Latest news with #Joro
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
What to know about invasive ant with fatal sting reported in multiple states
The Joro spider, Asian long-horned beetle and spotted lanternfly have company this summer. A "sneaky" invasive species that has a potentially deadly sting continues to spread across the U.S. and can be found in more than a dozen states, according to experts. Asian needle ants were first detected in the U.S. almost a century ago, but the species has continued to expand its reach, primarily throughout the Southeast, and this pest could potentially be deadly to humans, according to Dan Suiter, a professor of urban entomology at the University of Georgia. "It injects venom that can harm you. Its sting can be life threatening," Suiter recently told the university. Suiter added that people who have adverse reactions to bee and ant stings are especially vulnerable and could go into anaphylactic shock from the needle ant's sting. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds of being exposed to something you're allergic to, such as a sting, according to the Mayo Clinic. "If you suffer from anaphylaxis, you should really know what this ant looks like," Suiter says. "And it might be smart to carry an EpiPen." Suiter urged people to be vigilant for these invasive species, especially with ant populations peaking later this summer. What are Asian needle ants? Asian needle ants are technically known as Brachyponera chinensis – roughly translated as "short, wicked ant from China" – but their native range also includes Japan and the Koreas, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The insect was first discovered in the U.S. in 1932 in Georgia, but has only recently started to "cause problems in North America after being relatively unnoticed for many years," the U.S. Forest Service says. The pest has now been detected all the way from Washington state to Florida, according to the site as well as Mississippi State University, and the ant is recently getting more attention in Texas. Suiter says Asian needle ants are "sneaky" because they are less than a quarter of an inch long and are adept at hiding. "Unlike many invasive species that tend to colonize areas in the wake of natural or human disturbance, Asian needle ants are capable of invading undisturbed forest areas where they nest under and within logs and other debris, under stones, and in leaf litter," the U.S. Forest Service says. Environmental impacts According to Suiter, Asian needle ants wreak havoc in native environments. "They outcompete other ant species that are important to the ecology of that area," he says. Asian needle ants prey on other insects and are capable of displacing ant species that are critical for seed dispersal, according to the U.S. Forest Service. Researchers have documented large decreases in seed dispersal in forests where Asian needle ants are present. "Thus, this invasive species could have dramatic, long-term negative effects on forest understory," the service says. What should people do if they see Asian needle ants? Asian needle ants are about 0.2 inches in length, and dark brown or black with the end of the antennae and the legs being a lighter orange-brown, the U.S. Forest Service says. Other ant species can look similar, "so it takes an experienced eye to positively identify them," the service says. Suiter says that you can send a photograph or a specimen to a local University of Georgia Extension office, which can help with identification. The public can also contact a professional to come out and bait for the ants, he says. The U.S. Forest Service advises people to avoid the pest and to be especially vigilant in areas with logs and rotting or rocks were the ants can nest. "Unfortunately, as with many invasive species, it appears Asian needle ants are here to stay," the service says. Kristi Noem says "we are not going to let a repeat of 2020 happen" amid L.A. crackdown Magic in the dark: The fantastical worlds of Lightwire Theater Barbara becomes first hurricane of 2025 season to form in Pacific Ocean
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Yahoo
Razer's New Gaming Accessories Include an Immersive Audio Head Cushion
Heads up, gamers. Razer launched three new accessories on Thursday. The Razer Basilisk Mobile and Joro are an ergonomic mouse and keyboard designed for on-the-go gaming. And the intriguing Clio is a battery-powered head cushion for your gaming chair meant to deliver headset-like immersive audio without requiring the user to wear a headset. The Basilisk Mobile is the Razer compatible mouse that weighs 76 grams, has a four-way tilt scroll and up to 105 hours of battery life. It has 10 customizable controls, including a new AI Prompt Master, which allows gamers to access shortcuts on Razer Synapse 4, customizable software for your Razer devices. The Basilisk Mobile is $90 while the Joro is $140. Both products are available at and RazerStores. The Joro keyboard is 16.5 mm thin and has gaming grade keys with UV-coated ABS keycaps. It has 1,800 hours of battery life. The Joro is designed to support Apple devices with secondary keys and has a Microsoft Copilot Key for AI assistance. The keyboard also has wireless pairing via Bluetooth 5.0 and can switch between three devices. The Clio is a battery-powered wireless speaker head cushion from Razer that offers THX spatial audio. It includes angled speakers that bring the sound closer to the ears of users without making them wear a headset. Razer says the Clio can also be used as a standalone speaker. The Clio will be available May 16 for $229 at RazerStores and select retailers.
CNET
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CNET
Razer's New Gaming Accessories Include an Immersive Audio Head Cushion
Heads up, gamers. Razer launched three new accessories on Thursday. The Razer Basilisk Mobile and Joro are an ergonomic mouse and keyboard designed for on-the-go gaming. And the intriguing Clio is a battery-powered head cushion for your gaming chair, meant to deliver headset-like immersive audio without requiring the user to wear a headset. Joro keyboard The Joro keyboard is 16.5 mm thin and has gaming grade keys with UV-coated ABS keycaps. It has 1,800 hours of battery life. The Joro is designed to support Apple devices with secondary keys, and has a Microsoft Copilot Key for AI assistance. The keyboard also has wireless pairing via Bluetooth 5.0 and can switch between three devices. The Razer Basilisk Mobile mouse and Razer Joro keyboard are designed to be easy for gamers to take with them. The Basilisk Mobile is $90 while the Joro is $140. Razer Basilisk Mobile mouse The Basilisk Mobile is Razer's compatible mouse that weighs 76 grams, has a four-way tilt scroll and up to 105 hours of battery life. It has 10 controls that can be customized, including a new AI Prompt Master, which allows gamers to access shortcuts on Razer Synapse 4, customizable software for your Razer devices. The Basilisk Mobile is $90 while the Joro is $140. Both products are available at and RazerStores. Clio head cushion Razer's Clio is a battery-powered wireless speaker head cushion that offers THX spatial audio. It includes angled speakers that bring the sound closer to users' ears without requiring them to wear a headset. Razer says the Clio can also be used as a standalone speaker. The Razer Clio will be available May 16 for $229 at RazerStores and select retailers.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Yahoo
The Best National Parks For Wildlife Spotting During National Park Week, Data Shows
Did you know 57% of Americans love spotting wildlife? According to the latest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report, we're a nature-loving bunch, and there's no better time to channel that energy than during National Park Week (April 19 to April 27). With the National Park Service's Fee-Free Day happening on April 19, it's a great excuse to get outside, breathe in that fresh air, and maybe catch a glimpse of a bear, bird, or even a glowing scorpion. Outdoor apparel brand KÜHL dug into wildlife data across the country to find out which parks are best for spotting animals, from mammals and birds to spiders and snails (yes, really). They ranked parks based on eight wildlife categories and factored in both species diversity and visitor interest. So, where should you head for the best chance to connect with nature? Here's what the data says: Top spot for birdwatchers and one of the best for mammals, reptiles, and even Grand Canyon isn't just a jaw-dropping natural wonder, it's a biodiversity haven. With 447 bird species (including the rare California condor), it tops the list for birdwatching. Mammal lovers can spot 91 species, from bison to mountain lions. It's also home to 58 reptiles, including Gila monsters, and an impressive 142 species of spiders and some of them even glow under UV light, like the Bark Scorpion. And if you're into the more elusive creatures, this park is a hotspot for hard-to-spot species like the short-horned lizard and the red crossbill. Whether you're peering through binoculars or just enjoying a casual hike, the Grand Canyon is a wild place in more ways than one. The salamander capital of the world, plus a haven for spiders and black on the list, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the place for amphibian enthusiasts, with 52 species, including the mysterious hellbender salamander. It also ranks first for spiders and scorpions (969 species!) and slugs and snails (189 species). Add in 85 mammal species, including iconic black bears, and it's easy to see why this park draws millions each year. Birders and bug lovers alike will find something to geek out over here. Don't skip a walk through the misty forest trails where Joro spiders are now being discovered. Top spot for reptile lovers and a paradise for Bend takes the bronze, standing out as the #1 park for reptile watching with 59 species, like desert tortoises and Western diamondback rattlesnakes. It's also second for birdwatching with 412 species, from vibrant painted buntings to cheeky Mexican jays. But Big Bend doesn't stop there, it's also rich in mammal life, ranking fourth with 80 species, including javelinas, bobcats, and even the occasional mountain lion. Its remote, rugged landscape is ideal for nature lovers looking to escape the crowds. Bat caves by night, reptiles and birds by for its nightly bat flights, Carlsbad Caverns earns the fourth spot thanks to its thriving population of Brazilian free-tailed bats. And the wildlife magic isn't just underground, it also ranks fourth for birdwatching (362 species) and fifth for reptiles (43 species), including the Texas banded gecko. Want more? The park is also home to 68 mammal species, like Chihuahuan Desert pocket mice and Rocky Mountain elk. It's a surprising wildlife gem hiding beneath the desert landscape. Home to giants, both trees and the towering redwoods are the star here, but Redwood National Park is also a standout for animal life. It ranks first for mammal spotting (85 species), including Roosevelt elk, river otters, and Virginia opossums. It also ranks seventh for fish diversity (112 species), featuring creatures like salmon and tidewater goby. Birdwatchers can spot 288 species, including the elusive Marbled Murrelet, which nests in old-growth forests. It's the kind of place where you feel small, in the best way possible. Slug central with a side of rattlesnakes and Mountains may fly under the radar, but it ranks fourth in the U.S. for slug and snail diversity (47 species), including the Great Basin Mountain snail. Reptile fans can spot around 43 species, like the ever-iconic western diamondback rattlesnake. The park's 69 mammal species include mule deer and porcupines, making it a perfect spot for those who love quieter trails and unique desert wildlife. Alligators, crocodiles, and a mix of saltwater and freshwater Everglades rank third for reptiles (57 species), with American alligators and American crocodiles calling it home, one of the only places on Earth where both coexist. It also ranks third for fish (297 species), from tarpon to snook and redfish. Birdwatchers have plenty to celebrate too, with 358 species to spot, including rare ones like the Roseate Tern and Piping Plover. The Everglades' combination of marsh, mangrove, and coastal habitats creates a one-of-a-kind wildlife viewing experience. Dry, surprisingly full of might be the driest place in North America, but Death Valley is alive with unexpected wildlife. It ranks third in birdwatching with 386 species, like the quirky Greater Roadrunner and tiny Rufous Hummingbird. Reptile lovers will also enjoy the 35 species here, including the elusive Mojave Desert sidewinder. Despite the harsh conditions, this park proves that even the most extreme places can be full of life. Read next: Beyond the City Lights: Discovering the Beauty of Dark Sky Parks Insects galore, plus cranes, snails, and might be known for geysers and bison, but it's also home to 1,701 insect species, including the wetsalts tiger beetle and brine flies. It ranks seventh for slugs and snails (47 species) and eighth for bird species (289), with sightings like Whooping Cranes and Black Rosy-Finches. It's also eighth in spider and scorpion diversity (40 species). If you love learning about all the little creatures that keep ecosystems running, Yellowstone offers a truly layered wildlife experience. Read next: How Many National Parks Are There? Cactus country meets reptile and mammal out the top 10, Saguaro National Park is a must-visit for reptile lovers, with 51 species, including Western coral snakes, Gila monsters, and desert tortoises. Mammal fans can spot 69 species, like javelinas and bobcats among the towering cacti. Saguaro's desert landscape is teeming with life, even when it feels like the sun might melt your shoes. The contrast of blooming cacti, rocky trails, and scurrying wildlife makes this one unforgettable spot.
