If someone told you there’s a spider in Hawaiʻi with a smiley face on its back, you might assume they’re exaggerating. Or joking. But this tiny creature is very real, and it’s one of those nature ...

Spider scientists are an optimistic crowd. Perhaps it’s just that we see things from a different angle to arachnophobes. If you don’t believe me, look up Theridion grallator. Researchers from my field ...