ScienceDaily: Spider and Tick News

Two miniature spider species discovered in Giant Panda Sanctuaries of China

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:58:58 EDT

Two tiny, bizarre shaped spider species have been discovered in the Sichuan province and Chongqing city of China. The two species belong to the understudied Mysmenidae family, which prove difficult to find due to their small size (under 2 mm in total) and their cryptic lifestyle habits.

Spiders: Capturing prey in silken netting and sticky hairs

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:52:52 EDT

The great ecological success of spiders is often substantiated by the evolution of silk and webs. Biologists have now found an alternative adaptation to hunting prey: hairy adhesive pads, so called scopulae.

Actor Johnny Depp immortalized in name of fossilized creature with 'scissor hand' claws

Thu, 16 May 2013 06:38:38 EDT

A scientist has discovered an ancient extinct creature with 'scissor hand-like' claws in fossil records and has named it in honor of his favourite movie star. The 505-million-year-old fossil called Kooteninchela deppi, which is a distant ancestor of lobsters and scorpions, was named after the actor Johnny Depp for his starring role as Edward Scissorhands -- a movie about an artificial man named Edward, an unfinished creation, who has scissors for hands.

Flower power fights orchard pests

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:14:14 EDT

Researchers have found they can control one of fruit growers' more severe pests, aphids, with a remarkably benign tool: flowers. The discovery is a boon for organic as well as conventional tree fruit growers. The researchers found that plantings of sweet alyssum attracted a host of spiders and predator bugs that in turn preyed on woolly apple aphids, a pest that growers often control with chemical sprays.

Engineered spider toxin could be the future of anti-venom vaccines

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:32:32 EDT

New engineered spider protein could be the start of a new generation of anti-venom vaccines, potentially saving thousands of lives worldwide. The new protein is created from parts of a toxin from the reaper spider

Reversal of the Black Widow myth: Some male spiders prefer to eat old females rather than mate with them

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:51:51 EDT

The Black Widow spider gets its name from the popular belief that female spiders eat their male suitors after mating. However, a new study has shown that the tendency to consume a potential mate is also true of some types of male spider. The study finds that male spiders of the Micaria sociabilis species are more likely to eat the females than be eaten.

Protein shaped like a spider: Immune protein C4BP is potentially suitable as a transporter for drugs

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:54:54 EDT

The protein C4BP is similar to a spider in its spatial form with eight "arms." This leads the scientists to unconventional ideas -- the protein is possibly suitable as a scaffold for the transport of active pharmaceutical substances, particularly biomolecules.

When dogs are most likely to pick up ticks

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:09:09 EDT

It may be slighter later than expected but spring finally seems to be upon us. Unfortunately, this also means the start of the tick season, both for humans and for their pets. But when exactly is the risk of dogs’ picking up ticks greatest?

Climate and environmental changes affect the occurrence of diseases transmitted between animals and humans

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 09:48:48 EDT

How are human and animal diseases in general affected by the climate becoming “wilder, wetter and warmer?” New research shows that ticks have spread over larger geographical areas in Norway and that climate and environmental changes, access to host animals and demography affect tick distribution in Norway. Furthermore, local climatic conditions can have a decisive influence on the ability of the tick to spread dangerous viruses. The climate can also play a role in the spread of gastrointestinal infections.

Wild mice have natural protection against Lyme borreliosis

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 07:29:29 EDT

Like humans, mice can become infected with Borrelia. However, not all mice that come into contact with these bacteria contract the dreaded Lyme disease: Animals with a particular gene variant are immune to the bacteria, as scientists demonstrate. Wild mice are the primary hosts for Borrelia, which are transmitted by ticks.

Biodiversity does not reduce transmission of disease from animals to humans, researchers find

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 14:27:27 EDT

A new analysis pokes holes in widely accepted theory that connects biodiversity abundance with a reduced disease risk for humans.

Spiders, not birds, may drive evolution of some butterflies

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 10:25:25 EDT

Butterflies are among the most vibrant insects, with colorations sometimes designed to deflect predators. New research shows some of these defenses may be driven by enemies one-tenth their size.

A new cryptic spider species from Africa

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:47:47 EST

A revision of the cryptic, ground-dwelling spider genus Copa for the continental Afrotropical Region adds a new species to the genus, but altogether reduces the number of species in the region from four to two. A close look at the biology of the two described regional representatives display astonishing extremes in their vagility and ecological flexibility.

First in-depth deer census highlights need for increased culls, UK research shows

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 22:09:09 EST

Current approaches to deer management are failing to control a serious and growing problem, according to a new study by researchers in the UK.

Spiderman's webbing would be strong enough to stop a moving train, say physics students

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:20:20 EST

In Spiderman 2, the superhero uses his webbing to bring a runaway train to a standstill moments before it plummets over the end of the track. But could a material with the strength and toughness of spiders’ web really stop four crowded subway cars? According to physics students, the answer is yes.

New light shed on the mysteries of spider silk

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 16:22:22 EST

Researchers have now measured all of the elastic properties of an intact spider's web, drawing a remarkable picture of the behavior of one of nature's most intriguing structures. The work could lead to new "bio-inspired" materials that improve upon nature.

Survival of the fittest: Predator wasps breed at the expense of spider juveniles

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 10:24:24 EST

A study conducted in Portugal reveals the dark secrets of two wasp species whose larvae feed on ant-eating spiders Zodarion styliferum. The juveniles of the host find their death while hidden away in a stone igloo nest, ironically built for their protection.

Female deer take control during mating season

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:19:19 EST

A new study provides the first evidence of polyandry – when females choose to mate with more than one male – in female fallow deer.

Mysteries of spider silk strength unraveled

Mon, 28 Jan 2013 10:47:47 EST

Scientists are celebrating their recent success on the path to understanding what makes the fiber that spiders spin -- weight for weight -- at least five times as strong as piano wire. They have found a way to obtain a wide variety of elastic properties of the silk of several intact spiders' webs using a sophisticated but non–invasive laser light scattering technique.

Almost 500 new species discovered at Senckenberg: Newly discovered species in 2011 and 2012

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:39:39 EST

In the last two years scientists at the Senckenberg research institutes have discovered and described almost 500 new species.

Parasites of Madagascar's lemurs expanding with climate change

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 16:50:50 EST

Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns in Madagascar could fuel the spread of lemur parasites and the diseases they carry.

Thirty-three new trapdoor spider species discovered in the American southwest

Thu, 20 Dec 2012 15:46:46 EST

A researcher reports the discovery of 33 new trapdoor spider species from the US. Most species are from California, a biodiversity hotspot, and represents the largest discovery of new animal species in the US in over a decade. New species bear the names of prominent individuals: Barack Obama, Edward Abbey, Bono, Dorothea Lange, Penn Jillette, and César Chávez; one is named for George Lucas' Star Wars creature, the Sarlacc.

Bugs in the Christmas tree

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 08:18:18 EST

Your Christmas tree may be adorned with lights and glitter. But 25,000 insects, mites, and spiders are sound asleep inside the tree.

Saying 'Godspeed' to a Spidernaut: Eight-legged Nefertiti spent 100 days on International Space Station

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 20:52:52 EST

Nefertiti didn't spin a web like Charlotte; her kind never could. But the red-back jumping spider earned a classy nickname, Spidernaut, as well as a bunk at the popular Insect Zoo of the National Museum of History of Washington for her out-of-this-world exploits. Her move to the nation's capital in late November followed a 100-day mission aboard the International Space Station. There Nefertiti demonstrated that, like humans, her eight-legged species can adapt to the microgravity of space, then transition back to life on Earth. On Dec. 3 the museum discovered that Nefertiti had died of natural causes. She lived for 10 months. Her species, Phidippus johnsoni, usually lives for one year.

Disaster map predicts bleak future for mammals

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 10:41:41 EST

Mammals could be at a greater risk of extinction due to predicted increases in extreme weather conditions, according to a new paper.

From clawed spiders to deep-sea sharks: 137 new species described by California Academy of Sciences in 2012

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:16:16 EST

In 2012, researchers at the California Academy of Sciences added 137 new relatives to our family tree, enriching our understanding of the complex web of life on Earth and strengthening our ability to make informed conservation decisions. The new species include 83 arthropods, 41 fishes, seven plants, four sea slugs, one reptile, and one amphibian. They were described by more than a dozen Academy scientists along with several dozen international collaborators.

Why some strains of Lyme disease bacteria are common and others are not

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:13:13 EST

New clues about the bacteria that cause Lyme disease could lead to a novel strategy to reduce infections, according to new research. The study reveals that the immune system of the white-footed mouse, a very common reservoir for the bacteria that causes the disease responds differently to different strains of the bacterium, a finding that will help scientists tweak the animals' immune systems to prevent spread of infection.

Guineafowl may spread, not halt, fever-bearing ticks in turkey

Thu, 29 Nov 2012 23:25:25 EST

The country Turkey releases non-native guineafowl to eat ticks that carry deadly Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Yet research suggests guineafowl eat few ticks, but carry the parasites on their feathers, possibly spreading the disease they were meant to stop, says a Turkish biologist.

Hagfish slime as a model for tomorrow's natural fabrics

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 11:22:22 EST

Nylon, Kevlar and other synthetic fabrics: Step aside. If new scientific research pans out, people may be sporting shirts, blouses and other garments made from fibers modeled after those in the icky, super-strong slime from a creature called the hagfish.

Researchers synthesize new kind of silk fiber, and use music to fine-tune material's properties

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 11:21:21 EST

Researchers have synthesized a new kind of silk fiber -- and find that music can help fine-tune the material's properties.

List of diseases spread by deer tick grows, including malaria-like problems and potentially fatal encephalitis

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 13:55:55 EST

An emerging tick-borne disease that causes symptoms similar to malaria is expanding its range in areas of the northeast where it has become well-established, according to new research.

Lone star tick inhabiting central and southern U.S. is primary reason for meat induced alpha-gal allergic reaction, study finds

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 08:37:37 EST

Meat lovers living in the central and southern regions of the United States might be opting for a vegetarian lifestyle if meat comes with an unwanted side of a life-threatening allergic reaction. According to a new study, the lone star tick inhabiting these regions is the primary reason for what's known as a meat induced alpha-gal allergic reaction.

New tick disease in Switzerland

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 08:15:15 EDT

Until now, it has been known that ticks primarily transmit two pathogens to humans in Switzerland: the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi -- which causes borreliosis -- and the early-summer-meningoencephalitis virus, which can cause cerebral inflammation. Now, microbiologists confirm the existence of another tick disease in Switzerland -- neoehrlichiosis.

Scientists step up hunt for bacterial genes tied to Lyme disease

Thu, 25 Oct 2012 17:41:41 EDT

Lyme disease is a bacterial illness that affects tens of thousands. It can lead to abnormalities in the nervous system, heart and joints. New research into the bacterium’s genetic makeup could advance the diagnosis, treatment or prevention of the disease.

Migratory birds’ ticks can spread viral haemorrhagic fever

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 08:01:01 EDT

A type of haemorrhagic fever (Crimean-Congo) that is prevalent in Africa, Asia, and the Balkans has begun to spread to new areas in southern Europe. Now Swedish researchers have shown that migratory birds carrying ticks are the possible source of contagion.

Giant harvestman yet to be named: Arachnologist discovers another giant of the animal world in Laos

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 08:49:49 EDT

A scientist has discovered a harvestman with a leg span of more than 33 centimetres. The creature found during a research trip to Laos is one of the largest representatives of the entire order worldwide. Experts have so far failed to properly identify it to species level.

Eco-friendly optics: Spider silk's talents harnessed for use in biosensors, lasers, microchips

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:40:40 EDT

Spiders use their silk to catch lunch. Now physicists are using it to catch light. New research shows that natural silk could be an eco-friendly alternative to more traditional ways of manipulating light, such as through glass or plastic fiber optic cables.

Single daddy longlegs dads caring for eggs suffer no disadvantages despite parenting costs

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 17:21:21 EDT

Exclusive paternal care is associated with mating benefits and lower mortality risk in daddy longlegs, a new study finds.

Unique ancient spider attack preserved in amber

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 13:45:45 EDT

Researchers have found what they say is the only fossil ever discovered of a spider attack on prey caught in its web -- a 100 million-year-old snapshot of an engagement frozen in time.

One glue, two functions: Spider webs stick to the ground and elevated surfaces differently

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 15:42:42 EDT

Polymer scientists and biologists have discovered that a house spider -- in order to more efficiently capture different types of prey -- performs an uncommon feat. It tailors one glue to demonstrate two adhesive strengths: firm and weak.

Snakes minus birds equals more spiders for Guam: Ecologists look for effects of bird loss caused by invasive brown treesnake

Thu, 13 Sep 2012 12:36:36 EDT

Ecologists have found as many as 40 times more spiders in Guam's remote jungle than are found on nearby islands. The booming spider population is likely due to the destruction of the island's forest birds, including those that eat insects, by the invasive brown treesnake. The large-scale cross-island comparison uncovered a larger effect of birds on spiders than had been predicted from small-scale experiments.

Student biology investigations streamed live from International Space Station

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 20:01:01 EDT

Several young researchers were incredibly excited when the latest Japanese cargo ship arrived at the International Space Station, in late July. Along with the usual food, clothing, and science investigations, the spacecraft delivered the two global YouTube Space Lab winning entries.

Aussie wasp on the hunt for redback spiders

Tue, 11 Sep 2012 10:29:29 EDT

Researchers say a small native wasp that scientists had forgotten about for more than 200 years is now making a name for itself -- as a predator of Australia's most common dangerous spider, the redback.

Researchers use 'banker plants' to help battle whitefly pests

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:26:26 EDT

A scientist is showing growers how to combat whiteflies and other crop pests by using plants as storehouses for predatory insects that can migrate to cash crops and feed on the pests attacking those crops.

Precautions for tick-borne disease extend 'beyond Lyme'

Fri, 07 Sep 2012 14:23:23 EDT

This year's mild winter and early spring were a bonanza for tick populations in the eastern United States. Reports of tick-borne disease rose fast. While Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne disease in the Northeast and Upper Midwest, new research results emphasize that it is not the greatest cause for concern in most Southeastern states.

Biting back against Lyme disease

Wed, 05 Sep 2012 11:09:09 EDT

Caused by a bite from an infected tick, Lyme disease has early symptoms that are unpleasant but respond well to antibiotics. However, if diagnosis is delayed or mistaken, the illness can take a serious turn, leading to severe joint pain, brain infection and paralysis. Now a researcher in the UK is on the trail of an accurate test that will enable quick and accurate detection of Lyme disease.

Spider version of Bigfoot emerges from caves in the Pacific Northwest

Fri, 17 Aug 2012 09:26:26 EDT

The forests of the coastal regions from California to British Columbia are renowned for their unique and ancient animals and plants, such as coast redwoods, tailed frogs, mountain beavers and the legendary Bigfoot (also known as Sasquatch). Whereas Bigfoot is probably just fiction, a huge, newly discovered spider is very real.

And then there was light! Discovery of the world's first eyeless huntsman spider

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 09:04:04 EDT

A scientist has discovered the first eyeless huntsman spider in the world. With a leg span of only six centimetres and a body size of around twelve millimetres, the spider Sinopoda scurion is certainly not one of the largest representatives of the huntsman spiders, which include more than 1100 species. However, it is the first of its kind in the world without any eyes.

Biologists discover female spiders produce mating plugs to prevent unwanted sex from males

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 18:51:51 EDT

Scientists have discovered a new mechanism of animal mating plug production. In the giant wood spider Nephila pilipes, a highly sexually dimorphic and polygamous species, many small males compete with one other for access to a few huge females. During copulation these males are known to sever their own genitals in an attempt to plug the female, thereby gaining paternity advantage by preventing other males from mating with her.

Carnivores: Beware of ticks

Tue, 24 Jul 2012 11:51:51 EDT

If you are a steak lover, enjoy your meat while you can. A new article explains why if you have been bitten by a tick, you may develop an allergy to red meat.

The future of biomaterial manufacturing: Spider silk production from bacteria

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 12:28:28 EDT

New research demonstrates procedures to harvest and process synthetic spider silk from bacteria. The procedure revolutionizes the spider silk purification process by standardizing a key step known as "post-spin."

Force of nature: Defining the mechanical mechanisms in living cells

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:23:23 EDT

Researchers measured mechanical tension at the nanoscale to explore how living cells produce and detect force. The research could lead to a better understanding of how tissues and tumors form and grow, and, ultimately, to how complex living organisms organize themselves.

Protein found in spider venom could treat muscular dystrophy

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 14:26:26 EDT

When a stockbroker from the Buffalo suburbs discovered that his grandson had Duchenne muscular dystrophy, he turned to medical researchers for help in developing a treatment. He found a promising new therapy involving spider venom. The therapy is not a cure. But if it works in humans, it could extend lives for years -- maybe even decades.

Are brown widows displacing black widow spiders around southern California homes?

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 13:44:44 EDT

Brown widow spiders are relatively new to North America, where they were first documented in Florida in 1935, and even newer to southern California, where they were only recently discovered in 2003. However, in the last decade they've been so successful that they may be displacing native black widow spiders. If so, the overall danger to homeowners may decrease because brown widow spider bites are less toxic than those of native western black widow spiders.

Novel animal reservoir for group of tick-borne diseases discovered -- and it lives in your backyard

Sat, 23 Jun 2012 09:44:44 EDT

A new assay that uses mitochondrial DNA that mutates faster than nuclear DNA has allowed scientists to identify one of the major animal reservoirs for the ehlichioses, STARI and other tick-borne diseases in the southeastern United States. The animal turned out to be the eastern gray squirrel.

Spiders enlisted in fight against woodworms: Could they also help control malaria?

Thu, 21 Jun 2012 12:55:55 EDT

Property owners who need to banish destructive woodworm could have an eight-legged alternative to chemical sprays that are potentially dangerous and only partially effective. They could enlist the aid of very special spiders that will seek and devour the destructive grubs. And a further, exciting possibility is that malaria could be curtailed by the creatures.

Increase in Lyme disease mirrors drop in red fox numbers

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 15:37:37 EDT

A continued increase of Lyme disease in the United States, once linked to a recovering deer population, may instead be explained by a decline of the red fox, researchers suggest in a new study.

Grasshoppers frightened by spiders affect whole ecosystem

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:27:27 EDT

Grasshoppers ‘stressed’ by spiders affect the productivity of our soil. A grasshopper who is in fear of an attacker, such as a spider, will enter a situation of stress and will consume a greater quantity of carbohydrate-rich plants -- similar to humans under stress who might eat more sweets.

Vampire jumping spiders identify victims by their antennae

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 09:27:27 EDT

Ravenous Evarcha culicivora jumping spiders -- vampire spiders -- have very specific tastes: they prefer to dine on blood-engorged female Anopheles mosquitoes. So how do they pick out female Anopheles from all other insects? Biologists have discovered that the spiders identify their victims by their antennae alone, even though the details of the antennae are too tiny to be seen by humans.

Velvet spiders emerge from underground in new cybertaxonomic monograph

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:50:50 EDT

An international team of researchers has produced a milestone work, detailing and expanding the knowledge of velvet spiders - an enigmatic, although not very well known family, with some peculiar (for spiders) social habits. The study was published in a special issue of the open access journal ZooKeys.