Connect with us

South

Tarantulas are on the move and will swarm during mating season in certain states

Published

on

Tarantulas are on the move and will swarm during mating season in certain states


NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Tarantula mating season is here — and if you’re in the Southwest, you might see hordes of these fist-sized spiders marching across the landscape. 

From late summer through fall, male tarantulas emerge from their burrows on a singular mission: to find a female and mate before they die, experts say.

“These males … they’ve been alive for five to eight years,” Cara Shillington, a biology professor who studies tarantulas at Eastern Michigan University, told Fox News Digital. (See the video at the top of this article.) 

Advertisement

AMERICA’S SECOND-LARGEST CICADA SWARM IS ABOUT TO EMERGE ACROSS THE EAST COAST

“They have one mating season. At the end of the season, they will die.”

This means that if you see a tarantula out and about between August and October, you’re witnessing its grand finale — the final act in a long, hidden life underground.

Male tarantulas emerge only to find a mate when they reach sexual maturity at around 8 to 10 years old, after which they usually die within months. (iStock)

“Tarantulas are less active during the cooler months, spending this time dormant in their burrows,” Paul Biggs, a board-certified entomologist and technical services manager at Orkin, told Fox News Digital.

Advertisement

“Because of the harsh environmental conditions, they take shelter and conserve energy during this time,” added Biggs, who is based in Riverside, California.

Where to spot them

Tarantulas are commonly found across the Southern and Southwestern U.S., including in these states and areas:

  • Texas
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Oklahoma
  • New Mexico
  • Nevada
  • Utah
  • Southeastern Colorado

In some areas, their movements are so noticeable that the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website refers to it as “a migration.”

“They’re more scared of you than you are of them.”

Southeastern Colorado even hosts an annual Tarantula Festival in the town of La Junta, Shillington noted.

Tarantulas don’t just live on forest floors. The Colorado species also thrives in trees and prairie grasslands, said Shillington.

Advertisement

TICKS SPREAD TO NEW REGIONS ACROSS AMERICA, BRINGING DANGEROUS DISEASES AND NEED FOR VIGILANCE

“In Colorado, they are in very distinct burrows. In Missouri, you find them more frequently under rocks,” she said.

The spiders’ ability to burrow depends on the soil, the expert noted. For example, hard clay makes digging tough, so some may opt for hiding under natural cover.

“Tarantulas are less active during the cooler months, spending this time dormant in their burrows,” an expert said. (iStock)

What to do if you see them

First, don’t panic. Tarantulas are not aggressive and prefer to avoid confrontation. 

Advertisement

“Tarantulas don’t pose any threat at all,” Shillington told Fox News Digital. 

She noted that “they’re more scared of you than you are of them.”

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

The arachnids rarely bite, and if they do, it’s a defensive move, which is why it’s best not to try to pick one up or mess with it. 

“Any time you try to grab it, the first thing it’ll do is try and run,” said Shillington. “They respond to anything trying to grab them as a threat.”

Advertisement

Even though tarantulas are well-known in popular culture, and even as pets, scientists still have many unanswered questions. (iStock)

If you find one in your home, trap it in a large container and take it outside, said Shillington.

Biggs cautioned against using pest products, which may “make the situation worse.”

He advised, “If you can contain it to one area in the meantime, do so without physically handling it.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Advertisement

Even though tarantulas are well-known in popular culture, and even as pets, scientists still have many unanswered questions.

“We actually know very little,” Shillington admitted. “I don’t know when exactly they first come out or what prompts them. I have no idea how far they are walking to find females.”

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle

She and her team are working to track activity across tarantula territory to better understand how the spider’s behavior changes over time.

Advertisement



Source link

Virginia

How to Watch Virginia vs. Duke Basketball Game Online Without Cable

Published

on

How to Watch Virginia vs. Duke Basketball Game Online Without Cable


If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.

This weekend’s college basketball slate kicks off with a blockbuster showdown between the No. 11 Virginia Cavaliers and the top-ranked Duke Blue Devils. They’ll be playing in Durham, where Duke has been undefeated for over a year. Virginia (25-3), however, has been on point all season and stands a chance at snapping the Blue Devils’ home court winning streak.

At a Glance: How to Watch Virginia vs. Duke Basketball Game

  • Stream: Sling
  • TV channel: ESPN
  • Date, time: Saturday, Feb. 28 at noon ET

The Cavaliers are coming off a big 90-61 win over NC State, and are looking to extend a nine-game winning streak. The Blue Devils are hot off a massive 100-56 victory against Notre Dame. Duke is seeking another shot at the title this year after falling to No. 1 Houston in last year’s Final Four.

If you don’t have a way to watch Saturday’s Virginia vs. Duke game, read on. Ahead is a quick guide on how to livestream Virginia vs. Duke with Sling, plus key details about the matchup.

How to Watch Virginia vs. Duke Basketball Game Online

Saturday’s Virginia vs. Duke matchup will air on ESPN. If you don’t have cable, you can watch the game online using any live TV streaming service that carries the channel. One of our favorites is Sling, which offers flexible packages and a great channel lineup.

Advertisement

ESPN is included in Sling’s Orange and Orange + Blue packages. The Orange plan carries 30+ channels, including CNN, TNT, HGTV, and ID, as well as ESPN. This plan is available as a monthly subscription, starting at $45.99 a month, but Sling also offers short-term passes that are ideal for catching individual games or tournaments. A one-day pass costs $4.99, a three-day pass costs $9.99, and a seven-day pass costs $14.99.

Trending Stories

If you want more channels, upgrade to the Orange + Blue package. This plan starts at $60.99 a month and carries 50+ channels, including local networks (in select markets), Fox News, NFL Network, and everything in the Orange package.

Virginia vs. Duke Game Date, Start Time

The next Virginia vs. Duke basketball game takes place on Saturday, Feb. 28. Tip-off is at noon ET.



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

West Virginia

As Mountaineers try to move forward from recent struggles, freshman sensation Dybantsa awaits – WV MetroNews

Published

on

As Mountaineers try to move forward from recent struggles, freshman sensation Dybantsa awaits – WV MetroNews


MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — West Virginia is mired in a three-game losing streak for the first time under head coach Ross Hodge.

To make the slump a thing of the past, the Mountaineers have to find a way to be successful Saturday against No. 19 BYU when the teams battle at 5:30 p.m. Saturday inside Hope Coliseum for a matchup airing on FOX.

That means contending with freshman sensation AJ Dybantsa, the leading scorer in the Big 12 Conference at 25.1 points and one the top pro prospects in all of college basketball in recent memory.

“He’s definitely worthy of all the praise and attention that he’s gotten,” Hodge said. “What impresses you as much as his talent, which is very impressive, is his commitment to his teammates and how he celebrates those guys and his leadership for a young player on top of what he can do individually.”

Advertisement

At 6-foot-9, Dybantsa has a surplus of size for a primary ball-handler. It’s part of what makes his skill set so unique. He shoots north of 53 percent from the field, averages almost seven rebounds and four assists and shoots more than eight free throws per game thanks in large part to an ability to consistently draw contact.

Feb 21, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; BYU Cougars forward AJ Dybantsa (3) drives while being defended by Iowa State Cyclones forward Joshua Jefferson (5) during the first half at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images

“He’s a problem in every facet of the game,” Hodge said. “He certainly can distort you in ways that a lot of people can’t because of his size, versatility and fluidity. Typically, in your transition defense, your guards are going to be the ones stopping the ball and he can create an automatic mismatch from the jump because he has the ball in his hands so much.”

The Cougars are relying on Dybantsa even more at present after Richie Saunders suffered a significant season-ending injury. Saunders averaged 18 points and has missed three straight games, and in essence four, as the injury occurred in the first minute of what amounted to an overtime victory against Colorado. Saunders’ 64 three-pointers remain a team high, but Dybantsa has the luxury of another consistent scorer in guard Robert Wright III, who averages 18.1 points and has 50 triples.

BYU averages 84.6 points, good for second among Big 12 teams.

“Do you play [Dybantsa] individually and live with if he gets 35 or 40, or try to shrink gaps and live with are these other guys going to make shots? That is the challenge,” Hodge said. “He’s shown the ability that he can beat you both ways.”

Advertisement

The Cougars (20-8, 8-7) have dropped two of their last three and six of nine since a 17-2 start. Most recently, Central Florida had its way offensively and cruised to a road win over the Cougars, 97-84, on Tuesday.

WVU (16-12, 7-8) has lost three straight by a total of 18 points, most recently suffering a 91-84 overtime setback at Oklahoma State on Tuesday.

The Mountaineers struggled to get stops for much of the contest, with Hodge referring to the first half of that game as his team’s worst defensive half of the season.

Still, much like the game before at TCU, the win was there for the taking late and the Mountaineers were unable to close strong.

West Virginia continues to put itself in position where it’s required to overcome significant second-half deficits, and while the Mountaineers have often caught up or led late, they’ve been unable to pull through recently.

Advertisement

WVU has played eight straight games decided by 10 or fewer points and recorded a 3-5 record over that time.

“The initial aftermath of any loss you’re going to be disappointed, but we’re mature enough and from a leadership standpoint,” Hodge said. “It’s hard not to just fall into the trap of you win and you’re great, you lose and you’re terrible. We’ve been fortunate enough to win some one-possession games that easily could’ve went the other way and the last three games we were in easily could’ve went our way, but they didn’t. 

“But you’re not looking at an insurmountable mountain to climb. A block out here, a free throw there, a rebound here, a made shot here, a missed shot here, that’s the difference in what you’re dealing with. Do you have the emotional intelligence and maturity to stay the course and stay together, which this group does better than anybody I’ve been around, and still find a level of excitement in what you’re doing every day. That’s where if you love basketball and love each other and love challenges, then you’re going to be in the right place. There’s going to be a certain level of excitement even in the midst of disappointing times.”



Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Dallas, TX

Downtown Dallas Inc. backs relocating aging City Hall, redevelopment of site

Published

on

Downtown Dallas Inc. backs relocating aging City Hall, redevelopment of site


Downtown Dallas Inc. announced Friday that it backs the potential relocation of City Hall and redevelopment of that site, adding support to a high-stakes decision about the city’s urban core.

Related

“DDI believes this is a generational opportunity to modernize and elevate how Dallas delivers public services,” said its president and CEO, Jennifer Scripps. “But we must be equally clear: Any future City Hall belongs within the highway loop in downtown.”

She said the current building “is no longer serving its intended purpose,” adding that key government functions are “inefficient — truly stymied in that space.”

Advertisement
Jennifer Scripps, president and CEO of Downtown Dallas Inc., delivers opening comments...

Jennifer Scripps, president and CEO of Downtown Dallas Inc., delivers opening comments during the group’s annual meeting at the Fairmont Dallas on Feb. 27, 2026.

Steve Hamm

DDI, a nonprofit, promotes downtown Dallas, and its board voted unanimously this week to back the course outlined by the City Council’s Finance Committee, Scripps said at the group’s annual meeting at the Fairmont Dallas.

Political Points

Get the latest politics news from North Texas and beyond.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

That committee this week asked city staff to shift 311, 911 and emergency operations to a new government center as soon as possible, explore moving all other functions and pursue redevelopment options for the current site at 1500 Marilla St.

Downtown business interests favor redevelopment of the property for mixed-use projects and other ideas, while preservationists have called for protecting the I.M. Pei-designed building.

Last year, City Council members directed City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert to assess the building’s condition. She engaged the nonprofit Dallas Economic Development Corp. to lead the review.

Related

Vehicles pass along Young St. overlooking Dallas City hall  on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, in...

The EDC’s report, released last week, found that fully repairing and modernizing City Hall could cost taxpayers more than $1 billion over 20 years.

DDI also is urging city leaders to pursue a redevelopment strategy for the existing site that builds on major public investments already underway downtown, including:

Advertisement
  • The Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center
  • The Black Academy of Arts and Letters
  • Dallas College
  • Memorial Auditorium, the planned future home of the Dallas Wings

Scripps said downtown offers assets that could be repurposed to consolidate city functions and improve public access.

She also said the organization hopes the Mavericks basketball team and Stars hockey team remain in or near downtown, “where they belong.”

    Moving Dallas Wings to American Airlines Center not a viable option, CEO says
    Volunteers of America Texas is taking over Dallas home repair program



Source link

Continue Reading

Trending