Angela Chuang
@arachnonaut.bsky.social
Invasion Biology, Arachnology, Ethology, Agroecology | Washington College | board game enthusiast and reviewer
Pinned
🕷️🌍🕸️ Spiders aren't creepy crawlies—they're ecosystem heroes! From pest control to biotech inspiration to key figures in our collective culture, a new review reveals the many services spiders provide:
🔗 doi.org/10.1111/brv....
(drawing by @jmalumbresolarte.bsky.social)
🔗 doi.org/10.1111/brv....
(drawing by @jmalumbresolarte.bsky.social)
If you ever wondered how spiders are beneficial to humans and ecosystems, you may be interested in our newest review of "Ecosystem services provided by spiders", led by @cardosopmb.bsky.social! 🕷️🕸️
Reposted by Angela Chuang
I know I'm spamming you all with the world's largest flower this week but look at THIS! A rare glimpse inside Rafflesia arnoldi!
November 20, 2025 at 10:08 AM
I know I'm spamming you all with the world's largest flower this week but look at THIS! A rare glimpse inside Rafflesia arnoldi!
Reposted by Angela Chuang
Mainstream palaeoart often seems lily-white in terms of the diversity of its contributors. But pieces of palaeoart that rank among the -MOST SEEN- works in the entire field were examples of black craftsmanship. This week came news on the passing of Garfield G. Minott (1966-2025)... cont
November 15, 2025 at 1:31 PM
Mainstream palaeoart often seems lily-white in terms of the diversity of its contributors. But pieces of palaeoart that rank among the -MOST SEEN- works in the entire field were examples of black craftsmanship. This week came news on the passing of Garfield G. Minott (1966-2025)... cont
Reposted by Angela Chuang
For the first time, scientists have documented an unusual defense: Some species of arachnids build giant doppelgängers on their webs, creating a frightening deception that scares off would-be killers. https://scim.ag/487Myn0
November 12, 2025 at 5:08 PM
For the first time, scientists have documented an unusual defense: Some species of arachnids build giant doppelgängers on their webs, creating a frightening deception that scares off would-be killers. https://scim.ag/487Myn0
Reposted by Angela Chuang
Thanks Darwin Biological for including us in your book of practicals!
Our hands-on session helps students to investigate how many different species of plants and animals might be lurking in their local area.
Check out the whole booklet...
buff.ly/YleVbXf
Our hands-on session helps students to investigate how many different species of plants and animals might be lurking in their local area.
Check out the whole booklet...
buff.ly/YleVbXf
The Practical Biologist - Darwin Biological
A collection of 12 biology practicals created by expert institutions specifically for school use.
www.flipsnack.com
November 11, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Thanks Darwin Biological for including us in your book of practicals!
Our hands-on session helps students to investigate how many different species of plants and animals might be lurking in their local area.
Check out the whole booklet...
buff.ly/YleVbXf
Our hands-on session helps students to investigate how many different species of plants and animals might be lurking in their local area.
Check out the whole booklet...
buff.ly/YleVbXf
Reposted by Angela Chuang
Poem, "Jumping Spiders Can See the Moon"
(c) constance lee menefee
(c) constance lee menefee
November 2, 2025 at 7:24 PM
Poem, "Jumping Spiders Can See the Moon"
(c) constance lee menefee
(c) constance lee menefee
Reposted by Angela Chuang
Tarantula foot-pad. Who knew they could be so pretty?
November 1, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Tarantula foot-pad. Who knew they could be so pretty?
Reposted by Angela Chuang
Meet bob the red velvet mite
November 1, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Meet bob the red velvet mite
Reposted by Angela Chuang
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! 🎃👻
Is that a pumpkin or a spider butt? The marbled #orbweaver is all decked out for fall and the spooky season (though, really, this lovely lady was very shy and harmless)!
#Araneidae: #Araneus marmoreus
#Arachtober
Is that a pumpkin or a spider butt? The marbled #orbweaver is all decked out for fall and the spooky season (though, really, this lovely lady was very shy and harmless)!
#Araneidae: #Araneus marmoreus
#Arachtober
October 31, 2025 at 2:31 PM
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!! 🎃👻
Is that a pumpkin or a spider butt? The marbled #orbweaver is all decked out for fall and the spooky season (though, really, this lovely lady was very shy and harmless)!
#Araneidae: #Araneus marmoreus
#Arachtober
Is that a pumpkin or a spider butt? The marbled #orbweaver is all decked out for fall and the spooky season (though, really, this lovely lady was very shy and harmless)!
#Araneidae: #Araneus marmoreus
#Arachtober
Reposted by Angela Chuang
📣 @asab.org grants BOOSTED! 📣
We've increased most of our research-related grants by 50%, effective from the next deadline of 1st Feb 2026.
Check out what we offer here:
www.asab.org/grant-overview
We've increased most of our research-related grants by 50%, effective from the next deadline of 1st Feb 2026.
Check out what we offer here:
www.asab.org/grant-overview
October 14, 2025 at 4:28 PM
📣 @asab.org grants BOOSTED! 📣
We've increased most of our research-related grants by 50%, effective from the next deadline of 1st Feb 2026.
Check out what we offer here:
www.asab.org/grant-overview
We've increased most of our research-related grants by 50%, effective from the next deadline of 1st Feb 2026.
Check out what we offer here:
www.asab.org/grant-overview
Reposted by Angela Chuang
Quite pleased with this shot of an Urosigalphus braconid wasp I got in central Austin today. I suspect the wasps are emerging from live oak acorns, having parasitized the grubs acorn weevils.
Not many live photos exist of this genus, it seems.
Not many live photos exist of this genus, it seems.
October 18, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Quite pleased with this shot of an Urosigalphus braconid wasp I got in central Austin today. I suspect the wasps are emerging from live oak acorns, having parasitized the grubs acorn weevils.
Not many live photos exist of this genus, it seems.
Not many live photos exist of this genus, it seems.
Reposted by Angela Chuang
Exciting times ahead - I'm beyond delighted to be joining @bristolbiosci.bsky.social in 2026! 🎉🕷️🎉🐌🎉
I'm also looking for a PhD student to join @multipleye-lab.bsky.social in our new home! Come and study the effects of light pollution on the evolution and development of spider eyes with us 🌃🕷️👀 👇
I'm also looking for a PhD student to join @multipleye-lab.bsky.social in our new home! Come and study the effects of light pollution on the evolution and development of spider eyes with us 🌃🕷️👀 👇
October 17, 2025 at 1:38 PM
Exciting times ahead - I'm beyond delighted to be joining @bristolbiosci.bsky.social in 2026! 🎉🕷️🎉🐌🎉
I'm also looking for a PhD student to join @multipleye-lab.bsky.social in our new home! Come and study the effects of light pollution on the evolution and development of spider eyes with us 🌃🕷️👀 👇
I'm also looking for a PhD student to join @multipleye-lab.bsky.social in our new home! Come and study the effects of light pollution on the evolution and development of spider eyes with us 🌃🕷️👀 👇
Reposted by Angela Chuang
Hello friends, I am recovering from getting COVID again and had to miss a week of work. It would be really helpful if I could get 2-3 commissions before the end of October to help me catch up on bills.
My recent art is mostly wildlife, but I would also love to draw your pet!
ko-fi.com/ariganahl
My recent art is mostly wildlife, but I would also love to draw your pet!
ko-fi.com/ariganahl
October 16, 2025 at 4:32 PM
Hello friends, I am recovering from getting COVID again and had to miss a week of work. It would be really helpful if I could get 2-3 commissions before the end of October to help me catch up on bills.
My recent art is mostly wildlife, but I would also love to draw your pet!
ko-fi.com/ariganahl
My recent art is mostly wildlife, but I would also love to draw your pet!
ko-fi.com/ariganahl
Reposted by Angela Chuang
Different Islands, Different Songs — Cultural Evolution in Real Time 🌋🎶
Darwin’s cactus finches on Floreana & Santa Cruz sing 25 unique syllable types—none shared.
Floreana = broader bandwidths 🎶
Santa Cruz = larger beaks 🐦
Kaluppa et al. 2025, BJLS
doi.org/10.1093/biol...
Pictures: J. Garcia-Loor
Darwin’s cactus finches on Floreana & Santa Cruz sing 25 unique syllable types—none shared.
Floreana = broader bandwidths 🎶
Santa Cruz = larger beaks 🐦
Kaluppa et al. 2025, BJLS
doi.org/10.1093/biol...
Pictures: J. Garcia-Loor
October 16, 2025 at 8:17 AM
Different Islands, Different Songs — Cultural Evolution in Real Time 🌋🎶
Darwin’s cactus finches on Floreana & Santa Cruz sing 25 unique syllable types—none shared.
Floreana = broader bandwidths 🎶
Santa Cruz = larger beaks 🐦
Kaluppa et al. 2025, BJLS
doi.org/10.1093/biol...
Pictures: J. Garcia-Loor
Darwin’s cactus finches on Floreana & Santa Cruz sing 25 unique syllable types—none shared.
Floreana = broader bandwidths 🎶
Santa Cruz = larger beaks 🐦
Kaluppa et al. 2025, BJLS
doi.org/10.1093/biol...
Pictures: J. Garcia-Loor
Reposted by Angela Chuang
A third spider we'll be searching for in Okefenokee Swamp is Floricomus floricomus. A tiny, 1.5mm spider with a distinct plumose setae-covered horn on the head of males, this spider was first discovered in 1922 when it was CUT OUT OF THE STOMACH OF A TOAD that was hopping around in Okefenokee Swamp.
October 16, 2025 at 4:12 PM
A third spider we'll be searching for in Okefenokee Swamp is Floricomus floricomus. A tiny, 1.5mm spider with a distinct plumose setae-covered horn on the head of males, this spider was first discovered in 1922 when it was CUT OUT OF THE STOMACH OF A TOAD that was hopping around in Okefenokee Swamp.
Reposted by Angela Chuang
October 13, 2025 at 1:59 AM
Reposted by Angela Chuang
🧵Arachnophobia, while common, is unique amongst phobias bc often invokes an overlap of fear and disgust! This is not prevalent in other arthropod phobias. Interestingly, fear & disgust utilize the same neural network and have similar outputs, making them difficult to disentangle.
Arachnophobia is interesting to me because it's so specific. Like, people generally aren't afraid of crabs, even though they're hairy and skitter around. And they're not afraid of bugs, even though they have about the same number of eyes. Most people will never even see a dangerous spider irl.
October 9, 2025 at 4:11 PM
🧵Arachnophobia, while common, is unique amongst phobias bc often invokes an overlap of fear and disgust! This is not prevalent in other arthropod phobias. Interestingly, fear & disgust utilize the same neural network and have similar outputs, making them difficult to disentangle.
Reposted by Angela Chuang
Day 3 of #arachtober. I can't promise I'll keep this up all month; I'll run out of photos soon, but for now here's another Araneus diadematus to delight you. This was a nice, dark form, but yet again, it was facing the wrong way 🙄 @britishspiders.bsky.social #macro #omsystem #macrophotography
October 3, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Day 3 of #arachtober. I can't promise I'll keep this up all month; I'll run out of photos soon, but for now here's another Araneus diadematus to delight you. This was a nice, dark form, but yet again, it was facing the wrong way 🙄 @britishspiders.bsky.social #macro #omsystem #macrophotography
Reposted by Angela Chuang
super cool study found human artifacts in Bearded vulture nests, incl. "weaponry like a crossbow bolt and wooden lance, decorated sheep leather, and parts of a slingshot....a shoe made from twigs and grass is ~675-years-old." link to paper: doi.org/10.1002/ecy..... www.popsci.com/environment/... 🧪🌍🦉
Multi-generational vulture nests hold 700 years of human artifacts
Crossbow bolts, sandals, slingshots, and more.
www.popsci.com
October 3, 2025 at 1:06 PM
super cool study found human artifacts in Bearded vulture nests, incl. "weaponry like a crossbow bolt and wooden lance, decorated sheep leather, and parts of a slingshot....a shoe made from twigs and grass is ~675-years-old." link to paper: doi.org/10.1002/ecy..... www.popsci.com/environment/... 🧪🌍🦉
Reposted by Angela Chuang
Join us in celebrating Arachtober by sharing your #spider and other #arachnid photos all month. #Arachtober has spread around the web. We’ve created a basic site at Arachtober.com to explain what this is all about. Banner by @ashleymbradford.bsky.social, inspired by my recent linocut artwork.
October 1, 2025 at 12:06 AM
Join us in celebrating Arachtober by sharing your #spider and other #arachnid photos all month. #Arachtober has spread around the web. We’ve created a basic site at Arachtober.com to explain what this is all about. Banner by @ashleymbradford.bsky.social, inspired by my recent linocut artwork.
Reposted by Angela Chuang
Remembering Mark Elgar, a brilliant mind in #BehaviouralEcology. His work reshaped our understanding of animal behaviour, and his warmth and mentorship inspired generations. A true loss for science & community.
academic.oup.com/beheco/artic...
academic.oup.com/beheco/artic...
Obituary: Mark Elgar
Raoul A Mulder, Therésa M Jones, Devi M Stuart-Fox, Louise Barrett; Obituary: Mark Elgar, Behavioral Ecology, , araf111, https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/ara
academic.oup.com
October 1, 2025 at 9:45 AM
Remembering Mark Elgar, a brilliant mind in #BehaviouralEcology. His work reshaped our understanding of animal behaviour, and his warmth and mentorship inspired generations. A true loss for science & community.
academic.oup.com/beheco/artic...
academic.oup.com/beheco/artic...
Reposted by Angela Chuang
I found this rove beetle friend on the rainforest floor. They are so so fast, you can imaging me chasing it around with my camera just rolling around in the leaf litter. Just unbelievable colors. In person the rainbow iridescence is stunning. It’s hard to say much here beyond just wow.
October 1, 2025 at 1:41 AM
I found this rove beetle friend on the rainforest floor. They are so so fast, you can imaging me chasing it around with my camera just rolling around in the leaf litter. Just unbelievable colors. In person the rainbow iridescence is stunning. It’s hard to say much here beyond just wow.
Reposted by Angela Chuang
Thrilled our paper is finally out! A great collaboration between @mcaterino.bsky.social, Ernesto Recuero, and myself. We looked at endemism in spiders in southern Appalachia (largely NC).
This is also likely the most species-rich phylogeny (although just COI-based) of linyphiids yet published!
This is also likely the most species-rich phylogeny (although just COI-based) of linyphiids yet published!
High elevation litter spiders of southern Appalachia show less local endemism than other arthropods - ballooning by spiderlings apparently overcomes geographic isolation. A great collaboration with @forthespiders.bsky.social & Ernesto Recuero
doi.org/10.1636/JoA-... (if paywalled write me for pdf)
doi.org/10.1636/JoA-... (if paywalled write me for pdf)
September 30, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Thrilled our paper is finally out! A great collaboration between @mcaterino.bsky.social, Ernesto Recuero, and myself. We looked at endemism in spiders in southern Appalachia (largely NC).
This is also likely the most species-rich phylogeny (although just COI-based) of linyphiids yet published!
This is also likely the most species-rich phylogeny (although just COI-based) of linyphiids yet published!
Reposted by Angela Chuang
The bees have discovered Brutalism
September 29, 2025 at 3:52 PM
The bees have discovered Brutalism
Reposted by Angela Chuang
It’s hard work changing your outfit when you’re a #spider🕷️
Caught this Knobbled Orbweaver (Socca pustulosa) in the process of moulting today. It hunkered down and took a well deserved rest after this
#ausinverts #wildoz #arachnids
Caught this Knobbled Orbweaver (Socca pustulosa) in the process of moulting today. It hunkered down and took a well deserved rest after this
#ausinverts #wildoz #arachnids
September 24, 2025 at 12:24 PM
It’s hard work changing your outfit when you’re a #spider🕷️
Caught this Knobbled Orbweaver (Socca pustulosa) in the process of moulting today. It hunkered down and took a well deserved rest after this
#ausinverts #wildoz #arachnids
Caught this Knobbled Orbweaver (Socca pustulosa) in the process of moulting today. It hunkered down and took a well deserved rest after this
#ausinverts #wildoz #arachnids
Reposted by Angela Chuang
In a new publication, we focused on the little-known African spider Megaraneus gabonensis, in which females are 4x larger than males.
We provide an overdue taxonomic description, phylogenetic placement, and reconstruct the evolution of sexual size dimorphism.
www.ezlab.si/post/taxonom...
We provide an overdue taxonomic description, phylogenetic placement, and reconstruct the evolution of sexual size dimorphism.
www.ezlab.si/post/taxonom...
Taxonomy, phylogeny, and size evolution in Megaraneus
Many spider species show large differences in size between males and females, but biologists still do not fully understand how or why this evolves. In this study we focused on the systematics and evol...
www.ezlab.si
September 24, 2025 at 12:23 PM
In a new publication, we focused on the little-known African spider Megaraneus gabonensis, in which females are 4x larger than males.
We provide an overdue taxonomic description, phylogenetic placement, and reconstruct the evolution of sexual size dimorphism.
www.ezlab.si/post/taxonom...
We provide an overdue taxonomic description, phylogenetic placement, and reconstruct the evolution of sexual size dimorphism.
www.ezlab.si/post/taxonom...