Jumping spiders, a diverse group with over 600 species in North America, are known for their exceptional vision, complex courtship rituals, and unique hunting strategies. Rather than building webs, they actively stalk prey using their keen eyesight to judge distances for remarkable jumps, often secured by a silk dragline. Their vibrant colors and intricate movements, particularly the males' elaborate dances and ornamentation to attract females, make them fascinating subjects of study. They play a crucial role in controlling insect populations and contribute significantly to biodiversity.
The iNaturalist project "First Known Photographs of Living Specimens" aims to document the earliest known photographs of organisms in their natural state. It seeks to compile a collection of verifiable images, ideally the very first, depicting various species as they appeared in life, rather than as preserved specimens or illustrations. This project prioritizes photographs taken before 1900, especially from the early days of photography, offering a glimpse into the historical record of biodiversity and the development of nature photography. Contributions require evidence supporting the claimed date and identification of the organism, ideally with links to primary sources.
HN users generally found the iNaturalist project documenting first known photographs of species fascinating. Several commenters highlighted the surprisingly recent dates for some common species, like the European hedgehog in 1932. Discussion arose around the challenges of verification and the definition of a "good" photograph, with some suggesting the inclusion of museum specimens as a valuable addition. Others pointed out potential biases in the dataset, such as a focus on charismatic megafauna or limitations based on photographic technology availability and adoption across regions. The project's value in demonstrating biodiversity loss and changing species distributions was also acknowledged.
In 1972, a dead, 45-foot sperm whale washed ashore near Florence, Oregon. Due to its size and the remote location, officials decided the most expedient way to dispose of the carcass was to use dynamite. The resulting explosion scattered blubber and whale parts over a wide area, damaging nearby cars and creating a spectacle that became infamous. Rather than solving the problem, the explosion made the remains even more difficult to clean up, leaving a lingering stench and attracting scavengers. The event went viral before the internet age, becoming a cautionary tale of poorly planned solutions.
Hacker News users discussed the logistics and ethics of exhibiting a whale carcass, referencing the "Art the Whale" incident. Some commenters recalled seeing Art on tour and shared personal anecdotes. Others debated the educational value versus the potential disrespect of such displays, questioning whether a replica would have been a better option. Several users highlighted the smell, describing it as pervasive and unforgettable. There was also discussion of the difficulties in preserving such a large specimen and the eventual decay that necessitated its burial. A few commenters mentioned other instances of preserved animals, including a giant squid and Lenin's body, drawing comparisons to Art's preservation and display.
Alfred Goldsborough Mayer's 1897 article explores the coloration of lepidopteran wings. He details meticulous experiments investigating pigment and structural colors, arguing that the latter, caused by physical wing structures like scales and ridges, produce iridescent and metallic hues. Mayer examines the influence of temperature and humidity on pupal development and resultant wing color, finding that these factors can significantly alter color patterns. He also delves into the protective value of coloration, noting mimicry and camouflage strategies, and theorizes about the physiological processes underlying pigment formation. Ultimately, Mayer connects color variations to environmental influences and adaptation, suggesting the importance of physical laws and evolutionary pressures in shaping lepidopteran wing coloration.
Hacker News users discussed the beautiful illustrations in the 1897 book, with some noting the incredible detail and artistry involved in creating them. Several commenters pointed out the historical significance of the work, mentioning the limitations of printing technology at the time and marveling at the quality achieved. There was also discussion about the scientific value of such meticulous documentation of natural patterns, with some wondering about the original purpose of the research and others highlighting the ongoing relevance of studying these patterns. One commenter even connected the aesthetic appeal of the patterns to their potential functionality in nature, such as camouflage.
While squirrels are typically known for their herbivorous diet of nuts and seeds, recent observations and studies have confirmed that they also consume meat. Documented instances include squirrels preying on small animals like birds, snakes, and insects, sometimes even engaging in cannibalism. This carnivorous behavior, though surprising to some, is not entirely new and is likely driven by nutritional needs, especially protein scarcity during certain times of the year. These findings highlight the adaptable nature of squirrels and their broader role within the ecosystem.
Several Hacker News commenters point out that squirrels eating meat isn't novel or surprising. Many share personal anecdotes of observing squirrels consuming meat, including baby birds, roadkill, and even leftover chicken wings. Some highlight that squirrels are rodents, and rodents are opportunistic omnivores, so this behavior is expected. A few commenters criticize Gizmodo's reporting, suggesting the headline is sensationalized and misleading. Others discuss the adaptability of squirrels and their ability to thrive in various environments, with their diet reflecting available resources. Finally, some users humorously compare squirrels' opportunistic eating habits to their own scavenging for leftovers.
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https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43549469
HN users discuss the jumping spider's intelligence and hunting prowess, referencing the article's description of their ability to plan routes and learn from trial-and-error. Several commenters share personal anecdotes of observing these spiders' remarkable behaviors, including their curiosity and seemingly playful interactions. Some express fascination with their complex visual system and hunting strategies, contrasting their cognitive abilities with their small size. The discussion also touches on spider taxonomy, with one user clarifying the distinction between jumping spiders and other spider families. A few commenters humorously suggest potential applications of jumping spider intelligence, such as training them for tiny tasks.
The Hacker News post titled "Jumping Spiders" links to an article about these spiders in the Tennessee Conservationist magazine. The comments section on Hacker News has a moderate amount of activity, with a mix of personal anecdotes, scientific observations, and some lighthearted humor.
Several commenters share personal stories of encountering jumping spiders, often expressing admiration for their intelligence and less fear than they would with other spider species. One user describes their "spider-bro" who lives in their bathroom, highlighting the spider's seemingly curious nature and lack of aggression. This reinforces the article's point about jumping spiders' generally harmless nature towards humans. Another commenter recounts a similar experience with a jumping spider in their home, emphasizing its personality and how it seemed to recognize the commenter. These anecdotes contribute to a general sentiment that jumping spiders are unique and fascinating creatures.
Some comments delve into the scientific aspects of jumping spiders, discussing their exceptional vision and hunting strategies. One user mentions the spiders' ability to plan routes and their impressive depth perception, linking this to their complex hunting behaviors. Another commenter discusses how these spiders use hydraulic pressure to extend their legs for jumping, highlighting the remarkable biomechanics involved.
A few comments inject humor into the discussion. One user jokingly asks if the jumping spider can be taught to fetch beer, playing on the idea of them being intelligent and somewhat trainable. Another makes a lighthearted comment about a potential horror movie scenario involving giant jumping spiders, contrasting with the general appreciation for the spiders expressed elsewhere in the thread.
Overall, the comments section reveals a generally positive sentiment toward jumping spiders. While acknowledging they are still spiders, many commenters express a fascination with their intelligence, unique hunting abilities, and relatively non-threatening nature. The discussion combines personal experience, scientific information, and humor to paint a picture of these creatures as more than just creepy crawlies, but rather as complex and even endearing members of the animal kingdom.