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Fiona Cross

@drspidernz.bsky.social
2.7K followers 95 following 152 posts

Arachnologist at University of Canterbury, New Zealand. Spider cognition, SciComm, and writer 🕷 #LoveSpiders www.doctorspider.net

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Reposted by Fiona Cross
Arachtober @arachtober.bsky.social · 8h
I found this cut little burrowing wolf spider on one of my walks. She must have been used to foot traffic, inches from the sidewalk, so I saw her a few days and then I brought out my camera on Halloween night last year. Geolycosa riograndae #Arachtober #spider #macrophotography
Closeup face of a wolf spider in her hole.
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 18h
Spotted a big spider in town today! #Arachtober
A large, brightly-coloured handmade spider and its web on top of a tree branch
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Arachtober @arachtober.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
For #Arachtober 1st, an image I have been saving for 11 months. This encounter was exciting because Pirate Spiders do not weave orb webs. They commandeer other spiders' webs. She likely ate the resident. This was the first I have seen in a web. Pirate Spider (Mimetidae) #macrophotography #spider
Small white and tan spider in an orb web.
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Hooray - it's now #Arachtober, the month of #spiders and other #arachnids. Excited to learn that #Arachtober has now been celebrated for 20 years! Last year, I celebrated #Arachtober by giving this talk on spider cognition 🕷️ youtu.be/Y1XUGw-CZTY?...
youtu.be
Nerd Nite ChCh: Spider Cognition: Unraveling secrets of miniature brains
YouTube video by Nerd Nite Christchurch
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Reposted by Fiona Cross
Arachtober @arachtober.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
October 1st marks the start of the 20th year of #Arachtober! Join the celebration throughout October by sharing your photos of #spiders, scorpions, and other #arachnids using #Arachtober. Explore the hashtag and connect with other enthusiasts around the world. Learn more at Arachtober.com
Arachtober 2026 written in spider web.
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Anna Wilkinson @coldbloodedcog.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Come and work with us.... jobs.lincoln.ac.uk/vacancy.aspx...
jobs.lincoln.ac.uk
Job Opportunity at the University of Lincoln: Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Human Animal Interactions
Lecturer salary starts from £38,784 per annum.Senior Lecturer salary starts from £44,746 per annum.The School of Natural Sciences at the University of Lincoln seeks to appoint a Lecturer or Senior Lec...
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
A wonderful thing about learning to love spiders is that you start noticing more beauty in the world. I'm an enthusiastic recovered arachnophobe, too! 🕷️ #LoveSpiders
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Nicky 🦋🐛🌱🌿🐈‍⬛🐈 (she/her) @nhallerwilson.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Managed to get a mostly in focus photo of a jumper plus prey!! So exciting! On the other side of the pacific
Small brown spider with big eyes holding light green prey in green fennel Fronds
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Christchurch is looking stunning today!
Spider soft toy on a tree covered in white blossom
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
I enjoyed visiting Ravenscar House Museum here in #Christchurch yesterday! They have free admission this weekend www.ravenscarhouse.com
Small sculpture of a horse in front of a scenic painting Stained glass wall outside in a sculpture garden
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
I reminded myself that my website has been a bit out of date (oops!). It should be looking better now! 🕷️
google.com
Fiona Cross - Spider Cognition — Latest news
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
You can read about it here! comparative-cognition-and-behavior-reviews.org/vol21_Cross_...
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Comparative Cognition Society @compcogsoc.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
It is with great sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of our colleague and friend Dr. Anthony “Tony” Wright. Tony was a member of CCS for many years, and his contributions to his students and our field will be felt for years to come.
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
My colleague Robert sends some of the best email messages
A screenshot of an email message, saying "Is today just more of the same, or might it be closer to getting free? Sometimes we might envy the simpler life of a marmot". The email includes a picture of a marmot in a snowy scene.
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Here's a first for me - my article in The Conversation on Mosquito Terminator spiders was recently translated into French @theconversation.com @uk.theconversation.com 🕷️ theconversation.com/la-surprenan...
theconversation.com
La surprenante araignée qui chasse les moustiques et préfère nos vieilles chaussettes
Ces minuscules prédatrices ont une seule mission : traquer et éliminer les moustiques, surtout ceux gorgés de sang.
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
I've been on four fixed term contracts this year alone, and maybe will be getting more before the end of the year. Or maybe not. It's hard to plan for anything. www.rnz.co.nz/national/pro...
rnz.co.nz
What's driving the growth of "Frankenjobs" in our universities?
Researchers working in the university sector say their fixed term contracts are more like "Frankenjobs", pieced together with short term funding and limited hours.
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mhoeschele.bsky.social @mhoeschele.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
Our book, "Nature Beats" is finally out. It talks all about how we can study rhythm across species and what that can tell us about the evolution of music. link.springer.com/book/10.1007...
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Want to hear me talk about spider cognition? Here you go 🕷️ #LoveSpiders @royalsocietynz.bsky.social @marsdenfund.bsky.social @smcnz.bsky.social youtu.be/Y1XUGw-CZTY?...
youtu.be
Nerd Nite ChCh: Spider Cognition: Unraveling secrets of miniature brains
YouTube video by Nerd Nite Christchurch
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Second day of #SCANZ26 has started!
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
Just like Arnold Schwarzenegger of The Terminator fame, these little predators are on a mission to seek and destroy — in their case, they target mosquitoes #LoveSpiders @uk.theconversation.com @aunz.theconversation.com theconversation.com/meet-the-mos...
theconversation.com
Meet the mosquito terminator – a spider that likes us and eats our enemies
These little predators are on tiny missions to seek and destroy mosquitoes, especially ones full of blood.
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Meet the Mosquito Terminator - a spider that likes us and eats our enemies. I have written about these legendary spiders for The Conversation 🕷️ @theconversation.com @uk.theconversation.com @aunz.theconversation.com! #LoveSpiders @marsdenfund.bsky.social @royalsocietynz.bsky.social @smcnz.bsky.social
theconversation.com
Meet the mosquito terminator – a spider that likes us and eats our enemies
These little predators are on tiny missions to seek and destroy mosquitoes, especially ones full of blood.
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
A positive spider story to start the day, which helps to inspire curiosity rather than fear 🕸️🕷️🕸️ #LoveSpiders @smcnz.bsky.social @tvnz.bsky.social @marsdenfund.bsky.social @royalsocietynz.bsky.social www.1news.co.nz/2026/04/28/w...
1news.co.nz
Why spider webs have blanketed towns across the North Island
An arachnologist says the gossamer threads coating homes and reserves across the region are harmless — and a sign the season is changing.
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 26/04/2026
Spiderweb blankets! Have a look at these beautiful photos that I was asked to comment on today 🕸️🕷️🕸️ @smcnz.bsky.social www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/web-over-...
nzherald.co.nz
Waikato town blanketed in spider silk as thousands of spiders take flight
Dr Fiona Cross says thousands of young spiders released silk to find new homes.
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 19/04/2026
Banquet time at #CO32026! @compcogsoc.bsky.social
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 17/04/2026
At #CO32026 at the moment, sharing some new Portia excitement! 🕷️ #LoveSpiders @compcogsoc.bsky.social
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Gwen Pearson @bug-gwen.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
An absolutely *adorable* little bee 😍 for your morning
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 09/04/2026
What a cool spider @waynemaddison.bsky.social! Before I looked at this video closely, I thought I was seeing a spider covered in ants 🕷️ #LoveSpiders
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Michael Philipp @mphilipp.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Learning the science of spider cognition is awesome. Love that i work w Fiona @drspidernz.bsky.social at UC Also, Children of Time great.
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Thank you @aptshadow.bsky.social! 🕷️
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 22/03/2026
My latest publication (What it Means to be a Mimic) is now online @apajournals.bsky.social! #OpenAccess I think this may be my 50th publication. Milestone! 🕷️ psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/202...
psycnet.apa.org
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
I may be into spiders, but I love a good mantis
New Zealand mantis facing the cameraNew Zealand mantis showing off its blue eyespot on its foreleg
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
In case anyone needs to see this in their timeline today #GardenTreasures
A monarch caterpillar, chrysalis and butterfly in my garden
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David J Bradley @davidjbradley.bsky.social · 11/02/2026
What's so amazing about Jim Henson as a puppeteer is that he could literally be explaining that Kermit is made out of felt and ping pong balls and yet Kermit still feels alive the whole time he's doing it
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Catherine @shadowdogdesigns.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
#Antique Watches, Cameras, and Medical Equipment Morph Into Meticulous #Steampunk #Spiders by Peter Szucsy #art More information and photos of his amazing art are found here: www.thisiscolossal.com/2020/11/pete...
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Mar Hicks @histoftech.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
No joke: I got angry hate mail today for writing an obituary of a Black woman scientist—because the person felt she did didn’t deserve the recognition. Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
nature.com
Gladys Mae West obituary: mathematician who pioneered GPS technology
She made key contributions to US cold-war science despite facing huge barriers as a Black woman.
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Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles @siouxsiew.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
Morning all! I recently did an interview with NBR about why I took legal action against my employer despite knowing I was going to lose money. They’ve just made the interview free to view so here’s the link if you are interested www.nbr.co.nz/toil-and-tro...
nbr.co.nz
‘It was worth it’: Siouxsie Wiles on her employment stoush - NBR | Business news & analysis | Independent, ad-free reporting
Read premium business news, economic analysis, and market reporting from New Zealand’s most trusted business newsroom. Subscribe to support independent journalism.
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Omg. WTF is Happening? @lalahaenzy.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Sir Ian McKellen performing a monologue from Shakespeare’s Sir Thomas More on the Stephen Colbert show. Never have I heard this monologue performed with such a keen sense of prescience. Nor have I ever been in this exact historical moment.TY Sir Ian, for reaching us once again. #Pinks #ProudBlue
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Alex Wild @alexwild.bsky.social · 11/01/2026
Who can enjoy this toucan? You can.
Close-in photo of the head and upper body of a keel billed toucan in side view, its enormous colorful bill wide open, against a soft forested backdrop.
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
Merry Christmas! #Christmas
Selfie with Santa
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
This Christmas spider has been a favourite for a while 🕷 #Christmas #Spider #LoveSpiddrs
Christmas tree ornament of a sparkly spider in a sparkly web
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
I have submitted my abstract (the deadline was extended to December 19). Excited to see Montréal for the first time! 🕷
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
Our latest paper is out, and it's on one my favourite spiders, Evarcha culicivora! Mate choice as a third context in which a mosquito-specialist jumping spider attends to red-coloured cues #OpenAccess royalsocietypublishing.org/rsos/article...
royalsocietypublishing.org
Mate choice as a third context in which a mosquito-specialist jumping spider attends to red-coloured cues
Abstract. For animals living in a noisy world, the volume of potentially relevant information exceeds attentional capacity, but relying on the same cue in
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
Psychology end-of-year party today. The theme was Christmas movies, so it was time to be Princess Fiona
Here we have Princess Fiona (clothed in green, and complete with Princess Fiona ears) and the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland
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Adrian Tchaikovsky @aptshadow.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
Being bitten by a radioactive spider is always a bit of a gamble tbh.
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Sean McCann @ibycter.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
Habronattus borealis male, from Pomquet Beach, NS
a beautiful Paradise jumping spider, a male, overall he is dark on the body reddish on the legs and has nice frosty whitish blue palps and green eyes. He is on a rock with the blue sky behind.
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
Been a busy time because I've been putting together an online course on Comparative Cognition for University of Canterbury. It's launching in a week from now! courseinfo.canterbury.ac.nz/GetCourseDet...
courseinfo.canterbury.ac.nz
Special Topic: Comparative Cognition
Animals are often faced with many different challenges in their everyday lives. Prey, for instance, might be difficult to find, or individuals may need to display to attract mates without also attract...
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Alex M Winsor @amwinsor.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
If your porch lights are on this spooky season, you may be attracting spiders! 🕷️🕸️🎃 Grad student extraordinaire Wes Walsh just published his work in @animbehsociety.bsky.social . Check it out! nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com?url=https%3A...
nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com
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Ripley Arachnid 🕷️🌈🪲🕸️ @spiderdungeon.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
Inside Dewey the Jumping Spider’s head 👀🔍
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Ele Willoughby @minouette.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
Happy Halloween! Hope you are enjoying spooky season and Halloween. We made a jumping spider jack-o-lantern this year! A true collaboration: the 11yo carved the pedipalps (they look like small arms near the mouth) and I carved the 8 eyes and 8 legs. Legs are tricky! 🐡🕷️
This is our Jack-o-lantern on a table on our porch. It’s made of a large pumpkin for the abdomen of the jumping spider (from which 8 legs like wide v’s are cut and affixed with toothpicks). The head in front is a smaller pumpkin with 2 large and 2 medium circular eyes are visible. There are two smaller pairs on the sides but not visible here. Below the eyes are furry pedipalps. It’s dark and both pumpkins are lit.Same double pumpkin jumping spider jack-o-lantern but a side view so you can see the smaller eyes, the legs and the wide v holes cut in the abdomen to produce the legs
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