May
14

Which animal can have a brain so large it overflows into its legs?

immediately recognized the face as an adult male Phidippus putnami. These adult males have to be some of the wildest and hairiest spiders out there - the markings and tufts of hair are just unparalleled (excluding some of the really wild Habronattus species out west). (Photo by Thomas Shahan via EOL.org)

Spiders. Smithsonian researchers report that the brains of tiny spiders are so large that they fill their body cavities and overflow into their legs. Nine species of spiders were measured. As the spiders get smaller, their brains get proportionally bigger, filling up more of their body cavities.

Brains, delicious braaiins! 

Questions come alive at the Smithsonian.Seriously Amazing. 

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Posted: 14 May 2013
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About the Author:

Alex di Giovanni is primarily responsible for "other duties as assigned" in the Office of Communications and External Affairs. She has been with the Smithsonian since 2006 and plans to be interred in the Smithson crypt.