Are your spider senses tingling?

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December 5, 2023

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Editor’s Questions for this month’s test were contributed by Greg Baumann; Michael Broder; Foster Brusca; Doug Foster; Mark Sheperdigian, BCE; and Desiree Straubinger, BCE. Want to know how you did? The answers are listed at the bottom of the page.

Jorōs on the move

A new, peer-reviewed study at Clemson University finds that Jorō spiders (Trichonephila clavata) are here to stay and spreading fast.
To assess the Jorō’s native range, the study used modeling techniques based on 20 separate variables. The results point to the species being adaptable enough to eventually inhabit most of the Eastern U.S.

Like other large-bodied orb-weavers, Jorōs capture and feed on flying insects and potentially other small animals. In fact, initial reports suggested the species was beneficial because it eats brown marmorated stink bugs (Halyomorpha halys) and other nuisance species. The displacement of native species in many areas, however, has overshadowed the benefits.

Answers to December Tech Test
1. True, 2. True, 3. True, 4. True, 5. d, 6. False, 7. True, 8. b, 9. True, 10. True

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