While many people are afraid of spiders, not all of these eight-legged creatures are actually vermin. The brown huntsman spider, for example, is quite adept at killing cockroaches. Around 450 spider species have been recorded in Taiwan, but the estimated number of arachnid species to be found in the wild actually exceeds a thousand. The Endemic Species Research Institute (ESRI) has set up a Web page on Facebook — The Spider Club: Taiwan Spider Studies — to encourage the public to help create a platform for sharing data on various spider species.
ESRI says that relatively few spiders pose any apparent threat to humans, adding that the few highly poisonous spiders found in Taiwan include Macrothele taiwanensis and the female redback spider. You can avoid putting yourself in harm’s way by not trying to catch any of these spiders, the institute says. There is no shortage of uniquely shaped spiders out there, including the Cyrtarachne bufo, which disguises itself as bird excrement, the ant-like Myrmarachne formosana, or the crab spider which exhibits an eyeshade-like feature and the Ariamnes with its adorably long, slender body.
(Liberty Times, Translated by Kyle Jeffcoat)
Photo courtesy of the Endemic Species Research Institute
照片由特有生物研究保育中心提供
許多人雖然怕蜘蛛，但這些八條腿的動物不見得都是害蟲，像是白額高腳蛛，可是剋蟑高手。目前台灣記錄到的蜘蛛有四百五十種，但野外估計應有千種以上。特有生物研究保育中心成立臉書社團「蛛式會社—台灣蜘蛛研究」，號召民眾協助建立蜘蛛物種時空分布資訊。
特生中心指出，僅有極少數蜘蛛對人體有顯著危害，在台灣僅長尾蛛、赤背寡婦蛛等具較強毒性，只要不徒手捕捉，就能避免傷害。其實有不少蜘蛛造型特殊，如偽裝成鳥糞的鳥糞蛛、擬態成螞蟻的蟻蛛、戴著眼罩的蟹蛛、身體細長的蚓腹蛛等，模樣可愛。
（自由時報記者鍾麗華）
Photo courtesy of the Endemic Species Research Institute
照片由特有生物研究保育中心提供
Photo courtesy of the Endemic Species Research Institute
照片由特有生物研究保育中心提供
After steel and aluminum, US President Donald Trump has set his sights on slapping 25 percent tariffs on semiconductors, cars and pharmaceuticals. Trump has already slapped additional 10 percent tariffs on goods from China and has also threatened tariffs on Canada and Mexico, plus ordered a study into putting into place reciprocal tariffs. Here’s a look who would be hit the hardest if US import tariffs on semiconductors, cars and pharmaceuticals go into force. SEMICONDUCTORS: ASIA IN THE CROSSHAIRS Semiconductors, or microchips, are the brains in our electronic devices and demand has soared with the development of AI, which
本文由生成式AI協作，本刊編輯編修。 Tucked away in southwestern Taiwan, Yunlin County is a treasure trove of cultural heritage, rich history, and natural beauty. From its stunning temples and glove puppetry to historical architecture and picturesque landscapes, Yunlin rewards those who venture off the beaten path. Yunlin is renowned for its flourishing temple culture. Temples in this region are not merely places of worship but also communal centers where people gather for festivals, rituals, and social functions. One of the most notable temples here is the Beigang Chaotian Temple, which was built more than 300 years ago and is dedicated to Matsu, the sea
Noise pollution is a frequently underestimated environmental hazard. While hearing loss is the best-known outcome associated with noise, emerging research is uncovering how noise affects our health in other ways. From impaired memory and sleep disturbances to cardiovascular problems, the impact of noise is profound. For a start, unpleasant or excessively loud sounds can lead to stress and divert attention. Even everyday noises, such as those caused by traffic, lawnmowers, and construction work, can interfere with cognitive functions and elevate stress levels. “Our ears capture sound, but we hear with our brains,” explains Wei Sun, an audiology researcher at
Nestled within the heart of Taipei, National Taiwan University (NTU) contains a grand and spacious sanctuary where nature and academia come together in perfect accord. Across its expansive 111-hectare campus, NTU reveals a landscape rich with history, lush greenery, and a thoughtfully preserved ecosystem. This tranquil haven invites visitors to take their time wandering among the elegant buildings, to admire the rare plants, and to experience a space that exudes quiet inspiration. Zhoushan Road: A Gentle Prelude to NTU’s Tranquility Beginning at Gongguan MRT Station, the enchanting avenue Zhoushan Road leads visitors into NTU shaded by golden rain trees, cottonwoods, and Javanese
RSS