Tarantulas evolved a blue hue at least eight times, but scientists aren’t yet sure what purpose the coloration serves, Susan Milius wrote in “Tarantula blue is no accident” (SN: 1/9/16, p. 4). In the article, spider researcher Bor-Kai Hsiung wonders if, for example, the blue might scare away predators or attract insects.
Log in
Subscribers, enter your e-mail address for full access to the Science News archives and digital editions.