Jumping Spiders are Way Cool Because…

As the most diverse spider family, jumping spiders come in many shapes, sizes and colours. Some even look like ants or beetles! They are unique because of their two large, central, forward-facing eyes. These eyes give jumping spiders acute vision, which enabled them to evolve fascinating mating behaviours and predatory strategies.

Meet Junxia Zhang. A former post-doctoral researcher at UBC, Junxia is a true “Spider Woman. She entered the jumping spider world seven years ago, and thanks to her deep attraction to these amazing beasts, she has been working on them ever since. On April 7, she shared her love and knowledge of these magnificent critters in our Way Cool Biodiversity Series:

Fascinating, isn’t it? Join us at next Way Cool Biodviersity Series presentation:

Strawberry poison frogs are way cool because…

Sunday, May 5, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.

Beaty Biodiversity Museum

In Central and South American rainforests, frogs are of many vibrant colours such as red, blue, green, yellow, and mixed. The strawberry poison frog is a brilliant red with blue legs, no bigger than a quarter. Many people know that poison frogs are toxic to predators, which is already way cool. But did you know that strawberry poison frogs are very dedicated parents? Or that these mothers and their tadpoles can communicate without saying a word? Virginia Noble, a UBC Masters student, will introduce you to the lives of strawberry poison frogs, their tadpoles, and how they interact with the environment around them. These tadpoles have a secret or two that are way cool!

For more Way Cool presentations and other videos by the Beaty Biodiversity Museum, visit our YouTube channel.