With large eyes and fuzzy bodies, jumping spiders frequently are referred to as the ‘teddy bears’ of the spider world. About 350 species occur throughout…
Jumping Spiders
Eastern Parson Spiders
As the temperatures start to cool, don’t be surprised if a parson comes to your door. Actually, he, or she, might instead come to your…
Micrathena Spiders
When was the last time you got a face-ful of spider web? If you live in northern Illinois, and have walked outside recently, particularly in…
Argiope Spiders
“Let me show you something hideous!” My friend Mrs. Janet was pretty emphatic as she pulled her phone from her purse. Knowing that Janet works…
Grass Spiders
Aah, the joys of summer. Here in the midst of another hot spell, the signs of the season are undeniable. Cicadas are buzzing, prairies are…
Woodlouse Spiders
In these days of physical distancing and social isolation, the sight of a familiar face can bring immeasurable joy. Even, it turns out, if that…
Pumpkin Spider
Pumpkins at this time of year usually look one of two ways: Plump and firm, or soft and saggy. At my house, I’ve got one…
Momma D. the Fishing Spider
Every year when Mother’s Day rolls around, Hallmark reminds us just how many animals are great moms. We see cards with dogs and their puppies;…
The Jumper and the Pollinators
Location, location, location. It’s a cardinal rule for real estate, and for spider webs. Think about it. Where are the thickest, juiciest spiders? In webs…
Crab Spiders
It’s not often that you hear the words exquisite, pink, and camouflage come together in a sentence. It’s even rarer when “spider” is added to the narrative. But that’s exactly what happened during a recent walk at Fermilab when our group, gathered to learn about local bees, encountered a member of Thomisidae, the crab spiders.