Most women in New Zealand and California prefer men with less body hair.
In a study conducted in 2010 by researchers Dixon, Dixon, Bishop & Parish [1], the amount and distribution of masculine trunk hair (chest and abdominal) was altered progressively in a series of front-posed male figures. In both countries, the image lacking any trunk hair was rated as the most attractive, with a steady decline in attractiveness as hirsutism (excessive body hair) became more pronounced.
Whilst you may agree or disagree with the study, there is no doubt that the male spider, known as “hairy legs” continues to be attractive to the female spider.
In fact, this summer, spider populations are set to soar, as the reproductive cycle kicks in early due to warmer weather than normal. [2]
Spring is the time when courtship begins for the many species of spiders we have in Australia.
The male ground-dwelling spiders, such as the Sydney Funnel Web, attract females by moving their palps (sensory organs at the front of spiders) or stroking the female. Unlike the web-spinning spiders, where the male drums on the threads of the web to attract the female.[3]
Of course, there is the body hair of the male spider as well, which the female finds irresistible. Having found her man, she will go into an apparent state of hypnosis until mating is over. Then she makes a meal of him.
So, to increase attractiveness in humans, and make our homes safer, it seems the less hairy males we have around, the better!
References
- Dixson BJ, Dixson AF, Bishop PJ, Parish A (2010). “Human Physique and Sexual Attractiveness in Men and Women: A New Zealand-U.S. Comparative Study”
- BOM – Equal-warmest August on record for mean temperatures in Sydney
- Urban Pest Management in Australia
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