Researcher Dr. Kaeli Swift (@corvidresearch) detailed in the following twitter thread the complicated reasons behind why crows "sometimes kill each other" and how their actions aren't isolated to their own species.
murder
Number 16 (yes that actual name of the spider) didn't just pass away... but was murdered by a wasp!! Dun Dun Dun
Number 16 wasn't just an old spider... it was precious to the research team at the University. So much so, that they gave a long statement in its honor...
"To our knowledge, this is the oldest spider ever recorded, and her significant life has allowed us to further investigate the trapdoor spider's behavior and population dynamics," PhD student Leanda Mason said. "The research project was first initiated by Barbara York Main in 1974, who monitored the long-term spider population for over 42 years in the Central Wheatbelt region of Western Australia[...]Through Barbara's detailed research, we were able to determine that the extended lifespan of the trapdoor spider is due to their life-history traits, including how they live in uncleared, native bushland, their sedentary nature, and low metabolisms."
Number 16 died at a whopping age of 43... and would have lived longer if not for the wasp attack. Making many people scratch their heads and ask... Wait... how long can a spider live!?
Via Shoko
Every morning when Bryan sits on the bench to tie his shoes, his cat, Shorty goes into full-on stalking mode which is equal parts cute and creepy. What do you think is going on in her mind? Do your cats ever "stalk" you?
ITTEH BITTEH PLANT KILLING COMMITTEH
