Josh Cassidy

3 weeks ago | kqed.org | Josh Cassidy

Apr 22Failed to save articlePlease try againRegal jumping spiders train themselves from a young age to become masterful hunters. From the day they leave mom’s silk nest, the tiny spiderlings practice, practice, practice, using some of the best vision in the animal world, athletic leaps, sharp fangs and lethal venom. TRANSCRIPTWith fangs that bite … venom that paralyzes … and liquifies. This regal jumping spider rules her tiny garden domain.

Oct 22, 2024 | kqed.org | Josh Cassidy

Oct 22Failed to save articlePlease try againTo bring all the bees to the yard! These pollinators love warm, bright blooms early in the morning. But how did these plants end up facing east? It turns out they spend their whole life getting in just the right position. TRANSCRIPTSee how all these sunflowers are facing the same direction? They’ve been preparing for this moment their entire lives – to be pointing towards the sun just as the bee flies by.

Oct 8, 2024 | kqed.org | Josh Cassidy

Mosquitoes kill hundreds of thousands of people each year … the most vulnerable people: children, pregnant women. No other bite kills more humans … or makes more of us sick. So what makes a mosquito’s bite so effective? For starters, they’re motivated. Only females bite us. They need blood to make eggs … and a pool of water for their babies to hatch in. Even a piece of trash can hold enough. At first glance, it looks simple — this mosquito digging her proboscis into us.

Jul 9, 2024 | kqed.org | Josh Cassidy

Jul 9Failed to save articlePlease try again Six-rayed sea stars make great moms! Unlike most sea stars, mama six-rayed sea stars are VERY involved in their kids’ lives, caressing and protecting their babies for months. When they’re big enough, the youngsters venture out on their own to ruthlessly hunt down their tiny prey. TRANSCRIPTThis little starfish has a secret. She’s hiding something precious beneath her … Her babies.

Mar 26, 2024 | kqed.org | Josh Cassidy

Mar 26Failed to save articlePlease try againThey’re also kind of a plant. And they’re practically immortal. They use simple eyes called ocelli to seek out the sunniest spots on tropical coral reefs. Where they spread themselves out like beach blankets. But they don’t just lay around sunbathing all day. Acoels are also skilled hunters. They catch prey by engulfing them with their body and jamming them into their mouth. You can see their meal trying in vain to escape. Also, they don’t have a butt.