Virtual Creature Festival: Black Widow

During the month of October, we will explore the world of NJ’s creepy-crawly fauna and flora and things that go bump, squawk, grunt, (or even stay silent) in the night and day! Also, remember to check out Duke Farms Eventbrite for a wide array of virtual programs to learn more about NJ’s best bears, bats, bobcats, beautiful amphibians, reptiles, as well as other important oozy critters and the concern about climate change’s already negative impact on their future.

As we open the door to October…

"Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many and quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
“Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door-
Only this, and nothing more.”

Remember this poem? Maybe this is who is knocking at your door to welcome you to the Duke Farms Virtual Creature Fest!

Creature Fest just would not be complete without the presence of some of New Jersey's spine-tingling spiders. When you hear "black widow", does the name strike fear into your heart? This spider is just 1/4 inch in diameter and an inch and a half from one leg tip to another. Still, it has a legendary reputation of being one of the most venomous spiders. There are 30+ species worldwide, but only two species are found in New Jersey - both are a patent leather-like black with red hourglass markings on their abdomens. 

Download the full PDF here.

This resource was created by Joanne Vogel and Kate Reilly.