BugAttractionGenifer is my first trained spider, and perhaps the first ever. She is a smart and friendly Phidippus Regius aka Regal Jumping Spider. She is as different from other spiders as we are from other mammals.
She was domestically bred and raised from a tiny sling with near daily interaction. She never developed her natural predatory fear or defensiveness. I was always just a part of her everyday life.
Now by trained, I don’t mean fetching the paper or performing tricks. It’s much more like learning to play ball with your dog. We both alter our instincts to engage in a mutually beneficial ‘game’ of sorts.
After a lifetime of arachnophobia, I discovered this unique species with cognition that rivals many vertebrates. They can be very cat-like, and have amazing sensory perception. I found nearly all of them could be tamed, or calmed to the point of no longer running and hiding.
But Genifer was the first among several since to ‘get the game’ so to speak. She would come to me when prompted, and accepted subtle direction. I could guide her to respond predictably and consistently. She would let me know her interests and I would feed her curiosity.
There have been others since, like Rebecca, a Phidippus Audax Jumping Spider as you can see in my other videos. But Genifer remains the smartest and most intuitive spider I’ve encountered so far. She taught me how to interact with all of the others.
All original content - For Educational Purposes. Copyright: Kyle Burdash aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus Project
Genifer, the Adorable Trained Jumping Spider gives High FiveBugAttraction2017-12-02 | Genifer is my first trained spider, and perhaps the first ever. She is a smart and friendly Phidippus Regius aka Regal Jumping Spider. She is as different from other spiders as we are from other mammals.
She was domestically bred and raised from a tiny sling with near daily interaction. She never developed her natural predatory fear or defensiveness. I was always just a part of her everyday life.
Now by trained, I don’t mean fetching the paper or performing tricks. It’s much more like learning to play ball with your dog. We both alter our instincts to engage in a mutually beneficial ‘game’ of sorts.
After a lifetime of arachnophobia, I discovered this unique species with cognition that rivals many vertebrates. They can be very cat-like, and have amazing sensory perception. I found nearly all of them could be tamed, or calmed to the point of no longer running and hiding.
But Genifer was the first among several since to ‘get the game’ so to speak. She would come to me when prompted, and accepted subtle direction. I could guide her to respond predictably and consistently. She would let me know her interests and I would feed her curiosity.
There have been others since, like Rebecca, a Phidippus Audax Jumping Spider as you can see in my other videos. But Genifer remains the smartest and most intuitive spider I’ve encountered so far. She taught me how to interact with all of the others.
All original content - For Educational Purposes. Copyright: Kyle Burdash aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectMy Hyllus Diardi Jumping Spiders -male and female.BugAttraction2022-01-03 | These amazingly beautiful jumping Spiders are known as Hyllus Diardi. They are among the largest of known jumping spiders. And they are incredibly beautiful.
I have gotten them out a few times to explore the surroundings of my home. They are quite friendly, but I believe we would have a stronger connection if I’d raised them friends m juveniles.
Both seem very healthy and responsive to my presence.Charley, the free roaming jumping spider is such a good pet.BugAttraction2022-01-03 | Charley comes out whenever hungry or thirsty. I make sure that Charley’s needs are always met. So curious, and such an explorer. Charley has been thought to be a female, then a male. But shows indications of both. Either way, Charley has been a lesson in keeping without confining.Charley The Free Roaming Jumping Spider - commentaryBugAttraction2021-12-26 | Charley is one of my Bold Jumping Spiders. There has been a lot of discussion about how to best care for them, set them free, or exterminate them. I wanted to offer a thoughtful follow-up to what I perceive as a personal, and unwarranted attack on Tarantula Kat. She has likely done more than most to educate others and is a true educator and entertaining informer. But the commenter has also caused me to reflect on my own keeping of them. And I wanted to offer this as both support, and introspect. Keeping and caring for them matters to me. And it seems a distorted sense of priorities to spend so much time criticizing keepers and educators, who likely save countless numbers of them from fires, floods, or intentional extermination. She and others like her change minds, and even cure phobias. So while this lacks the production value that Tarantula Kat often puts into her entertaining and informative series, I hope she and others might find some value in it.My Biggest Jumping Spider Yet. Beautiful Hyllus Diardi!BugAttraction2021-11-22 | This is my first Hyllus Diardi. The largest, and perhaps most extraordinary I’ve encountered. Take a look. She’s so beautiful. I haven’t yet decided on a name. Suggestions are welcome.Adult Ghost Mantis - Part of my menagerieBugAttraction2021-11-20 | Compared to many other praying mantises, the ghost mantis is a "miniature species"
It comes in various brownish shades from very dark brown to greenish gray. An individual's colors change between molts and are also dependent on light and humidity levels.
Phyllocrania paradoxa is camouflaged so as to appear as dead, dried-up leaf material.
Predators such as birds tend to overlook insects that resemble their background, and by staying still the ghost praying mantis can go unnoticed.
If threatened, big nymphs and adult females adopt thanatosis, i.e. they play dead, whereas adult males run or fly away.
P. paradoxa oothecae can hatch out up to three dozen young.
All original content. Copyright Kyle Nelson Burdash aka Bug Attraction / Phidippus ProjectMy Biggest Jumping Spiders So Far So Big! Unboxing A Pair of Hyllus Diardi.BugAttraction2021-11-20 | Unboxing my newest additions. Some of the biggest and most beautiful pet Jumping Spiders I've seen.
Those of us who live in northern states may occasionally run into a bold jumping spider. Bold Jumpers, or Phidippus Audax are quite hardy, tolerant of varying temperature and humidity.
Phidippus Regius, or Regal Jumping Spiders are perhaps the most popular, but also come from warmer and more humid climates.
Hyllus Diardi are often twice the size, very fast, but require much more care. They are also extraordinary creatures. I'm thrilled to have them!
All original content. Copyright Kyle Nelson Burdash aka Bug Attraction / The Phidippus ProjectToday’s Vespids. My Family of Wasps. In changing the way I look at things, things I look at changed.BugAttraction2021-10-21 | I rescued this nest more than a year ago. Everything about my experiences and interactions contradicts past experiences, and much of what has been written about them. Please watch and listen. You’ll see they do not all look alike. Nor are they aggressive. It’s been reported that they show evidence of facial recognition, and even recognize threats and non-threats. My goal from the beginning was to get them to accept me as a part of their everyday lives. As you can see and hear, they clearly do.One of my pet wasps. I’ve named him Gerald. Narrated. Explore at your own risk.BugAttraction2021-09-12 | It’s all in how you ‘talk’ to them.
There’s a story behind all of this that has changed my view of life and living things. I should note that I have spent most of life terrified of spiders and wasps. But especially spiders. My worst nightmares were those in which I’d walk into webs. I was one of those who would freak out and tip over furniture if I spotted one near it.
I was cleaning my garage one day and grabbed a handle, touching a big black furry spider. She did not bite, but fell to the ground. I was about instinctively about to smash her when she turned and looked at me. She had no escape, and I swear I could see the fear in her little face. I saved her instead, putting her outside. My wife thought I was crazy when I told her that it turned and looked at me again, then slowly crawled under the foundation of my house. I encountered her a few more times, and she behaved as if she recognized me - no kidding. You can actually see her in one of my older videos on this channel. It was the first spider video I posted.
I’ve since learned there are about 45,000 species of spider, a few of which are known as Phidippus Regius, and Phidippus Audax, or Regal and Bold Jumping spiders. They are among a very few that have extraordinary vision, can actually hear, and not only have memory and can learn, but also show evidence of facial recognition. I began keeping a few, but it was still years before I’d put my hand near one, let alone having one touch me. Then came Genifer. She was a Regal Jumping spider with unusual abilities that taught me more about how to interact with them than any other.
The short answer to your question is that I keep about a half-dozen, mostly in enclosures, but also have a few free-roamers, like Charley who lives in the Aero-garden on my kitchen table. Spiders can bite, but rarely do, and only if they are being caused physical harm. No spider is just going to run out and bite your toe, or whatever. In fact, even when I feed them by hand, they carefully avoid it.
Nearly all spiders have venom. Most is relatively harmless to us, and most of what we think are spider bites are actually something else. Jumping spider venom is not considered harmful to humans, but here’s the more important part. IN OVER EIGHT YEARS OF HANDLING HUNDREDS, EVEN WILD ONES, NOT ONE HAS EVER TRIED TO BITE.
Once we make a trust-connection, I can literally tickle their fangs, and they don’t bite. I can coax them onto my hand, or give them a gentle nudge in the direction I want them to go, and they haven’t bitten me even once. This species has fairly complex and easily interpreted visual signaling, and will display a defensive posture and back away if they feel threatened. But in most cases, it’s like befriending a stray dog. Once they ‘sniff’ you, so to speak, you’ll both know if your safe for each other.
It’s Genifer that really taught me how to engage not only other spider species, but the wasps as well. I don’t know if it’s a mindset, or some pheromone we put off if we are fearful or friendly, but I’ve never been bitten or stung, even by accident.
If you look through my other videos, you’ll see all of this including larger species and other jumping spiders I’ve trained as well.
All original content. Copyright Kyle BURDASH, a.k.a. Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectMy Pet Spider and One of My Pet Wasps. With Commentary.BugAttraction2021-08-24 | I was once the worst arachnophobe. Many of my nightmares involved spiders. And I would run away from wasps, often swatting them away. But as I have learned more about them, and how they act, I've come to recognize they reflect our own behaviors. I feel safe, so they feel safe. They are very intuitive.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectMy first Regal relationship since Genifer. Raw, and unedited. (Narrated) Please watch to the end.BugAttraction2021-07-23 | All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectTaming my wasp family - A wasp conversationBugAttraction2021-05-29 | An new and unexpected guest arrived on my shoulder. I thought it was Ralph, but it was Someone entirely new. I spent some time getting to know him. I’ll share that later. For now, watch h them getting to know each other.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectMy Pet Wasp Ralph. He is so smart. Ive named him Smart Ralph. He is a visitor in my home.BugAttraction2021-05-19 | One of my great mentors was a man named Ralph Smart. He taught me about communications, and assisted me in my early career. I've named this was after him, since he opened my mind to new possibilities. He's quite special.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectWasps of the Day - How I Do It (climbs on my finger at 6:02).BugAttraction2021-03-19 | I saved this little family of paper wasps and have been caring for them for some time now.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectMy New Ghost MantisBugAttraction2021-01-18 | I usually work with creatures that can bite or sting, like spiders and wasps. I’ve always loved Mantids. This little one was a gift from friends. I’m just learning about them.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectIt’s more than bugs. Birds come to me as well. I saved this one from a cat attack.BugAttraction2020-10-15 | I saved this one from a cat, and returned it to its anxious mother. Most birds should be left alone. But there are occasions where I can’t help but intervene.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectSpiders taught me how to talk to waspsBugAttraction2020-10-15 | Nobody likes wasps. And when this nest blew down in a wind, there was a time I would have destroyed them. Most people would too. But then I’d have missed an opportunity for something really amazing.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectPet Spider - The Amazing Adventures of Nexi, Genifers Daughter (and Olive, the Wild-Caught Dog)BugAttraction2020-09-29 | Nexi is the daughter of Genifer, the original High Five spider. She is much darker in color, but has much the same personality. She has no fear. She loves textures and colors, and seemingly responds to faces. Back-story: Olive the Dog was found in the wilderness by hunters. Lost or abandoned, she wore the scars of skirmishes with wild animals. Her eyes were hollow, her ribs were showing, and her coat was thin. She would cower each time a birds shadow passed our window, and would hug the walls in the rare times shed come out at all. Outside, she would frantically pace the yard, and it could be difficult to get her back in. It took nearly three years to get her to come out from under furniture.
Now, she's the most amazing pet we've owned. I could not interact with the spiders the way I do had it not been for Olive. She taught me patience, and how to free a life by always making it feel safe.
All original content copyright: Kyle Burdash aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectHow To Bond with Your SpiderBugAttraction2020-09-28 | This is an excellent educational example of how to begin with your spider.
Be certain your hands and any surfaces they'll be on are free of any lotions, soaps, or or other residue. Scented candles, incense, and other air fresheners can also leave a film on surfaces. They are meticulous groomers, and basically everything they touch will end up in their system. When young spiders die for seemingly no reason, it usually has something to do with some kind of toxic exposure. Chlorine and fluoride in tap-water may also cause potential health issues. I always use filtered water to make sure they stay hydrated.
I know that some people have either expressed some reservation or they're just having difficulty bonding with their spiders.
This is just a little newbie for some of those who don't quite have adult spiders but let's just take a few minutes here.
They're all a little bit different and they're going to be a bit skittish at first - that's sort of natural.
I usually see if she'll take a drink from a q-tip or corner of a clean, wet paper towel. I use filtered water.
Please, be so careful because you don't want to injure your spider, obviously. Also, be very careful about getting big drops of water especially in your smaller spiders containers because you don't want their book lungs to get filled with water and we've actually seen little tiny spiders drowned even in in mist droplets if they're not careful.
They're going to be a little skitty on your hand at first just be aware of that, and that's okay. They really don't like to feel your skin but give them time and you see that they'll make eye contact with you.
I would just kind of block their path carefully you don't want to put your hand down on them but just give them a chance to come to you.
If they back up that's more of a defensive posture as you can see but usually if you just go a little bit further out, they'll warm up to a little bit.
It might take longer with some than others but be patient, and let them come to you.
Not everybody's spider will bond right away, but take your time they'll eventually get there.
The thing that's really interesting to me is that they do make eye contact and they seem to notice that there's a 'you' that exists beyond the end of your finger.
In other words I'll have them touch my thumb and then they'll look up at me in the face which i find really interesting like what do you want me to do?
Don't be afraid of them. They are quite harmless and they're also very state conscious and so they'll kind of sense if you feel safe and relaxed. If you're up tight then that may make them up tight too.
Again they'll all be different your spider might not be that friendly at first and if not that's okay it'll take time they all have little different personalities so anyway hopefully that's helpful thank
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectHow To Train Your Spider Starring Rebecca the Jumping SpiderBugAttraction2020-09-11 | Rebecca is a Bold Jumping Spider aka Phidippus Audax. Like Genifer the original Hi-5 spider, and Lucas the animated spider, she is quite adorable and loves to play.
She has many surfaces available, and many directions she could go.
Instead, she continually returns to the same spot and waits for my finger to jump.
All original content copyright: Kyle Burdash aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectGenifer the Trained High Five Pet Jumping Spider Learns by TouchBugAttraction2020-09-11 | Genifer is the original Hi-5 trained Jumping Spider. She is claimed by thousands to be the inspiration for Lucas, the animated spider.
Genifer is a Phidippus Regius, or Regal Jumping Spider.
They see better than most, can sense sound vibration, are able to solve 3D mazes, show facial recognition and memory.
They are also incredibly tactile, and appear to sense something through touch similar to a dog sniffing your hand. Once they trust you, their behavior changes.
She is the smartest and most adaptive Jumper I've encountered.
All original content copyright: Kyle Burdash DBA Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectRescued Paper Wasp Finds Safety in My HandsBugAttraction2020-08-19 | Awareness, level four. We see them as pests. But they can be quite friendly. This little Paper wasp was struggling and thirsty. I gave him a drink, and let him stay for a while.
All original content copyright: Kyle Burdash aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectNexi the Sweet Jumping Spider July 9 2019BugAttraction2019-07-10 | This video is about Nexi July 9 2019
All original content copyright: Kyle Burdash aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectWolfman JackBugAttraction2019-06-10 | This video is about Wolfman Jack. Jack is a large male wolf spider. He was originally very shy. He became stuck between objects and was in a panic. I rescued him and our relationship changed.
What I want you to recognize here is that spiders are remarkably intuitive.
Jack is quite receptive to interaction. Some people write these action off a defensive response, and I can just tell you that it's not.
We just really underestimate them overall.
These guys move incredibly fast, and can probably run about the same speed we can?
But as you can see and their intuitive nature is just really surprising. Now I don't see them as having the sort of adaptability that jumpers do. But I get that they have some sense of you.
I don't know if it's a sense of smell or whatever but they clearly have some sensory perception.
Now if he were defensive, he'd be running away and he'd probably have a bite reflex.
It's like a dog smelling the back of your hand and they kind of know whether or not you're a threat.
We've been able to sort of bond here. You see how big he is. They live quite a bit longer from what I understand than the jumpers do. While he's not quite as intuitive or interactive as the jumpers , he's still pretty smart.
One of the things that really impresses me about this particular species is that there's not a lot of propensity for the females to eat the male's, number one, and number two; the females keep their young with them. They actually nurture them for quite some time and they'll keep the babies on them for some time, and I think it says something about their character.
All original content copyright: Kyle Burdash aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectMissy the Cat-Faced Orb WeaverBugAttraction2019-03-15 | Missy is a Cat-Faced Orb Weaver - Araneus gemmoides. She would have died last fall, but decided to hang around with us for the winter. She gets scared easily, but once she recognizes me, is no longer threatened. Spiders are much smarter and more gentle than I ever imagined.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectMissy the Cat Faced Orb Weaver Rides AgainBugAttraction2018-11-20 | Missy is a Cat Faced Orb Weaver aka Araneus gemmoides. As a former arachnophobe, I never could have imagined this kind of understanding. Jumpers are cute, but Missy here is a bit more intimiating, at least until you know her. She was a gift from a neighbor who was about to destroy her. We've made friends and she has gotten quite comfortable around me. I don't know if she mated, but she did lay a beautiful orange clutch which I can only hope is fertile. Missy is well past her lifespan, and appeared dead a few days ago. I went to remove her and she wobbled to life again. She has since been quite active. Not sure how long she has, but she is here now, awake and aware.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectMissy the Cat Face Spider - Give Her a HandBugAttraction2018-10-26 | Missy is a Cat Face Orb Weaver. According to wikipedia, Araneus gemmoides, commonly known as the jewel spider and cat-faced spider, is a common outdoor orb-weaver spider found in the USA and Canada. They are considered harmless and have low-toxicity venom. A. gemmoides are useful natural predators for insects. Spiders bute far less often thatn dogs, and Ive found them to be far more predicatble. It has been a journey to get to a point where I could allow her to climb on me. We instinctively have a revulsion to such creatures. But in working with Jumping Spiders over several years, I have come to understand all spiders better, and learned to interact in way I would never have thought possible. My mind has evolved as a result. Creatures I once feared, some with good reason, and others without foundation, have become important relationships that have caused me to revisit my beliefs - my illusions of certainty - about all other beings, including people.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectNexi - Genifers Oldest has Gone to the Dark SIdeBugAttraction2018-10-23 | Nexi is Genifer's oldest surviving female. She is a Phidippus Regius, or Regal Jumping Spider. Having emerged from the clutch back in Februry of 2018, she still appears to be only a sub-adult due for at least on more molt. She appears to have adapted her color, either to environment or as a result of being in close proximity to Bold Jumpers that are mostly black and white. Meanwhile, many of the Bold jumpers that were formerly black and white are showing signs of turning lighter, displaying browns, tans, and golds. (Sorry about the focusing issues)
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectMissy Gets a Drink - Cat Faced Orb Weaver - Araneus Gemmoides - Slo-Mo begins at 2:00BugAttraction2018-10-22 | Missy is a Cat Faced Orb Weaver. She has been a house guest since saving her from an earlly freeze. She has been quite content to stay in an uncovered aquaruim where she routinely spins a beautiful web inside. I feed her crickets and the occasional wax-worm, but she also catches the occasional loose fly, and even a pesky Box Eleder bug form time to time. Jumping Spiders are considered much cuter, and are certainly more interactive, but Missy is quite passive. I can even gently (very gently) stroke the tiny hairs on the back of her abdomen and she doesn't seem to mind at all. Like many of the other creatures I once feared, I've discovered she seems to sense intentions. She recognizes I am no threat, and responds without fear or threats of her own. She really is quite remarkable.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectWill it sting? Yellow Jacket wasp crawls on my hand.BugAttraction2018-10-20 | DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME! Will it sting if it crawls on me? Can a yellow jacket be friendly? This little one and I had met before. I saw it was struggling, cold, and could not seem to fly. Why should I care, its just nasty wasp, right? But I sensed it meant no harm, and perhaps it sensed I didn't either as it touched its antenna to my fingertip. I gave it some sugar water, and watched as the light came back into its eyes. It seemed almost grateful, if such a creature can even be such a thing. But we shared a moment , no doubt. From butterflies to dragon flies, luna moths to spiders af various kinds, bugs and I have always shared an attraction. It is quite remarkable, if only to me.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectGenifer the Intelligent Spider Goes For A Walk - with school pics at endBugAttraction2017-12-26 | Genifer takes an interest in many things, particularly colorful art. Wait for the school pics at the end.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectGenifer gets defensiveBugAttraction2017-12-06 | Genifer is often given water on from the corner of a wet paper towel. The cotton swab surprises her. She backs away in a defensive display, but quickly realizes there is no threat. For those who might suggest that her other interactions are defensive in nature, this is what a defensive posture really looks like. :-)
All original content copyright: Kyle Burdash aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectGenifer the Jumping Spider watches herself on TVBugAttraction2017-12-02 | Genifer is an unusually intelligent Phidippus Regius or Regal Jumping Spider. She is tame and adorable, and insatiably curious. She watches herself in the mirror and will sit for long periods watching activity on the computer monitor, especially if she is watching video of herself.
All original content copyright: Kyle Burdash aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectGenifer the Jumping Spider in the mirrorBugAttraction2017-12-02 | Genifer is a Phidippus Regius aka Regal Jumping Spider. There are those who study entomology who suggest this is just a "display", but anyone who has spent 20 minutes with one can tell the difference. Genifer initially raised both front legs and exposed her fangs. But after several days, she now appears to "play" in the mirror, for lack of a better description. This is NOT as some would have you believe, a defensive display.
All original content copyright: Kyle Burdash aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectGenifer, the smart and friendly Regal Jumping Spider Gets a handBugAttraction2017-12-02 | Genifer aka First Gen is one of the first in a generation of smart spiders. She is as different from other spiders as we are from other mammals.
Notice how she responds to invitations.
For educational and informational purposes, what Genifer demonstrates is that these bonds between arachnids and humans are possible.
All original content copyright: Kyle Burdash aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectGenifer the smart Jumping Spider Catches a SnackBugAttraction2017-12-01 | Genifer here as a beautifully colored sub-adult Phidippus Regius or Regal Jumping Spider. She is domestically bred and receives almost daily attention. She is also the smartest I've encountered in many generations.
We're still getting comfortable with each other here. The most important thing is to always make her feel safe.
She has about two more molts before becoming a full adult, and they are vibrant at this stage.
Genifer the Spider is the inspiration for the Phidippus Project. The Project educates others about spider intelligence online and in person at exhibits, festivals, and other events.
The purpose is to encourage interaction and to help people overcome unfounded phobias.
All original content copyright: Kyle Burdash aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectOne of our many Phidippus Audax Males I believe this NevilleBugAttraction2017-04-22 | Neville the Jumping Spider just hanging out on some other spider's enclosure.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectRiley in Self ReflectionBugAttraction2016-09-02 | Riley seems to be checking out that other spider in the reflection of the kitchen faucet. Do these legs make my butt look big?
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectRoberta the Jumping Spider has a flirtatious encounter with that sly devil, FrankBugAttraction2016-05-02 | Frank and Roberta had a brief first encounter. It's the same old story. Boy meets girl, boy waves his big arms in the air, and chases girl until she catches him. Unfortunately, the chemistry just wasn't there, so Roberta wandered off in search of a more favorable suitor, or..., judging by her size, another cricket. She's had her eye on Jeff for a while, and perhaps Frank is just not her type? She's saving herself for the right Spider to settle down and hatch a family. C'est la vie.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectBrittany, the Jumping Spider, Grooms and PreensBugAttraction2016-04-25 | Brittany, the Jumping Spider, enjoys looking her best, and spends a lot of time grooming and preening. Look at the amazing detail! Footage shot by Apple iPhone 6s 3840x2160 H.264 - 29.98fps 4k.Brittany, the Jumping Spider, Studies Her New HomeBugAttraction2016-04-25 | This is Brittany, the Jumping Spider. Here, Brittany begins exploring her habitat. It looks as though she might be planning some home improvements! Footage shot by Apple iPhone 6_1920x1080 H.264_60 fps
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectFirst Contact: Along Came a Spider, and said; Oh, hello...BugAttraction2015-07-18 | Recorded June, 2013.
THE REAL STORY..., is in how this encounter ultimately shifted the course of my life and my understanding. I make no claim to the science or any conclusion. This is just my story and what can't be demonstrated can certainly be considered.
This was my first real contact. I met this large lady upon grabbing the handle of a garbage can. I felt her fuzzy little body, and by all rights she should have bitten me. Either she didn't, or she couldn't, but she fell untethered to ground.
She writhed around like she was hurt or at least stunned. But she quickly gathered herself and scurried for cover. I noticed her little head turning and looking for options, and seemingly recognizing there was no escape.
Still cringing myself, I instinctively went to step on her, not knowing any difference between she and a rattlesnake in terms of danger. And Yuck! She was on me! But she stopped in her tracks with nowhere to run, and looked back at me with resignation as if to say; "Please! Don't hurt me..."
Real or not, I shifted in that moment. I saw more than a thing, I saw her. Stranger still, when my energy shifted, so did hers. It can't be explained, only experienced, that she interpreted the change in my intent and dropped her guard.
She watched as I grabbed a paper towel to put her outside. She climbed on willingly when I set it before her, just far enough to be safe, and stopped as I raised her from the ground and carried her to the back yard.
I placed her near the sunny foundation of my home. She climbed off of the towel onto the concrete where I expected her to run away. She didn't. Instead, she turned and looked back at me. I must have been saying something as she tilted her head, and then turned and casually wandered under a nearby brick.
It was the next encounter that really confirmed there was something to see. I saw her again near where I had released her. I had temporarily moved the garbage can from from which she'd fallen and placed it adjacent to that same area.
Upon seeing it there, this hefty little lady reemerged, trekking across an expanse of concrete to get to it.
I attempted to guide her back into the grass, but she was determined in her direction. It became readily apparent that her destination was where I had originally encountered her. She wanted back in the can.
I had a large popsicle stick from a not-so-recent ice cream, and by whatever impulse compelled me at that moment, I placed the dry side flat in front of her. She looked up at me, paused, cautiously reached out and felt it before climbing on.
OK, I thought, this is unusual..., and I began to lift her toward her destination. But about a foot off the ground, she panicked, jumping to the of with her legs flailing about. But..., she seemed game to try it again, and so I presented the option again, and went slower this time, but as she ascended, she freaked out again. For all she knew, I was about to pop her into my mouth as a snack.
I grabbed a longer metal bar that put me at a greater distance form her. Quite amazingly, she accepted my invitation to climb on once again - a third time, where I lifted her slowly to the rim of the garbage container.
It was at this point I grabbed my camera, and capture this last encounter her you see posted here, and the first of what would be many such interactions of discovery.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectHero HD GoPro mini wearable camera 5 sec time lapseBugAttraction2010-11-15 | This isjust under a day in just under a minute test footage from the Hero (naked = $259). There are several modes for video and several intervals for time-lapse recording. Pretty impressive.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectBirds in Slow Motion Sony XR500BugAttraction2010-05-24 | Here's a little experiment. Sony's "Slow Movie Record" technology compresses 240fps for three seconds into a buffer and then processes it for another 12 seconds resulting in a 12 second shot. It appears to process at 60i. So I edited this in Apple's Final Cut into a 720-60p timeline, then used Apple's cinema tools to conform the sequence into 24p, resulting in changing the already slow-motion video to a relatively smooth 40%. If my math is correct, playback is actually 6.25% of normal speed. There is a significant loss of quality, but this video also has a bit of digital zoom, you should be able to tell which shots.Panasonic HMC-150 Winter Park sample video 720 60pBugAttraction2009-12-31 | While 1080 24p is all the rage with its "filmic" look, I've been experimenting lately with the smooth video look and higher frame rate of 720 60p. As you can se from earlier posts, about the only thing to shoot around here in the winter is at the park, usually on an only partly sunny day, without many subjects aside from trees and birds. Hopefully this will give you some sense of picture quality. Scene file one as set to factory and auto-iris and AWB.
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectPanasonic GH1 Night lights Temple Square Salt Lake CityBugAttraction2009-12-27 | Yes folks, I ventured on to the Salt Lake City Mormon Temple Grounds and lightning did not strike me. I am continually more impressed with the GH1. This footage was taken (in 18 degree temps) with the 20mm f/1.7 Panasonic "Pancake) lens
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus Project.Panasonic GH1 Birds on a cloudy day 60p conformed to 24pBugAttraction2009-12-22 | Birds at the park. First real test with the GH1 on a hazy, cloudy, low contrast day. I'm pretty impressed! Shot at 720P 60fps and conformed with Cinema Tools to 23.98fps. Some auto correction and audio redubbed at normal speed. I think I may sell my camcorders!
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectSony HDR XR500 (left) vs. Canon HF S100 (right) Image stabilization comparisonBugAttraction2009-09-22 | Side by side Sony HDR XR500 vs. Canon HF S100 Image stabilization comparison. THIS SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR IMAGE QUALITY COMPARISON. This is not a high resolution file by any means and iris and white balance settings may be set to other than auto. The intent here is to show how steady the two cameras are when set upon the same solid surface. I still believe the Canon has a crisper, somewhat better quality image. But for image stabilization, the Sony is the clear winner.
All original content copyright: Kyle Burdash aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectDay at the zoo with HDR XR500BugAttraction2009-09-05 | HDR-XR500 shot at 1080i and down-converted to 720p
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash, aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus ProjectWhite-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyla lineata) commonly known as a Hummingbird MothBugAttraction2009-08-27 | White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyla lineata) commonly known as a Hummingbird Moth. What's buggin' me now? After sneaking into our home for the evening, we captured this sizable hummingbird moth and released him on our petunias. Apparently, he had worked up quite an appetite flapping around in our skylight all night. Bugs love me:} And I love my new little sony XR500!
All original content. Copyright: Kyle Burdash aka Bug Attraction The Phidippus Project