Les Causeries du ROM
As the Web Turns - Exploring the Complicated World of Black Widow Spiders

Redback female with two males (one dead following copulatory cannibalism, one courting) Photo credit: Ken Jones

Date

Samedi, nov 29, 2025 13:00

Début des inscriptions

Jeudi, sep 4, 2025 10:00

Emplacement

Niveau B1,
Théâtre Eaton

Tarif

Les Causeries du ROM - Grand public: Gratuit Le ROM branché - Enseignant(e): Gratuit

Public

Adultes
Nous joindre

À propos

2025 Quimby F. Hess Lecture 

Their bite releases neurotoxins into their prey, the females eat the males after mating, and they prefer to nest in dark, undisturbed areas. Spiders are icons of pop culture, and the dramatic lives led by Black Widow spiders are a subject of fascination and fear. Join senior researcher Maydianne Andrade as she teases out what makes these creatures a unique and valuable part of global ecosystems, including two species you may encounter in Canada. This heavily illustrated talk provides a window into the world of these fascinating creatures that live alongside us. 

Program Partner: Toronto Entomologists’ Association 

Speaker

Maydianne Andrade, University Professor at U of T Scarborough
Maydianne Andrade

Maydianne Andrade is a University Professor at U of T Scarborough, and a Fellow of the Animal Behavior Society. She studies how sexual selection and ecological contexts shape reproductive behaviours and fitness in spider species. With a PhD in Neurobiology & Behavior from Cornell University, Maydianne has almost 30 years of experience in science research, teaching, and outreach.

Andrade is Past-President and co-Founder of the Canadian Black Scientists Network (CBSN), and, as founder and co-Chair of the Toronto Initiative for Diversity & Equity (TIDE), she has been leading inclusive conversations & workshops regarding equity and bias for more than 10 years inside and outside the University. 

With a strong affinity for public science education, you can see or hear Maydianne on The Nature of Things  (Bug Sex: It’s Complicated!, First Animals, The Great Wild Indoors), CBC Radio's Ideas,  and hosting the podcast The New Normal. 

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Ces conférences sont offertes en anglais seulement.