of the same name, which consists of a headstand into a standing position. After this the female retreats to her burrow and lays her eggs, where she will guard them until they hatch. Like most species of huntsman, the male flic-flac spider risks being attacked by the female, and brings a gift to buy enough time to mate with the larger female. If caught in the open, the flic-flac spider can perform a backflip to escape attackers, to kick start its roll away from danger. This burrow is used as cover, to evade predators and to ambush prey on nights that are too cold for constant activity. Like most spiders, the flic-flac spider is an obligate carnivore, usually hunting from the safety of its silk lined burrow, which consists of a silk tube with a sand covering over the lid to prevent desecration, that protrudes from the dunes. Moving like this, the flic-flac spider can move at speeds of two meters per second, even when moving up hill (2). The flic-flac spider in addition to running like most of its kin, it can also moves in a cartwheeling maneuverer, by flipping itself head over abdomen with its front legs. The species is largely nocturnal, although it is sometimes also active during the day. The Moroccan Flic-Flac Spider is a medium huntsman spider, with a body length of 1.5 to 2cms in length, covered in white and grey hair. Range - The Moroccan Flic-Flac Spider is only found in the Erg Chebbi Desert of Morocco Related Species – The Moroccan Flic-Flac Spider is one of the Huntsman Spiders (1) This week another animal from a hot climate cartwheels to the forefront. Last week the formally extinct White Spotted Bush Frog and its endangered amphibian kin was in the spotlight. As the British summer continues to be atypical, we find ourselves storming at full steam through July.
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