Insects and Arachnids
Insects and arachnids are the most popular wild animal on Earth. Read our collection of articles discussing all sorts of ants, bugs, butterflies, spiders and just about every other type of insect and arachnid.
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If you think you've seen a funnel-web spider before, think again. The Newcastle funnel-web isn't just a bigger version of the spiders you've heard about from Sydney. It's Atrax christenseni, a newly identified species that's separate from the classic Sydney funnel-web spider, Atrax robustus.
By Nico Avelle
If you've ever found a tick clinging to your skin after a hike or a romp in tall grass, you're not alone. These tiny critters are more than just a nuisance — they're also potential carriers of some serious diseases.
By Nico Avelle
What do crickets eat? If you've ever heard these little insects chirping in grassy areas or dark places, you might have wondered what fuels their busy lives. It turns out these opportunistic feeders will munch on almost anything to stay healthy.
By Talon Homer
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Is that katydid a leaf? Is it an insect? Is it singing to you on a warm summer night? The answer to all of these is yes! Closely related to crickets and grasshoppers, there are over 6,000 katydid species worldwide. These masters of disguise are commonly heard but rarely seen.
By Talon Homer
Some of the most dazzling insects in the world are blue butterflies. With their iridescent wings and delicate forms, these rare beauties bring color to grasslands, coastal areas and conservation efforts alike.
By Nico Avelle
Have you ever wondered, what do snails eat? And how long does it take these slow-moving, slimy creatures to reach their food sources? Well, whether they’re in a garden, a pond or aquarium, a snail's varied diet helps it survive in different environments.
By Ada Tseng
In the dense rainforests of northeastern South America, a giant lurks beneath banana leaves and within deep burrows. Meet the goliath birdeater, the largest tarantula species on Earth. This spider is so big, it can span the size of a dinner plate, making it the undisputed heavyweight of the arachnid world.
By Nico Avelle
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If you’ve ever opened your sweater drawer or pantry and found little holes or suspicious webs, you’ve probably wondered, "What do moths eat? Anything besides my favorite clothes?" Turns out, it’s not the adult moths doing the damage. It’s their hungry little offspring, the moth larvae.
By Nico Avelle
"What do cicadas eat?" is a great question because these noisy insects have a surprising diet.
By Talon Homer
Many people are scared of spiders. But spiders help us keep pests under control by feeding on other insects that might spread diseases or attack our gardens.
By Ada Tseng
How do you identify a locust vs. grasshopper? They both belong to the grasshopper family (Acrididae), have powerful hind legs for jumping and share many physical traits. Despite their similarities, these two insects exhibit key behavioral and physiological differences that set them apart — especially when it comes to their ability to form massive, crop-devastating swarms.
By Mack Hayden
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The redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti) is one of Australia's most iconic arachnids. It's a member of the widow spider family, closely related to the black widow spider. They're famous for their distinctive red markings and potent venom.
By Ada Tseng
The regal jumping spider (Phidippus regius) is a fuzzy spider that's named for its incredible jumping ability and vivid colors. They have four forward-facing eyes, giving them better vision than other spiders.
By Ada Tseng
Let's talk about spider eggs, those tiny wonders of nature that hold the next generation of arachnids.
By Ada Tseng
The brown widow spider (Latrodectus geometricus) is a lesser-known relative of the infamous black widow. The first brown widow spider was discovered in Los Angeles in early 2000. A member of the cobweb spiders, it is now found in warm, urban areas worldwide.
By Ada Tseng
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The trapdoor spider is one of the sneakiest hunters in the arachnid world. These clever spiders are named for their unique hunting strategy: They build burrows with hinged "doors" made of soil and twigs that they use to ambush and capture prey. These burrows are lined with silk for stability.
By Ada Tseng
The sun spider is known for its great speed and powerful jaw. Oddly enough, sun spiders, which are also called wind scorpions or camel spiders, are neither spiders nor scorpions. They belong to the order Solifugae, a group of fast-moving, highly specialized arachnids.
By Ada Tseng
Let's talk about the woodlouse spider, an arachnid with a unique hunting style and impressive jaws. Known scientifically as Dysdera crocata, this spider has a special knack for preying on woodlice, making it an unusually dominant predator in its ecosystem.
By Mack Hayden
Let's talk about one of the most misunderstood arachnids in your backyard: the garden spider. Known for their intricate webs and striking colors, these arachnids are some of the most beneficial spiders around, keeping insect populations under control.
By Mack Hayden
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The sparklemuffin peacock spider (Maratus jactatus) is a tiny spider that lives up to its vivacious name. This dazzling arachnid was given its moniker in 2015 by UC Berkeley PhD student Maddie Girard after they were discovered in Wondul Range National Park in southern Queensland, Australia.
By Ada Tseng
Spiders are some of the most common creatures we share our homes with. While they may seem scary at first, most house spider species are harmless and even helpful, keeping pest insects under control.
By Talon Homer
The grass spider is one of of the most common critters you'll find in your backyard. Part of the Agelenopsis genus, these arachnids are masters at building funnel-shaped webs in dense vegetation and brush piles, where they lie in wait for prey.
By Talon Homer
Let's talk about the orb weaver spider, an arachnid renowned for its beautiful, circular webs. Found in gardens, forests and backyards around the world, orb weavers are some of the most common spiders and play a vital role in controlling insect populations.
By Zach Taras
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The yellow sac spider is one of the most common spiders humans encounter, as they're often wandering indoors or hanging out in gardens. Scientists also believe they account for more human insect bites than any other spider.
By Ada Tseng
Let's talk about the funnel web spider, one of the most notorious arachnids in the world. Known for their fast-acting venom, funnel web spiders are both fascinating and intimidating.
By Zach Taras