Arthropod Adventures

The water walker

The parasitic arachnid

The spikey Spider

In this episode of "Arthropod Adventures," I'm excited to introduce you to the spined micro thena spider. This little critter has a truly unique appearance, and I can't wait to share all the fascinating details with you.
During my own encounter with this spider, I was able to identify it using the Seek app, which was a real game-changer. Let me tell you, this spider's spiky body is something to behold. It's no wonder it got its name from the Greek word "thena," meaning "spine."
But it's not just the appearance that makes this spider interesting. Its behavior and reproductive habits are equally captivating. I'll be diving into all of that during this episode, so get ready to learn something new.
One thing that really stood out to me is the sexual dimorphism between males and females. The differences in their appearance are quite striking, and I'll be sharing all the details with you.
Whether you're a seasoned nature enthusiast or just curious about the wonders of the arthropod world, this episode is sure to be an interesting listen. So sit back, relax, and let's embark on this arachnid adventure together.

The Patient Predator

In this podcast episode, we discuss the European mantis, an insect that was brought to the United States to help control gypsy moth caterpillars. Let me tell you about its appearance, hunting skills, and the important role it plays in our environment. I also have a personal story to share about a mantis egg sac hatching in my home, which really left a lasting impression on me. Towards the end of the episode, we invite our listeners to share their own experiences and we even have a haiku-style poem about the mantis. I hope you find this podcast both educational and entertaining, as we aim to provide you with informative facts and engaging personal stories.

The Spider Hoarder

In this episode of "Arthropod Adventures," I will provide you with a detailed insight into the life of the black and yellow mud dauber, a fascinating solitary wasp species. Let's dive into their unique nesting habits, impressive hunting skills, and intriguing life cycle. Don't worry, these wasps are not a threat to us humans unless we provoke them. I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions, so please feel free to email me. As a fun personal fact, I have a deep love for writing poetry.

Lightning Butt

In this episode of "Arthropod Adventures," I will be delving into the world of fireflies, specifically focusing on the eastern firefly species. I will be explaining their physical characteristics, habitat, and their fascinating bioluminescent communication. Additionally, we will be highlighting the behavior of glow worms, particularly their predatory habits and the paralyzing toxin they produce. I encourage all of you to observe these incredible creatures in their natural environment, but it is crucial to remember the importance of releasing them afterward. Lastly, I will be sharing my personal fascination with octopuses and I invite all of you to provide feedback on the episode.

The Circular Spinner

I hope you enjoy learning about the yellow garden spider!
Must watch video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XSyMV8hqFKw
Great view of the web-https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1686
https://hgic.clemson.edu/beneficial-yellow-garden-spiders/
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/black-and-yellow-garden-spider
https://animalcorner.org/animals/orb-weaver-spiders/
https://entnemdept.ufl.edu/creatures/MISC/SPIDERS/yellow-garden-spider.html
https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/insects/black-and-yellow-argiope-zipper-spider-corn-spider/#:~:text=The%20word%20Argiope%20means%20%E2%80%9Cwith,fangs%2C%20and%20a%20silk%20spinner.
https://extension.psu.edu/yellow-garden-spider
https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Invertebrates/Yellow-Garden-Spider
https://bygl.osu.edu/node/1686

Watch Out for Those Blue Claws!

I hope you enjoy learning about the blue crab!  https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.cce.cornell.edu/attachments/3615/Bluecrab.pdf?1414172883
https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Callinectes_sapidus/
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/invertebrates/facts/blue-crab?loggedin=true
https://igotyourcrabs.com/crabblab/?p=34
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/90126
https://crabsman.com/blue-crab-life-cycle/