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ChrysMYO t1_itv0nrk wrote

Reply to comment by blackdragonstory in For us, giants are fiction, for insects they’re a reality by Purple_burglar_alarm

I dont think they learn in that way. I think they react to stimuli more then plan and anticipate. I think you have to move up to rodents and small lizards before you get any animal planning based on past memories.

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ApexHolly t1_itv5uzj wrote

Actually, scientists discovered that jumping spiders (cute lil things) have abstract memory, and are able to remember hazards they've previously encountered, as well as take the long way to their target if they think it would be safer. Which indicates that they at least have a rudimentary understanding of cause and effect, allowing them to plan. They also have great vision. There's a video of a jumping spider watching a helicopter overhead.

Having said that, jumping spiders, according to presently available data, seem to be along the upper edge of what "bug" cognition can do, and certainly smarter than the majority of spiders. Although spiders already tend to be fairly smart when compared to other bugs, such as flies.

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ChrysMYO t1_itvekcv wrote

Really good point. Yeah I could see a few spiders being able to plan and learn.

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