April Fool’s Day isn’t just for prank‑loving humans – nature has its own little jokesters. But unlike our April Fool’s pranks, their tricks aren’t just for laughs, it’s a matter of survival. Lara Shepherd and Phil Sirvid introduce some amazing critters that use clever costumes, ranging from clear contenders forRead more
March 14 was International Save a Spider Day, and this year, we’ve taken a closer look at an iconic group of New Zealand spiders – the tunnelwebs. Not only were these spiders the inspiration for the design of Shelob in Peter Jackson’s Return of the King, but their family isRead more
Along with Simon Pollard, Curator Invertebrates Phil Sirvid is the co-author of Why is that Spider Dancing? The Amazing Arachnids of Aotearoa. The insect-inspired sequel The Incredible Insects of Aotearoa launches in May 2025. Here, Phil gives us a sneak peek between the covers. Inside The Incredible Insects of Aotearoa, Simon andRead more
Welcome to the second instalment of the April Fool’s Day Files, where we celebrate the conniving con artists, tantalising tricksters, and devilish deceivers of the natural world. This year, Natural History curators Phil Sirvid and Thom Linley illuminate how animals lie with light. The bioluminescent light some animals make is a chemical reaction of luciferin, named after Lucifer, the Lightbringer, the Great Deceiver, and the Father of Lies, it’s time to trick with light!Read more
March 14 is Save a Spider Day, and this year, Curator Invertebrates Phil Sirvid is answering some spidery questions from the public and Te Papa kaimahi. ️Read more
Did you know that insects, spiders, and other “bugs” make up well over half of Aotearoa New Zealand’s animal diversity and that most of them are found nowhere else on planet Earth? These creatures keep our crops and flowers pollinated, our soils aerated, our streams and forests healthy, our wasteRead more
April Fool’s Day is a time when fibs, fabrications, and falsehoods come to the fore! While we humans do this in (mostly) good fun, in nature deception is a serious business, often with life-or-death stakes. In this post, Phil Sirvid and Lara Shepherd share some of their favourite liars fromRead more
You may be surprised to learn March 14 is Save A Spider Day. As they are not always the most popular of animals, some readers may be wondering why on Earth anybody would want to save spiders at all! In this blog, our spider man and spider fan Dr PhilRead more
Te Papa contains about 1.5 million natural history specimens. Many of these have been gifted by donors with some 16 000 people collecting specimens for Te Papa. Research Associate Peter Beveridge has donated over 6000 specimens to Te Papa, with his first donation more than 70 years ago. Science ResearcherRead more
You, dear reader, likely fall into one of two categories: you either like spiders, or you moved because there was one in your last house. Although, to be honest, if you don’t like spiders you probably haven’t made it this far. Resident spider expert Phil Sirvid (likes spiders) dives into why this is.Read more
A recent blog about white-tailed spiders by spider expert Phil Sirvid prompted a flood of questions from our readers. Phil answers some of these and attempts to alleviate your fears.Read more
White-tails are blamed for lots of nasty symptoms, and have developed something of a bad reputation, but is it deserved? Bug expert Phil Sirvid sorts fact from fiction.Read more
Despite appearances, this is not a mutant tree wētā. The coils emerging from the rear of the wētā belong to one or more Gordian (or horsehair) worms. Bug expert Dr Phil Sirvid explains the bizarre behaviour of this parasitic worm and why this specimen is a tour favourite.Read more
Imaging specialist Jean-Claude Stahl explains why photographing a water bear is such a ‘bugbear’ and bug expert Phil Sirvid fills us in on exactly what a water bear is, and why they are one of the most indestructible creatures on the planet.Read more
Ever felt like you’re removing more spiders from your home in summer compared to the rest of the year? Our bug expert Phil Sirvid explains why spiders are so prevalent in summer, and what kinds commonly turn up in Wellingtonian’s homes.Read more
