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Fiona Cross

@drspidernz.bsky.social
2.7K followers 95 following 159 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 · 15/10/2026
Leptoctenus byrrhus - #Arachtober 15 I was looking for crevice spiders in an old rotting tree and instead found this pretty Wandering Spider (Family Ctenidae). #spider #macrophotography #arachnid
Large spider hiding in a hole in a tree trunk.
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Reposted by Fiona Cross
Thomas Shahan @tshahan.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
A few recent salticid finds for #Arachtober 🎃🕷️ 1 Classic orange face of a Platycryptus undatus male found haunting a picnic table 2 Effective ant-mimic: Synemosyna formica 3 Pale, gold-topped Hentzia mitrata on oak 4 Juvenile Phidippus audax hunting pollinators on frostweed
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
It's amazing, isn't it! And it sounds like tomorrow is going to be even better! (Sorry to those not in Ōtautahi!)
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Reposted by Fiona Cross
Donna Giberson (Elbows UP!) 🇨🇦🇺🇦 @donnag.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
It is Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. I am thankful that there are jumping spiders in the world. For a bit of joy today, check out some of the photos being posted with the #InternationalJumpingSpiderDay hashtag
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Even tonight, a dog followed me when I walked to the supermarket. I ended up standing by the checkout counters holding this dog and saying how much I love animals while waiting to reunite him with his owner! In the meantime, the dog fell asleep!
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Thank you, Beck! Happy #Arachtober! Hearing from you reminds me of my time on Fanimals, which I still think about with a lot of fondness 🕷️ P.S. when I took that photo, I somehow had to hold the heavy camera with one hand while holding the spider on the other!!
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Reposted by Fiona Cross
Arachtober @arachtober.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
#Arachtober 10th is also #JumpingSpiderDay. I found this Bold Jumping Spider (Phidippus audax) while doing the #CityNatureChallenge with my girlfriend. She had to help me get prickly pear spines out of my pants shortly after this shot. #spider #macro #macrophotography #arachnid
Macro photo of a jumping spider on cactus.
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Today, October 10, is International Jumping Spider Day, and it is also #Arachtober! I thought I'd mark the day by sharing this photo of a little Portia africana male on my hand. These little spiders have touched my life in so many ways 🕷️ #InternationalJumpingSpiderDay
A small fluffy brown spider walking across the palm of my hand
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Reposted by Fiona Cross
PictureTheSouth @picturethesouth.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
There's never a bad time to pin and follow the #Arachnophiles feed. The Season of #Arachtober might the best time, though.... #Argiopes - They grow 'em big in Texas, y'all!
A forced perspective shot from back around the Turn of the Millennium or so.  Shot on a rural road south of Houston TX in the fall, at the edge of a field full of feral cotton plants and sunflowers. 

An Argiope aurantis - a large brown, yellow and cream colored orb-weaver spider, on her web.  Behind her is a blue rental sedan; which with this perspective, appears to be not much larger than the spood.
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
I reckon this clip of Portia on David Attenborough's The Hunt helps to sum up nicely why Portia is so special 🤩 youtu.be/UDtlvZGmHYk?...
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
I don't know if I ever mentioned it, but I always took these photos of spiders on the actual text - I never added the text afterwards. I love that Portia is actually gazing towards the #Arachtober greeting here! 🕷️
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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
I made an interesting Freudian slip yesterday when I said "#Arachtober goes for all year!" 🕷️
Portia (a fluffy, brown, legendary jumping spider) looking down at a piece of text that says "Happy Arachtober!"
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Reposted by Fiona Cross
Arachtober @arachtober.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
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 · 03/10/2026
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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Reposted by Fiona Cross
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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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Yay!!! 🕷️🕷️🕷️ (and congratulations on 20 years of #Arachtober - that's amazing!)
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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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Reposted by Fiona Cross
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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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Lovely photo - thank you for sharing!
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Reposted by Fiona Cross
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
I continued the party recently by writing about those spiders for The Conversation 🕷️ 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 · 30/08/2026
You can read about it here! comparative-cognition-and-behavior-reviews.org/vol21_Cross_...
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Reposted by Fiona Cross
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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Reposted by Fiona Cross
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
I'd given this talk on 1 October last year, hence why I wished everyone a Happy Arachtober 🕷️ @ashleymbradford.bsky.social @arachtober.bsky.social
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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 · 25/06/2026
I might post something tomorrow then 😊
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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
Go Dave! And Go Habs Go!!
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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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Reposted by Fiona Cross
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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Fiona Cross @drspidernz.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
Thank you - I think it's awesome that I get to work with you, too!! 🕷️
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Reposted by Fiona Cross
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
Here's another interview for people who love Portia and Children of Time 🕷️ youtu.be/846DbVFV104?... @aptshadow.bsky.social @plantecarnivore.bsky.social
youtu.be
Dans la tête d'une araignée (avec Adrian Tchaïkovsky et Fiona Cross)
YouTube video by Plantecarnivore
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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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