As a mating ritual, male spiders sometimes wrap up "random trash" instead of bugs, hoping female spiders won't notice. Some spider species have been observed wrapping inedible prey or plant material ...

The largest male specimen yet of the most venomous spider in the world has been found in Australia. "Hercules," a funnel-web spider, is 3.1 inches (7.9 centimeters) from hairy foot to hairy foot, ...

Male and female black widow spiders may belong to the same species, but they are far from identical. From size and colour to behaviour and lifespan, these spiders display some of the most striking ...

Spider experts from the nearby park retrieved it and soon realized it was the largest male specimen ever received from the public in Australia. The spider measured 7.9 centimeters (3.1 inches) from ...

Courtship dazzle in spiders can lose some zing in uncertain climates. Males in places with hard-to-predict rain and temperatures devolve into suitors who woo mostly with cheap, useless gifts.

Fireflies use their characteristic flashing signals to find and attract mates. It’s a courtship ritual that can seem magical on a warm summer evening. However, for orb weaver spiders, these displays ...

Spider mites — they’re just like us. Scientists at the University of Vienna have uncovered the creepy-crawlies’ sexual habits. Male spider mites will “undress” their female counterparts before ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. I write about biodiversity and the hidden quirks of the natural world. A recent study has found a cunning feeding strategy ...

Some spider species have been observed wrapping inedible prey or plant material in silk before presenting it to a would-be mate. Calling such material "trash" may be misleading in the sense it's not ...

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