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These creepy crawlers must defend themselves from many predators, such as lizards, snakes, and birds.

Tarantulas May Have Evolved Hair to Defend Against Army Ants

A new study on tarantulas reveals surprising insights into their relationship with army ants.

Happy September 9, everybody!

Why Is September the Most Popular Birthday Month in the U.S.? People Have Theories

What September lacks in major holidays, it more than makes up for in birthday parties—here’s why that could be.

A detail from Rembrandt’s masterpiece ‘The Night Watch.’

16 Things You Might Not Know About Rembrandt’s ‘The Night Watch’

Completed in 1642, Rembrandt van Rijn's The Night Watch is not only a highlight of a career that spanned over 600 paintings, but also acclaimed as arguably the greatest portrait of the Dutch Baroque era.

There's a bat somewhere in here.

Can You Spot the Hidden Bat in This Spooky Image?

There’s a bat lurking somewhere among the ghosts, black cats, and pumpkins in this Halloween hidden image puzzle.

You better knock, knock, knock ... on wood.

Why Do We Knock On Wood?

Discover the origins of the classic phrase 'knock on wood,' which could be tied to a Victorian-era children's game or have more direct ties to old pagan traditions.

Scenes from the 2019 Hispanic Heritage Parade in New York City.

5 Ways to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month, a celebration of Hispanic culture and history, offers a number of in-person and interactive events to get you plugged in.

If stored correctly, these beauties will last for many months.

A Simple Trick for Keeping Your Apples Fresh for Longer

Apple season is among us. Here’s how to make the produce last for as long as possible.

Do you know all of the abbreviations on this list?

The 20 Most-Googled Text Abbreviations

See which text abbreviations have people turning to Google.

You know what they’re singing.

The Real History of the Folk Song ‘Kumbaya’

From a heartfelt spiritual, to a children’s campfire song, to a powerful protest anthem, to a derisive phrase, “Kumbaya” is certainly a bit of a musical chameleon.

It might not look like much, but this Neolithic door is as old as Stonehenge.

The Secrets of 8 Amazing Historic Doors

Historic doors can reveal a lot about their times—like the medieval trend of covering doors in (allegedly) human skin.

Can you figure it out?

Can You Solve This Old-Timey Riddle? #6

This riddle dates back to the 17th century—can you figure it out?

We hope this vehicle is stationary.

Why Do Dogs Stick Their Heads Out of Car Windows—And Is it Safe?

Dogs love a good sensory experience. But letting them stick their head out of a moving car’s window is not a good idea. Here’s why.

Their ghosts didn’t actually campaign.

6 Politicians Who Got Elected Despite Being Dead

Several politicians have won elections posthumously. And no, fraud was not to blame.

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart star in 'Twilight' (2008).

11 Illuminating Facts About the Movie ‘Twilight’

It’s never a bad time to talk about the baseball scene in ‘Twilight.’

Porbeagle sharks can grow up to 12 feet long and can weigh around 500 pounds.

7-Foot Shark Likely Eaten By Great White in First Documented Attack of Its Kind

The new discovery could change the way scientists think about shark predation.

This or that?

14 Commonly Confused Things

In this episode of The List Show, host and Mental Floss editor-in-chief Erin McCarthy breaks down some commonly confused pairs.

How does your country rank?

The Countries That Swear the Most, Mapped

It’s probably no #*$@ing surprise who came out on top—but some of the rankings might surprise you.

This recipe is a great way to upgrade spaghetti.

Make This Tomato Sauce Recipe a Staple in Your Home

Try this tomato sauce recipe from ICE if you’re bored of pre-packaged options.

Abraham Lincoln just after uttering his last words.

The Last Words and Final Moments of 39 U.S. Presidents

Some presidents’ last words have been profound (“This is the last of earth; I am content”) and others have been merely practical (“Help!”).

Grab your magnifying glass.

Definition Detective Quiz #4

We give you an obscure word with four definitions—one correct, three made up. Can you identify the correct one?

There’s a reason they’re not rectangular.

Why Are Airplane Windows Round?

Believe it or not, the shape of airplane window is a matter of life and death.

Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

The Oldest University in All 50 States

Seven of the eight Ivy League schools make the list.

Astronomically speaking, fall doesn’t start until late September.

What You Should Know About the 2024 Fall Equinox

The fall equinox lands on Sunday, September 22 this year. Here’s what you need to know about the first day of autumn.

Scientists can now better understand how supermassive black holes and stars interact.

See How Black Holes Shred Stars in This Groundbreaking Simulation

A scientific breakthrough in astrophysics demonstrates how stars and supermassive black holes interact.