Saharan Rolling Spider

When travelling down a sand dune, the Saharan rolling spider (Araneus rota) is capable of rolling on its outstretched legs, achieving speeds of over 4 mph.  It looks "like a small, unusually fast tumbleweed."

This athletic arachnid moves like no other. Two other spider species are known to roll down slopes with the help of gravity. But this one uses handsprings to propel itself along even ground.

Wissen

Geheimnisvolle Spinne: Sie rollt wie ein Rad

Professor Ingo Rechenberg.