Hi, I'm Rick Schwartz.

Hi, I'm Rick Schwartz.

But 's see this world. I'm Marco Wentz.

But 's see this world. I'm Marco Wentz.

Welcome to Amazing Wildlife, where we explore unique stories of wildlife from around the world and uncover fascinating animal facts. This podcast is a production of iHeartRadio's Ruby Studio and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, an international nonprofit conservation organization which oversees the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

Welcome to Amazing Wildlife, where we explore unique stories of wildlife from around the world and uncover fascinating animal facts. This podcast is a production of iHeartRadio's Ruby Studio and San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, an international nonprofit conservation organization which oversees the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park.

So, you know, Rick, we wrapped up our last episode teasing out today's topic, and I know it might make some people a little uncomfortable, right to have a whole episode dedicated to spiders.

So, you know, Rick, we wrapped up our last episode teasing out today's topic, and I know it might make some people a little uncomfortable, right to have a whole episode dedicated to spiders.

Yes, yes, I agree, and dear listener, please hang in there and listen to the full episode. I know there are plenty of people who like, appreciate, or at the very least tolerate spiders, but I am also aware there are plenty of people who do not like them at all, and some who have a physical, actual physical reaction to spiders due to a phobia. In fact, when I was looking into it, a rachnophobia is listed as the most common phobia, affecting four to fifteen percent of the population.

Yes, yes, I agree, and dear listener, please hang in there and listen to the full episode. I know there are plenty of people who like, appreciate, or at the very least tolerate spiders, but I am also aware there are plenty of people who do not like them at all, and some who have a physical, actual physical reaction to spiders due to a phobia. In fact, when I was looking into it, a rachnophobia is listed as the most common phobia, affecting four to fifteen percent of the population.

Wow, I didn't know that, but you know, I guess it's important that we preface this episode with letting everyone know that we're not planning on doing anything you know, creepy, we're scary, right or unsettling.

Wow, I didn't know that, but you know, I guess it's important that we preface this episode with letting everyone know that we're not planning on doing anything you know, creepy, we're scary, right or unsettling.

We just want to take the time to get to know more about.

We just want to take the time to get to know more about.

These really cool animals and hopefully shatter any myths or misconceptions.

These really cool animals and hopefully shatter any myths or misconceptions.

Exactly we need to learn more, like do we even need spiders here on planet Earth? Or why do some spiders make webs in dark corners while theres make them right the way where we walk? Oh?

Exactly we need to learn more, like do we even need spiders here on planet Earth? Or why do some spiders make webs in dark corners while theres make them right the way where we walk? Oh?

Yeah, right, I mean it's never fun walking into a spider web.

Yeah, right, I mean it's never fun walking into a spider web.

Spider web dance, spider dance.

Spider web dance, spider dance.

You know, I'd like to know if there's any truth to the power of the venom right of certain species, and oh is it dangerous to humans?

You know, I'd like to know if there's any truth to the power of the venom right of certain species, and oh is it dangerous to humans?

Or why does a spider even need venom? You know? There's so much more now.

Or why does a spider even need venom? You know? There's so much more now.

And speaking of more, do you know how many different species of spider there are? Oh?

And speaking of more, do you know how many different species of spider there are? Oh?

No, I don't even know how to guess that number. I would totally be wrong.

No, I don't even know how to guess that number. I would totally be wrong.

Yeah, you and me both. I don't know either. But the good news is we can find out because we are fortunate enough to have some of the best of the best at the San Diego Zoo. When it comes to entomology, which is the study of insects in the relationship with the environment, humans and other organisms in the ecosystem.

Yeah, you and me both. I don't know either. But the good news is we can find out because we are fortunate enough to have some of the best of the best at the San Diego Zoo. When it comes to entomology, which is the study of insects in the relationship with the environment, humans and other organisms in the ecosystem.

Oh, I know, and they are over at Wildlife Explorer's Base Camp at the San Diego Zoo. If our listeners want to really be immersed in the fascinating world of entomology, they must visit the Spineless Marvels Building at base Camp.

Oh, I know, and they are over at Wildlife Explorer's Base Camp at the San Diego Zoo. If our listeners want to really be immersed in the fascinating world of entomology, they must visit the Spineless Marvels Building at base Camp.

Yes, yes, I completely agree, Marko. And no matter how you feel about insects, bugs and spiders, the Spineless Marvels Building allows you to explore the diversity of animals you normally wouldn't see, and maybe some of you wouldn't want to see. But when you get to learn more about something, you tend to understand it better. And when you do that, the fear tends to become less powerful.

Yes, yes, I completely agree, Marko. And no matter how you feel about insects, bugs and spiders, the Spineless Marvels Building allows you to explore the diversity of animals you normally wouldn't see, and maybe some of you wouldn't want to see. But when you get to learn more about something, you tend to understand it better. And when you do that, the fear tends to become less powerful.

Oh, I personally love spider. I know, right?

Oh, I personally love spider. I know, right?

And when Rick, you know the word in Spanish for a spider, it's a lot of fun. It's a rangya, right, isn't that cool? So kids, roll your and oh, you're absolutely right. We should head over to Wildlife Explorer's Base Camp to learn more about the misunderstood and sometimes unappreciated spider.

And when Rick, you know the word in Spanish for a spider, it's a lot of fun. It's a rangya, right, isn't that cool? So kids, roll your and oh, you're absolutely right. We should head over to Wildlife Explorer's Base Camp to learn more about the misunderstood and sometimes unappreciated spider.

It's true. You know, you said you love spiders. I guess it'd be fair to say spiders don't bug you. Okay, all kidding aside, let's do this. We have questions. En Oer Entomology Department has answers.

It's true. You know, you said you love spiders. I guess it'd be fair to say spiders don't bug you. Okay, all kidding aside, let's do this. We have questions. En Oer Entomology Department has answers.

All right, let's go to the San diego Zo Bays camp.

All right, let's go to the San diego Zo Bays camp.

Here we come.

Here we come.

I am Taylor Cook. I am the Wildlifecare supervisor for the Entomology Department.

I am Taylor Cook. I am the Wildlifecare supervisor for the Entomology Department.

Taylor, thank you so much for taking time. I want to let our audience know we are sitting in your office. We are not that far away from where everyone could come and see a wide variety of spineless marvels as a building said.

Taylor, thank you so much for taking time. I want to let our audience know we are sitting in your office. We are not that far away from where everyone could come and see a wide variety of spineless marvels as a building said.

Nice.

Nice.

But we are here to learn about a particular animal group or species, several species.

But we are here to learn about a particular animal group or species, several species.

That a lot of people seem to have.

That a lot of people seem to have.

A fear of.

A fear of.

But I'm not going to think of maybe the he be gb.

But I'm not going to think of maybe the he be gb.

Gbs to put it scientific.

Gbs to put it scientific.

I mean right, I'm very scientific symptimes.

I mean right, I'm very scientific symptimes.

I've made a joke prior because my husband, Kobe, he also works at the organization. He doesn't have a little bit of a fear, let's say, of spiders, you know, but that's the thing we want to talk about today, you know, because we work with amazing wildlife, from pandas to hornbills, but people often forget to the diversity of insects in the world.

I've made a joke prior because my husband, Kobe, he also works at the organization. He doesn't have a little bit of a fear, let's say, of spiders, you know, but that's the thing we want to talk about today, you know, because we work with amazing wildlife, from pandas to hornbills, but people often forget to the diversity of insects in the world.

I mean it's incredible.

I mean it's incredible.

I mean, isn't a fact that there are more beetles in the world than there are same mammals, you know, on their entire planet.

I mean, isn't a fact that there are more beetles in the world than there are same mammals, you know, on their entire planet.

That's crazy, right.

That's crazy, right.

So I mean speak a little about that. What do you guys do here? What's the official name, let's say, of this area here.

So I mean speak a little about that. What do you guys do here? What's the official name, let's say, of this area here.

Yeah, so we're currently at the Invertebrate Propagation Center, and so the key there is invertebrate because there's so many animals that are considered invertebrates. Yeah, insects or what you know of that have you know, six legs, three segments, and then we also have a rap nudes that have more like two segments and eight legs.

Yeah, so we're currently at the Invertebrate Propagation Center, and so the key there is invertebrate because there's so many animals that are considered invertebrates. Yeah, insects or what you know of that have you know, six legs, three segments, and then we also have a rap nudes that have more like two segments and eight legs.

Okay, to separate for anyone losening who may not know, invertebrate.

Okay, to separate for anyone losening who may not know, invertebrate.

Me thank you.

Me thank you.

Invertebrate means that they do not we have bones like we do. They have exoskeletons, so they have to go through a molting process to get much bigger. It's very different than our bones. That grow from the inside, so they don't have vertebrae I think of the backbone, so they are in as and they do not have that, So it's a little different.

Invertebrate means that they do not we have bones like we do. They have exoskeletons, so they have to go through a molting process to get much bigger. It's very different than our bones. That grow from the inside, so they don't have vertebrae I think of the backbone, so they are in as and they do not have that, So it's a little different.

So for kids who are listening, you can feel on your arm that you have muscles around the bone of your arm. Whereas our friends were talking about today, if you're to touch in their heart on the outside, that's their skeletal structure based on the outside, and all their muscles and organs and everything else are on the inside. So it's kind of a cool comparison. And to what Marko was saying earlier about this fear or dislike of spiders, I would love to spend some time with you debunking that. Letting our audio not debunking it, I mean, because I think somebody's fear is legitimate to them. But I also know the more we learn about things, we can get past some of the things we fear, or at least have a healthy respect for, right exactly a little bit, first and foremost, why do you think a rachnophobia or fear of spiders is a thing?

So for kids who are listening, you can feel on your arm that you have muscles around the bone of your arm. Whereas our friends were talking about today, if you're to touch in their heart on the outside, that's their skeletal structure based on the outside, and all their muscles and organs and everything else are on the inside. So it's kind of a cool comparison. And to what Marko was saying earlier about this fear or dislike of spiders, I would love to spend some time with you debunking that. Letting our audio not debunking it, I mean, because I think somebody's fear is legitimate to them. But I also know the more we learn about things, we can get past some of the things we fear, or at least have a healthy respect for, right exactly a little bit, first and foremost, why do you think a rachnophobia or fear of spiders is a thing?

You know, spiders and ratnas in general, they end up in the corner of your room and they're just kind of sitting there. You don't know what's going on. You just see a lot of leggs, and I think.

You know, spiders and ratnas in general, they end up in the corner of your room and they're just kind of sitting there. You don't know what's going on. You just see a lot of leggs, and I think.

A lot of legs.

A lot of legs.

The legs is what I believe is kind of what turns people away from them.

The legs is what I believe is kind of what turns people away from them.

And you know, some of them tend to be a darker color.

And you know, some of them tend to be a darker color.

And again they're just in the corner of the room with cobwebs everywhere. And you know, we hear about how they're venomous they're going to bite you, but anything with them out can bite.

And again they're just in the corner of the room with cobwebs everywhere. And you know, we hear about how they're venomous they're going to bite you, but anything with them out can bite.

And we were just talking with Nikki right about the job pressure of general. But it's a good point that you're saying too, because I mean, we're mammals and we have this tendency when we see something big and fuzzy with big ears and big eyes, it's really easy to connect with, right And you guys know, being a bird guy, like, it's always been a passion of mind to try to get people just as excited for the non mammals out there.

And we were just talking with Nikki right about the job pressure of general. But it's a good point that you're saying too, because I mean, we're mammals and we have this tendency when we see something big and fuzzy with big ears and big eyes, it's really easy to connect with, right And you guys know, being a bird guy, like, it's always been a passion of mind to try to get people just as excited for the non mammals out there.

So I would imagine it's the same thing, Oh yeah with a spider, right, yeah.

So I would imagine it's the same thing, Oh yeah with a spider, right, yeah.

So in my case, I grew up love spiders just because I loved animals. So the closest animal I can get to were the spiders in my home. And luckily, my mom she always loves spiders and tranchllas. Growing up, she'd tell me she's from San Diego and that's where I am too, and she'd go out and catch translas in her backyard and play with trapdoor spiders by tapping in front of them, and so I just wanted to be like my.

So in my case, I grew up love spiders just because I loved animals. So the closest animal I can get to were the spiders in my home. And luckily, my mom she always loves spiders and tranchllas. Growing up, she'd tell me she's from San Diego and that's where I am too, and she'd go out and catch translas in her backyard and play with trapdoor spiders by tapping in front of them, and so I just wanted to be like my.

Mom, so I do the same thing.

Mom, so I do the same thing.

So I'd collect the spiders in the house and I would go outside all the time look for traandlas, and sadly I never really saw them, and that's a whole issue with habitat loss as well. But so I luckily grew up in an environment where spiders were very welcomed. However, my friends did not have their response, and they would crush them, and I'd be very sad. So I do think it does have to do with perspective, people having fear of the venom, fear of you know, them crawling on you with all the legs. But honestly, spiders do not like us right now.

So I'd collect the spiders in the house and I would go outside all the time look for traandlas, and sadly I never really saw them, and that's a whole issue with habitat loss as well. But so I luckily grew up in an environment where spiders were very welcomed. However, my friends did not have their response, and they would crush them, and I'd be very sad. So I do think it does have to do with perspective, people having fear of the venom, fear of you know, them crawling on you with all the legs. But honestly, spiders do not like us right now.

And they're sensitive.

And they're sensitive.

If they touch something they don't like, they're a little diva and they just go, I don't want that if it's on you. They're really just in one place to the next and hoping you don't notice them. So I think that's why, you know, people don't really like them, because they're word it's gonna crawl.

If they touch something they don't like, they're a little diva and they just go, I don't want that if it's on you. They're really just in one place to the next and hoping you don't notice them. So I think that's why, you know, people don't really like them, because they're word it's gonna crawl.

On them, they get off. Yeah, And I think it's another part too, is a learned fear. We see it in movies and TV shows. I mean, I'm old enough to remember The Brady Bunch and one of there was a big episode about this talisman that was cursed and that the curse was this giant spider would it was a translate, right, And like there was a whole like back to back two episodes special with the It's horrible Wow, and then of course the racnophobia the movie, and then just it's perpetuated throughout all of our scary movies in general. And I think, like you mentioned, yes, the legs, you know, and they're in the corners. They prefer the dark spots because that's where their food's gonna usually end up, where they can catch it. But yeah, they're so fascinating, and I think there's an opportunity that when so you grew up with the exposure of they're cool and they're interesting, other people grow up with someone who thinks, Eh, they're gross and they want to squish them, right, But if we can take the time to watch them, observe them, respect them, or realize they're not there to hurt us, because, like you said, we're giant mammals.

On them, they get off. Yeah, And I think it's another part too, is a learned fear. We see it in movies and TV shows. I mean, I'm old enough to remember The Brady Bunch and one of there was a big episode about this talisman that was cursed and that the curse was this giant spider would it was a translate, right, And like there was a whole like back to back two episodes special with the It's horrible Wow, and then of course the racnophobia the movie, and then just it's perpetuated throughout all of our scary movies in general. And I think, like you mentioned, yes, the legs, you know, and they're in the corners. They prefer the dark spots because that's where their food's gonna usually end up, where they can catch it. But yeah, they're so fascinating, and I think there's an opportunity that when so you grew up with the exposure of they're cool and they're interesting, other people grow up with someone who thinks, Eh, they're gross and they want to squish them, right, But if we can take the time to watch them, observe them, respect them, or realize they're not there to hurt us, because, like you said, we're giant mammals.

I mean, could you.

I mean, could you.

Imagine the scale difference if we as humans saw another living creature as big in comparison as we are to spiders, right, I mean, we'd be terrified. So there's a matter of opportunity of also getting some perspective like, yeah, they're in the corner and they might have multiple eyes and creep you out, but realistically you're huge compared to them, so they'd rather you just leave them alone so they can have their snack.

Imagine the scale difference if we as humans saw another living creature as big in comparison as we are to spiders, right, I mean, we'd be terrified. So there's a matter of opportunity of also getting some perspective like, yeah, they're in the corner and they might have multiple eyes and creep you out, but realistically you're huge compared to them, so they'd rather you just leave them alone so they can have their snack.

And that's why I love this episode too, I mean, just so we can showcase the other aspects of wildlife with spiders.

And that's why I love this episode too, I mean, just so we can showcase the other aspects of wildlife with spiders.

I mean, luckily I grew up with Spider Man.

I mean, luckily I grew up with Spider Man.

So if that's where it started with, absolutely love that whole story.

So if that's where it started with, absolutely love that whole story.

And that's what my passion for spiders was.

And that's what my passion for spiders was.

And like you, I'm a native Sandy Agan and I remember being a kid and seeing our native tarantelas all about. But every year, less and less and less of them can you speak a little bit about what are some of the obstacles that spider species are facing, not only locally but in other parts of the world.

And like you, I'm a native Sandy Agan and I remember being a kid and seeing our native tarantelas all about. But every year, less and less and less of them can you speak a little bit about what are some of the obstacles that spider species are facing, not only locally but in other parts of the world.

So habitat loss impacts a lot of species, and especially in San Diego other parts of California, that's been a big impact. So I grew up on the canyon, there's been tons of development, so we're just seeing less and less, both spiders translas, also frogs. I used to grow up with frogs everywhere, and I don't see them anymore. But besides habitat loss and pesticide use is also really big. A lot of translas around the world are impacted by wildlife trafficking, So I know when I learned about wildlife trafficking is usually mammals people employing tigers, but translas are heavily collected illegally and especially really endangered species as well, and that is decimating their populations.

So habitat loss impacts a lot of species, and especially in San Diego other parts of California, that's been a big impact. So I grew up on the canyon, there's been tons of development, so we're just seeing less and less, both spiders translas, also frogs. I used to grow up with frogs everywhere, and I don't see them anymore. But besides habitat loss and pesticide use is also really big. A lot of translas around the world are impacted by wildlife trafficking, So I know when I learned about wildlife trafficking is usually mammals people employing tigers, but translas are heavily collected illegally and especially really endangered species as well, and that is decimating their populations.

Is that for the pet trade or is there other things? Like some species they're collected for theoretical medicinal purposes. People think there's something medicinal about body parts or whatever. What is the draw for people to try and do this with tarantulas?

Is that for the pet trade or is there other things? Like some species they're collected for theoretical medicinal purposes. People think there's something medicinal about body parts or whatever. What is the draw for people to try and do this with tarantulas?

Yeah, primarily for translas it is for the pet trade, so a lot of people do want to collect the coolest, newest rarest thing, and a lot of those from South America. It's usually where they collect a lot of those arachnids, but also can spread into Asia as well. But yeah, it's mainly for the pet trade. So wild caught ones, you know that a lot of them are not legally able to come into the United States or being sold as pets. There are lots of people who legally breed them in captivity and translis do make great pets, but there are certain species that again do make those wonderful pets and are legally and ethically bred for that purpose, not collected from their native habitas.

Yeah, primarily for translas it is for the pet trade, so a lot of people do want to collect the coolest, newest rarest thing, and a lot of those from South America. It's usually where they collect a lot of those arachnids, but also can spread into Asia as well. But yeah, it's mainly for the pet trade. So wild caught ones, you know that a lot of them are not legally able to come into the United States or being sold as pets. There are lots of people who legally breed them in captivity and translis do make great pets, but there are certain species that again do make those wonderful pets and are legally and ethically bred for that purpose, not collected from their native habitas.

Right before the interview, we're just talking. I actually have a curly head trains.

Right before the interview, we're just talking. I actually have a curly head trains.

Her name is Tara.

Her name is Tara.

I love her so much and she's got great personality. But to your point, and especially all the kids listening right now, like I just got back from a trip place in Mexico called Tlahomulco, and they have a big issue with wildlife trafficking as well native species, crocodiles and.

I love her so much and she's got great personality. But to your point, and especially all the kids listening right now, like I just got back from a trip place in Mexico called Tlahomulco, and they have a big issue with wildlife trafficking as well native species, crocodiles and.

Insects as well.

Insects as well.

I tell these kids in the area, you know you have the power right every day with your dollar that you buy, we're communicating to these people whether we want to support something or not. And when I acquired Tara to be part of our family, and we did the research to make sure that this wasn't a traffic animal. Could you give a little tips and little advice Maybe kids out there who are thinking of you know, maybe I do want to try to Ranta like something to think about in that regard.

I tell these kids in the area, you know you have the power right every day with your dollar that you buy, we're communicating to these people whether we want to support something or not. And when I acquired Tara to be part of our family, and we did the research to make sure that this wasn't a traffic animal. Could you give a little tips and little advice Maybe kids out there who are thinking of you know, maybe I do want to try to Ranta like something to think about in that regard.

Yeah, and how would they find out if it's that we thank you raised and source? You know, what is the research someone should do? And maybe a kid could ask their parent to help them.

Yeah, and how would they find out if it's that we thank you raised and source? You know, what is the research someone should do? And maybe a kid could ask their parent to help them.

Right, So you can always ask where you're purchasing your transla from. You know, where did this come from? If they said, oh, we got this straight from Brazil, you might want to start questioning that. And you can easily research, you know, what is allowed in California. US Fish and Wildlife will have information about the species that are allowed here and recommendations as well. So there's a little bit of your own research you should probably do because there's lots of species we can keep and lots that we cannot. So if you're interested in you know, curly hairs or Pinto's just making sure that you look up if that's allowed, and usually what the history of the reader is. So if they've been doing generations of that transla, they're probably in good hands. But if it's something new and exciting, that's where the red flags.

Right, So you can always ask where you're purchasing your transla from. You know, where did this come from? If they said, oh, we got this straight from Brazil, you might want to start questioning that. And you can easily research, you know, what is allowed in California. US Fish and Wildlife will have information about the species that are allowed here and recommendations as well. So there's a little bit of your own research you should probably do because there's lots of species we can keep and lots that we cannot. So if you're interested in you know, curly hairs or Pinto's just making sure that you look up if that's allowed, and usually what the history of the reader is. So if they've been doing generations of that transla, they're probably in good hands. But if it's something new and exciting, that's where the red flags.

Right, ask the question right where dig a little.

Right, ask the question right where dig a little.

Bit right, it's too good to be true?

Bit right, it's too good to be true?

If that's too good to be true, like wow, this is so rare and special, really expensive, and things like that's.

If that's too good to be true, like wow, this is so rare and special, really expensive, and things like that's.

Maybe not And I want to encourage too the other side of the research. Once you've found out if it is through a breeder with multiple generations, also do a lot of work and research on what this animal needs. Sometimes we just think, oh, I'll bring it home and I'll love it and it'll be fine. But certain species, regardless, they need a drier condition than maybe than where you live, or a damper condition than where you live. So you have to be able to create a responsible environment for them to make sure that they have everything they need, and you can provide that. It's not just as simple bring it home and put it in an aquarium exactly.

Maybe not And I want to encourage too the other side of the research. Once you've found out if it is through a breeder with multiple generations, also do a lot of work and research on what this animal needs. Sometimes we just think, oh, I'll bring it home and I'll love it and it'll be fine. But certain species, regardless, they need a drier condition than maybe than where you live, or a damper condition than where you live. So you have to be able to create a responsible environment for them to make sure that they have everything they need, and you can provide that. It's not just as simple bring it home and put it in an aquarium exactly.

And also you know, having a torrenso I don't know what you think, but it's not the same thing as maybe having a dog, you know, or having a cat.

And also you know, having a torrenso I don't know what you think, but it's not the same thing as maybe having a dog, you know, or having a cat.

So I mean, do your research.

So I mean, do your research.

I mean I loved hair, but I don't really handle her, you know, give her the environment she needs, and it's great just to watch with their natural behaviors. Actually, I wanted to go back a little bit. Can you talk about like what makes a tarantula taransula? Like why are they different than other spiders?

I mean I loved hair, but I don't really handle her, you know, give her the environment she needs, and it's great just to watch with their natural behaviors. Actually, I wanted to go back a little bit. Can you talk about like what makes a tarantula taransula? Like why are they different than other spiders?

You know, yeah, so are rappids you have, you know, your spiders, your scorpions, mites, and ticks are even in that. Once you start to break down that class, you also start to have spiders, and within spiders you have your tree spiders, and then you also have translas. So I would say all tarantulas are spiders, but not all spiders are trantulas, right, and so they still both have eight legs, but with translas they're pretty hairy. They're very big as well. And also translas the females can live up to twenty five years, so they're very long lived, but then spiders maybe one to two years. And they do take on different roles, but primarily the biggest difference is their size, the role that they play, and then also a lot of hair on the translas. Spiders have hairs too, but much finer and.

You know, yeah, so are rappids you have, you know, your spiders, your scorpions, mites, and ticks are even in that. Once you start to break down that class, you also start to have spiders, and within spiders you have your tree spiders, and then you also have translas. So I would say all tarantulas are spiders, but not all spiders are trantulas, right, and so they still both have eight legs, but with translas they're pretty hairy. They're very big as well. And also translas the females can live up to twenty five years, so they're very long lived, but then spiders maybe one to two years. And they do take on different roles, but primarily the biggest difference is their size, the role that they play, and then also a lot of hair on the translas. Spiders have hairs too, but much finer and.

A little different I would imagine, more terrestrial than other spiders. Or are there some that actually a little more boreal there?

A little different I would imagine, more terrestrial than other spiders. Or are there some that actually a little more boreal there?

Yeah, there are boreal translas, but most of the ones I'm familiar with they burrow as well, and you're going to find there's trap door spiders that hang up underground. But most of the spiders you see are not going to be living underground quite as much as translas are. But yes, there are our boreal translas as well, and they do their web being much differently than spiders as well.

Yeah, there are boreal translas, but most of the ones I'm familiar with they burrow as well, and you're going to find there's trap door spiders that hang up underground. But most of the spiders you see are not going to be living underground quite as much as translas are. But yes, there are our boreal translas as well, and they do their web being much differently than spiders as well.

Actually, can you highlight a little bit of that, you know, because the hairs are for a reason, right, for maybe defense as well.

Actually, can you highlight a little bit of that, you know, because the hairs are for a reason, right, for maybe defense as well.

Yeah, So some of our New World tranchlas, so New worlds come the Western hemisphere. So a lot of the Americas New World translas have they're called irritating hairs, okay, and they use that as a defense mechanism. They can kick those hairs and it's pretty irritable. It's going to make your skin itch. If it gets into your airways, you're going to start coughing. You do not want to be around a transla kicking its hair, no kidding, So that's our first line of defense. And usually they're not one to want to bite you if you really got to be doing something to provoke that. And their venom is not very potent either, So yes, Transella's not in the New World at least not super venom is very hairy and can have some irritate eating hairs. The other thing for tarantulas is they don't have very good eyesight and they primarily rely on vibrations, and so having lots of hairs is going to help them sense that vibrations. So if you're hanging out underground, something crawls near them, they can feel that vibrations and then strike from their burrows.

Yeah, So some of our New World tranchlas, so New worlds come the Western hemisphere. So a lot of the Americas New World translas have they're called irritating hairs, okay, and they use that as a defense mechanism. They can kick those hairs and it's pretty irritable. It's going to make your skin itch. If it gets into your airways, you're going to start coughing. You do not want to be around a transla kicking its hair, no kidding, So that's our first line of defense. And usually they're not one to want to bite you if you really got to be doing something to provoke that. And their venom is not very potent either, So yes, Transella's not in the New World at least not super venom is very hairy and can have some irritate eating hairs. The other thing for tarantulas is they don't have very good eyesight and they primarily rely on vibrations, and so having lots of hairs is going to help them sense that vibrations. So if you're hanging out underground, something crawls near them, they can feel that vibrations and then strike from their burrows.

Oh cool.

Oh cool.

Do they use some of that webbing because Hara will put out webbings all around the ground, you know, and I figure that's her sensory perception in a way, right, feeling out what's going on in the environment.

Do they use some of that webbing because Hara will put out webbings all around the ground, you know, and I figure that's her sensory perception in a way, right, feeling out what's going on in the environment.

Yeah, webbing totally helps with that, and you know, or weavers, so kind of going back to spiders will also create webs that when prey flies into it, they can sense the vibration and then go catch their food from that. So spiders are very sensitive to vibrations. That's a really wonderful trait that they have.

Yeah, webbing totally helps with that, and you know, or weavers, so kind of going back to spiders will also create webs that when prey flies into it, they can sense the vibration and then go catch their food from that. So spiders are very sensitive to vibrations. That's a really wonderful trait that they have.

So eyesight maybe not so much.

So eyesight maybe not so much.

You know, dragonflies have incredible eyesight for insects, but arachnids at least, but the case for spiders and translas, it's not as good.

You know, dragonflies have incredible eyesight for insects, but arachnids at least, but the case for spiders and translas, it's not as good.

Even multiple eyes, that's a good point.

Even multiple eyes, that's a good point.

Yeah, most of them can have about eight eyes.

Yeah, most of them can have about eight eyes.

Might help out, but not necessarily.

Might help out, but not necessarily.

It's decent.

It's decent.

It usually helps for light receptions, so they're going to notice if there's a change in light, change of light to dark, then that's going to help them. Since their surroundings have a little bit more of that three sixty view, so again we're still in the more limited scope. They have much wider so they can see things coming from behind them by having those multiple eyes.

It usually helps for light receptions, so they're going to notice if there's a change in light, change of light to dark, then that's going to help them. Since their surroundings have a little bit more of that three sixty view, so again we're still in the more limited scope. They have much wider so they can see things coming from behind them by having those multiple eyes.

Yeah, well like the birds both right totally.

Yeah, well like the birds both right totally.

But I was going to say, like you mentioned New World, is there some differences with the Old World like Europe, Asia, Africa.

But I was going to say, like you mentioned New World, is there some differences with the Old World like Europe, Asia, Africa.

Yeah, we've tend to find that the Old World translates are not quite as hairy and they don't have their ridicating hairs that they kick out, but they do tend to be slightly more venomous and very fast.

Yeah, we've tend to find that the Old World translates are not quite as hairy and they don't have their ridicating hairs that they kick out, but they do tend to be slightly more venomous and very fast.

Yeah, I mean it would make sense.

Yeah, I mean it would make sense.

They don't have that same deterrent, right, Yeah, see New World translors, right, so.

They don't have that same deterrent, right, Yeah, see New World translors, right, so.

They believe that, you know, a lot of the Old World translas developed to be faster and more venomous because they have a lot more predators out there versus New World. They mainly adapted for their own protection, but didn't have to worry.

They believe that, you know, a lot of the Old World translas developed to be faster and more venomous because they have a lot more predators out there versus New World. They mainly adapted for their own protection, but didn't have to worry.

About those horn bell you other bird species, and I like a little spider snack.

About those horn bell you other bird species, and I like a little spider snack.

So this episode comes out late October, right before Halloween. Of course, big Halloween decorations. People have to put the fake webbing out and the giant spiders. It's just part of the theme of the fun of Halloween. And honestly, this time of year, at least here in San Diego, we see the orb weavers really going to town. You can walk into your house at night and there's no spider webs. You come out first thing in the morning. And also you're got a face full you're feeling on why do orb weavers make these big webs across the spaces we like to walk What is that attraction for them? Because clearly we destroy their work.

So this episode comes out late October, right before Halloween. Of course, big Halloween decorations. People have to put the fake webbing out and the giant spiders. It's just part of the theme of the fun of Halloween. And honestly, this time of year, at least here in San Diego, we see the orb weavers really going to town. You can walk into your house at night and there's no spider webs. You come out first thing in the morning. And also you're got a face full you're feeling on why do orb weavers make these big webs across the spaces we like to walk What is that attraction for them? Because clearly we destroy their work.

We walk through.

We walk through.

It's annoying to us, but it really has to ruin their day, I will.

It's annoying to us, but it really has to ruin their day, I will.

And you know, sometimes you're giving them a headstart. There's certain orb weavers that will remake their web every.

And you know, sometimes you're giving them a headstart. There's certain orb weavers that will remake their web every.

Single day, so we are helping.

Single day, so we are helping.

Orb weavers.

Orb weavers.

They're wonderful predators that catch a lot of our flying insects that come through. So or beavers are a really good indicator of environmental health. You have a lot of orb weavers, I'm they're going to catch tons of other insects. They also in some cases can catch birds. Yeah, they are helping with that ecosystem balance, which is very important. And so they do come out around this time because they laid their eggs that were hatching due to the warm weather and now they're moltinge they're getting bigger and bigger, and now everything else is also grown at this point and it is their time to shine and collect all of that. And they do provide food for other animals including birds and reptiles as well. So you'll see lots of orb weavers at this time. But do not fear. They do have that really sticky web that just never feels I can get it off of you. Spider silk, so spiders have spinnerets and they can make almost like seven different types of spider silk. Wow, and it's all for different purposes. In the orb weaver web, you have some that anchor it down into these structures again, so they can get across your whole pathway.

They're wonderful predators that catch a lot of our flying insects that come through. So or beavers are a really good indicator of environmental health. You have a lot of orb weavers, I'm they're going to catch tons of other insects. They also in some cases can catch birds. Yeah, they are helping with that ecosystem balance, which is very important. And so they do come out around this time because they laid their eggs that were hatching due to the warm weather and now they're moltinge they're getting bigger and bigger, and now everything else is also grown at this point and it is their time to shine and collect all of that. And they do provide food for other animals including birds and reptiles as well. So you'll see lots of orb weavers at this time. But do not fear. They do have that really sticky web that just never feels I can get it off of you. Spider silk, so spiders have spinnerets and they can make almost like seven different types of spider silk. Wow, and it's all for different purposes. In the orb weaver web, you have some that anchor it down into these structures again, so they can get across your whole pathway.

Yeah, and then they.

Yeah, and then they.

Have the sticky parts that is going to be there to catch through the prey. So the tensile strength of some of that webbing is even stronger than steel, So it's incredible fiber.

Have the sticky parts that is going to be there to catch through the prey. So the tensile strength of some of that webbing is even stronger than steel, So it's incredible fiber.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I was going to ask you.

I was going to ask you.

I've read a research paper ones where people were trying to replicate like artificial or synthetic spider web you because of how strong your reda is.

I've read a research paper ones where people were trying to replicate like artificial or synthetic spider web you because of how strong your reda is.

And it's an incredible use that we can have for I've been reading it's anti microbial, so it could be used for medicinal purposes. But we still don't quite understand everything about spider silk or so the recreation of it's going to be very challenging because even for the animal itself, we're still trying to learn as much as we can about it and it's somewhat limited.

And it's an incredible use that we can have for I've been reading it's anti microbial, so it could be used for medicinal purposes. But we still don't quite understand everything about spider silk or so the recreation of it's going to be very challenging because even for the animal itself, we're still trying to learn as much as we can about it and it's somewhat limited.

Yeah. No, that's fascinating.

Yeah. No, that's fascinating.

And you mentioned or weaver spider and I was so excited when Wildlife Explorers based camp opened up because so many really cool animals, but mainly the Spineless Marvels building where if you guess, we haven't visited yet, it's an amazing array of different insects from all over the world.

And you mentioned or weaver spider and I was so excited when Wildlife Explorers based camp opened up because so many really cool animals, but mainly the Spineless Marvels building where if you guess, we haven't visited yet, it's an amazing array of different insects from all over the world.

But you have a really cool orb weaver display as wow. Right, can you speak a little bit about that that process.

But you have a really cool orb weaver display as wow. Right, can you speak a little bit about that that process.

So when you visit Spinless Marvels, there's two floors and you have the bottom floor which represents the ones that tend to live underground. But we do have our golden orb weavers there and they do not have any glass in front of them.

So when you visit Spinless Marvels, there's two floors and you have the bottom floor which represents the ones that tend to live underground. But we do have our golden orb weavers there and they do not have any glass in front of them.

It is open air.

It is open air.

Right.

Right.

People sometimes ask me sometimes like what's going on there?

People sometimes ask me sometimes like what's going on there?

Can that spider get out?

Can that spider get out?

Some people think that they're not real. Oh, they're real, but they just like to stay in place. If you look at their bodies, they're very bottom heavy and so they can't really walk on the ground very well. They're made to keep up in that web, keep their face down and sense those vibrations, so they don't really have an interest in going anywhere else but their web. And we provide food for them daily for them to get the nutrition they need, and it's a wonderful view for people to see.

Some people think that they're not real. Oh, they're real, but they just like to stay in place. If you look at their bodies, they're very bottom heavy and so they can't really walk on the ground very well. They're made to keep up in that web, keep their face down and sense those vibrations, so they don't really have an interest in going anywhere else but their web. And we provide food for them daily for them to get the nutrition they need, and it's a wonderful view for people to see.

It is really cool.

It is really cool.

Yeah, we love it.

Yeah, we love it.

It is a little bit to break that fear though, you know, thinking about one of the animals that we have here. Everything else is behind glass, but the one that we don't need to is a spider. Yeah, so it's one of our safest ones there that I want to.

It is a little bit to break that fear though, you know, thinking about one of the animals that we have here. Everything else is behind glass, but the one that we don't need to is a spider. Yeah, so it's one of our safest ones there that I want to.

Lean into that a little further too, because although we see orb weavers outside and we're talking about translos also outside, but inside our homes we some times, especially if things cool down, spiders tend to be seen a bit more inside the home. Not orb weavers, though. There tend to be the jumping spiders, a little spiders, or you know, a wide variety of other species. And I know most people prefer not to look at them. They don't want to know that they're so they're they're going to catch them up and throw them outside, or they're going to squish them. My personal knowledge about how predators work, and spiders are predatory species. They aren't going to be there if there isn't a food source. And so if you see them, that means there's other bugs in your house you probably don't want.

Lean into that a little further too, because although we see orb weavers outside and we're talking about translos also outside, but inside our homes we some times, especially if things cool down, spiders tend to be seen a bit more inside the home. Not orb weavers, though. There tend to be the jumping spiders, a little spiders, or you know, a wide variety of other species. And I know most people prefer not to look at them. They don't want to know that they're so they're they're going to catch them up and throw them outside, or they're going to squish them. My personal knowledge about how predators work, and spiders are predatory species. They aren't going to be there if there isn't a food source. And so if you see them, that means there's other bugs in your house you probably don't want.

Yes, they're eating.

Yes, they're eating.

Can you tell us a bit more about some of the species we might find in our house?

Can you tell us a bit more about some of the species we might find in our house?

Yeah, I have a issue with fruit flies all the time, and drain flies, and I adore those jumping spiders that come in and you will see in the corners these you know, wrapped up little tiny flies, and that's usually from our jumping spiders.

Yeah, I have a issue with fruit flies all the time, and drain flies, and I adore those jumping spiders that come in and you will see in the corners these you know, wrapped up little tiny flies, and that's usually from our jumping spiders.

So yeah, if you have fruit flies.

So yeah, if you have fruit flies.

Even they're called house flies as well drain flies, so tons of different flies. But even earwigs can.

Even they're called house flies as well drain flies, so tons of different flies. But even earwigs can.

Make it into your house sometimes. Yeah, and we may not like it.

Make it into your house sometimes. Yeah, and we may not like it.

But also cockroaches and your spiders are going to be the ones to handle those cockroaches that come through.

But also cockroaches and your spiders are going to be the ones to handle those cockroaches that come through.

I tend to name mine sometimes thank you I see them. Yeah, exactly. I appreciate the good work that you're doing.

I tend to name mine sometimes thank you I see them. Yeah, exactly. I appreciate the good work that you're doing.

My daughter will call it dad. There's a spider in the tub, like, what's its name?

My daughter will call it dad. There's a spider in the tub, like, what's its name?

Yeah, exactly, because if.

Yeah, exactly, because if.

You can name it now, it's a friend. You know, they're there for a reason. Yeah.

You can name it now, it's a friend. You know, they're there for a reason. Yeah.

Made me think, actually, if you can speak to this, it'd be great, because I hear it all the time, the myth of the daddy long legs. You know, you hear that, you know, really their bite is so venomous and lethal, but they don't have their fangs as long.

Made me think, actually, if you can speak to this, it'd be great, because I hear it all the time, the myth of the daddy long legs. You know, you hear that, you know, really their bite is so venomous and lethal, but they don't have their fangs as long.

You have to really penetrate the human skin.

You have to really penetrate the human skin.

I hear.

I hear.

I don't know why I hear that myth so many different times growing up here. Can you just.

I don't know why I hear that myth so many different times growing up here. Can you just.

Light straight for us the truth? What is really going on with that?

Light straight for us the truth? What is really going on with that?

I have heard that too, Honestly.

I have heard that too, Honestly.

Spider venom across the board is not as lethal as people think it is, and that is still the case for this one as well.

Spider venom across the board is not as lethal as people think it is, and that is still the case for this one as well.

In fact, one of the most venomous.

In fact, one of the most venomous.

Spiders is the black widow spider, and for that as well, if they were to buy us, you can have a medical concern, but rarely.

Spiders is the black widow spider, and for that as well, if they were to buy us, you can have a medical concern, but rarely.

Is that the case.

Is that the case.

Usually if you have an allergic type of use.

Usually if you have an allergic type of use.

Just going to say or something.

Just going to say or something.

So, I think it's true that you know they're probably not going to be able to be bit by one, but the venom case, that is not true.

So, I think it's true that you know they're probably not going to be able to be bit by one, but the venom case, that is not true.

Yeah, no, exactly right.

Yeah, no, exactly right.

It speaks to what would you say to a kid if they see a spider, what's your recommendation.

It speaks to what would you say to a kid if they see a spider, what's your recommendation.

Yeah, if you see a spider, they do not want to touch you, and if they do, they're going to run away eventually, at some point they are not going to bite you unless provoked, And the best method is just the cup and paper. You can designate one in your home and cup and paper to move them outside if they make you uncomfortable. But sometimes I even use a stick, Especially for black widows, you want to be careful around them. I love black widows. They are welcome in my outside of the house. But if they do need to be relocated at all, I usually just take a long stick, put some of their web on the end of the stick, move the spider elsewhere. They're not going to climb up the stick and come running at you or anything, And that way you keep a little bit of a distance as well. But I do not spray or crash them at all.

Yeah, if you see a spider, they do not want to touch you, and if they do, they're going to run away eventually, at some point they are not going to bite you unless provoked, And the best method is just the cup and paper. You can designate one in your home and cup and paper to move them outside if they make you uncomfortable. But sometimes I even use a stick, Especially for black widows, you want to be careful around them. I love black widows. They are welcome in my outside of the house. But if they do need to be relocated at all, I usually just take a long stick, put some of their web on the end of the stick, move the spider elsewhere. They're not going to climb up the stick and come running at you or anything, And that way you keep a little bit of a distance as well. But I do not spray or crash them at all.

You can easily pick them up.

You can easily pick them up.

They will get startled and start to run around your cup, and I know that's like, oh my gosh, what's going on. They will settle down and once they're outside, it's it's totally I.

They will get startled and start to run around your cup, and I know that's like, oh my gosh, what's going on. They will settle down and once they're outside, it's it's totally I.

Mean, they're a little scared right again, the big mammals coming over. I also want to talk because we mentioned Wildlife Explorers base camp, but I know the public can't see it, but there is an amazing area where we're at right now, we're in the area. Can you describe to our guests really what's going on back here? We're in your office right now, but anyone across the way, you got some really incredible space happening.

Mean, they're a little scared right again, the big mammals coming over. I also want to talk because we mentioned Wildlife Explorers base camp, but I know the public can't see it, but there is an amazing area where we're at right now, we're in the area. Can you describe to our guests really what's going on back here? We're in your office right now, but anyone across the way, you got some really incredible space happening.

So in order to put the spiders out on habitat, and we do have the Propagation Center back here where we have a room bigger than this office full of those golden or weaver spiders and.

So in order to put the spiders out on habitat, and we do have the Propagation Center back here where we have a room bigger than this office full of those golden or weaver spiders and.

So it's really cool.

So it's really cool.

I've been in the once, you guys, and for those who love spiders, it's great, But don't imagine maybe for others, maybe a different experience better for that than you know.

I've been in the once, you guys, and for those who love spiders, it's great, But don't imagine maybe for others, maybe a different experience better for that than you know.

I do think it can be a very transformative experience for people because it is a beautiful room. It is very illuminated with natural light, tons of plants in there to help with that humidity. This species of golden or weaver is found in Florida, and so they need that tropical light with high UV and so sometimes we feed them with flies that can go around. But we could also throw crickets at their web as well. And I do tell people this, which might be a little odd, but I'll just sit in the middle of the floor and just throw crickets there. It's very peaceful, and then one just starts moving one at a time to go get to its food and it's a I think that's very beautiful experience. But sometimes there's thirty plus spiders in there. Yeah, and you look, you see the big females hanging there. Those are the big ones. The males are actually really tiny and they will be hanging out on the web with the females. They don't spin their own web, so they let the females do all the work. They just kind of hang out, let her eat and then they can hopefully mate eventually.

I do think it can be a very transformative experience for people because it is a beautiful room. It is very illuminated with natural light, tons of plants in there to help with that humidity. This species of golden or weaver is found in Florida, and so they need that tropical light with high UV and so sometimes we feed them with flies that can go around. But we could also throw crickets at their web as well. And I do tell people this, which might be a little odd, but I'll just sit in the middle of the floor and just throw crickets there. It's very peaceful, and then one just starts moving one at a time to go get to its food and it's a I think that's very beautiful experience. But sometimes there's thirty plus spiders in there. Yeah, and you look, you see the big females hanging there. Those are the big ones. The males are actually really tiny and they will be hanging out on the web with the females. They don't spin their own web, so they let the females do all the work. They just kind of hang out, let her eat and then they can hopefully mate eventually.

Yeah, I know, right, Well, it makes me think like we're raptors. The females are larger than the males. Is that generally the case for most spider species, or the females larger.

Yeah, I know, right, Well, it makes me think like we're raptors. The females are larger than the males. Is that generally the case for most spider species, or the females larger.

Yes, females will be larger for both spiders and tangelas.

Yes, females will be larger for both spiders and tangelas.

Ah cool, very cool, very cool. Well, I know we've got to wrap it up, getting close to time here, and I know you've got more to do with your day. But there's also one other thing we have to mention. It's and I might say it wrong, where the Irakans land when they've been confiscated for illegal trade. We don't do confiscation, but when the government does and it basically intercepts these illegal transports, we are one of the first places usually at least on the West coast, it gets called to see if we can house. Can you tell us a little bit about what our role is San Diegoo Wild Left Alliance for taking care of spiders that have been illegally taken from the wild and then also maybe add why can't we just send them back?

Ah cool, very cool, very cool. Well, I know we've got to wrap it up, getting close to time here, and I know you've got more to do with your day. But there's also one other thing we have to mention. It's and I might say it wrong, where the Irakans land when they've been confiscated for illegal trade. We don't do confiscation, but when the government does and it basically intercepts these illegal transports, we are one of the first places usually at least on the West coast, it gets called to see if we can house. Can you tell us a little bit about what our role is San Diegoo Wild Left Alliance for taking care of spiders that have been illegally taken from the wild and then also maybe add why can't we just send them back?

Yeah, so the San Diego Zoo is home to our Irakneed Rescue Center. And so we were talking about those confiscated trantelas. Oftentimes US Fish and Wildlife will find them being smuggled and they'll smuggle in little tiny spider links, so baby transliz.

Yeah, so the San Diego Zoo is home to our Irakneed Rescue Center. And so we were talking about those confiscated trantelas. Oftentimes US Fish and Wildlife will find them being smuggled and they'll smuggle in little tiny spider links, so baby transliz.

Or spy spider links. That's adorable.

Or spy spider links. That's adorable.

And they will transport them in soda straws. You know, it's very unassuming. You just think it, yeah, trash almost, but there's little spy in there. And so they'll find those and then they all need a place to go. So once they confiscate that, they're not going to put them in other people's homes. Again, these are illegal species to own, and a lot of them are susceptible to disease. We've had a case of a Tranchela that came to us with only four legs. Yeah, so they're also not treated very well in that process, and so we give them lots of love and attention here, and that transula came in with four legs with enough care has now been able to regenerate all eves it can regenerate.

And they will transport them in soda straws. You know, it's very unassuming. You just think it, yeah, trash almost, but there's little spy in there. And so they'll find those and then they all need a place to go. So once they confiscate that, they're not going to put them in other people's homes. Again, these are illegal species to own, and a lot of them are susceptible to disease. We've had a case of a Tranchela that came to us with only four legs. Yeah, so they're also not treated very well in that process, and so we give them lots of love and attention here, and that transula came in with four legs with enough care has now been able to regenerate all eves it can regenerate.

Else spiders can do that or just depending on the species or.

Else spiders can do that or just depending on the species or.

It does depend And with insects they molt up to a certain period of adulthood and then they're done. But tranchlas can still keep molting in their adulthood and once they do that molting process, they're able to regenerate.

It does depend And with insects they molt up to a certain period of adulthood and then they're done. But tranchlas can still keep molting in their adulthood and once they do that molting process, they're able to regenerate.

Yah, I or the oxlotow does it, but I know like spiders can do it that well as well.

Yah, I or the oxlotow does it, but I know like spiders can do it that well as well.

Yeah, so we've had some amazing success stories here, but we've had.

Yeah, so we've had some amazing success stories here, but we've had.

Over three hundred come through here.

Over three hundred come through here.

Wow.

Wow.

So it's a lot of Translas spiders that have been confiscated that did need a home. So they're here at the San Diego Zoo and it's hard to keep all three hundred.

So it's a lot of Translas spiders that have been confiscated that did need a home. So they're here at the San Diego Zoo and it's hard to keep all three hundred.

So other easy institutions can help us out with that as well.

So other easy institutions can help us out with that as well.

But we have learned so much about translas just from watching these and also those success stories.

But we have learned so much about translas just from watching these and also those success stories.

It sounds so cool.

It sounds so cool.

Wow, it all you know, went from four legs to eight likes. But actually watching that happen is an incredible thing to do, and it makes us feel very good about it too.

Wow, it all you know, went from four legs to eight likes. But actually watching that happen is an incredible thing to do, and it makes us feel very good about it too.

Yeah, obviously the optimal care is allowed that to be an optimal health so it can do that. One question I know we sometimes get from people who are like, well, Okay, they were confiscated and they're having problems in the wild, why can't you just send these guys back into the wild. So what's the reasoning behind that.

Yeah, obviously the optimal care is allowed that to be an optimal health so it can do that. One question I know we sometimes get from people who are like, well, Okay, they were confiscated and they're having problems in the wild, why can't you just send these guys back into the wild. So what's the reasoning behind that.

Yeah, once they're here, there's also part of an investigation that happens. It is a illegal crime, so that needs to be investigated. But you cannot send them back because they've also just been exposed to who knows what kind of disease, and invertebrates in general just have very low immune systems. So if you send them back, we don't know exactly where they came from, we don't know how they're going to survive, and they could spread lots of other pathogens to their wild counterparts. So they do have to remain with us or another institution throughout their pretty long lived lives.

Yeah, once they're here, there's also part of an investigation that happens. It is a illegal crime, so that needs to be investigated. But you cannot send them back because they've also just been exposed to who knows what kind of disease, and invertebrates in general just have very low immune systems. So if you send them back, we don't know exactly where they came from, we don't know how they're going to survive, and they could spread lots of other pathogens to their wild counterparts. So they do have to remain with us or another institution throughout their pretty long lived lives.

Yeah, but commitment, thank you for doing.

Yeah, but commitment, thank you for doing.

Yeah, that's great, That's why it's really important to try to end that wildlife trafficking because most of the times they cannot go back into the wild. So it's not as easy as you know, releasing the spider from your house back into the Yeah, it's not the same thing.

Yeah, that's great, That's why it's really important to try to end that wildlife trafficking because most of the times they cannot go back into the wild. So it's not as easy as you know, releasing the spider from your house back into the Yeah, it's not the same thing.

You know.

You know.

They're packaged in really weird materials with lots of other specimens.

They're packaged in really weird materials with lots of other specimens.

Travel halfway around the world. Yeah, Like you said, who knows what they've been exposed to and then what they'll bring back to their environment if theory put back.

Travel halfway around the world. Yeah, Like you said, who knows what they've been exposed to and then what they'll bring back to their environment if theory put back.

Yeah, and there's you know, not really a vaccine or cure that we can get to help prevent that, so we have to monitor them on our own.

Yeah, and there's you know, not really a vaccine or cure that we can get to help prevent that, so we have to monitor them on our own.

That's so cool.

That's so cool.

That's so cool.

That's so cool.

Well, last question, we'll let you go. If you could give any young listener out there listening right now, I'm going, ooh, I want to work with the ractids. I want to work with invertebrates. What would be your recommendation for that young kid to say, are setting their sights on to end up in the seat you're sitting right now.

Well, last question, we'll let you go. If you could give any young listener out there listening right now, I'm going, ooh, I want to work with the ractids. I want to work with invertebrates. What would be your recommendation for that young kid to say, are setting their sights on to end up in the seat you're sitting right now.

I mean, observation just does wonders. So head out to your backyard and if you see a spider, just watch from a pleasant distance, or you can get close. I did that a lot. I found many a black widow in my backyard wanted to really get a close look at that red hourglass. So maybe would not fully recommend doing that, but just be safe. But yeah, just watching those spiders in your backyards. Honestly, you can put a cup over them, watch them crawl around, and then nicely let them go afterwards. Learning about them and their behavior and just through observation is wonderful and that's going to help spark a lot of inspiration. And then you can even own a transla if you'd like.

I mean, observation just does wonders. So head out to your backyard and if you see a spider, just watch from a pleasant distance, or you can get close. I did that a lot. I found many a black widow in my backyard wanted to really get a close look at that red hourglass. So maybe would not fully recommend doing that, but just be safe. But yeah, just watching those spiders in your backyards. Honestly, you can put a cup over them, watch them crawl around, and then nicely let them go afterwards. Learning about them and their behavior and just through observation is wonderful and that's going to help spark a lot of inspiration. And then you can even own a transla if you'd like.

But keep doing.

But keep doing.

Yeah, the commitment. I was going to say, long lived animal.

Yeah, the commitment. I was going to say, long lived animal.

Yeah, it's a very long lived animal. So just knowing what you're getting into, and also one that requires you know, live food to be fed to it quite often too. A lot of people aren't quite comfortable with that. But if people are interested in entomology, you know, entomology is accessible everywhere, so just keeping your eyes out, reading lots of books. I know it's a studious one too, but a lot of what entomologists do is keeping up with research because things change every year. I would say, you know, keep talking about spiders and your interest with them with other people, because the more you talk about it, you also start to make a name for yourself. You get known as the hey, that's the bug lady or girl. I was totally that person in school. I used to bring spiders I found in my backyard to school, which people did not really appreciate it. But it became no surprise when I started to pursue entomology, and even here at the Zoo, I started driving the double decor tour buses for a bit, I told everybody there I love entomology, and eventually I was able to make my way here at the zoo as well. So just be loud and proud about it, keep your eyes feeled, and like.