Scared of spiders? Don't wear green!
Study of 1,200 arachnids reveals some species are colourblind and can only see this colour
If you're scared of spiders — don't wear anything green, warn scientists.
A study of 1,200 wolf spiders has revealed that these creepy crawlies, known for their excellent eyesight and sharp hunting skills, are drawn to this particular colour.
The arachnids are essentially colourblind – and are only sensitive to light at the green wavelength, scientists found. The spiders are attracted to the colour green as their vision is best attuned to this shade, making it far easier for the arachnids to spot prey or a mate.
Until now, it was thought the species did not place much importance on colour.
Wolf spiders, which are found in countries across the world, have four sets of eyes which they use to track prey - quickly pouncing on anything that gets too close.
In a new study into the species' eyesight, researchers looked at how the creepy crawlies reacted to a video of courting spiders.
In the footage, scientists manipulated the background colour, contrast and intensity.
They found that female spiders were more likely to respond to videos of males that contrasted sharply from their background. They responded even more strongly to the coloured versions of the footage - proving that colour influences the movements of the spider.
Humans have trichromatic vision, which means they have retinal cells that are capable of differentiating between red, green and blue. Wolf spiders have dichromatic vision and are only able to see ultraviolet and green light - and it appears the latter is their favourite.
Th e spiders' vision makes them ' basically colourblind', said lead researcher Professor George Uetz, a biologist from the University of Cincinnati. But while they don't read colour, they do read the intensity of light, scientists found - and because they can only detect green, they will always head to this colour first.
This is because prey and mates stand out best against this colour.
Professor Uetz said: ' The assumption was wolf spiders don't pay attention to colour. But we found that isn't really true.'
Researchers presented their work in June at the American Ar a ch no logical Society meeting at the University of Michigan.