Entomologist Dr. Jürgen Otto films the Peacock Spiders of Australia, and they are super fun to watch. Though they are not well documented, there are 20 known species of these small jumping spiders. They have huge eyes, grow to about 5mm, and the males have colorful iridescent flaps that they use to attract females.
GrrlScientist has written more about Dr. Otto and these unique little creatures, and you can see more photos (and an interview) on 1000 Natural Wonders.
via Bug Girl’s Blog.
Giant Spider Species Discovered in Middle Eastern Sand Dunes | Wired Science | Wired.com
“Unfortunately, the spider’s habitat is under immediate threat, he said. The Israeli government recently approved mining operations in the region, which could wipe out the creature.”
They’re six inches long! Wipe them out before they wipe us out!
(I’m just kidding. I think the freakishly large arachnids that would like nothing more than to feast on us all while we sleep should be saved.)
This is in my bathroom right now. It was a good bathroom and there are still some shoes in there that I’d like to have, but sometimes we just have to make sacrifices in life and learn how to turn doors into walls (not a metaphor). So, I’m going to go buy some drywall, plaster and some paint I guess, anyone need anything while I’m at Home Depot? Like, I don’t know, a gallon of spider killer or something that will kill this spiderOH WHO AM I KIDDING THIS THING IS THE SAME SIZE AS A HOUSE CAT. Well, it’s comparable to a decent sized hamster, that’s for sure. In case it kills me before I can say goodbye, I just want you all to know that I love you guys, and well, you sure do argue about pointless stuff a lot. Bye.
Spider-made lace.
Initially thought to stabilize the webs, these decorations now appear to have purposes that differ from spider to spider. Arachnologists can’t seem to agree.
Explanations and other stunning images on Scienceray.
— Thanks to the QI Elves, From London.
FUCK YEAH ARACHNOLOGISTS DISAGREE!
My brother and I played with these furry jumping spiders growing up. Like a teddy bear that has eight legs and can jump ten feet.
FUCK YEAH JUMPING SPIDERS!
