Himalayan Jumping Spider Survives 22,000ft

The Himalayan jumping spider, Euophrys omnisuperstes, has been reported at elevations up to 6,700 meters (22,000 feet) on Mount Everest, making it a candidate for Earth's highest permanent resident. In 1924, a naturalist named Richard Hingston observed spiders living among rocks at that height, roughly 1,200 meters (4,000 feet) above the Himalayas' highest plant growth. However, the specimens were immature and poorly preserved, so researchers only assume they belonged to this species. Confirmed populations survive on Everest and Makalu by hunting springtails and flies supported partly by windblown organic debris.

Previous Fact Next Fact