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Invertebrates

Brachypelma smithi is a species of spider in the family Theraphosidae (tarantulas) native to Mexico. Mexican redknee tarantulas are a popular choice as pets among tarantula keepers; Shutterstock ID 2010699254; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Life

The surprising silver lining to the recent boom in invertebrate pets

From spiders to scorpions, some 1000 different invertebrate species are traded globally as pets. This is bad for biodiversity – but there is an upside, says Graham Lawton

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This is the first confirmed live observation of the colossal squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, in its natural habitat. The team on Schmidt Ocean Institute's Research Vessel Falkor (too) captured footage of the 30-centimeter-long squid (nearly one foot) at a depth of 600 meters (1968 feet) using their remotely operated vehicle SuBastian on March 9 during an Ocean Census flagship expedition searching for new marine life. The expedition took place in the remote South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. This year (2025) is the 100-year anniversary of the identification of the colossal squid, which are estimated to grow up to seven meters (23 feet) in length.

Life

First ever confirmed image of a colossal squid in the deep ocean

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Life

Watch leeches jump by coiling their bodies like cobras

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box jellyfish

Life

Jellyfish can learn from experience even though they lack a brain

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Life

Pirate spiders ambush prey by tricking them with lines of silk

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Amber fragment with feather portions and beetle larval moults

Life

Amber fossils reveal dinosaurs and beetles had symbiotic relationship

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Chinese Scorpion (Buthus martensii)

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Scorpions develop a sting in the tail before they are ready to use it

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Spiders can ‘fly’ because they make near-invisible paragliders

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Spiders can ‘fly’ because they make near-invisible paragliders

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When a daddy longlegs is attacked by a flatworm things get messy

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When a daddy longlegs is attacked by a flatworm things get messy

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Ferocious pack-hunting pseudoscorpions believe in sharing fairly

Life

Ferocious pack-hunting pseudoscorpions believe in sharing fairly

One species of pseudoscorpion has learned to work together to bring down prey larger than themselves – and when they make a kill they make sure the food is shared equitably

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Life

Sea urchins can drill holes in solid rock with just their teeth

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Life

Giant coconut crab sneaks up on a sleeping bird and kills it

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Life

Freeloading mites are squatting on spider webs and stealing food

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Life

Mussel-inspired plastic could make self-repairing body armour

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