Jumping Spider
This looks to be a jumping spider, though what species I cannot say for sure – I am no spider expert and this is as good of a look as I got from afar. It was hunting a local pond as so much more life is suddenly jumping out at this point of the spring. Why are “we” as a people so afraid of spiders anyway? With such a tiny percentage of all spiders having the ability to do us any potential harm we should probably stop worrying about them already! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach
Read MoreOrb Weaver Spider (Argiope savignyi)
While walking trails and getting acclimated in Costa Rica today I came across this Orb Weaver spider (Argiope savignyi). It had recently captured some fly species in its web. I instantly recognized this spider because of a documented case of it eating a Proboscis Bat (Rhynchonycteris naso). It managed to encase the bat with its silk over the course of the day. The bat became tired and was able to be consumed eventually. Sean Graesser RTPI Affiliate
Read MoreCreepy critter Halloween
Happy Halloween from these scary critters! A Halloween Snake (Oxyrhopus petola), Common Vampire Bat (Desmodus rotundus), Central American Bark Scorpion (Centruroides margaritatus) and Tarantula, all taken by Twan for the Meet Your Neighbours global diversity project.
Read MoreHelpful jumping spider
This jumping spider seems like it is ready to pounce! And look at those eyes…they are not targeting you, though. Let’s thank it for being so helpful and grabbing all the flying insects we do not want in our homes that are far more likely to bite us.
Read MoreJack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
An increasing variety of wildflowers is slowly blanketing our woods and fields. One of our more striking spring flowers is our Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) – not because of its bright coloration but due to its unique aroid flower shape. Only after I took this picture I noticed the tiny spiders rapidly taking up residence in the leaves of this newly emerged plant. Life’s moving in the fast lane right now!
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