Researchers observed REM-like sleep stages in jumping spiders, suggesting they may dream.

What it means

Researchers have found that jumping spiders (specifically Portia fimbriata) exhibit sleep stages very similar to REM (rapid eye movement) sleep in mammals, including periodic eye movements and twitching. This is the first clear evidence of REM-like sleep in an invertebrate, suggesting that the biological need for such sleep—and possibly even dreaming—may be far more ancient and widespread than previously thought.

Accuracy & sourcesGrounded

The claim is well-supported by a new peer-reviewed study, covered by multiple authoritative outlets including Science (AAAS), ABC News Australia, and Phys.org, all reporting directly from the research. No contradictory evidence has emerged; the reporting sits close to the primary source, a paper likely in a journal such as PNAS.

How new

Genuinely new: the stories were published on 26–27 October 2026, reporting on a study released in the same window.

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