To find sufficient food and avoid getting eaten, spider hatchlings need to disperse quickly. They often take to the air, making use of silken strands,…
Up, Up and Away! Spiders Go Ballooning
Ballooning
Up, up and away! These recent spider hatchlings, which are of the species Argiope aurantia, commonly known as garden spiders or banana spiders, are preparing to disperse through a method known as ballooning. (Photo courtesy of Cathy and Steve Martens) Ballooning June 23, 2017 Balloons. Can you think of anything more festive? Colorful balls of,
Pop! Goes The Email
This spider may look like a local species, but it’s actually native to southeast Asia. Thanks to the internet and through the magic of email, this image made its way to Pam Otto’s inbox courtesy of Mac Bakewell, who lives in Pah Leuat, Tha Pla, Uttaradit, Thailand. Pop! Goes The Email February 24, 2017 I
Spiders
August 17, 2012 With a temperature forecast in the 70s today, it sure doesn’t feel much like August. But certain signs of the season are undeniable. Cicadas are buzzing, prairies are blooming and spiders, bless their little cardiac marks, are everywhere. Take a walk through any of the TriCity downtowns and you’ll see the work
Spiders
Pam’s Perspective Pam Otto is the Manager of Nature Programs and Interpretive Services for the St. Charles Park District The other night my folks were over for dinner, and my dad happened to comment that The Sound of Music was going to be on television. After a few moments of musing at how and why
Spiders
I like a walk in the rain as much as the next person (probably more, actually) but last week’s cold, wet weather was a bit much even for me. So there I was, sitting indoors, yet confronted with the task of writing a column primarily about things outdoors. What’s a naturalist to do? Luckily, fate