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In 2008, 14-year-old Taylor Wilson accomplished something extraordinary in his garage - he built a working nuclear fusion reactor. While billion-dollar labs struggled with fusion technology, this teenager created a small but functioning fusion device using vacuum pumps and determination. The reactor wasn't a power plant, but rather an inertial electrostatic confinement device that successfully produced plasma and neutrons. This made Wilson the youngest person in history to achieve nuclear fusion. His achievement caught the attention of the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Energy. They supported his later work developing radiation detection technology, which earned him top honors at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. The original fusion reactor was later relocated to the University of Nevada, Reno, where it continued to advance scientific research. Taylor's early breakthrough helped launch his career as a nuclear scientist and inventor. Sources: Kids Discover, TED Talks, Wikipedia #NuclearFusion #YoungInventors #ScienceInAction
My cats are usually pretty mellow, BUT they are indoor cats because my last died from feline leukemia virus and I didn't want to risk a repeat, so after seven years indoors my Siamese kitty escaped, and she was out for a week but finally came close enough for me to grab her but she was enjoying her time outside killing things and did not want to come in so a normal docile cat turned into a ball of flying claws resembling the old cartoons. I dropped her on my foot, resulting in a laceration, followed by an infection, a week in the hospital and five weeks at home on IV antibiotics, so yea.
🇨🇳🇺🇸🧵 Comment la Chine a mis fin à la guerre tarifaire avec l’Amérique… avec un calme mortel ! 👇
1. Pas de conférences, pas de menaces, pas de spectacle. Une seule déclaration de Pékin : Nous augmentons les tarifs douaniers sur les produits américains à 125 %. C'est la dernière modification. Quoi qu elle fasse l’Amérique, ne répondra plus.
Its getting ridiculous that everytime a black attacks someone without provocation there are a gaggle of people claiming it was self defense... it's fucking insane.
Dont forget Darrell Brooks and the Wakasau tragedy.
There was a small syntax bug that was causing the sytem to error out
when resetting rating terms.
Also plugged a bug that was returning locations with ony one block
count, which is below the criteria for instances that should be listed
and shown in …
Amir Makled sat down with All Things Considered host Juana Summers to describe his experience, and what it could mean for other attorneys who are going against the wishes of the Trump administration.
Il faut parfois savoir laisser derrière nous les gens qui ne peuvent grandir. Les resistances qu’ils expriment face à la nécessité d’évoluer vers une version moins surfacielle, plus authentique de …
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To learn how you can lend 50,000 US dollars to our holding and to get detailed information, send a message to my whatsapp number or telegram username below and I will give detailed information.
For detailed information, send a message to my WhatsApp number or Telegram username below and I will give you detailed information.
If you want to lend 50,000 US dollars to our holding, send a message to my whatsapp number or telegram username below.
You can contact us by sending a message to my WhatsApp number or Telegram username below.
touhou-project.news/news/13976… Something or other non-joke Touhou 20 announced. First demo 5/5, so we've got a month. Full release within the year as always. Reimu's been hitting the mines it seems. These gem collection mechanics look so damn silly.
Catturd ™@catturd2 My patience is wearing thin when it comes to arresting government thieves, Jeffrey Epstein’s rape island pedos, the thieves who have stolen trillions that doge has exposed, the traitors who setup Trump, the network who tried to assassinate Trump, the child traffickers, the traitors who stole the election in 2020, The Covid demons who lied about everything and killed millions. Our swatters, the hundreds of Congress members who are getting rich through insider trading. And on and on and on … I trust Trump and team - but we must have accountability- if this doesn’t happen with hundreds, possibly thousands of arrests of these traitors- nothing changes.
Kennedy orders food companies to remove artificial dyes like Red 40 within two years or face penalties. He exposed private talks with major brands and criticized corporate influence on FDA policy.
Same exact thing happened to me. I was 5'11" in high school. Now I'm 5'10" (and I'll be 53 in June). My doctor told me it was because as you get older the discs in your spine literally shrink and don't have as much elasticity as they do when you're younger.
A former coworker of mine back when I worked at Home Depot Corporate in the security group raved about her inversion table. Almost bought one but I was afraid I might get stuck. 😳
ive been having a lot more overstimulation crying lately
i was in vc for far too long, the dogs were really loud when i was outside with them for an hour, and when i went back in, everyone kept stepping on me when i was trying to calm down with a rhythm game
so now im in the bedroom alone to calm down and it's crying time
Since the Colonel had to pass on our regular show this week, I went back into an old recording I had done one a friend's channel a few years ago. Andrew (The Patriot1776) invited me onto his channel t
I am starting new thread for this here, as it was on my prior account (kho on shitposter.club)
Today's bug:
Desert Locust upsurges aren’t a new phenomenon. Locusts are one of the oldest migratory pests in the world and have wreaked havoc on crops across the globe for centuries. When huge swarms infest many countries and spread across several regions or continents, it becomes a plague. A plague of Desert Locusts, the most destructive locust species of all, can easily affect 20 percent of the Earth's land, potentially damaging the livelihoods of one tenth of the world's population and seriously affecting food security.
An adult Desert Locust can consume its own weight in fresh food per day. To bring that into focus: just one small swarm (1 km2) has the potential to eat the same amount of crops in one day as 35 000 people.
The Entomological Society of America (ESA) announced in June, 2021, the common names for the moth Lymantria dispar and the ant Aphaenogaster araneoides, "Gypsy moth" and "Gypsy ant," had been removed from their Common Names of Insects and Related Organisms List.
The ESA confirmed the names had been scrapped as they contained an "ethnic slur," and were "identified as containing a derogatory term for the Romani people." (gypsy niggers) However, until a new name is found, you’re likely to see use of this outdated and offensive moniker continue.
Adult females have white or light beige wings, but they can’t fly. Males are smaller than the females, and have brown wings with dark markings and feathery antennae, which they use to sniff out their mates.
Since the females can’t fly, the males must seek them out by detecting their sex pheromones.
The adults lack mouthparts so they don’t feed, and will only live as long as is needed for mating and egg laying, often less than two weeks.
The Giant Katydid is a member of the Tettigoniidae family and is native to the rainforests of Malaysia and other parts of Southeast Asia. This insect caught the attention of entomologists due to its enormous size, sometimes with a wingspan reaching up to 8 inches, making it one of the largest insects in the katydid family.
Apart from its impressive size, the Giant Katydid boasts leaf-like wings and limbs that act as excellent camouflage, enabling it to blend effortlessly into its forest surroundings. Its color varies from dark green to brown, and it has long antennae, which can be twice as long as its body.
One of the fascinating aspects of the Giant Katydid is its chirping sound, used for communication among its kind. This chirping or ‘stridulation’ is usually done by rubbing its wings together. This sound serves multiple purposes, from attracting a mate to establishing territory.
At the heart of the antlion’s intriguing lifestyle lies their ingeniously crafted traps. These traps are deceptively simple, yet incredibly effective. Antlions are masters of creating conical pits in the sandy or loose soil they inhabit. These pits serve as deceptive deathtraps for unwary insects that venture too close. The antlion’s methodical excavation and meticulously designed pitfall traps are a testament to their resourcefulness.
At least five distinct castes have been identified, each contributing to the intricate tapestry of antlion existence:
The Antlion Soldier: This is the most ubiquitous and commonly encountered member of the Antlion community, often found at the forefront of their activities.
The Antlion Grubs: These are the youthful and ravenous larvae, honing their pit-digging skills to perfection as they grow and mature.
The Antlion Worker: Working diligently within the nests, the Antlion Worker ensures the safety and sustenance of the Antlion Grubs, standing as a guardian and provider.
The Antlion Guard: Distinguished by their taller stature, the Antlion Guards play a pivotal role in safeguarding the nest and its inhabitants.
The Antlion Guardian: At the zenith of the hierarchy, the Antlion Guardian reigns as the supreme ruler of the nests, overseeing and orchestrating the intricate dance of antlion life.
The adult antlion, in stark contrast to their subterranean larvae, takes on a different form and purpose. They emerge from the ground as delicate, winged insects resembling dragonflies. These aerial acrobats engage in an altogether distinct way of life, engaging in activities such as mating and hunting for sustenance.
Xylocopa caerulea, the blue carpenter bee, is a relatively large species, reaching an average size of 23 millimetres (0.91 in). The thorax region of these insects are covered with light blue hairs, giving it a striking blue color. The sides of the abdomen and first abdominal segments are also covered by a similar, albeit finer and thinner coat of blue hairs.
This species is widely distributed in Southeast Asia, India and Southern China.
Blue carpenter bees are solitary insects. A female blue carpenter bee carries all the burden of burrowing into the wood and building its nest. Once she has created her nest, she will lay her eggs. She is also tasked with foraging food for herself and larvae.
Unlike honey bees that produce honey at a commercial level, the female blue bees, living solitary lives, are incapable of producing raw honey.
A male blue carpenter bee does not help in building the nest. However, he will be around to defend the female’s home from potential threats.
Lace bugs are about one-eighth of an inch long. The reason they are called lace bugs is due to their transparent, patterned wings which form a lacy shield over their bodies.
Lace bugs are typically host-specific pests. This means that certain lace bug species feed on one type of plant. Examples of lace bug species include Azalea, Hawthorn, Thododendron, and Sycamore - all named for the plant of which they feed on.
Lace bugs like to suck the fluid from leaves, which causes them to look spotted and bleached. This can become pretty apparent by mid to late summer as your whole shrub or section of your tree can look thin and lacy itself. You can also find specks of their dark excrement on the lower sides of plant leaves.
Mantidflies, also called mantis flies or mantispids, look like a cross between a lacewing insect and a praying mantis. They are small, delicate creatures with intricately veined wings, but the front half looks like a small mantid, complete with raptorial forelegs.
While many insects, such as butterflies and beetles, have a typical complete metamorphosis — progressing from an egg (resting), to a larva (active), to a pupa (resting), to an adult (active) — mantidflies complicate the pattern in a cycle called hypermetamorphosis:
The eggs are individually stalked, usually deposited in large clusters. The larval stages are quite different from each other, with the first larval stage slender, agile, and either actively searching for a spider egg sac to enter, or else (often literally) hopping onto a spider, which it rides around on until the spider creates an egg sac; the larva then sneaks into the sac while it is being constructed. Then, safely inside the spider egg sac, the larva molts into a chubbier, more grublike, much less active form. It spends its time simply feeding on the spider eggs. The full-grown larva then spins its cocoon and pupates. At first, the pupa rests within its old larval skin, but then the pupa becomes active, sheds the larval skin, and looks something like a wingless adult. This second-phase pupal form is active and crawls around on its old cocoon and the spider’s spent egg sac. Upon its next molt, it acquires its wings and is a fully mature adult. The adults are sexually mature males and females that mate, lay eggs, and continue the cycle.
While in most ant species social castes are permanently established during the larval stage, adult Harpegnathos workers can acquire a queen-like phenotype and become reproductive individuals called “gamergates”. Although they are not morphological queens, workers that become gamergates display a remarkable switch in social behavior and an extensive molecular reprogramming of the brain with hundreds of differentially expressed genes. Workers that become gamergates also attain queen-like longevity, with a fivefold increase in average life span from 7 months to 3 years.
These ants have large eyes and can perceive movement, light and shadows. As a result it is necessary to cover their nest with a red plastic film or something opaque to prevent them from getting stressed.
They are capable of jumping, and in case of danger, they will jump to try to run away.
The Eurasian bee beetle (Trichius fasciatus) is a scarab beetle belonging to the Trichiinae family It is found in Europe and the Palaearctic region.
The adult Eurasian bee beetle is about 1 cm big. After mating, the female lays her eggs in small groups within deadwood, often selecting shaded areas. After a few days, the larvae hatch from the eggs and subsequently live in the deadwood and feed on decaying wood. They go through several larval stages during their development, which can last up to two years.
One interesting fact about the Eurasian bee beetle is that it exhibits Batesian mimicry. Batesian mimicry occurs when a harmless species evolves to imitate a harmful species by mimicking the warning signals or physical characteristics of the dangerous organism. In the case of the Eurasian bee beetle, it mimics buff-tailed bumblebees which can inject venom into their target with their stinger. So, by mimicking a bumble bee, the Eurasian bee beetle is less likely to be preyed upon by predators.
All the Tetragnatha species are stretch spiders and they adopt the habit of stretching their legs out in front and behind to produce a stick like effect and can be very difficult to detect on vegetation. Even when exposed on the web they can look just like vegetative litter.
The species is widespread throughout most of Britain. It is widespread in western and central Europe.
These spiders are also known by the name “Long-jawed Orb Weavers” - due to their large chelicerae (fangs), which are, in some species, longer than the spider's cephalothorax (anterior part of the body). As in the case of true the orb-weavers (Araneidae, like the garden spiders), long-jawed orb-weavers spiders build circular webs. However, the spider web usually do not have as many radii, or "spokes," as those of true orb weavers, and their circular web is usually parallel to the ground.
Achaeus japonicus, sometimes known as the orang-utan crab, is a crab of the family Inachidae (spider crabs or decorator crabs) which can be observed in tropical waters of the central Indo-Pacific.
With a carapace of only about 2 centimetres or 0.8 inches in diameter, it has relatively long arms, which are thickly covered with fine hairs, red or reddish brown in colour, and often laden with small bits of debris for further camouflage. It is frequently, but not always, found in association with the bubble coral Plerogyra sinuosa.
The Colorado Hairstreak is a montane butterfly, typically found in hills and canyons between 6500 and 9000 feet. They are recognized by their distinctive iridescent purple, blue, and black coloration when their wings are opened and the orange spots on their ventral side when their wings are closed. They have a small tail on their lower wings common to hairstreak, or Theclinae, butterflies and have a wingspan of less than an inch and a half at their largest.
Male Colorado hairstreaks are very territorial and will defend their oaks from other butterflies of the same species. The adults can be found in the greatest numbers between July and August, and the butterflies only have one generation per year. Unlike the migratory monarchs and painted ladies, Colorado Hairstreaks tend to live within a few yards of their hatching place for their entire lives. Even when startled, Colorado Hairstreaks tend to fly back into their home oak groves. Males are territorial and will chase each other as they patrol, flying in the canopy of the oaks looking for females. The males locate the females by their distinct purple coloration, though pheromones are also likely important for locating mates.
The Colorado hairstreak is completely dependent on the Gambel Oak (Quercus gambelii) throughout its life. The adults lay their eggs on oak twigs, and the eggs remain there throughout the winter until they hatch in the late spring. The caterpillars will then eat the young leaves of the oak until they pupate. Once the adult emerges, the butterfly does not consume nectar from flowers but subsists entirely on sap and sugary secretions from oak galls.
The Cryptoses choloepi is one of several species of moth that live exclusively in the fur of sloths. When a sloth descends to the forest floor to defecate, adult female moths fly off it and lay their eggs in its dung. The larvae feed on the poop and upon becoming adults, return to the canopy to find a new sloth home.
Scientists think this relationship benefits the sloth too. Moths increase the amount of nitrogen found in the sloth’s fur, which helps algae grow on it. The sloths eat the algae and also use it for camouflage. Scientists have found up to 120 moths living on just one sloth.
The African honey bee (Apis mellifera scutellata) was introduced from the savannahs of eastern and southern Africa to the eucalyptus forests of São Paulo Brazil by Professor Warwick E. Kerr in 1956. Kerr described the colonies as “the most prolific, productive, and industrious bees.”
Nest usurpation is a form of parasitism where African swarms invade European colonies, replacing the queen and therefore eliminate the European maternal lineage. Unfortunately, nest usurpation is among the least understood aspects of the African bee invasion and it is unknown how African swarms find and invade a host colony. It is likely that unknown pheromones are involved in associating the condition of the colony; particularly susceptible colonies are queenless or have a caged queen, however queenright colonies can also be invaded.
Living with Africanized bees, where they exist, requires caution and diligence, but not alarm. Sensationalist news accounts of “killer bees” have mostly been over-blown, but the risk to unsuspecting or unwitting people and animals is still possible. Africanized bees will only sting to defend their nest.
Commonly known as a “crayfish” or just “crays”, Southern Rock Lobster (Jasus edwardsii) are a species of spiny lobster native to the Great Southern Reef and New Zealand. These crustaceans have long spines projecting forward from the front of the head but unlike “traditional” lobsters, do not possess the large pincers on their first pair of walking legs.
Living in the cold, nutrient rich waters of the Great Southern Reef, Southern Rock Lobster require reef habitat with an abundance of kelp and crevices to call home. The colour of their carapace varies slightly depending on where they decide to set up home. In shallower waters, they tend to have a striking redd-ish purple hue, while those in deeper water have a stronger purple tone that fades into a creamy yellow colour.
Feeding mostly at night, these omnivores tend to eat bottom dwelling invertebrates like mussels and abalone, other smaller crustaceans, sea urchins, worms and algae. During the day they will hole up in deep crevices along the reef and as adults do not stray far from their home region as they are not only tasty to humans, but also other predators like sharks, octopuses and large fish species like morwong, wrasse and ling.
Scientists in Thailand have discovered a new (Sept. 2023) species of tarantula with a very unique blue hue. The tarantula is named Chilobrachys natanicharum and is also called the electric blue tarantula.
The spider’s vivid blue coloration is created not by pigments but by nanostructures on the tarantula’s hairs that manipulate light. This produces an iridescent effect that shifts captivatingly with the viewing angle. Hues of violet are also present in areas like the chelicera (mouth), carapace (upper body) and leg segments.
Unlike related tarantulas that live exclusively in bamboo, researchers say this species shows “remarkable adaptability.” It thrives in arboreal and terrestrial burrows within mangrove and evergreen forests at elevations up to 57 meters (187 feet).
Asota egens is a species of noctuoid moths in the family Erebidae. Asota egens is distributed from Japan southwards to northern India and Southeast Asia, and eastwards to New Guinea. The larva is known to feed on Ficus species.
Asota egens is pure yellow overall body, but some individuals have a slightly brownish color. The lower body has several large black spots. At the base of the upper side of forewings there are small black spots.
Chrysochroa buqueti, the red speckled jewel beetle, is a Southeast Asian species of beetle in the Buprestidae family and tribe Chrysochroini.
Chrysochroa buqueti can reach a length of about 40–47 millimetres (1.6–1.9 in). Elytra may be green to orange-yellow, with bluish-black markings, while pronotum is metallic red or metallic blue with metallic red areas on the sides. The legs are bright bluish-black.
The Cucumber Green Spider is a fascinating orb-weaving spider found in Southeast Asia, known for its vibrant green color and intricate web-building skills. It plays a vital role in controlling insect populations and has medicinal properties in traditional folk medicine.
Despite its cucumber-like appearance, the Cucumber Green Spider’s venom is not harmful to humans. It preys on small insects, uses its green color for camouflage, and has excellent vibratory sensors on its legs to detect prey and potential danger.
Porcellionides pruinosus is a cosmopolitan and detrivorous woodlouse that is native to Europe, and is suspected to consist of very closely related species. Ten subspecies are recognised. The species carries Wolbachia endosymbionts, which is an alpha-proteobacterium that is known to modify the reproduction of their crustacean hosts by inducing cytoplasmic incompatibility or feminisation.
Powder Orange is a morph of Porcellionides pruinosus that derived from the Powder Blue morph. Porcellionides has a wide range of morphs. The "powder" portion of their common name comes from the dusty appearance that the adults take on in between sheds.
Viceroy butterflies have a wingspan of 2.5 to 3.25 inches. Their coloring is deep orange with black edges and veins and white spots on the black border.
The caterpillar is a mix of green, brown, and cream colors. It has two “horns” on its head that look like knobby antennae.
The first thing you might notice about the Viceroy butterfly is that it’s almost identical to the Monarch. The easiest way to tell them apart is to look for the black line on the bottom wing. This line is present in Viceroys, but not Monarchs.
One other key difference between these two species is that Viceroys don’t migrate. Instead, the caterpillars roll up and hibernate in leaves and emerge during the next breeding season.
Zelus luridus is a predator of other insects that occur on leaves of deciduous trees and shrubs. Often they wait in ambush resting on a leaf, but they may actively hunt. Zelus luridus can often be seen feeding on prey such as small flies, wasps, or sawflies but will hunt more sedentary insects such as caterpillars.
Zelus luridus has forelegs modified to help grasp prey. However, they also use sticky substances to ensnare and hold insects. Newly hatched nymphs use the sticky coating of the egg mass to cover the forelegs. Older nymphs and adults have specialized “sundew setae” that produce the sticky fluid of the forelegs.
Adults are elongate-bodied insects with a narrow head that supports it beak-like mouthparts. Average length of adult females is 16 mm, males are slightly smaller (14 mm), and coloration varies from yellow-green to yellow or reddish brown. Nymphs are narrower bodied, wingless, and green.
Choeradodis is a genus of praying mantises with common names such as shield mantis, hood mantis (or hooded mantis), and leaf mantis (or leafy mantis) because of their extended, leaf-like thoraces. The distinguishing characteristic of Choreododis from which it takes its common names is a laterally expanded thorax. This adaptation for the purpose of camouflage, as well as a rounded wing case and a habit of staying relatively flattened, aid its leaf mimicry.
Tiny liverworts, lichens and fungi have been found growing on the pronotum and wing case of many Choeradodis mantids; these appear to be opportunistic growths rather than an example of coevolution with the mantids to afford extra camouflage.
Choeradodis is endemic to the Neotropical realm, ranging from tropical South America, through Central America, to Mexico.
Due to their sensitivity to pollution in the early stages of life, the presence of Burrowing Mayflies has long been used as a means of judging the purity of the Great Lakes ecosystem. Before pollution and sewage were allowed to pour into the Great Lakes, swarms of Burrowing Mayflies would inhabit the area creating a nuisance for residents. After pollution was allowed into the waterways and lakes, the Burrowing Mayflies all but disappeared.
Burrowing Mayflies have large yellow wings with a net-like vein pattern on them. Their bodies are yellow with brown diagonal stripes on each segment of the abdomen. A long neck separates the head from the tubular abdomen. Two large eyes flank the sides of the head. The front pair of legs may be lifted like antennae.
Burrowing Mayfly larvae are a major food source for fish and are used as live bait by fisherman. Artificial lures mimicking their body shape and color are also used by anglers to catch fish. Adults are also a major food source for birds, insects and spiders. Because both life stages are eaten by a variety of other creatures, survival of the species depends on mass reproduction which can lead to those annoying swarms seen decades ago. Nowadays, such a sight around the Great Lakes region might be greeted with delight and curiosity.
The Purple Spot Mantis Shrimp displays a deep green to maroon body, red forelimbs, and yellow antennal scales. Signature maroon-to-purple spots, encircled by white, stand out prominently.
Its primary hunting tools as a predator are its powerful claws, which can strike with exceptional speed and force, comparable to a .22 caliber bullet.
While the shrimp's vibrant colors are impressive, they rarely stay in aquariums due to their nocturnal nature and aggressive behavior. Moreover, its strong claws can break glass tanks.
Native to North America, Calleta Silkmoths are known for their distinctive appearance. The adult calleta silkmoth has a black body with a red collar and red on the back of the thorax. The wings, which normally span 8-11 centimeters, are black with conspicuous white post-median lines which happen to be wider in females. They can also have large triangular white spots on their wings however, some may not.
Caterpillars or larvae are normally bright green in color with white stripes as well as have black scoli sets (spike-like projections) with blue and orange bases, though these colors may vary.
Adult E. calleta emerge in the evening and may be mating as early as 7:30 am the next morning. Males are diurnal while females are nocturnal. Females lay eggs starting at dusk of the same day and the eggs are deposited in clumps on surfaces of host plant leaves. Caterpillars spray a defensive secretion from their integumental glands. Young caterpillars, typically the 1st to 3rd larval stages, feed gregariously, while the older caterpillars of the 4th and 5th larval stages are usually solitary feeders.
Tree crickets, scientifically known as Oecanthinae, are a subfamily of crickets that are primarily found in trees and shrubs. They belong to the family Gryllidae, which also includes the more commonly known field crickets and house crickets. Unlike their ground-dwelling relatives, tree crickets have evolved to live and thrive in the foliage of trees, where they feed on leaves, flowers, and other plant material.
When it comes to coloration, tree crickets exhibit a remarkable diversity. Their hues can range from vibrant greens and yellows to earthy browns and grays. This variation in coloration is not only influenced by the species but also by the environment in which they live. Tree crickets have the remarkable ability to adapt their coloration to match the foliage, enabling them to remain hidden from predators and blend in seamlessly with their arboreal habitat.
The chirping of tree crickets serves as a means of communication and territory establishment. Different variations in the chirping patterns can convey specific messages, such as warnings to rival males or signals to potential mates about the quality of their territory. These acoustic signals play a crucial role in the social dynamics and reproductive success of tree crickets.
Hoplophrys is a monotypic genus of crab in the family Epialtidae. It contains the single species Hoplophrys oatesi, also known as the candy crab, Oates's soft coral crab, commensal soft coral crab and Dendronephthya crab. Hoplophrys oatesi is a very colourful crab that grows from 1.5 to 2 cm. It lives on various species of soft coral in the Dendronephthya genus. It camouflages itself by mimicing the colours of the polyps among which it hides. It adds further camouflage by attaching polyps to its carapace. Colours vary depending on the colour of the coral, and may be white, pink, yellow or red. The first pair of legs of this species has small claws. The body has pointed spines with a red and white pattern, similar in appearance to the host coral.
In Latin America, there lives a unique spider called Bagheera kiplingi. It’s a jumping spider and it shares the group’s large, acute eyes and prodigious leaping ability. But it also has a trait that singles it out among all 40,000 species of spider – it’s mostly vegetarian.
The spider, which lives on these acacias in Latin America, was first described in 1896 by the husband-and-wife naturalist team George and Elizabeth Peckham and named for Rudyard Kipling and the black panther character, Bagheera, in the author's 1894 Jungle Book.
Certain acacia plants (Vachellia collinsii) and ants (Pseudomyrmex peperi) have developed a mutually beneficial arrangement. The plant provides hollow areas for the ants to nest, along with nutritious nuggets, called Beltian bodies, for them to eat. For their part, the ants help to fend off would-be plant eaters. The crafty B. kiplingi, however, has thwarted the system—also feasting on the plant while managing to outmaneuver attacking ants.
The male develops a mainly green head and thorax. But, its abdomen appears reddish, with green stripes. Additionally, the legs of the male show a dark amber in color. Meanwhile, the female displays a rather different color pattern. Her head and thorax display a reddish-brown color. Also, a spot on the top of the head has a black coloring. In addition, her abdomen shows a light brown, with markings of darker brown and green. Finally, while her two front legs are amber colored, the others show a light yellow.
The funerary dagger caterpillar (Acronicta funeralis) is a striking example of a rare black-gray caterpillar species. Vivid yellow and white markings develop on the back of this soft caterpillar as it matures and make it easy to be identified.
One of the unusual features of this crawling larva bug is the strange paddle-like hairs that protrude from the sides of the caterpillar, giving it also the common name the ‘paddle caterpillar’.
Funerary dagger moths feed on, among others, the leaves of birch, cottonwood, apple, oak, and hickory trees.
is found from Manitoba to Nova Scotia, south to Maryland. It is also found in Georgia, Mississippi, Texas, and along the west-coast from California to British Columbia.
🚨 ARTHROPOD OF THE DAY 🚨 Adelges tsugae, the hemlock woolly adelgid -or HWA - is an insect of the order Hemiptera (true bugs) native to East Asia. It feeds by sucking sap from hemlock and spruce trees.
An adult individual body length is typically 0.8 mm, and is oval in shape. The tiny brown-colored insect has four thread-like stylets that are bundled together and function as a mouthpart. Three times the length of its body, the stylet bundle pierces the host plant's parenchymatic ray tissue to derive nutrition from stored reserves. It may also inject a toxin while feeding. The resulting desiccation causes the tree to lose needles and not produce new growth.
The HWA has a complicated life cycle that involves hemlock as well as spruce trees. On eastern hemlock, HWA produces two generations a year, an overwintering generation (sistens) and a spring generation (progrediens). These two generations overlap in the spring. The progrediens has two forms: a wingless form that remains on the hemlock and a winged form (sexuparae) that flies in search of a suitable spruce tree upon which to start a sexual reproductive cycle.
🚨 ARTHROPOD OF THE DAY 🚨 The stealthy invasion of your home in spring by the common black UK ant species usually begins with the appearance of a scout ant. You see, it would be far too risky to send everyone out at once. Instead of doing that, the colony elects to send out this pioneering ant, whose job it is to have a look around the local area and see what’s going on outside the nest. It’s also their job to find a food source. A scout ant is exactly what it sounds like. It looks for food and water. Solitary ants may identify scout ants in your house.
They are also responsible for finding new nest sites and recruiting more worker ants to the colony.
That said, in case you witness a swarm of ants heading to the property, the scout ant has already given the word.
Once these critters find a good source of food, they will leave a trail of pheromones for other ants to follow. When enough ants have gathered at the food source, the colony will move in and set up camp.
This is also why you may occasionally see ants marching in a line; they are following the pheromone trail left by the scout ant.
The adult lady beetle (ladybug or ladybird beetle) is metallic dark blue, green, or purple and about 1/8 to 1/6 to inch (3–4 mm) long. Females are uniformly dark. Males have orange or yellow on the head and outer margins of the pronotum. Adults are round when viewed from above and dome shaped (convex) when viewed from the side. They have a distinct outward flare (ridge) on the bottom margins of the wing covers.
Halmus chalybeus (then incorrectly named Orcus chalybeus) was introduced from Australia into Southern California in 1892 for the biological control of mealybugs and scale insects infesting citrus. It now occurs in at least coastal areas of Central and Southern California.
Its prey is mostly scales including armored scales, eriococcids, and soft scales. It also feeds on other plant-sucking insects formerly called Homoptera, such as aphids and psyllids.
Spindle ermine moth: A common resident but rarer further north and into Scotland. The forewing is uniformly white with black dots. Very similar in appearance to closely related Ermines and care must be taken with identification.
As the vernacular name suggests, the caterpillars feed gregariously in a web on and are sometimes a pest of Spindle (Euonymus europaeus) and Evergreen Spindle (Euonymus japonicus). The webbing is sometimes extensive, covering entire bushes or hedges where leaves are almost entirely defoliated.
While many species of pistol shrimps are found in a wide variety of habitats, only a few are commonly kept in aquariums. These are species of the genus Alpheus. A. bellulus, also known as the tiger pistol shrimp, is perhaps the most frequently kept species. It has a white body with complex brown or reddish-brown markings. Some individuals have purple markings on the legs.
The partnership between pistol shrimps and gobies is a good example of commensalism, where both parties in the relationship benefit. The goby benefits from the shrimp's digging and construction skills, having access to a well-built burrow. Pistol shrimps have poor eyesight, and they use gobies as an early warning system to detect predators.
Gobies tend to hover just outside the shared burrow, catching passing zooplankton or small benthic invertebrates. In many cases the shrimps maintain contact with the gobies by using their long antennae, and the gobies signal to the shrimps using specific fin flicks. Some species of goby also appear to feed their shrimps, spitting food into the burrow, and even without such deliberate actions it's possible that the shrimps may feed on fragments of food that the gobies drop.
The rainbow grasshopper, also known as painted grasshopper or barber pole grasshopper, occurs in the prairie and desert grasslands of Mexico, the United States, and Canada. It is a small wingless, vivid grasshopper with a length of no more than two inches. Its body is primarily black with some patterns of red, green, and yellow. Like the Acraga hamata moth caterpillars, its coloration protects it by serving as a warning to the enemy that it is poisonous and unappealing as food.
This scorpion species can grow to 6 inches (15cm) long and is a large species of the South African Scorpion. Scrublands and desert areas in Africa are the typical habitats for this species.
They have powerful, thick tails, a potent sting, and two tiny pinchers. This scorpion species produces two categories of venom; firstly, to supply a warning sting or immobilize small prey; secondly, more toxic venom for more prominent creatures.
As its name suggests, the Spitting Thick Tail Black Scorpion can spit its venom as much as 1 meter (3ft), resulting in temporary blindness in the eyes of the intended victim. The venom from this species has an equal potency to cyanide.
Peacock spiders are a type of jumping spider that is most commonly found in southern Australia, though one species can also be found in China.
They belong to the genus Maratus, which is thought to contain 108 species in total. They are tiny spiders, often less than 4mm long and the size of a small grain of rice.
Most species’ males are known for the incredible, iridescent coloration on their abdomens, which they use to attract females through a unique courtship ‘dancing’ routine.
The purpose of this unusual coloration is to attract females, which seem entranced by the bright patterns and dancing display of the males. However, the male might be eaten by the female he is trying to attract if they are unwilling to mate and continue to provoke them.
Despite their size, peacock spiders are excellent, and extremely agile, hunters. The have eight eyes which give them excellent vision as well as depth perception. Unsurprisingly they also have well developed colour vision and are able to distinguish between different shades much like many birds can.
Termites are divided into workers, reproducers and soldiers. The soldiers are sterile so their contributions to termite society are limited to defending and claiming turf from hostiles. They’re actually built for battle — with super-sized heads they use to block entry points to the colony and gaping mandibles to impale foolhardy invaders.
The younger the soldier, the closer they stick to the nest, as a final line of defense against invaders. This demonstrates that termite soldiers have age-based task allocation, by which ageing predisposes soldiers to switch to more dangerous tasks. Old termites, male and female alike, are used as cannon fodder.
Asterocampa clyton, the tawny emperor, is a species of brush-footed butterfly. It is native to North America, especially the eastern half from Canada to northern Mexico. Like its lookalike, the Hackberry Emperor, the Tawny Emperor likes to perch high in the trees. It can be distinguished from the Hackberry by the two solid bars on its forewing.
This butterfly may be seen flying near houses, gravel driveways, near water, muddy places, gardens, and woodlands. Its only host plant is hackberry trees. The adult feeds on carrion, plant sap, and dung, and rarely land on flowers.
Larvae are similar to those of the hackberry emperor: green with yellow-green and white stripes; the last segment is forked. The head is ringed with small fingerlike projects, and 2 larger projections on top of the head fork and resemble miniature deer antlers.
For burying beetles, home is where the carcass is. These fascinating creatures bury the remains of a small vertebrate corpse then mate and lay eggs within the crypt. Both the mother and father then tend their young together, feeding upon the carcass and regurgitating it for the babies to eat. In fact, burying beetles represent the earliest known example of active parenting on Earth.
While both parents help raise their offspring, the mothers are the heavy lifters. Female burying beetles engage in more fights with intruders and are better able to defend their brood than males are.
The Arizona Unicorn Mantis, or Pseudovates arizonae is a stick-like praying mantis from North America. It carries the name “Unicorn Mantis” thanks to a small cone in the middle of his head, resembling a unicorn horn! If you take a closer look, you can see the mantis actually has two tiny “horns” next to each other. Pseudovates arizonae occurs naturally in North America, especially Arizona.
The Unicorn Mantis is dark brown with black and light brown stripes. The legs are striped in light and dark brown. The adults have green wings on a dark brown body, as if there are fresh leaves growing on a branch.
Pseudovates arizonae is a quiet species of praying mantis. It is a typical sit-and-wait predator. Relying on her camouflage it waits patiently until a prey comes along, waiting for an opportune moment to strike. Pseudovates arizonae preferably eat flies, which it can even scoop right out of the air.
Assassin spiders, or sometimes called “pelican spiders” are a rather rare group of spider-eating spiders. Their highly modified anatomy causes them to look like alien creatures, however these modifications do have a purpose: to catch and kill other spiders.
The Archaeid spiders have some bizarre features not found in other families of spiders: the long specialized mouthparts, two well-developed eyes, and a long “neck”.
Chelicerae are fang-bearing segments found in all spiders, used to inject the prey with venom. The extremely long chelicerae of the assassin spiders have developed a series of long spikes to keep the prey perfectly in place when grabbed.
The elongated neck area of these spiders is suggested to probably have evolved because of their diet, just like the long mouthparts. The longer the neck and chelicerae, the further the spider can reach to catch its fast prey. Looking at the long legs of assassin spiders, it is suggested they are not that fast; to compensate the body parts elongated.
Procambarus clarkii (aka red swamp crayfish) is a species that has successfully colonized a variety of freshwater ecosystems globally. Native to the south-central United States and northern Mexico, it has established populations throughout the U.S., including on the south shores of the Great Lakes in Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin.
It exhibits territorial behavior and is aggressive with its own species. It burrows during periods of drought or cold. It is benthic and omnivorous, feeding on insects, larvae, detritus, etc., with a preference for animal matter.
The red swamp crayfish is very hardy and adaptive and has wreaked havoc in several ecological sensitive habitats. It can out-compete some aquatic species of an ecosystem and cause irrevocable harm to key plants and, as observed in Europe, can act as a vector of diseases. Its burrowing characteristics may also damage crops and earthen water holding structures.
Hemeroplanes are moths of to the Sphingidae family, found in many parts of South America, Africa and Central America.
In its relaxed state, this creature looks like nothing more than your average caterpillar. However, when alarmed the larvae flips itself over exposing its underside, while still hanging by its last pairs of prolegs, and inflates its thoracic region, creating a striking imitation of a viper. To make their mimicking act even more believable, the harmless caterpillar will sometimes even snap at potential predators. Of course, they have no real fangs so they can’t really do any serious damage, but their appearance is convincing enough to scare even humans away.
The Ten Lined June Beetle, Polyphylla decemlineata ( Say) is very common throughout the PNW Region as a root feeding white grub which feeds on roots of crops, garden, and ornamental plants. The beetles emerge in the summer, usually in late June through July in SE Washington. They are large beetles of 22 to 28 mm size, which are attracted to lights at night and are found under the lights in the daylight.
As the name of this large beetle suggests, the identifying feature is white stripes on its back. This brown-colored beetle also has large antennae that look like curved paddles.
The Florida Stone crab (Menippe mercenaria) is another popular type of marine crab that is prized for its delicious delicately-flavored meat. These crabs are found in the warm waters in Central America and the East Coast of the US.
One of the identifying features of the Florida Stone crab is its large pincers on the front of its body. These brownish-red colored claws (chelae) with black tips are the same color as its hard outer shell. The crab’s carapace usually measures up to 6.5” (17 cm) wide, making this a medium to large-sized crab.
Blue shrimp belong to the family Atyidae, which encompasses more than 1,500 known species of freshwater shrimp. They are characterized by their striking blue coloration, which ranges from a pale sky blue to a deeper, more intense hue. This pigmentation is primarily due to chromatophores, specialized pigment-containing cells found in their exoskeleton.
Blue shrimp, or Blue Leg shrimp, is a species with eye-catching blue legs. They grow to about 6 to 8 inches long and are found in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Blue shrimp are omnivorous, active at night, and commercially important for seafood.
The Zebra Swallowtail (Protographium marcellus) is aptly named, with black stripes on a clear white background. Like the giant swallowtail, it is a northern representative of a group of butterflies that have many varieties throughout the Neotropics. You will seldom find this species outside of the southern states, but it will sometimes wander north, for example along the Mississippi River Valley.
Like all other swallowtails, the flight is strong and gliding, but they will often stop to nectar. At these times you may see several visiting the same nectar source. Males also participate in a behavior known as "puddling," which is when a group of butterflies congregates at wet sand or mud to draw nutrients.
The Intermediate Scorpion (Vaejovis intermedius) is found in North and Central America.
Scorpions of this genus are known to grow to a size between 45 and 55mm. They are also known as some of the most aggressive species in the Southern US.
High aggression in this species manifests itself by quickly charging at enemies, including people. It then rapidly stings its enemy, often multiple times.
The venom of this species is believed not to be lethal to people. However, it can be painful.
As its name suggests, the Florida Purplwing (Eunica tatila) is native to Florida. This species is also confirmed in Southern US states and further South into The West Indies.
The Florida Purplewing is among the species with deep purple or purple-blue wings.
This vivid color is only specific to the inner parts of its wings, closer to the body. Its outer wings are mostly black.
Both the purple and the black sections of its dorsal wings show white spots as well.
The ventral wings of The Florida Purplewing are mostly dark brown and light brown, mimicking tree bark coloring.
Florida Purplewing is among the species that can feed on fruit.
This species is often seen in areas with plenty of wildflowers and plants such as yellow, pink, or orange lantanas.
The Eastern Red Centipede (Scolopocryptops sexspinosus) is common in North America. They are fast-moving and very agile. They have flattened segments, enabling them to squeeze through very narrow spaces.
The bodies are red/brown with yellow legs. There is one pair of legs per body segment. They are mostly outdoor centipedes, though they are known to be found indoors, normally in cellars and basements. They are mostly encountered at night.
The Eastern red centipedes have fangs that inject venom into their prey, but they can bite humans if threatened. It is not recommended that you pick one up. Their bite is not fatal to humans but can be painful and cause irritation.
The “Japanese Emperor Caterpillar” is a bright green bug from Japan. When it grows up, it turns into a butterfly with purple wings. This butterfly is scientifically known as Sasakia charonda, but people also call it the Japanese Emperor Butterfly. It lives in woods and fields in Japan, helps flowers by moving pollen, and appears in many Japanese stories and pictures.
This green larva is notably larger than many of its peers. When you see one, its size is striking compared to other common caterpillars. This bigger size not only makes it more visible but might also discourage some animals from trying to eat it.
When it transforms into the Japanese Emperor Butterfly, it sports an impressive wingspan that can reach up to 50 millimeters. This sizable wingspan sets it apart, making it one of the larger butterflies commonly found in its habitats.
The Mountain Cicada is native to North America in arid and semi-arid regions. These annual cicadas are characterized by their predominantly black silhouette, punctuated with striking orange highlights. It features black eyes and an orange pronotal collar.
Males produce a high-pitched melody to attract females during the hottest part of the day. Meanwhile, female cicadas lay their eggs on the twigs and branches of host plants, thus restarting the life cycle.
The ‘flower crab spider’ (Misumena vatia) is a white species of spider in the family Thomisidae. These are an unusual small type of white spider that can change its color. These garden spiders get their common name from the crab-like way they hold their legs.
Color changes of white spiders is a camouflage mechanism to catch their prey. The white spiders can turn bright yellow if they are on yellow flowers. In North America, you can sometimes find these crab spiders on goldenrod flowers. Because of their bright yellow colors, they are also called ‘banana spiders.’
These are quite small spiders. Females can grow up to 0.39” (10 mm) excluding legs; males reach half this size at most.
Living in sandy areas due to their aridity-loving host plants, Golden Egg Bugs (Phyllomorpha laciniata) are some of the weirdest bugs in the world.
From some angles, they don’t even look like bugs at all. They have a leaf-like shape with multiple thin projections that look like erect spines or thick hairs.
Even the legs of Golden Egg Bugs are weird, almost looking like small twigs.
The weirdness of the species doesn’t stop here as these bugs also lay atypical eggs.
The eggs of Golden Egg Bugs are actually golden. They have a golden-yellow appearance which makes them stand out and look almost like no other bug egg at all.
There are hundreds of species of bombardier beetles living around the world, found on every continent except Antarctica. They are small ground beetles (Carabidae) that can typically be found in leaf litter and under stones in woodlands and grasslands.
Chemical defence mechanisms vary among bombardier beetle species. Some emit chemicals subtly, such as the foamy secretion of Metrius contractus that clings to the beetle's body as it is released from the abdomen. If attacked from the front, it can move the foam towards its head along tracks on its hardened outer wings (elytra).
But the best-known bombardier beetles are those that deploy explosions to defend themselves. With an audible pop, these beetles spray a concoction of boiling, irritating chemicals at predators that get too close. The beetles have plenty of ammo and can rapidly fire their chemicals over and over again.
The beetle will only mix the two chemicals at the exact moment it needs to defend itself, and the mixture is almost instantaneously ejected with force out of the tip of the abdomen. The tough reaction chamber at the rear end of the beetle protects the rest of the insect's internal organs from taking damage.
Corystes cassivelaunus is easily recognised by its elongate, ovoid carapace (up to 4 cm long and 3 cm wide). It is a reddish-brown to yellow in colour. The chelipeds of the male are twice the length of the carapace while those of the female are much smaller. There are 2 teeth between the eyes and the lateral margin has 4 teeth (of which the second is the largest). While buried, the crab's antennae are brought together and the setae interlock to form a respiratory tube.
The name "masked crab" derives from the patterns on the carapace which resemble a human face.
The Frog Beetle (Sagra buqueti) is member of the Leaf Beetle family is notable for both its size and its large, frog-like back legs.
Its common name derives from the rather striking resemblance of its hind legs to those of a frog. But, these remarkable appendages are no evolutionary quirk, because they serve an important function. To begin with, unlike an actual frog, the invertebrate does not use the over-sized legs for jumping. Rather, these powerful legs help the remarkable insect hold tightly to the stems of various plants. In this manner, the surprising invertebrate remains firmly attached while feeding.
Furthermore, this amazingly colored invertebrate also remains renowned for its enormous cocoons. These appear quite commonly in the jungles of the native habitat of the fascinating species. In this marvel-filled location, one most commonly finds them clinging to climbing vines.
The centipede thought to have the most legs is Himantarium gabrielis, a species found in Southern Europe from Portugal to Greece. Although much smaller than its Amazonian cousins (only 5-8 inches in length), H. gabrielis has far more body segments: up to 179 in the largest males. At 2 legs per segment, that comes out at 354 legs.
The head is small and lacks eyes, but has two tentacles with 14 segments. On the dorsal side of the last trunk segment are longitudinal and transversal wide sulci resembling a cross.
When disturbed, this species emits viscous and proteinaceous secretions from the sternal glands. It feeds on various invertebrates. It can be found under stones or in galleries into the ground. The females protect their eggs with the body until the hatching of their young.
Pseudoharpax virescens, common name Gambian spotted-eye flower mantis, is a species of praying mantis native to western, central and eastern Africa. It takes its name from two eye spots on the dorsal side of the abdomen of adult females.
Pseudoharpax virescens mimic flowers. They are mostly white with green wings and have pointy eyes. The color of Pseudoharpax virescens eyes change night to day. At night their eyes are dark red, during the day their eyes are light green.
Females are usually about 28 millimeters in length, while males are usually about 25 millimeters. Females have short antennae, while males have long and red antennae.
The Chinese spiny lobster, also known as the green lobster or Hong Kong rock lobster, is a member of the genus Panulirus of spiny lobsters endemic to the East and South China Seas. It is a moderate size, commercially important species with a range that extends along the east coast of China from Shanghai to Hong Kong. It has also been found in the Taiwan Strait.
The Chinese spiny lobster is omnivorous. In addition to its oceanic environment, it is also found in Baoan Lake where it predated upon by the common carp.
The deathstalker scorpion has a light yellow body with horizontal grayish-brown stripes on the cephalothorax and abdomen. They have one pair of eyes on the top of their heads and 2-5 pairs on the frontal corners on both sides.
Like every other scorpion, deathstalkers usually consume centipedes, earthworms, spiders, crickets, and other scorpions. They are even known to eat other deathstalkers as well. These scorpions are rarely known to drink water; mostly, they absorb fluids from their prey’s bodies.
The deathstalker’s venom is extremely potent, with an LD50 value of 0.25 mg/kg. It contains neurotoxins like Charybdotoxin, Chlorotoxin, Scyllatoxin, and all three types of Agitoxins.
The sting from this scorpion is immensely painful. However, a healthy adult would not die from it. Still, they will experience swelling, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea. Their sting could be fatal to heart patients, children, and the elderly.
Argentine ants, also known as Linepithema humile, are very ordinary-looking, light to dark brown ants. They are slender looking, 2.6 to 3.2mm long insects.
Notably, argentine ants are a species of the suburbs that belong to the family of Dolichoderinae. These ants originated from South America but now have spread to the USA, South Africa, and Europe.
Argentine ants are very efficient foragers that follow regular trails when searching for food, and winged queens can sometimes be found among trailing workers. Unlike most ants, who only deposit pheromone trails on their way back to the nest from a food source, Argentine ants will deposit pheromone trails both to and from a food source. This behavior ensures they do not waste time revisiting the same area for food.
Argentine ant colonies can contain hundreds of queens. For every 1,000 worker ants, it’s estimated there can be up to 15 queens. Unlike some other ant species that establish new nests through swarming, Argentine ants reproduce through a process known as budding where queens and males will mate within the parent nest before leaving with a handful of workers to start a new nest. These networks of interconnected nests can expand to form massive colonies called supercolonies that can contain millions of members, including multiple queens, and have been known to populate entire city blocks.
The Question Mark butterfly, scientifically known as Polygonia interrogationis, is a captivating member of the anglewing butterfly family, boasting a broad distribution across the eastern United States, southeastern Canada, and extending to Mexico. This butterfly is renowned for its sizeable presence within its habitat, marking it as one of the largest butterflies in its geographic range. Its unique name, derived from a distinctive wing marking, invites curiosity and wonder about this beautiful creature.
The Question Mark butterfly caterpillar is a sight to behold, measuring approximately 1.4 inches (3.6 cm) in length. It has a reddish-brown head adorned with short spines, each topped with branching spines. The caterpillar’s body is primarily black, accented with yellowish or white lines that may sometimes mask the black base. The spines vary in color from yellow to orange and black, adding to its distinct appearance.
Pink Dragon Millipedes, also known as Desmoxytes planata, are members of the Paradoxosomatidae family of millipedes. These creatures are popularly called “pink dragons” due to their draconic shape, bright pink color, and spiny body. Pink Dragon Millipedes are native to Southeast Asia, particularly India and Sri Lanka, and prefer to live in damp and humid habitats.
Desmoxytes planata is an omnivore, meaning they eat both plants and animal matter, and their diet consists of small insects, vegetables, leaf litter, and the occasional fruit. These millipedes typically have a total of eight to 12 segments, each with two legs for a total of up to 24 legs. They are covered in small setae, giving them a furry appearance. The size of this species can range from 3 cm in length.
The vulture bee, from the Trigona genus, appears reddish-brown in color and ranges from 8-22mm in size. Unlike other bees vulture bees do not collect pollen, intentionally pollinate other plants nor feed on plant nectar, instead they prefer to feast on carrion or dead animal proteins. Vulture bees are the only bees in the world known to have evolved in order to maintain a diet not produced by plants.
When feeding, vulture bees typically enter the carcass through the eyes, from there they’ll use their mandibles to effectively breakdown the flesh. In order to feed effectively, vulture bees have evolved to have five large, pointed teeth, which also supports their painful biting and aggressive reputation.
Instead of the sweet nectar honey most bees produce, vulture bees create their own unique honey from the protein-rich secretions of their hypopharyngeal glands derived from their diet.
The Io Moth (Automeris io) belongs to the order Lepidoptera and the family Saturniidae. The Io Moth is a fascinating species of moth that inhabits various parts of North America. Known for its large, striking eyespots on its hindwings, these moths attract the attention of both nature enthusiasts and curious observers alike. Males and females display distinctive color patterns, with males being generally yellowish and females showcasing brown, rusty red, or purplish tones on their forewings source.
Io Moths are sexually dimorphic. Here are the key features of both sexes:
-Males: Generally yellowish wings -Females: More brown, rusty red, or purplish wings
The adult Io Moth has a wingspan of approximately 4 to 5 inches. One distinct feature is the large eyespots located in the middle of their hindwings. The caterpillar stage of the Io Moth also boasts unique features:
Spines capable of inflicting painful stings -Varying colors, such as green, orange, pink, red, and yellow on the body
The Mourning Cloak butterfly, scientifically known as Nymphalis antiopa, is a striking species that captivates observers with its distinctive appearance and intriguing behaviors. Found across a vast expanse from North America to Eurasia, these large butterflies are renowned for their extensive migrations, allowing them to be seen in regions far from their typical habitats.
The early life of a Mourning Cloak begins as a ‘spiny elm caterpillar’, notable for its spiny black body adorned with a distinctive row of reddish-orange dots along its back.
In their adult form, Mourning Cloaks showcase a rich maroon or brown hue when their wings are spread, bordered by pale yellow edges and accented with black and iridescent blue spots. The underside of their wings presents dull gray striations, maintaining the pale yellow borders.
The term ‘mourning cloak’ is unique to North America, with the species known as ‘Camberwell beauty’ in Great Britain.
Yellow Paper Wasp (Polistes flavus) - These large wasps are easy to recognize by their bright gold color. The word ‘flavus’ is Latin for yellow or golden. They are found in abundance in Arizona in the same region as Saguaro cacti. Males have much longer antennae and the ends have a sharp right angle bend. Female faces are triangular whereas the male faces are more square and paler.
Males and queens mate in the fall. The males die but the queens overwinter and begin nest building in the spring. The queen (foundress) lays her eggs in the tops of the cells and expands the nest as needed. She may be assisted by a close female relative. The larvae are fed caterpillars and other insects by the queen (and assisting females).
The Giant Mantis Shrimp, also known as the Spearer Mantis Shrimp, inhabits the dark volcanic sands from the Andaman Sea to Papua New Guinea. It is known for building its burrows on sandy or muddy ocean floors.
They are among the largest mantis shrimp species and can grow at least 13 inches long. You can easily distinguish them with their reddish brown and cream-striped bodies.
Giant Mantis Shrimps can hunt anytime, not leaving their burrows. They are not selective eaters and consume various small invertebrates, fish, and crabs. Their powerful appendages, designed for spearing, enable them to strike with deadly accuracy.
The giant mud crab (Scylla Serrata), also called the Mangrove crab, Indo-Pacific mud crab, black crab, and other names. The mud crab belongs to the Portunidae family.
Their two hind legs are flattened and positioned for swimming. As large crabs, they have broad carapaces and have large claws that they use effectively to cut and crush prey.
For the most part, these crabs are mottled green or dark brown.
The giant mud crab has an average carapace of nine inches and has the potential to reach up to 11 pounds. They are commonly found in mangroves and estuaries along the Indo-Pacific.
Mud crabs’ main source of nourishment consists of crustaceans and mollusks. They will eat fish and plants as well.
Females will bury themselves in mud, and the males will seek shelter in the caves. When the temperature drops, the crabs become inactive.
Buff tip moth adults have a wingspan of approximately 50mm. When at rest they resemble a broken twig of silver birch trees. It is the caterpillars that are often noticed in gardens as they are up to 50mm long and have black heads with hairy black and yellow-chequered bodies. They feed gregariously and can cause a significant amount of defoliation on their
Deciduous refers to plants (mainly trees and shrubs) that lose their leaves seasonally, usually during autumn. This is a natural process triggered by the season's shorter days and lower temperatures and allows plants to conserve energy during the winter months. deciduous tree hosts.
An underwater predator, the water scorpion hides among dead leaves where it waits to ambush its prey (such as tadpoles and small fish) with its grabbing pincer-like legs. It is known to bite, but its not very painful for humans. It lives in still-water ponds and lakes, and is common around the shallow edges of garden ponds. It is not a true scorpion and is a poor swimmer, preferring to move by walking. Mating takes place in spring and the females lay their eggs at night among algae or plants just below the surface of the water. The larvae hatch and progress to adulthood through a series of moults known as an 'incomplete metamorphosis'.
The clay-colored billbug is a distinctive beetle species with gray and tan striped wing covers, thorax, and a long snout. The beetle’s curved beak is characteristic of all types of weevils. The mid-sized stripy beetle grows 0.5” to 0.75” (13 – 19 mm) long.
Although called a bug, the beetle is not a true bug in the order Hemiptera. Instead, it’s a gray to tan-colored insect in the beetle order Coleoptera and family Curculionidae.
Clay-colored weevils can do a lot of damage to corn crops when they emerge from the soil in May. The small beetles chew three or four holes in leaves with their beaks, and they can kill small plants. The bug-like beetles usually have a thin covering of soil on their backs.
This (Maevia inclemens) is a common and colorful jumping spider that can be encountered throughout North America. The males have two forms using different courting displays with equality success in mating.
The “tufted” form is black with three tufts across the head and pale legs. The “gray” form has black and white stripes over the legs and body with orange palps. This form does not have tufts. Females grow to 8mm and males grow to 6.5mm in length.
They have excellent vision with large main eyes in the front. The three smaller eyes are on the side of the head. The small eyes are responsible for the detection of motion. These spiders use their eyes for hunting, finding mates, and avoiding threats.
Also called sink fly, sewer gnat, or sewer fly, the drain fly is a grayish moth-like flying ‘bug’ with a short, stumpy body. As the name suggests, drain flies typically live in sinks and the sludge accumulated in drains. The small gray flies measure around 0.1” (2.5 mm) and usually emerge at night.
Drain fly larvae feed on decaying organic matter, like algae, bacteria, and fungi. They get their food from the film or slime that builds up in drains, pipes, or traps. They may also eat other microscopic plants and animals found in filters around sewage plants. Adult drain flies have a diet consisting of polluted water and flower nectar.
As its common name suggests, the Polistes carolina is a red-colored wasp with black wings and red antennae. Although it stings, the red paper wasp isn’t classified as an aggressive wasp. Instead, it tends to build its oval papery nests near human habitation, for example, under eaves or roof overhangs.
Red paper wasps are stinging wasps, but only the females have stingers. The wasps generally don’t attack humans but will sting to defend the nest.
The Blue Leg Hermit Crab (Clibanarius tricolor) is a small marine invertebrate heavily exploited by the ornamental pet industry. Hermit crabs are unique among higher crustaceans (like shrimp, crabs or crayfish) because they generally utilize snail shells as portable shelters for protection because their body is soft and fragile.
Among hermit crabs, the Blue Legged Hermit Crab is highly valued both because of its aesthetic value and apparent ability to control the small sea anemone Aiptasia spp., considered a nuisance by aquarium hobbyists.
The Blue Leg Hermit Crab, scientifically known as “Clibanarius tricolor”, is certainly one of the most abundant and widespread small hermit crab species throughout the Caribbean Sea and western Atlantic.
They are very common in shallow waters (in two meters or less), along open shores on both the north and south coast of Curasao. These hermit crabs form temporarily large aggregations during low tides in the intertidal zone where they find refuge in depressions beneath rocks on hard-bottoms.
Poltys columnaris, known as the tree stump spider, is a species of spider of the genus Poltys. It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Sumatra, and Japan.
The spider has unusual column-shaped abdomen with shiny spots called maculae at base. It is mainly a nocturnal hunter, remaining motionless during the day. The male is very much smaller in size at 1.5-2.1 mm; the female is larger at 7.8-15.1 mm.
Eupholus is a genus of beetle in the family Curculionidae. This weevil, Eupholus cuvieri, along with other members of its genus, is among the most colorful weevil species in the world. This one is azure to turquoise in color. If you look closely, you can see that it has unique and beautiful black stripes and spots. Scientists believe its magnificent colors may be intended to warn predators that it tastes terrible!
This weevil almost doesn’t look real, so it’s no wonder that it’s loved by insect collectors the world over. Other members of its genus are as well. Many are some variety of bright blue with a certain amount of black patterning. And even though the genus contains a vast number of species, all of them can be found in and near New Guinea.
Characterized by its large, dramatic wings and distinct sexual dimorphism, the Great Mormon showcases a variety of forms that differ markedly between males and females. This butterfly thrives in a range of environments from forest edges to human-dominated landscapes, illustrating its versatile nature. The species plays a pivotal role in the ecosystems it inhabits, both as a pollinator and as a subject of study in evolutionary biology due to its complex mimicry and polymorphism.
This species exhibits pronounced differences between males and females, making identification straightforward for enthusiasts. Males typically display deep blue to black wings, sometimes featuring red streaks, while females have sepia-colored forewings with greyish-white and red streaks, and bluish-black hindwings adorned with white to yellow patches.
The Acmopolynema hervali is a species of parasitic wasp, one among thousands of species of such insects – there are 6,000 species in the UK alone.
During its short lifespan, the Acmopolynema hervali wasps perform a service that is very beneficial to farmers.
These parasites attack the egg, larva and pupa of insects that are harmful to crops and keep their populations under control.
As an example, the parasitic wasps bore into the skin of the caterpillar as soon as it is hatched, laying eggs under their skin. The host is kept alive, but the parasitic wasp keeps drawing nutrients as the caterpillar eats.
When it reaches a certain stage of growth, the parasites will release chemicals that paralyze the caterpillar, then use its saw-like teeth to bore through the skin. The wounded caterpillar may perish, or never emerge into the adult insect.
The Purple Climber Crab (Metopograpsus frontalis) is a rock-climbing crab that can be found high up on shores and in mangroves, where it can also climb trees, though not as high as tree climbing crabs. This species is an opportunistic feeder with good predatory ability, potentially important to estuarine food webs.
The Purple Climber Crab lives in mangroves and intertidal areas of eastern Indian and western Pacific Oceans, from Singapore to southern China.
This small purple crab is commonly seen rocky shores in the North and South of Singapore. Usually only active at night. During the day, it is usually well hidden in crevices.
This is a small crab - body width 2-4cm. It has stout purplish pincers. The walking legs are very long and tipped with well developed hooks. With these legs, the crab clings tightly so it doesn't get washed away in the waves, and can scramble quickly among slippery rocks.
Paraplectana tsushimensis is a spider in the orb-weaver family, Araneidae, native to China, Japan, and Taiwan. It is commonly called the ladybird mimic spider.
These spiders have bright red or orange bodies with black spots. Their body shape also mimics the ladybird, round. To take its mimicry even further, the ladybird mimic spider will move its legs in the same way that a ladybird does.
This spider is known for its patient hunting style. Rather than make webs, the ladybug mimic spider will wait on leaves, flowers, or tree bark to wait for its prey to come into its striking range.
Despite its skill for hunting, the ladybird spider will eat nectar as well as insects. This strategy helps to ensure its survival and provides them with more necessary nutrients for reproduction.
The Scolopendra subspinipes (Pacific Giant Centipede) is deceptively intriguing, because it is a beautiful arthropod. They can be quite variable in color. There are numerous color variations and a variety of names including the jungle centipede, orange legged centipede, red-headed centipede, Chinese red-headed centipede, and more.
These centipedes are also quite large, growing from about 4″ to 8″ (10 – 20 cm) in length. Some individuals will even reach a giant size of up to 10″ or more.
Their venom is of medical concern as just one centipede bite can cause pain and serious swelling in humans, and even worse for some individuals. Death from a centipede bite from this species is almost unheard of, but it has reportedly happened on one occasion to a child in the Philippines.
Treehoppers (Membracidae) are related to the cicadas. There are over 3000 species, and treehoppers live on every continent except Antarctica. Their most prominent feature is the helmet, which comes in a variety of odd shapes. This treehopper, Cladonota, has a bizarre horseshoe-shaped helmet.
Despite their spectacular appearance, the “helmets” of treehoppers attach to the first segment of the thorax, in the same way as wings. They are essentially an extra pair of highly modified wing-like appendages.
Enoplometopus antillensis is a species of reef lobster endemic to warmer parts of the Atlantic Ocean. It is found at depths of 5–201 m in rocky and coral reefs, where it hides in small crevices. Dwarf reef lobsters are prized in the home aquarium hobby for their bright colors and small size.
Reef lobsters are distinguished from clawed lobsters (family Nephropidae) by having full chelae (claws) only on the first pair of pereiopods, the second and third pairs being only subchelate (where the last segment of the appendage can press against a short projection from the penultimate one).
Silent slant-faced grasshoppers comprise a large subfamily of insects with characteristic slanted faces. As their name suggests, this group of grasshoppers lacks the pegs on their hind legs that make clicking sounds. Visually, silent slant-faced grasshoppers look more like stick insects than typical grasshoppers.
The female slant-faced grasshopper measures 1.41” to 2.08” (36 – 53 mm), and the male measures 1” to 1.50” (25 – 38 mm).
Identifying silent slant-faced grasshoppers is straightforward because their appearance is so unique. For example, their forewings have angled tips rather than characteristic rounded or pointed tips. Also, their heads are not at a vertical angle seen in other species of grasshoppers.
The Antarctic midge (Belgica antarctica) is exciting in more ways than one. It lives most of its life in larval form, frozen in ice. It's the only true insect that lives on the Antarctic continent, and at 0.23 inches (6 millimeters) long, it actually qualifies as the largest terrestrial animal in Antarctica.
Antarctic midge larvae exist in a deep freeze for two winters. They can lose up to 70 percent of the water in their bodies and still survive. As adults, the midges emerge wingless. They then live only seven to 10 days, mating and eating algae and bacteria.
Take a break from the heat and cool off with this bug of the day
The Common Green Bottle Fly is one of the most common and well-known insects in North America.
These bugs are not many people’s favorite, but they have some critical jobs in forensic, veterinary, and medical science! Their larvae or maggot stage can help scientists determine the time of death in investigations.
In their natural habitat, Green Bottle Flies are essential aids in decomposition, feeding on carrion and feces.
Surprisingly, they’re also pollinators. Some plants, like the Pawpaw (Asimina triloba), have adapted to attract them with flowers that have the color of drying blood and an odor of rotting meat.
These flies are incredibly prolific. A single female fly may produce 2,000 to 3,000 eggs in her lifetime. They reproduce quickly, too, completing their lifecycle in just 2 to 3 weeks.
Julodis cirrosa, common name Brush Jewel Beetle, is a species of beetles belonging to the Buprestidae family. This species occurs in Southern Africa.
This metallic, blue-green jewel beetle has a cylindrical body with a surface coarsely punctured and covered with tufts of long, waxy, whitish, yellow or orange hairs. Larvae tunnel in the stems and roots of various shrubs. Adult beetles are short-lived and active during the heat of the day. They feed on water-rich foliage and flowers.
Gauromydas heros is a species of giant fly belonging to the family Mydidae. It is the largest species of the entire order of Diptera or true flies.
Gauromydas heros can reach a length of 7 centimetres (2.8 in) and a wingspan of about 10 centimetres (3.9 in). It is the largest fly known. The wing membrane is whitish, brown or orange, with a hyaline apex and a posterior margin.
Adult males are flower visitors, while females do not feed at all. Larvae live in the nest of ants (Atta species), feeding on immature insects.
This species has a Neotropical distribution (Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay) and also in Colombia.
The slender arrowhead crab has a triangular, almost guitar-shaped body, tapering out into an elongated rostrum with serrated edges. They have long, spider-like legs, which can reach up to 10 centimeters (4 in) in length and three times the length of their bodies. Despite this delicate appearance, arrowhead crabs are aggressive scavengers, preying on feather duster worms and bristle worms, as well as picking through detritus.
Their unique appearance has made them a favorite among aquarists, although they are considered neither reef-safe nor fish-safe, as they happily eat corals and have been known to attack slow-moving or sleeping fish. Arrowhead crabs are also extremely territorial, especially with conspecifics. Like many crab species, they are nocturnal and spend the day hiding or defending their homes on the reef or rock walls from trespassers. They can be found down to 10 meters (33 ft) in the western and eastern Atlantic and Caribbean Sea.
Scytodes thoracica is a spitting spider, so called because it spits a venomous sticky silken substance over its prey. Its size ranges between 3–6 mm (0.12–0.24 in). The carapace is unusual in sloping upwards towards its rear end, whereas the abdomen slopes downwards.
To subdue a target, these killers take aim and fire twin streams of venom-drenched silk out of their fangs. At a top speed of 62 miles per hour, the fibers move in a wide-arced, zig-zag pattern. In addition to being coated with poison, this silk drips with a super-sticky glue. Once victims are enmeshed, the glue-covered fibers will shrink, constricting the unfortunate prey. Eventually, the spitting spider will administer a venomous bite and put the trapped entrée out of its misery.
It has six eyes instead of the eight spiders usually have. It has a wide distribution: found in Europe, North Africa, Turkey, temperate Asia to China, Korea, Japan. Introduced to North America, Argentina, India, Australia, New Zealand.
The brimstone is a fairly large, pale yellow butterfly, with distinctive, leaf-shaped wings. Adults hibernate through cold weather, so may be seen flying on warm days throughout the year, although they are most common in the spring. Usually seen in ones or twos, they are never very common, but are widespread. They can be found in damp woodlands, along sunny, woodland rides and mature hedgerows, and in large gardens. The foodplants of the larvae are buckthorn and alder buckthorn. Both shrubs are found in wet woodland, while buckthorn also occurs on dry chalk and limestone soils.
This butterfly is found across most of England, Wales and Ireland.
It is thought that the bright yellow colour of the male brimstone's wings inspired the name 'butter-fly'.
The Mediterranean Slipper Lobster, Scyllarides latus, is a distinctive species of lobster that lacks the large pincers found in more familiar lobster species. Instead, it has a broad, flattened body and antennae that are enlarged and plate-like, which it uses for digging and defense. This species is known for its excellent taste and is a prized catch in the Mediterranean seafood market.
The Metallyticus splendidus, also known as the iridescent bark mantis, originates from Southeast Asia, specifically in regions such as Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. This stunning species inhabits dense tropical forests, where it can be found camouflaged among the bark of trees and foliage. Its natural habitat provides abundant opportunities for hunting and hiding, as well as protection from predators.
The males and females exhibit distinct differences in both coloration and size. Males display a striking blue-violet hue, while females showcase a captivating golden-green coloration.
The jack jumper ant (Myrmecia pilosula), also known as the jack jumper, jumping jack, hopper ant, or jumper ant, is a species of venomous ant native to Australia. Most frequently found in Tasmania and southeast mainland Australia, it is a member of the genus Myrmecia, subfamily Myrmeciinae, and was formally described and named by British entomologist Frederick Smith in 1858. This species is known for its ability to jump long distances.
Primarily diurnal, workers search for food during the day until dusk. They are active during warmer months, but are dormant during winter. Fights between these ants within the same colony is not uncommon. They are known for their aggression towards humans, attraction to movement, and well developed vision, being able to observe and follow intruders from 1 m (1.1 yd) away.
The jack jumper ant and its relatives in the genus Myrmecia are among the most dangerous ant genera and have fearsome reputations for their extreme aggression; Guinness World Records certifies the ant Myrmecia pyriformis as the world's most dangerous ant.
🚨 ARTHROPOD OF THE DAY 🚨 The Cinnabar Moth is a brightly colored, smart-looking moth in black and red. This moth will fly during the daytime, but it’s also active at night. Look for it in fields and patches of waste ground.
It has a 35 to 40 mm (1.3 to 1.57 inch) wingspan. You can find Cinnabar Moths in the UK—England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales.
The moth got its name from the mineral dye cinnabar, which dyed cloth a bright, deep red color.
Cinnabar moth caterpillars are bright yellow and black. These are nature’s warning colors, and indeed, the caterpillars are poisonous. They get the poison from Groundsel plants, which are their food plants.
Roesel's bush-cricket is commonly found throughout southern and central Europe, as well as further North, in Finland, Latvia and Sweden. Its native range stretches from west Europe to western Siberia. Despite being native to Europe, Roesel's bush-cricket has made its way into North America.
Male adults start to sing (or stridulate) in July to attract females of the same species. Stridulation occurs for a long time (with only very brief pauses), whilst the weather is hot and sunny. The song is characteristic of the species which allows for easy identification by experts. The song consists of continuous penetrating buzzing, at a high pitch. The sound is similar to that of Savi's warbler, or the hiss of overhead electricity wires.
The Roesel's bush-cricket is dark brown with orangey legs, a green face, a creamy border to the thorax, and two or three cream spots on its sides. It is best recognised by its song, which is a long, monotonous, mechanical noise.
The spider species Platythomisus quadrimaculatus, commonly known as Eight-spotted Crab Spider, belongs to the genus Platythomisus, in the family Thomisidae.
Females reach a body length of about 20 mm, males grow up to four mm. The smooth, convex cephalothorax is quite large, with smooth, slender legs that are not particularly long. The legs are often free of spines, with the occasional exception on the first two pairs. The opisthosoma is stout and oval.
Platythomisus octomaculatus has a yellow-orange color with four round, black marks on the cephalothorax and seven large black marks on the opisthosoma, with one spot near the cephalothorax, and the other six following behind in two longitudinal rows. The legs are of a bright yellow, with the outer halves black.
Royal reds (pleoticus robustus via Sea Life Base) get their name due to their bright red shells and are valued for their sweet, salty flavor and tender texture, which is often compared to that of lobster and bay scallops. Deep sea creatures, royal reds inhabit waters 500 to 2400 feet deep off the Atlantic Coast and Gulf of Mexico, where they seek cool waters averaging about 50 F (see "Deep Sea Trawl Fisheries" by Oceana). The species can be found as far north as New England, where they are called Stonington reds.
Because royal reds, also known as cardinals, inhabit deep sea territory, they are some of the most prized and expensive shrimp available. Especially perishable, royal reds must be individually quick-frozen at sea. The upside, however, is that the need to quick-freeze them means that they are often sold head-on.
Stinging rose caterpillars, also known as the rose slug caterpillars, are the bizarre larvae of handsome green and pale brown moths. Mature caterpillars are less than an inch long, and they caterpillars are known to feed on foliage of rose, dogwood, apple, cherry, bayberry, hickory, maple, poplar, and oak. They are said to be aposematically colored.
The black-tipped spines on the elongate body wall projections have poison glands at their bases. Venom enters the skin of humans or animals when the caterpillars are touched and the tips of the spines break off. The caterpillars are said to be capable of producing skin irritation similar to that produced by saddleback caterpillar, which is considered among the most severe urticating caterpillars in North America. Specialized irritating spines, called caltrop spines, are present on the lateral horns of several segments.
Pacific mole crabs (Emerita analoga), also known as sand crabs, are one of the most important and abundant invertebrates on the sandy beach. They live along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Baja California in the northern hemisphere and between Ecuador and Argentina in the southern hemisphere. They inhabit the swash zone, which extends from the lowest to the highest reach of the waves at any given time. The swash zone is an especially harsh environment to inhabit on the beach because of the crashing waves and shifting sand.
The sand crab is small in size, growing up to 35 mm (1.4”) long and 25 mm (1”) wide. It is gray or sand colored and does not have claws or spines. Like other crustaceans, sand crabs periodically molt, so the empty exoskeletons may be found on the shore.
The giant walkingstick (Megaphasma dentricus) is commonly seen in Phil Hardberger Park in late spring and early summer. Females of this species are larger than males reaching up to 7 inches in length and are the longest insects in North America.
There are a number of interesting evolutionary adaptations that walkingsticks exhibit. For example, some species have the ability to reproduce by parthenogenesis, which is the ability of a female to produce viable eggs without the need for male fertilization. They can traditionally mate as well.
When threatened they can “drop” their limb to avoid being eaten and younger nymphs can regrow the limb by regeneration. Walking sticks exhibit mimicry with cryptic colors matching the green and brown vegetation they live on and their long slender stick-like bodies resemble twigs. They also imitate the swaying motion of twigs in the wind to disguise their movements.
Darwin's bark spider (Caerostris darwini) is an orb-weaver spider that produces the largest known orb webs, ranging from 900 to 28,000 square centimetres (140 to 4,340 sq in), with bridge lines spanning up to 25 metres (82 ft). The spider was discovered in Madagascar in the Andasibe-Mantadia National Park in 2009. Its silk is the toughest biological material ever studied. Its tensile strength is 1.6 GPa.
Darwin's bark spider (Caerostris darwini) is an orb-weaver spider – a member of the family Araneidae. Like other spiders of the genus, they display extreme sexual dimorphism, with large females and small males. Females vary in total body length from about 18 to 22 mm (0.7 to 0.9 in), males being around one third or less of this length, at about 6 mm (0.2 in). In a captive bred population, females were 14 (1.3–195) times heavier and 2.3 (1–4) times larger than males.
Females are largely black in colour, with white hairs on the cephalothorax (prosoma), abdomen and appendages. Males are redder and lighter brown in colour, again with white hairs on the cephalothorax, abdomen and parts of the appendages further from the body.
Driver ants are a genus of army ants, so named (supposedly) because of their use by armies as stitches. But the name seems more appropriate as a description of their behaviour; legions of these animals terrorise the forest floor in search of food.
While driver ants are able to sting, they rely on their large cutting jaws to attack anything in their path. They mostly diet on insects, and earthworms – but they can also consume small animals, such as mice, snakes, snakes, birds or anything else that might not move out of their way.
Driver ants are all-terrain animals. They can climb trees, cross water and scale all kinds of walls and cliffs. They do this by creating tunnels and bridges with their bodies.
Their queens are enormous. In fact, she’s the largest ant known and can be as large as a small mouse – measuring between 1.5 – 2.4 inches (3.8 – 6 cms) in total body length. They lay almost non-stop throughout their lives and can have up to 15,000 egg-producing ovarioles. A single queen can produce around 250 million eggs in her lifetime. When she dies, her colossal workforce may join forces with another colony, in an act that is known as colony fusion.
Potato bug bites aren’t poisonous but they can be very painful and sore. The potato bug is also called Jerusalem cricket or child of the earth bug and it lives in the western United States and Mexico. These nocturnal large insects can get into your home and usually inflict a nasty bite if they feel threatened or cornered.
The potato bug (Jerusalem cricket) has orange and black stripes and if you find it in your garden or home, then you may want to get rid of it. Make sure to handle it properly to prevent getting bitten.
The name “potato bug” or “Jerusalem cricket” can be a bit confusing. These insects don’t gorge on potatoes, nor are they from Jerusalem. Other names for Jerusalem crickets are “child of the earth” (Spanish, niño de la tierra), skunk bugs, skull insects, earth baby, or shiny bug.
Potato bugs are wingless creatures and get around on their 6 spider-like legs. Their legs help them dig into the ground where they spend much of their life. Unlike other crickets, Jerusalem crickets don’t jump.
The Globemallow Leaf Beetle may look like a type of Lady Bug, or Lady Beetle, but it is not. As a member of the Leaf Beetle family, its diet is plant-based, unlike the carnivorous diet of Lady Bugs. In fact, many Leaf Beetles are considered pests thanks to the extensive damage they inflict on the plants they are eating.
After pupating they become a rich, red color with black lines and spots on the elytra (wing covering). As they age, the red gives way to orange, yellow, and a bright green color. The black stripes and spots do not change, nor is the metallic sheen lost during this color morphing.
The Thistle Mantis, or more specifically Blepharopsis mendica is a beautiful species of praying mantis from North Africa and the Canary Islands.
This species of praying mantis is creamy-white to beige with light green stripes and light green “veins” on the wings as adults. On its back this mantis has a small pointed shield under which the forearms are being kept. The inside of the front legs are orange and blue white white spots. These colors are shown in the threatening posture to deter predators.
Blepharopsis mendica is a quiet species of praying mantis. They are good at catching flying insects. Relying on its camouflage it waits patiently until an unsuspecting prey comes along. This species is not very aggressive and can be intimidate by large prey. Blepharopsis mendica can show a deimatic display in which it will raise its wings and hold its forearms in a sideways way. In this posture the mantis looks very big and the bright colors on the inside of the forearms is visible. This is meant to scare away predators.
Emerald Crabs are a saltwater crab commonly used in home aquariums because of their consumption of bubble algae. They are one of the most colorful species of crab which is what makes them attractive to humans, but the coloration is also what indicates their toxicity.
As their name indicates, these crabs are generally a deep emerald color, but they may also contain streaks of blue, red, grey, white, or black. Its carapace is often shiny in texture, making its bright coloration stand out even more.
Although they are toxic, they are not generally a threat to humans. Like the crabs in the Xanthid family, they need to be consumed to be toxic. Emerald crabs only reach a diameter of 5 centimeters (2 inch), so they are not a good candidate for a meal.
In the wild, emerald crabs are found in tropical Caribbean reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. They like to hide inside the crevices of caves, rocks, and corals.
I missed an arthropod last Sunday, and my friends didn't let it go. So -
🚨 ARTHROPOD OF THE OTHER DAY 🚨
Hamadryas chloe, the Chloe cracker, is a species of cracker butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. It is found in Suriname, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, and Brazil.
They acquired their common name due to the unusual way that males produce a "cracking" sound as part of their territorial displays. Male cracker butterflies are known for their ability to make a cracking noise with their wings, which is believed to either be for mating or to ward off rival males. They use trees as courting territories, as shown by experiments. They prefer to perch on trees with bark that matches their wing coloration, while the presence of food, position of trees along flight routes, tree size, bark texture, and lichen cover are not associated with the frequency of perching on the trees.
Cecropia moths are beautiful silk moths with reddish bodies and black to brown wings surrounded by bands of white, red, and tan. With a wingspan of five to seven inches (13 to 18 centimeters), the cecropia moth is the largest moth found in North America.
These moths are found in hardwood forests east of the Rocky Mountains in the United States and Canada. They are attracted to street and porch lights, which is where most people encounter them.
In order to find a mate, male cecropia moths must have extraordinary senses. A female moth produces natural chemicals called pheromones, which the male can detect from over a mile away. Females lay over a hundred eggs, although many of the caterpillars won’t live to see adulthood. When the caterpillars hatch, they are black in color. As they go through successive molts, they increase in size and change color from black to yellow to green.
River jewelwing (Calopteryx aequabilis) is a large, 1¼″ to 2⅛″ long, showy, broad-winged damselfly. It is common in northern United States and southern Canada. Males and females are the same size.
The head, thorax, and upper (dorsal) and side (lateral) surfaces of the abdomen of the male are iridescent. The apparent color is determined by the quantity and angle of available light. In good light they appear brilliant metallic green or bright metallic teal blue depending on the angle of the light. In deep shade they appear black. The 8th and 9th abdominal segments have a narrow, white, lateral patch. The lower (ventral) surface of the abdomen is black.
The wings are 1″ to 17 ⁄16″ long and are broad, 3½ to 4 times as long as wide. On mature individuals they are pale smoky brown, almost clear, at the base with a dark brown band at the tip.
After mating the female oviposits eggs inside soft, submerged stems of aquatic plants up to a foot below the surface of the water. Naiads remain in the water for two or three years, molting 12 or 13 times before emerging as an adult. Adults emerge mostly in June. They reach sexual maturity in about 11 days and live on average for 16 to 20 days.
Pseudosquilla ciliata, the common mantis shrimp, is a species of mantis shrimp, known by common names including rainbow mantis shrimp and false mantis shrimp. It is widespread in the tropical Indo-Pacific region and in both the western and eastern Atlantic Ocean.
P. ciliata can be distinguished from other closely related mantis shrimps by several characteristics; the eye is cylindrical with a hemispherical cornea; the rostral plate lacks a small spine at the front; the carapace does not bear large black spots; the telson has three keel-like ridges on either side of a central ridge; and the base of each uropod terminates in two slender flattened spines, the innermost of which is the shorter.
The colour of P. ciliata varies greatly depending on an individual's environment; for example, P. ciliata living in a sea grass flat will often turn green, while one living in coralline algae will often turn red. P. ciliata may reach a total length of 95 millimetres (3.7 in). The colour can range from yellowish to near black and may be plain, marbled or striped.
P. ciliata usually remains in its burrow during the day and emerges at night to forage. It is a predator and feeds on small fish, worms and small crustaceans, particularly shrimps.
The hairy-footed flower bee can be seen in gardens and parks in spring and summer, visiting tubular flowers like red dead-nettle and comfrey. As its name suggests, it has long, orange hairs on its middle legs.
The hairy-footed flower bee emerges from hibernation in early spring, from late February to March. The males emerge first and the females appear a couple of weeks later. This species is an important pollinator for early spring flowers. This solitary bee feeds on many spring flowers, including primrose, lungworts, borage, deadnettles, broad bean, and rosemary.
It feeds on the nectar using its long tongue. hairy-footed flower bees will nest in soft mortar in walls, or occasionally in soil. They are commonly seen in gardens in Southern England, as well as along roadside verges.
The female hairy-footed flower bee is black and furry, and resembles a small bumble bee. The males are rusty-brown and have long, orange hairs on their middle legs and feet.
Cicadas are particularly loud this summer. The difference between 2024 and the previous year is that the hatch rate of the 13 and 17 cicadas will coincide. This means that in only one season, there might be billions of cicadas. This is the first time this has happened since 1803, and it won’t happen again until 2245; therefore, this is historic. These two broods are adjacent (but not significantly overlapping) in north-central Illinois.
The 13-year periodical cicada - Brood XIX (also known as The Great Southern Brood) is the largest periodical cicada brood in North America, covering at least a dozen states in the Southeast. The 17-year periodical cicada - Brood XIII (also known as the Northern Illinois Brood) has a reputation for being the "largest emergence of cicadas anywhere,". The periodical insects, more closely related to aphids than locusts, have black bodies, red eyes and translucent, orange-tinted wings.
White Shark isopods has a truly unique coloring to them, consisting of a pretty consistent patterning of caramel, white and black. They’re really tiny - coming in around 0.5cm on average. They are nick-named "dwarf-duckies".
These are a rare Cubaris species coming from Thailand. They're cute, but the most information I could find on them came from websites selling them for terrariums.
The Milkweed Tussock belonging to the Erebidae family was described in 1773 by British collector Dru Drury. It has a wide range, occupying different parts of North America. These moths acquire the name milkweed from their host plants. The larvae and even the adult moths are equipped with chemical defenses, obtained from the milkweed plants, which have toxic substances. This makes them poisonous for their potential predators, yet they stand beneficial enough for the ecosystem.
Their wings, whether opened or closed, mostly have a dull gray coloration without prominent markings. However, some specimens have a faint, dark line on the forewing.
Besides this, they also have a yellow hairy abdomen, with black dots arranged in rows on the dorsal region.
The larva grows to about 3.5 cm with the early instars being gray and a little hairy. Then, they appear like yellow tubes with black heads. As the caterpillar matures and reaches the late instar stage, its body is marked with orange, black, and white stripes.
The blue land crab is also sometimes referred to as the giant land crab and is the largest species of semi-terrestrial crabs in Florida. Although they are called the “giant” land crab, their carapace will only reach about 6 inches (0.15 meters) in diameter.
These crabs change color as they age, beginning life as a dark brown, purple, or orange coloration. As they age, their color will change to a blue-grey color. Like many crabs, one of their pincers is larger than the other.
Blue land crabs prefer warmer waters and can be found throughout the Bermuda region, the Caribbean sea, up to Texas, and southern Florida. Although these crabs live on land, they are semi-terrestrial and are not often found more than five miles off the coast. Instead, they prefer to live in low-lying areas of coastal regions.
Living most of their life on land, blue land crabs need water to drink and to breed. Besides these instances, these land crabs remain on land, creating burrows several feet deep to live in.
Unlike many crabs, these land crabs are mostly vegetarian. Rather than feeding on animal matter like most crabs, they prefer to feast on leaves, berries, flowers, fruit, and vegetables.
Parabuthus transvaalicus is one of the biggest scorpions in the family Buthidae, growing up to 140 mm in length. It is dark brown to black in colour and has a thick tail and thin pincers. Thick-tailed or fat-tailed scorpions generally have potent venom and P. transvaalicus is considered to be one of the most poisonous scorpions in southern Africa.
They have powerful, thick tails, a potent sting, and two tiny pinchers. This scorpion species produces two categories of venom; firstly, to supply a warning sting or immobilize small prey; secondly, more toxic venom for more prominent creatures. This scorpion can spit its venom as much as 1 meter (3ft), resulting in temporary blindness in the eyes of the intended victim. Its venom is neurotoxic and can be fatal to humans if left untreated.
Parabuthus transvaalicus is ground dwelling and burrows in sand, shrubs, under rocks and logs. It is known to occur in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Mozambique and Botswana.
There is only one C. obscurior male per colony. He’s the ergatoid, the dominant male ant, and he must defend his territory. If a new male wonders in for some mating, the reigning ergatoid will dab chemicals from his anus onto the intruder. This butt secretion will cause all of the workers to band together and kill the newcomer. C. obscurior males have a “kill” scent.
That’s not all that they’ll do. In an effort to further reduce any possible rivalry, the ergatoid combs the nurseries looking for newborn males to slaughter. The soft one-day-olds are easy pickings. However, if they find a two-day-old male whose armor has hardened, it becomes a pitched battle with a 14 percent chance that the young ant wins and a 43 percent chance that they will both die. This is mostly because they’re both rubbing their kill scents on each other, encouraging the workers to kill, kill, kill. Many times, the workers end up slaying them both, but it’s okay if they both die. New male are always being born, and the dead ones are fed to the larvae.
The Orange Oakleaf butterfly, a marvel of the insect world, is renowned for its vibrant colors and astonishing camouflage capabilities. Indigenous to Tropical Asia, this species thrives from the Indian subcontinent all the way to Japan. Its unique ability to mimic dry, dead leaves not only fascinates observers but also serves as a vital survival strategy in its natural habitat.
Belonging to the Nymphalid family, the Orange Oakleaf is a testament to nature’s artistry and adaptability. This butterfly’s lifecycle, from the visually striking caterpillar to the deceptive adult form, showcases nature’s intricate designs aimed at survival and reproduction.
The Orange Oakleaf’s caterpillar stage presents a velvety, black body adorned with long, yellowish hair, interspersed with red spines.
The adult butterfly’s wings reveal deep blue bases, topped with black and highlighted by an orange stripe, creating a stunning visual contrast. Two white oculi enhance this palette, with one perched atop the black band and the other near the blue-orange demarcation. The hind wings display a serene blue, bordered with brown patches. Closed, the butterfly transforms into a dead leaf, a masterpiece of mimicry.
The red pumpkin beetle is a tiny leaf-eating beetle with a bright orange-red body measuring 0.2” to 0.3” (5 – 8 mm) long. The beetle is described as having shiny reddish-brown oval elytra, head and thorax, black abdomen, and spindly orange antennae. The destructive red bug feeds on plants in the gourd family.
As their name suggests, red pumpkin beetles primarily feed on pumpkin leaves. However, the pesky orangey-red bugs cause plant damage at all stages of their lives. The white grubs live in the soil and feed on roots. The red adult beetles devour plant leaves and can defoliate plants.
Red pumpkin beetles are a member of the insect family Chrysomelidae. These are a type of leaf beetle that cause crop destruction.
One type of edible freshwater crab is the Southern European crab (Potamon fluviatile). This is a type of green crab that is generally found in rivers and streams in Italy, Greece and the Balkans.
Compared to varieties of seawater crabs, the Southern European crab is tiny in comparison. An adult green crab may only average about 2” (5 cm) and they have been a popular food source for hundreds of years.
European green crabs have now become an invasive species in North America. You can boil them in a similar way to Blue crab and they have a rich sweet taste.
The Moringa horned treehopper is generally distributed and occurs on many trees and plants, but not in sufficient numbers to be considered a serious pest. The family Membracidae commonly known as “Treehoppers”, comprises of a distinct group of small insects occurring in all the major geographic regions, Although endowed with powers of flight, they prefer to hop about when disturbed and this habit has earned them the popular name "Treehoppers"
These bugs feed by sucking the sap of trees, shrubs and cultivated crops and most species are host specific. They secrete a sugary substance called ‘honey dew’ which serves as food for ants, bees and wasps. In turn, they benefit from the interaction with ants that provide house cleaning services and protect them from predators.
Most of the local species of membracids show host specificity to it remarkable extent. The monophagous membracids exhibit absolute host specificity. In a few instances, the association between the membracid and the host is so specific that a knowledge of the one is sufficient for the recognition of the other. Thus, Leptocentrus moringae not only confines itself to Moringa but is the only species ever found on this host.
The asian jumping mantises (Statilia maculata) are smaller mantises that also have a home in the eastern US. They are being closely monitored given their recent introduction in 2019. They have also been observed participating in nymphal cannibalism, where they eat their own kids. Also, they have participated in sexual cannibalism, where they eat their mate.
It is native to Asia that can be found in China and Japan and Korea.
Upon emerging, nymphs resemble miniatures of adults but lack fully developed wings. In this stage, asian jumping mantis undergoes progressive molts, increasing in size, slowly developing wing buds, and changing color with each instar, enhancing survival by improving camouflage and hunting ability.
Emerging from the final molt, the adult asian jumping mantis's development is marked by the presence of fully formed wings and functional reproductive organs. Body pattern and color reach their peak for mating signals and camouflage, while the adult is preoccupied with reproduction and feeding.
Asian jumping mantis can turn its head nearly 180 degrees to scan its surroundings due to a flexible joint between the head and prothorax.
The larva of the Wavy-lined Emerald Moth (Synchlora aerate), also called the camouflaged looper, is a fairly common caterpillar you might not see because it uses a unique method for hiding. This caterpillar will attach bits of the plant material on which it is feeding to its back with bits of silk in order to blend into its host plant and avoid detection. If it is feeding on Rudbeckia petals, it will “wear” those. If it is feeding on the Rudbeckia flower head, it will attach pieces of that part of the flower. If it moves to a Liatris, it will choose parts of that flower to cover itself and transforms into a purple caterpillar. It also presumably detaches and replaces the parts as they wilt, since it always seems to be covered in fresh colorful adornments that match the meal perfectly. So while it is essentially using camouflage, this insect is an active participant in the process.
The adult moth is green with wavy white transverse lines. It is a small but beautiful moth, with a wingspan of about an inch, and is a nocturnal flier that is attracted to light.
This moth, a member of the family Geometridae, overwinters in the larval stage and emerges in the spring to feed on flowers. It has a large range covering most of North America, from southern Canada south to Texas. It feeds on different types of plants, mostly composite flowers, in addition to many flowering shrubs and trees.
The habitat of the Pacific Spiketail is clear, shady foothill and mountains streams with either sand or mud substrate and steady current. Away from water this species tends to forage along forest openings and clearings or brushy ravines. Pacific Spiketails often perch on trees and small branches of shrubs for lengthy periods of time.
This is a large vividly-marked, black and yellow dragonfly with long abdomen, the eyes are smallish and barely touching. They are strong flyers and when perched often hang at a 45° angle. The female has a spikelike ovipositor. This species inhabits lotic systems in western Montana (small woodland streams and rivers). There is only 1 genus and 1 species of this family of dragonflies in NorthWestern North America.
Grammostola pulchra, is a head turning and stunning species of tarantula, more commonly known as the Brazilian black tarantula. As yet, there is much to be written and research about this species in its natural habitat. What little is known is that it is a ground dweller for sure. It is resourceful and will attempt to make a home out of what is around it. This might be inside a pre-made burrow from another animal, or under a nice quiet dark log.
The Grammostola pulchra female can live up to a whopping 30 years in captivity if it is well cared for. The male sadly less, living a maximum of six years. These sturdy tarantulas can reach up to around 7 inches. They are gentle and slow, do not have a tendency to attack or bite.
The Brown crab (Cancer pagurus) is an edible crab with a reddish-brown shell, legs, and claws. Similar to the Florida Stone crab, the claws of this seawater crab have black tips. The Brown crab is one of the most popular varieties of crab in the United Kingdom.
This is a medium-sized crab variety with the carapace being between 6” and 9” (15 – 22 cm) wide. An adult brown crab can weigh up to 6.6 lbs (3 kg) with about one-third of its weight being meat.
Brown crabs have an oval body with edging that looks like a pie crust. The brown shell turns a lighter shade of brown when cooked. The taste and look of the sweet crab meat depend on the sex of the crustacean. The meat of the female crabs is a brown type of crab meat that has a rich flavor. The meat from male brown crabs is whiter and has a sweeter flavor.
The genus Cryptops is readily recognisable due to the presence of 21 leg pairs (all other British and Irish centipedes have 15 pairs or at least 35 pairs).
This species is found in all of Europe except for: the Baltic states, Andorra, Belarus, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Moldova, Russia, Vatican City and various European islands. It has also been introduced to Tasmania, Australia.[4] It is found in gardens and woodland, and under stones and logs.
The world’s largest grasshopper is the hedge grasshopper (Valanga irregularis), measuring around 3” (75 mm) long. However, some reports say the giant grasshopper can grow to 3.5” (90 mm). This gigantic grasshopper is native to Australia and has a brownish or tan-colored body. However, there are variations in appearance.
The species favours a moist climate. In spring and autumn they are often found in grassland or forest. If the atmospheric conditions are ideal they sometimes leave for suburban gardens.
Adult individuals are good jumpers and can defend against predators like mantises (Mantodea) or lynx spiders with the spines on the hindlegs. Moreover, Valanga irregularis is well camouflaged as the body colour resembles the plant stem and leaf they are hiding behind.
Geotrupidae (from Greek γῆ (gē), earth, and τρῡπητής (trȳpētēs), borer) is a family of beetles in the order Coleoptera. They are commonly called earth-boring dung beetles or dor beetles. Most excavate burrows in which to lay their eggs. They are typically detritivores, provisioning their nests with leaf litter (often moldy), but are occasionally coprophagous, similar to dung beetles. The eggs are laid in or upon the provision mass and buried, and the developing larvae feed upon the provisions. The burrows of some species can exceed 2 metres in depth.
The Gray Hairstreak butterfly, a small yet fascinating member of the hairstreak group, is widespread across North America and extends its range into Central and northern South America. Renowned for their close associations with ants and a diverse range of host plants, these butterflies exhibit unique survival strategies that make them a subject of interest for both enthusiasts and researchers alike.
The Gray Hairstreak caterpillar is characterized by a vibrant green body with a distinct line running from head to tail. In its early stages, it feeds primarily on flowers and fruits, favoring a variety of plants from the pea (Fabaceae) and mallow (Malvaceae) families, including beans, clover, and cotton.
Gray hairstreaks have a fascinating relationship with ants. Ants are attracted to the caterpillars because they secrete a sweet substance. In return, the ants provide protection to the caterpillars from predators.
In its adult form, the Gray Hairstreak showcases a brilliant blue-gray hue on the dorsal side of its wings, accentuated by a large red spot near the ends. The ventral side varies seasonally, from dark gray in spring and fall to a lighter shade in summer.
The eastern parson spider is a special kind of spider from the USA and Canada. It’s part of the Gnaphosidae family. Instead of making webs to catch food, this spider likes to chase down its meals! It’s a sneaky spider, hiding in soft spots during the day and hunting at night.
They are brown to black body with the front mostly being chestnut in shade, gray abdomen, and a distinctive mark in pink or white. The body of the Eastern Parson Spider is covered in a velvety texture, adding to its unique appearance.
Eastern Parson spiders have venom. They use it to catch the bugs they eat. But for people, it’s not very strong. They can bite if they’re disturbed. It might feel like a tiny pinch, but it’s usually not a big deal.
The Eastern Parson Spider plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems it inhabits. By preying on various insects, it helps control their populations, ensuring that no single species dominates. This nocturnal hunter relies on its agility and speed to chase down and capture its prey.
The Mediterranean recluse spider (Loxosceles rufescens) is a species of spider that originated in the Mediterranean region as its name implies, but can now be found in many parts of the world and is listed as one of the most invasive spiders worldwide. Usually dwelling in caves, the spiders will also inhabit basements and tunnels. Their webs shelter their egg sacs, which hatch into young that molt as they grow. The spider hunts at night and eats species including silverfish and cockroaches, and they usually target smaller insects.
Similar to other species in their genus, bites from L. rufescens can cause necrosis and, for some individuals, systemic damage due to the enzyme sphingomyelinase D. Pest control may be undertaken with similar strategies as used for the brown recluse spider.
Barsine orientalis is a multi-colored, pretty moth with orange, tan, dark brown, and black markings. Like many types of beautiful moths, this orange moth is native to tropical climates. The patterns on the wings are geometric shapes of squares and rectangles as well as some circles.
When resting, the Barsine orientalis has its large, rounded flat wings, covering its back. You’ll also see that the cool moth has whitish-gray legs with black markings. Finally, the orange moth has narrow white antennae.
The identifying feature of the Barsine orientalis moth is its pale tan wings with orange squares or rectangles and brown patterns.
A base green color is specific to The Narrow-winged Mantis (Tenodera angustipennis). This species is native to Asia where it can be found in India, Japan, and other countries. It has also made its way to The East Coast of The US as well as to Hawaii.
These bugs measure around 3 inches with only the largest females measuring up to 3.3 inches.
Large females are responsible for laying eggs and they use a gray to brown ootheca to lay clusters of eggs. These eggs can hatch within 10 days and then molt multiple times to the final color, which is often mostly green with brown dorsal areas.
The emerald ash borer (EAB), an invasive wood-boring beetle from Asia, is responsible for the death and decline of tens of millions of ash trees in North America. EAB lays its eggs in the bark crevices of ash trees. The eggs hatch and the larvae burrow into the tree where they feed. This feeding is what damages the trees.
EAB adults are metallic green with a coppery-red abdomen and about one-half inch long. These beetles live for about three weeks. They are most active during the day, particularly when the weather is warm and sunny.
Up to 99% of ash trees are killed by EAB within 8-10 years of its establishment. EAB has greatly reduced the number of black ash trees in particular, and could spread throughout most of the tree’s range within the next two generations. Based on the threat from EAB, black ash was declared endangered and added to the Species at Risk in Ontario List in 2022. There are ongoing efforts to mitigate the impacts of EAB and protect existing populations of ash.
Nomad bees look more like black and yellow wasps than a typical bee. The small striped bee measures 0.31” to 0.39” (8 – 10 mm) and has a distinctive yellow and black abdomen, orange antennae, and yellowish legs. An easy way to tell the nomad bees apart from other bees is their hairless bodies.
The females use olfactory and visual cues for detecting suitable host nests. Upon locating a suitable host nest, she lands nearby, and rests facing the nest entrance. At some point, she enters the host nest where she lays an egg in the wall of a single cell, then leaves.
The host bee will continue to provision the nest cell with food and then seal up the cell. The larvae that hatch from the egg of Nomada have large mandibles (jaws), which they use to destroy the grub of the host bee, and eat the food supplied by its parent.
As a cleptoparastie (a brood parasite), Nomada species have no pollen baskets or scopa on the hind legs for collecting pollen, nor can they create their own nest cells. They are therefore completely reliant on a host.
Migratory grasshoppers are a fascinating and sometimes troublesome species found in various parts of the world, including the United States. They are known for their ability to travel long distances in search of new breeding regions.
They are considered short-horned grasshoppers from a scientific standpoint. Their migrations are massive and can have significant impacts. In fact, these different types of grasshoppers cross continents during spring and fall, numbering in the billions.
The scale of their migration can even influence weather patterns, leading to rainfall and potentially causing tornadoes in certain areas. Interestingly, migratory grasshoppers are the first species to arrive each spring.
They are widely distributed and can be found in various parts of the world. Their migrations span thousands of miles a year, sometimes aided by wind patterns.
Ormenoides venusta is a species of flatid planthopper in the family Flatidae, found in North America. This species is univoltine, with first instars emerging in May. It feeds on paw paw leaves.
Flatid planthoppers make use of spines on their hind legs to provide purchase necessary for takeoff. The spines on the tibiae are one characteristic of the Flatidae; coupled with stubby but powerful flying wings, they give this little creature a violent and efficient escape mechanism.
Planthoppers expend considerable energy in the leaps. Even a medium sized nymph (<5mm) can jump a distance of 30 centimeters or more. The waxy coating also protects the insects from being caught in spider webs or puddles; they don’t stick to spider webs and they float quite well and can swim to safety.
Nymphs of many Flatids secrete a filamentous wax from the time they hatch. The filaments are extruded from glandular tissue at the tip of the abdomen, and may provide protection from predators and prevent desiccation.
Porcellio werneri is a large sized, flat bodied isopod native to Greece. It is an unusual looking isopod species with an oval shape, a very broad and flat body and it is also a large species, measuring up to 2 cm long. Its color is dark gray, almost black with a white skirt. Once the colony is established it proves to be a non demanding species to keep and breed, and it’s also moderately prolific.
Common name: Werner’s Woodlouse, Greek Shield Isopod, Pancake isopod.
In their native Greece, Porcellio werneri are specialists that are restricted to dry habitats, like calcareous rocky substrate.
American oil beetles belong to the beetle family Meloidae and belong to the genus Meloe. These are a large beetle species that have an iridescent shiny black body that is massive in relation to its head and thorax.
These big black beetles get their common name from an oily substance they emit when disturbed. This poisonous chemical can cause skin blistering which is why they are also called ‘blister beetles.’ They have 2 antennae that point up like an upside-down L shape. They are also identified by their long spindly legs attached to their thorax that carry their oversized body.
Although oil beetles have wings, they are generally flightless insects and prefer to slowly move around looking for plant material to feed on.
The Giant Desert Centipede (Scolopendra heros), also known as the giant Sonoran centipede or Texas redheaded centipede is a North American species found in the southwestern United States. They are the largest centipede in North America.
They can grow to 200mm in the wild and longer when in captivity. It is aposematically colored, to warn off potential predators, and a number of color variants are known in the species. They can have up to twenty-three pairs of legs. In Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas they have red heads with a green to black body and tail.
They are common from New Mexico and Arizona to Missouri, Louisiana, and Arkansas. They are found in rocky woodland areas, remaining underground in warmer weather and coming out on cooler days.
The American Carrion Beetle earns its name by eating decaying flesh in both its larval and adult form. Sometimes adults may be seen eating fungi or rotten fruit. In addition to to dead flesh and stinky fruit, they also eat maggots and other insect larvae feeding on decaying animals. Dried skin and muscle tissue is eaten as well. This unsavory role aids in returning nutrients from dead animals back into the ecological food web.
This little beetle has the appearance of a fat Firefly at first glance. In flight, it may look more like a small, flattened Bumblebee. It can smell carrion from a distance and instinctively flies to it and tucks in for a tasty meal. Its elytra (wing covering) and head are black. The elytra has a bumpy texture and a clear mid-line where it splits open so its wings, safely stored underneath, can take flight. It has a yellowish pronotum ('shoulder' area) with a distinct black mark in the center that is shaped somewhat like a shield or badge.
These small purse crabs, Persephone punctata, are usually found in slightly deeper water. They are called purse crabs, either because the shape of their shell is purse-like, or because the females have a pouch in their abdomen which protects her eggs as she buries herself backward in the sand.
The mottled purse crab is one of just a few species of crab that reproduce through internal fertilization. While most crab species fertilize eggs externally by releasing eggs and sperm simultaneously, the female mottled purse crabs carry developing embryos until the larvae hatch.
The scorpion species Centruroides gracilis is known in Cuba as "alacran azul," or "blue scorpion" in English. Elsewhere, the blue scorpion is also known as the slender brown scorpion, the Florida bark scorpion or the brown bark scorpion.
In the U.S., many blue scorpions were introduced as pets. In natural habitats, blue scorpions dwell under bark and stones in forests set with plenty of refuge, like dead or fallen timber. They can also survive in temperate to hot locations that have an average temperature of about 30 degrees Celsius -- so long as the area isn't too humid.
The gestation period for this species varies from several months to over a year. Females give birth to 25-35 young. After birth, the young climb and attach to the mothers back where they remain until the first molt (about one week). After the first molt, they become independent of the mother, and molt 5-7 additional times before reaching maturity.
Pet owners often enjoy the fact that blue scorpions don't show signs of cannibalistic behavior. These scorpions can be kept together with other species of scorpions, so long as food and shelter are well provided.
This scorpion can inflict very a painful sting, but it is not considered as potent as some of its relatives. Some information indicates that individuals from North America are less venomous than their relatives from Central and South America.
Neotrypaea californiensis (ghost shrimp) can be found at intertidal locations within the regions of the North American West Coast. Ghost shrimp habitat is distinguished by numerous holes that are the entrances and exits of their burrows. Ghost shrimp are constantly excavating complex tunnels under the sand.
Body coloration ranges between shades of orange, pink, and red. Some individuals may also exhibit a very pale coloration, almost white. Their almost transparent bodies help them blend in, earning them the nickname "ghost."
The vigorous burrowing activities of ghost shrimp have such dramatic effects on their habitats of soft sediment that these animals are often considered ecosystem engineers.
The banded sugar ant (Camponotus consobrinus), also known as the sugar ant, is a species of ant native to Australia. Its common name refers to the ant's liking for sugar and sweet food, as well as the distinctive orange-brown band that wraps around its gaster.
The banded sugar ant is considered a household pest and is occasionally seen in houses at night. It is capable of damaging furniture and fittings by chewing the wood. Carbon disulphide can be used to treat and remove a banded sugar ant nest.
Bothiocera cognita is a tiny, black and white spotted cixiid planthopper. It is about 3-5mm long, and appears to range through the southeastern US.
Cixiids are medium to small planthoppers, most of which are somewhat flattened, with clear or patterned wings. Cixiidae may have a median ocellus (located on the face, just above the clypeus, when present). As nymphs, cixiids are subterranean root-feeders (perhaps fungus) and are rarely observed. As adults, many species (particularly smaller forms) are associated with grasses or herbaceous monocots in rich, mesic or wet situations and may be found by sweeping (although Cixius is largely associated with pines) in mid to late summer or early fall.
The Ornate spiny lobster, Panulirus ornatus is also known as the Tropical rock lobster and the Ornate tropical rock lobster . They are among the largest of the Panuliris lobsters and are greatly favored as a delicacy. Being brightly coloured they are probably the best looking spiny lobsters.
Ornate spiny lobster grow to a maximum length of 50 centimeters (not including the long feelers) but most are smaller around the 30 to 40 cm range. The body is covered in a hard carapace with numerous forward pointing orange spines with two prominent forward facing spines between the eyes. The tail is covered in a segmented carapace allowing it to flex and provide powerful rearwards propulsion. The tail has a fan on the end with assists with propulsion when flared out.
As with all crustaceans they change carapaces and when the new one is ready they pull out of the old carapace. The new carapace takes a day or two to harden and they are extremely vulnerable to predators at this time. At night they come out to feed and can often be seen on the reef top. They usually stick close to cover and when threatened will use their powerful tail to jet them backwards to safety.
They are found in the sub tropical and tropical areas of the Indo west Pacific area from the South African coast up the east coast of Africa including Madagascar, across to Malaysia, Japan and the northern coast of Australia.
Field Crickets are a common sight throughout the United States, Mexico and Canada. Warm summer nights bring them out en masse as the males loudly chirp up to 30 times a minute in an effort to attract a female. The noise is a pleasant reminder of the season and will immediately stop if the crickets are approached too closely.
Field Crickets make homes in the ground, in tall grass, or even piles of organic lawn debris. They jump away from perceived danger, but sometimes that means right onto your legs if you're walking through their habitat. They are completely harmless and bounce off as soon as they land. The sensation of being touched tends to startle people though.
Field Crickets eat a diet of animal remains and plant matter. They provide beneficial services to the ecosystem by eating the eggs and pupae of insect that are considered pests. On the other hand, in large numbers, they can be somewhat of a nuisance in gardens, chewing on plants grown for food or aesthetics.
The Southern Purple Mint Moth (Pyrausta laticlavia) is a species of moth of the Crambidae family. It is found from New Jersey south to Florida, west to Texas, Oklahoma and California.
Rosemary is one of the hosts for the Southern purple mint moth, Pyrausta laticlavia which will lay eggs on several plants in the mint family.
German cockroaches are a worldwide issue, and they are the most common type of cockroach found around homes, apartments, grocery stores, restaurants, and commercial buildings.
Adults are light caramel colored with two dark, vertical stripes behind the head. They are about the size of a penny when fully grown. German cockroaches are fast runners.
They do best when the temperature is around 70°F, but they can reproduce year-round inside. They lay more eggs and mature faster than other cockroaches, requiring only 36 days to mature in ideal conditions.
The Beech Blight Aphid appears in dramatic fashion. This aphid will raise the posterior end of its body and sway when it is disturbed. This action produces a dance-like effect that occurs throughout the colony. This phenomenon has led some to refer to this species as the "Boogie-Woogie Aphid." ✡️ It is a unique experience to see hundreds, if not thousands, of these perform this defensive, yet highly entertaining, behavior.
It has been speculated that heavy populations may kill smaller limbs of beech trees. Others suggest that smaller and/or distorted foliage may result from the feeding pressure imposed by this insect. Ultimately, there is no indication that this aphid causes any real serious harm beyond that of the vast amounts of aesthetically displeasing sooty mold
Micro crabs, or Thai micro crabs (Limnopilos naiyanetri), are a species of tiny freshwater crabs native to Thailand.
hey typically measure around 0.4 inches wide, making them slightly larger than pea crabs. Micro crabs are known for their translucent milky-white shells, making them easily camouflaged in their natural habitat.
These crabs exhibit a preference for calm, slow-moving bodies of water, such as marshes and swamps. They are scavengers, feeding on small invertebrates, detritus, and plant matter found in their environment.
The Eastern bark centipede is a species of centipede that’s native to the eastern region of the United States and can grow to be up to 4 centimeters in length. The body is typically a shade of reddish brown, and the legs are yellow.
However, there are some species that have a bluish-gray or even greenish coloration. These creatures can be discovered in forests and other wooded areas, specifically in the crevices of logs and loose bark.
They eat mostly insects and other small arthropods, and these critters are usually active at night. Unlike most centipedes, the venom of Eastern barks is sexually dimorphic, which means that males and females have different kinds of venom composition.
Psalmopoeus victori: Hailing originally from Mexico, this species is known under two different common names; the Darth Maul tarantula or the Mexican Half-and-Half. Both these names do a good job of describing the appearance of this species.
The Darth Maul name springs from the fact that this is a red and black tarantula that matches the color scheme of the Star Wars villain.
With its remarkable speed and agility, the P. victori is a spectacle of natural beauty and behavior. Its contrasting black and orange pattern not only serves as a warning to predators but also captivates the enthusiasts and hobbyists alike. This species' distinctiveness lies not just in its appearance but in its spirited personality
A stout, medium-sized moth, the Drab Prominent is a soft shade of green when it first enters the world as an adult. The color fades to a simple gray as it matures. Two vague scalloped lines curve across the wings, which might have visible white dots accentuating each point. The head and thorax are furry and may have a patch of bronze on them.
Unlike drab adults, the caterpillars of this species (Misogada unicolor) are highly colorful. They can also be entirely purple. Growth stages or instars come with different color changes in the Drab Prominent Caterpillar. This is a species that goes from full purple to mostly green as it grows.
The Golden Wheel Spider (Carparachne aureoflava) is native to the Namib Desert of Namibia, southern Africa.
Belonging to the group of huntsman spiders, this small arachnid measures up to 20mm in size and has developed some extraordinary adaptations to survive in its challenging habitat. One of the most striking features of the Golden Wheel Spider is its ability to escape predators in a rather unconventional manner.
Upon sensing danger, the spider flips onto its side, transforming its body into a wheel-like shape and performs a cartwheeling escape down the sand dunes at remarkable speeds of up to 44 turns per second.
Aside from its incredible escape tactics, C. aureoflava is known for constructing intricate trapdoors using silk and sand, and for being able to shift up to 80,000 times its own body weight while creating silk-lined burrows beneath the desert surface.
The Red Swamp Crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is native to the United States and Mexico, but it can now find it in freshwater habitats all over the world, with the exception of Antarctica and Australia. Because of its burrowing behavior in the mud, which leaves a large hole in the center, this crayfish is also known as the Louisiana Crawfish or mudbug.
It has a red color with bright red spots on its shells and claws. The Red Swamp Crayfish can reach a length of 5 inches and a weight of 50 g. It feeds on plants and small animals, such as worms and insects.
Tiger crane flies are fascinating insects that often get mistaken for giant mosquitoes. They have slender bodies and long, delicate legs, making them easy to recognize in your garden or near your home.
These crane flies exhibit red, yellow, and black stripes, giving them the “tiger” aspect in their name.
Tiger Crane Flies share similarities with other crane flies – they are harmless to humans and do not bite. Their larval stage plays a crucial role in breaking down organic matter in their habitats, contributing to a healthy ecosystem.
The tree bumblebee is a relatively new arrival to the UK. It was first recorded here in 2001 and is slowly spreading north throughout the country. It can now be found in much of England and Wales and has reached Southern Scotland. It is associated with open woodland, so is commonly found in gardens that have a similar type of habitat. It nests in cavities, such as old birds' nests, bird boxes, or roof spaces.
It visits a wide range of flowers, particularly those of soft fruits, such as raspberries and blackberries. It emerges from hibernation early in the spring, around February or early March. Males are seen in late May and June, and adults can still be seen in late autumn if nests have a second generation.
The tree bumblebee has fuzzy, browny-orange hairs on its thorax, a black abdomen, and a white tail.
Carabus insulicola is a species of black-colored beetle from the family Carabidae native to Japan. They are also known as ground beetles, and are oval shaped and elongated. They are black with a green metallic hue and vertical stripes running down their backs.
They can be seen throughout Japan, living in forest grounds eating worms, larva, dead small animals, and so on. Since they live on the ground most of the time, they don't have appendages to fly.
Interestingly, individuals belonging to orange tip (Anthocharis cardamines) occupy different habitats depending on gender: the males inhabit the edges of forests, whereas the females prefer meadows. When laying eggs, females release pheromones to deter other females from laying eggs on the same flowerhead. They are picky about choosing their host plants, and females will avoid plants not fully exposed to sunlight.
The upper sides of the wings are white. Males have orange-tipped forewings and females have small black tips. Both have a black spot. The wing underside has a mottled green pattern.
Caterpillars are pale orange at first, becoming blue-green with a white line down each side.
The King crab, belonging to the genus Lithodes, stands as an emblematic entity within the marine ecosystem, renowned for both its remarkable physiology and substantial economic relevance. This marine decapod, prominently distributed across the cold waters of the Northern Hemisphere.
King crabs boast a distinctive morphology, characterized by a pronounced calcified exoskeleton, a pair of robust chelae (claws), and a distinctive abdomen, neatly tucked under the thorax. Their body is shielded by a spiny, heart-shaped carapace, the function of which transcends mere protection, also facilitating muscle attachment crucial for locomotion.
The reproductive cycle commences with a mating ritual, often initiated by males through an intricate series of tactile and visual signals. Upon external fertilization, females brood thousands to millions of eggs beneath their abdomen for approximately one year, safeguarding them from potential predators and the ambient aquatic environment.
This beautiful creature is a female stick insect of a species known as the green bean stick insect and by its scientific name of DIAPHERODES GIGANTEA. In the wild it is found on several Caribbean islands including Grenada, where they spend much of their time hiding in (and eating) the leaves of Eucalyptus trees and other native tree species.
The females of this species are exceptionally beautiful and a beautiful bright green colour. The males on the other hand, as in so many phasmid (stick & leaf insect) species, are not nearly as colourful and are also much smaller than the females and able to fly.
Catonephele numilia, the blue-frosted banner, blue-frosted Catone, Grecian shoemaker or stoplight Catone, is a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae found in Central and South America.
For the blue frosted banners, males are black with six orange dots on the dorsal surface of the wings, while females are black with a vertical light yellow stripe on both wings.
Their estimated lifespan is about a month. Adults feed on rotten fruits, while caterpillars feed on Alchornea species. They can usually be seen flying close to the ground and close to the ripe fruits and flowers.
Giant hooded katydids, known as Siliquofera grandis, are one of the largest katydid (bush cricket) species on the planet. In the wild they are most commonly found in Papua New Guinea along with some of the smaller Indonesian islands, where they live in the canopy of the rainforest.
These amazing insects have the most remarkable ability to camouflage themselves amongst the leaves of the rainforest canopy.
They do have very impressive mouthparts capable of inflicting an uncomfortable bite if they feel threatened or provoked. They can also jump and even fly short distances with their wings.
The horsehair crab is often found in Japanese cuisine. It has a brown-orange color, a bumpy texture across its shell, and spiky hairs found all over its body. You can find the horsehair crab in the northern waters of Alaska and Japan.
This edible crab houses a lot of meat in relation to its relatively small body. Many people describe the taste of a horsehair crab as delicate and sweet, while some even say they are the tastiest crabs on Earth.
Chilean rose tarantula (Grammostola rosea) is one of the most resistant tarantula species. This is because they are capable of surviving in the harsh conditions of the very hot deserts and semi-arid areas of Chile, Bolivia and Argentina. Its body has a pinkish tone that provides its name.
These tarantulas are known for their ability to go long periods without eating. This allows them to survive in their native habitats where food may be scarce, such as desert and scrub areas.
They have a very calm demeanor, making them a target for the pet trade, being commonly exported to other countries. They feed on insects such as crickets and cockroaches, but can also catch small mammals and reptiles. They are most active at night and use their size and strength to catch larger prey.
:rotating_light: ARTHROPOD OF THE DAY :rotating_light:
The orange Eastern Amberwing is a fiery dragonfly that adds a flash of raging color as it flies just above the water.
This dragonfly stays low, close to the water's surface as it flies, feeding on small insects. Males stake a claim on a shoreline territory, preferring areas where vegetation and wood bits stick out of the water. A female will enter a male's territory to mate and then lays her eggs in the water by tapping the tip of her abdomen just into the water's surface. The eggs spread out and eventually naiads (larvae) hatch, and they spend their lives underwater feeding on other small aquatic insects. Once they are ready for adulthood, they will crawl out of the water onto logs, branches or other sturdy wood and molt one last time into a winged adult.
Eastern Amberwings are found near bodies of water like streams, creeks, marshes, ponds and lagoons. They have bright orange wings covered in veins and large red eyes. Brown and yellow lines on the abdominal segments mimic banding seen in wasps. They are small and flick their tails, a behavior that also simulates wasps. Unlike wasps, dragonflies do not have antennae. They are most active on sunny days.
Ceraeochrysa smithi is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae. It is found in the Caribbean Sea, Central America, North America, and South America.
Ceraeochrysa smithi lays its eggs in a distinctive spiral, with droplets of an ant-repellant fluid along the stalks.
The Japanese Tiger Shrimp thrives in the Western Pacific Ocean's depths. With distinctive dark stripes on its body, this 23-centimeter-long shrimp is well-suited for survival. Preferring sandy or muddy ocean floors, they stay hidden during the day and venture out to feed on small fish and plankton at night.
In aquaculture, these shrimps are famous in Japan, China, and Vietnam for their fast growth and resilience. They undergo "molting," shedding their exoskeletons throughout their lives. However, they face threats from diseases like white spot syndrome and yellow head virus.
Although commonly referred to as the cow killer ant or red velvet ant, this insect is actually a wasp. They get the "velvet" part of their name from the fuzziness of the females, which are wingless and often brightly colored, appearing like a red and black ant.
The powerful red velvet ant sting is what has led them to be nicknamed “cow killers”.
Female cow killer ants dig into the nesting chambers of ground-nesting bees and wasps and lay their eggs on the larvae inside. When the immature velvet ant is born, it eats its host and then spins its cocoon within the pupal case of its host.
Female cow killer ants are also typically seen running somewhat erratically on the ground, especially on bare or sandy areas in the warm summer months. These pests will occasionally enter structures for insect prey. Male velvet ants are often found on flowers, although some species are nocturnal.
Lixus iridis is a species of weevil found in Europe. The adults grow up to 12–17 mm long. The body is oblong and features a yellow-grey coloration. There are three faint longitudinal grey grooves on the prothorax and the abdomen. Elbowed (characteristic of true weevils) and thin antennae are placed on the upper third of the straight and cylindrical rostrum which is as long as the prothorax. Finally, they have thin legs with little thickened femurs.
The name iridis, which literally means "from Iris", refers to the Iris plant.
The Indian Tiger Centipede (Scolopendra hardwickei) has a sleek, shiny body whose segments alternate between red orange and black. They can grow up to a length of 16 centimetres (6.3 in).
Indian tiger centipede usually live in hidden places in forests or cities, and generally do not actively attack people. However, when it is disturbed, it is likely to bite, and severe pain and swelling will occur after being bitten by it.
Despite their fearsome reputation, indian tiger centipede can regenerate lost body segments, showcasing an incredible example of their resilience and adaptability.
Boxer crabs feed sea anemones in exchange for defense from danger — serving as a prominent example of symbiosis in the animal kingdom. Lybia tessellata is a tiny crustacean native to the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean. These crabs are usually patterned with pink, brown, or yellow and reach about an inch in width. They bear slim claws and a front pair of walking legs that are longer than the other three pairs.
These crustaceans spend most of their time attached to reefs in shallow waters. They are known as ‘pom-pom’ or boxers crabs due to their unique presentation of sea anemones, which live attached to the crab’s claws and are often wielded similarly to ‘pom poms’ or boxing gloves.
Boxer crabs and sea anemones form one of the most unusual and astounding symbiotic relationships in the entire animal kingdom. These crabs wield sea anemones attached to their claws in horizontal motions as they move. This colorful display serves as a natural deterrent to predators, and when directly threatened, the crab will utilize the sea anemone in a forward, ‘punching’ movement towards the aggressor. The sea anemone’s stinging tentacles serve as the ultimate defense mechanism for the crab.
A frequent guest in deciduous and evergreen forests, the Lesser Maple Spanworm has one-of-a-kind markings to help identify it. Lighter and half the size of the Large Maple Spanworm Moth, the Lesser Maple Spanworm Moth's design makes up for what it lacks in wingspan. The bright, white moth has four brown marks on the outer edge of each forewing. Though the first and second marks almost cross, it is the third set of marks that span the wings with a thin brown trail, linking both sides. This line may also stretch across the hindwings.
The Desert Spider Beetle is an intriguing creature found in arid environments. This fascinating arthropod is part of the spider beetle family, which has several species known for infesting stored products.
These beetles have an array of characteristics that make them well-adapted for survival in their harsh habitats. For instance, their small size – ranging from two to five millimeters in length – enables them to navigate complex environments with ease. Additionally, they generally feed on organic debris and decaying matter, making it easier for them to find nourishment in their surroundings.
Two species in this genus include Cysteodemus armatus (dorsum black, often with a slight metallic tint and white to yellow-brown incrustation.) and Cysteodemus wislizeni (dorsum shining, deep metallic blue/green/violet, lacking incrustation.)
They are located in the Colorado, Mojave, and Chihuahuan deserts.
The Desertas Islands (Madeira, Portugal) are the sole home of one of the largest and rarest wolf spider species worldwide, Hogna ingens. The Desertas Wolf Spider has a legspan of up to 13 centimeters and a body of around 4 centimeters. It is Europe’s largest spider. Hogna Ingens is easily recognizable thanks to the white poke-dots on the legs.
In the absence of native terrestrial mammals, this spider is a top predator in its small habitat, and although its major prey consists of other invertebrates, such as the staphylinid beetle Ocypus olens or the invasive millipede Ommatoiulus moreleti, adults have even been seen predating on juveniles of the lizard, Lacerta dugesii mauli.
Thesprotia graminis, the American grass mantis or grass-like mantis, is a species of mantis native to the Southern United States. It is found in Florida and Georgia. This species can reproduce parthenogenetically or through sexual reproduction.
This is a long, slender mantis often confused with a walkingstick, especially when it moves with forelimbs outstretched. Males have long wings and are good fliers, females are wingless and resemble a pine needle.
Dinoponera quadriceps (dinosaur ants) are a little primitive, as their name suggests. They’re bigger than normal ants, over 2.5 centimeters (1 in) long, and everyone in the colony has the ability to reproduce. Instead of a queen, they have an alpha female. She’s surrounded by up to five beta females, who do nothing but sit around all day long. These betas are next in line if something should happen to the alpha.
Sometimes a beta gets tired of waiting and decides to start laying eggs of her own. If the alpha female detects that her position is being challenged, she wipes chemicals from her stinger onto the would-be usurper. At that point, the workers will run out to punish the offending ant. They will pin the overreaching beta to the ground, sometimes for up to four days. After justice has been meted out, the beta also loses her rank and is just a lowly worker from then on, or she’s dead from not eating for four days. Dinosaur ants put traitors to the rack.
Ixa cylindrus is a peaceful, slow moving crab suitable for any refugium or lagoon type reef. Not much is known about their behavior, but from what we observe in the tanks as well as pictures from the wild, is that these crabs prefer very soft sandy substrate to partially bury or scuttle around in. They, like most crabs, readily take aquarium fare or food scraps that lie around the tank. Their dainty straw like claws and legs are more suited for scavenging rather than actively hunting food stuff.
Besides the unusual cracked shell appearance, the crab also sports two long cylindrical knobs that flank both sides of the animal. They can be found in the coastal waters of the eastern Arabian Sea.
Sand fleas are commonly known as beach fleas, sand hoppers, or beach hoppers. Despite their common name, sand fleas are not actually fleas. In fact, they aren’t even insects. Sand fleas are very small crustaceans, in the Amphipod order. Sand fleas jump like fleas and are difficult to capture which may be how they got their common name, not because they actually bite people.
Sand fleas are very small, and are usually anywhere from a quarter of an inch up to an inch in length. They live on sandy beaches near the high-tide mark. They are most active at night, when they’ll emerge to forage for food. During the day, they’ll stay buried in the sand.
Most of the time, sand fleas bite your toes and feet because they come in contact with humans walking around the beach. Male sand fleas feed on a host, mate with female fleas, then die.
Female sand fleas are much more dangerous. After mating, they burrow into your skin and latch onto a blood supply to continue feeding. When burrowing, they leave the caudal tip of their abdomen exposed outside of your skin so they can defecate and drop eggs. You may be able to spot them on your feet if you see this small brown tip sticking out, so be sure to examine your skin after a trip to the beach.
While sitting just under the skin, female sand fleas begin filling with hundreds of eggs. It’s usually during this time that people notice pain, discomfort, and itching as the flea grows in size.
The malachite butterfly is one of the most stunning green butterflies found in Central and Northern South America. It has a 3-4 inch wingspan and lives in subtropical forests with mango, citrus, and avocado trees. Adult butterflies eat rotting fruits, bird droppings, and even dead animals found in the forest.
The wings of malachite butterflies are dark brown to black with whitish green patches. They also come in two forms, distinguished by the color of their undersides. The dry season form is larger than the wet season form and has black marks instead of silver on its underside.
It’s not only bears that hibernate in winter. Cluster flies (Pollenia spp.) do too, seeking warm, dark places, like inside the walls of your home, to sleep away the cold months before reemerging in spring. Also called “attic flies,” they are known disease carriers and are capable of crawling inside the smallest of spaces.
Cluster flies, or Pollenia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830, are a commonly observed genus of true flies (Diptera: Polleniidae), readily distinguished by their dull-coloured bodies with golden setae on the thorax. They are often disregarded beyond their role as house pests, and a quick search of their common name would produce endless results instructing how to rid your home of them.
Several hundred flies may gather in any one cluster, and in early spring, hundreds of flies may die in homes before they are able to find their way back outside.
The spotted cucumber beetle, a member of the leaf beetle family, is a major agricultural pest in North America. The distinct 12 spots on its forewings that is their prominent distinguishable feature, have also resulted in their name.
Its body is yellowish-green, with twelve characteristic black spots on each of their elytra. The antennae, head, and legs are black. Their antenna appears long and slender, measuring 1.6 mm long.
Damage caused by these beetles can be identified from holes in the leaves they chewed through and the scars caused by feeding on the host plant, primarily the stems, crowns, and fruits.
Larvae can cause more significant damage to young plants by attacking their roots, preventing their development.
They can be found in North America, ranging from southern Canada, the continental USA, and parts of the central highlands of Mexico.
Sycamore Tussock Moths can be found on sycamore trees and London plane trees. They are pale brown with alternating bands of tan and brown across the forewings. The hairy thorax has lines of white, blue, and yellow hairs running down the center.
The larvae is an unusual looking white furry and fluffy caterpillar due to 2 hair pencils protruding from each end. A pair of white and a pair of orange long spikes stick out from furry yellowish-white spines. The sides of the larvae have fine white trailing setae (bristly hairs).
As with many types of fuzzy caterpillars, the bristles of Sycamore Tussock are irritating and may cause hives. These are not a stinging caterpillar species and are certainly not a deadly caterpillar variety.
The spined soldier bug (Podisus maculiventris) is a species of stink bug common in North America. They are predators of gypsy moth caterpillars and the larvae of beetles such as the Colorado potato beetle and the Mexican bean beetle. Since the Mexican bean beetle is widely regarded as a notorious agricultural pest in North America, soldier bugs are generally considered to be beneficial garden insects.
They have prominent spines on each "shoulder" as well as on their legs. The life cycle of these predator stink bugs starts when they are eggs. Females lay between 17 and 70 eggs at a time. The eggs hatch in a week or less into “instars,” the term used for this bug’s five immature stages. At this first stage, the instars are red and eat nothing at all. The color pattern changes as they mature. They do eat other insects in the other four instar stages. It takes about a month for a newly hatched instar to develop into a mature adult. Adults overwinter in leaf litter to emerge again in early spring. Females lay some 500 eggs, beginning a week after they emerge.
The giant predatory cricket (Cosmoderus femoralis) is omnivorous with well developed predatory behaviour – it is actively attacking and devouring smaller insects. Also they can eat fruits and vegetables like apples or cucumbers, fish flakes are accepted readily too. They are native to Cameroon.
The spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) is a planthopper indigenous to parts of China and Vietnam. It has spread invasively to Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Its preferred host is the 'tree of heaven' (Ailanthus altissima), but it also feeds on other trees, and on crops including soybean, grapes, stone fruits, and Malus spp. In its native habitat, L. delicatula populations are regulated by parasitic wasps.
Early life stages (instars) of the spotted lanternfly are characterized by spotted black and white nymphs that develop a red pigmentation and wings as they mature. Early life instars have a large host range that narrows with maturation. Adult spotted lanternflies have a black head, grey wings, and red hind wings.
The curly hair tarantula has a round body covered with long bristles that have a slight curl—hence the spider's common name. Most of the bristles are a dark brown to black color, but some are golden. This gives the spider an overall bronze sheen.
Curly hair tarantulas are ground-dwelling, burrowing spiders native to Central America—more specifically, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Nicaragua. In the wild, they can be found in tropical rainforests, and they’re threatened by habitat loss.
If they feel threatened, curly hair tarantulas also might use their defense mechanisms. They can kick hairs off their abdomens that irritate a person's skin and cause damage if they get in your eyes.
The Golden Ladybug, also known as the gold lady beetle, is a fascinating and beneficial insect commonly found in gardens and natural surroundings. These brightly colored beetles are not only visually striking, but they also play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems by feeding on various pests, such as aphids.
The color of golden lady beetles varies between species, but they typically exhibit a gold or metallic hue that may include shades of red, yellow, and orange. Their elytra, or wing covers, display black spots which further differentiate them from other lady beetles. The following characteristics can be observed:
- Metallic gold hue, sometimes with red, yellow or orange shades - Black spots on their elytra - Shiny and iridescent appearance
fig wasp, (family Agaonidae), any of about 900 species of tiny, solitary wasps responsible for pollinating the world’s 900 species of figs (see Ficus). Each species of fig wasp pollinates only one species of fig, and each fig species has its own wasp species to pollinate it. This extraordinary diversity of coevolution between figs and wasps has become so profound that neither organism can exist without the other.
Wasps mature from eggs deposited inside the flowering structure of the fig, called the syconium, which looks very much like a fruit. Inside the completely enclosed syconium are the tiny, individual flowers themselves. When a wasp egg is deposited in one of the female flowers, that flower develops a gall-like structure instead of a seed. The blind, wingless male wasps emerge from the galls and search out one or more galls containing a female, and upon finding one, he chews a hole in the gall and mates with her before she has even hatched.
Like other warm water lobsters (and contrary to their cold water equivalents), the Caribbean spiny lobster lacks claws.
Caribbean spiny lobsters get their name from forward-pointing spines that cover their bodies to help protect them from predators.
They have a reddish brown shell, marked with occasional dark spots and two large, cream-colored spots on the top of the second segment of the tail. They have long, horn-like antennae over their eyes that they wave to scare off predators, and smaller antennae-like “antennules” that sense movement and detect chemicals in the water.
The Wandering Violin Mantis is one of the most amazing looking mantis species. It is a large mantis with amazing camouflage. It’s body has a lot of appendages that look like dried leaves and its body is long and thin to resemble a wooden stick. The Latin name of the Wandering Violin mantis is Gongylus gongylodes.
Gongylus gongylodes natural habitat is in India and Sri Lanka.
The Wandering Violin Mantis got its name because the adults look a bit like a violin. Their body would resemble the soundboard of a violin, the head would be the top of the violin and the long and thin midsection of the mantis would be the neck of the violin. Gongylus gongylodes comes in different color variants ranging from light brown to dark brown. Its body has all kinds of appendages that resemble dried leaves.
The Rhetus periander, common name: Periander Metakmark, has hindwings with curved, broad tails. Wings dorsally black with large blue inner parts and red spots on the hindwings, ventrally brown with longitudinal white stripes and red lines at the inner margin of the forewings and red spots at the base of the hindwing tails.
This species of butterfly has a very fast flight and can be observed when resting under sun, on the ground or on low vegetation. It is found in Brazil, Colombia, and Costa Rica.
Phidippus audax, the bold jumper or bold jumping spider, is a common species of spider belonging to the genus Phidippus, a group of jumping spiders easily identified by their large eyes and their iridescent chelicerae. Like all jumping spiders, they have excellent stereoscopic vision that aids them in stalking prey and facilitates visual communication with potential mates during courting. Bold jumping spiders are native to North America and have been introduced to Hawaii, Nicobar Islands, Azores, and the Netherlands. They are typically black with a distinct white triangle on their abdomen.
On June 11 2021, New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu signed the HB 318 bill designating Phidippus audax as the state spider. The designation came after a campaign by a class in Hollis, New Hampshire. Bold jumpers are currently very abundant and one of the most common spiders in the United States. As a major predator of crop pests, they have been studied to determine their impact on pest insect populations. In addition to eating pests, they also eat beneficial insects such as pollinators.
As its name suggests, the Northern Scorpion (Paruroctonus boreus) is a species found in the Northern territories. It can be found in Northern states such as Montana. The Northern scorpion is the only scorpion found in Canada.
Members of this species are known for having either a brown or a dark brown color. They are found in many desert parks in the North.
Northern scorpions burrow in the ground. Most Northern scorpion stings are reported by backcountry adventurers.
These scorpions are known for making into the tent of hikers or fishermen.
While they do bite, Northern scorpions don’t have lethal venom.
Meranoplus bicolor, is a species of ant of the subfamily Myrmicinae. It is found in many Asian countries, where its habitats range from open grasslands to open-canopy forests. They nest in soil, usually at the base of plants. The nest opening is a simple hole, but it can sometimes have multiple openings. Workers forage on the ground as well as on plants, where they exploit extrafloral nectaries and tend to aphids.
The White Dragontail, or Lamproptera curius, is a tiny and unique swallowtail butterfly that you can find in South Asia and Southeast Asia. This little critter belongs to the Dragontails group within the Swallowtail family, and it holds the title of being the tiniest member in that whole family. Its wings are a beautiful mix of black, white, and transparent patches, making it quite eye-catching. What really stands out is its long tail on each hindwing.
The Male White Dragontail butterfly frequents open riverbanks within forests. Unlike other butterfly species that group together, these prefer to puddle separately typically on nearby sand. Females are generally larger and have broader wings than the males.
The Giant Huntsman Spider, holding the record for the largest leg span of any spider, is a source of fear for many. Its leg span can reach up to 30 cm, akin to a dinner plate.
Found primarily in caves in Laos, this spider’s size is not the only intimidating factor; its speed and agility make it a proficient hunter.
Despite its frightening appearance and hunting prowess, the Giant Huntsman Spider is generally harmless to humans, with its bite causing little more than mild discomfort.
The teddy bear crab is also referred to as the hairy crab thanks to its coating of long, silky hairs (“setae“) all over its carapace and legs. These hairs protect against predators, camouflaging the crab against the rocky reef background and breaking up the outline of its body. The setae also act as a net, trapping dirt, mud particles, and other bits of detritus, which further enhances its disguise.
The crabs predominantly appear along low intertidal reefs, rocky and pebble shorelines, and Sargassum-covered areas. They can be found across the Red Sea, Indo-Pacific, Australia, and Japan.
Teddy bear crabs feed mostly on larger pieces of algae during the low tide. They are highly fecund. Female teddy bear crabs carry 300–800 eggs at a time and breed continuously between March and December to ensure juvenile recruitment in their home range.
The species Arkys lancearius, is commonly known as the Triangular Spider or Common Triangular Spider, named from the distinctive triangular or heart-shaped abdomen. A brightly colored and patterned spider they are found along the east coast of Australia, from Queensland, down through New South Wales, Victoria, parts of South Australia, south-eastern parts of Western Australia and Tasmania.
The body length of the males is about 5.5 mm, with the females being larger at around 8 mm. The front two pairs of legs are large, perfect for grabbing small insects, whilst the rear pairs of legs are smaller. The body color can vary from yellow, orange, red and with pale jewel-like markings on the triangular shaped abdomen.
The Triangular Spider is an ambush hunter, often found resting on leaves and ferns or just hanging from a few threads of silk.
The Calcarifera ordinata is a moth of the family Limacodidae. It is widespread in northern Australia, south to Geraldton, Alice Springs and Brisbane.
The wingspan is about 30 mm. Adults are creamy brown with lines of dots on the forewings. The hind wings are pale brown.
Its larvae is known as the Wattle Cup Caterpillar. The caterpillar is bright yellow with blue green and orange colours. There are a number of tubercles around its body. They have reduced legs and move using a slug-like movement of the underside of the body. It has an extremely potent sting, described as being "worse than three wasp stings".
Yellow-legged Mud-dauber Wasp - This species of Sphecid wasps (Sceliphron caementarium) are larger than other common North American species. It grows to a full size between 24 and 28mm.
A mostly black body with yellow species is specific to the appearance of the species. Yellow legs with a few small black sections are distinguished on the wasp.
These wasps are known for building mud nests for their offspring.
They capture spiders which are laid in individual mud nests for the emerging larvae to feed on.
The Australian steel-blue sawfly Perga affinis are often known as 'spitfires'. Sawfly larvae can grow to 7cm long and forage nocturnally in Australian Eucalyptus trees, forming large groups that can strip all of the leaves from a tree in a few days.
Sawfly societies operate democratically, with leaders and followers co-operating to decide on group movements. Sawflies live in social groups that can have hundreds of individuals and they stay together for their seven-month larval stage.
The world’s smallest species of bee is Perdita minima, a minute species of solitary bee just under 2 mm long and weighing only 0.333 mg. It is native to the southwestern USA, where it constructs a tiny nest in sandy desert soils, and feeds upon the nectar and pollen of spurge flowers.
The U.S. Forest Service classifies this tiny bee as a solitary bee, meaning they are not as social as honey bees. A little less than two millimeters long, this bee species can be found in extremely small nests in the sandy soil found in the desert.
This petite bee is very capable of packing large loads of pollen on its hairy legs.
Cephonodes hylas, the coffee bee hawkmoth, pellucid hawk moth or coffee clearwing, is a moth of the family Sphingidae. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1771. A widely distributed moth, it is found in the Near East, Middle East, Africa, India, Sri Lanka, Japan, Southeast Asia and Australia.
It has transparent wings and a stout body like a bumble bee. Its marginal borders are very narrow and black. The abdomen varies in color from yellow to green. They have bright reddish 3rd and 4th abdominal segments.
Larvae are sluggish but eat very greedily and continuously. Its larvae feed on Burchellia, Gardenia, Kraussia, Pavetta and Vangueria species.
The blacktailed red sheetweaver (Florinda coccinea), also known as red grass spider, is a species of dwarf spider. It is the only species in the monotypic genus Florinda. It was first described by Octavius Pickard-Cambridge in 1896, and has only been found in Mexico, the West Indies, and the United States. It is common in the southeastern United States, inhabiting grasslands, lawns, and agricultural fields.
F. coccinea are bright red in color, with a black caudal tubercle. Adults typically grow to 3 to 4 millimetres (0.12 to 0.16 in) long, with females growing slightly larger than males. They have two rows of eyes; two on the top row and six procurved on the bottom.
Common cryptops are a reddish brown species native to mild European climates. The species is marked by 21 pairs of legs and their longer back legs pointing in the opposite direction.
This species inhabits woodlands underneath stones and logs.
Common cryptops lack the cuticle to preserve moisture commonly found in other bugs. Without a damp environment, this bug will dry out and die. For this reason, they tend to favor damp, rotting woodland structures.
Hyalella azteca is a widespread and abundant species complex of amphipod crustacean in North America. It reaches 3–8 mm (0.12–0.31 in) long, and is found in a range of fresh and brackish waters. It feeds on algae and diatoms and is a major food of waterfowl.
Hyalella azteca has body plan similar to most amphipods and is a classic freshwater example of the order. They grow to a length of 3–8 millimetres (0.12–0.31 in), with males being larger than females. Their color is variable, but the most frequent hues are white, green and brown.
This amphipod lives among vegetation and sediments in permanent bodies of freshwater, including lakes and rivers, extending into tidal fresh water, and freshwater barrier lagoons. It is the most abundant amphipod of lakes in North America, with golf course ponds sometimes supporting large populations.
The confused flour beetle is a dark-loving pest beetle known for infesting stored flour and grain. For this, they are common in silos, food warehouses, grocery stores, and homes.
nterestingly, the name “confused flour beetle” was coined for the pest, not because of its behavior, but because of the confusion caused by distinguishing it from the red flour beetle. Both are very similar with just the difference in their antennae being the distinguishing factor.
The confused flour beetle is a generalist feeder, whose feeding activities, dead bodies, and fecal pellets are directly linked to food damage and contamination. They also release a noxious secretion when laying eggs, resulting in a foul odor, also making the food product unsuitable for consumption.
The Imperial Tortoise Beetle (Stolas imperialis) is indigenous to Brazil and bears a striking resemblance to a turtle. They are among the most brilliantly colored among beetles, and native people are known to use them as jewelry. They are generally less than half an inch in length.
The West Coast is the distribution area of Skinnier’s Ground Mantis (Litaneutria skinneri). However, the Southwest is where the species is mostly present.
This type of Praying Mantis has bright neutral colors such as bright gray and tan. Growing to a size of 1-2 inches, the species takes on the color of its habitat.
Females are larger but males have longer thin antennae.
Commonly living on the ground, under leaves, or on plants and grass, this type of Praying Mantis has wings but it can’t fly far.
Aphonopelma iodius is a species of spider in the tarantula family Theraphosidae, found in United States (California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah). A 1997 paper combined it with three other previously described species (A. angusi, A. melanium, and A. nevadanum) into a single species, calling it "A. iodium". However, iodius is a neuter comparative adjective and is the correct form. Aphonopelma smithii has also been synonymized with A. iodius. A. iodius is common in the Mojave Desert to the west of the Colorado River.
Aricia agestis, the brown argus, is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. It is found throughout the Palearctic realm, north to northern Jutland (Denmark) and east to Siberia and the Tian Shan.
The under wings have silver with black and orange spots, also white edges, while the upper wings have dark brown with orange patterns.
The typically slug-like lycid larvae are green with a pale line along each side and always attended by ants. They hibernate as fully-grown larvae and pupate the following spring.
Skunk Cleaner Shrimp (Lysmata amboinensis), also known as the Red Skunk Cleaner Shrimp or Doctor shrimp are one of the most sought after fish cleaners in the aquarium hobby. Their peaceful nature, hardiness, and busy-body personality have increased their popularity over the last years.
These shrimp occur in tropical waters at low population densities and establishes a cleaning symbiotic relationship with fishes, removing parasites, bacteria, and damaged tissues.
They have a beautiful yellow color with two bright red stripes along their back, and a streak of white in the middle. The tip of the tail is red and has four white spots. They grow to be about 5 – 6 cm total length (2 – 2.4 inches).
During summer, the Scissor Grinder Cicada produces a rhythmic clicking song, which sounds like the noise of sharpening scissors.
These medium-sized insects have a beige or light brown underside that contrasts with their dorsal thorax. Their black thoraxes with green accents blend into the tree bark, making them difficult to spot.
Moreover, they inhabit the deciduous forests of the eastern and central United States and prefer apple trees as their habitat. They have adapted to urban and suburban areas and survive on a sap diet, which they sip from the tree bark using their specialized mouthparts.
The Scissor Grinder Cicada lives an underground existence of 2-5 years for nymphs after hatching from eggs laid by female cicadas in tree twigs. After this period, they emerge as fully formed cicadas.
The most common stick insect in Florida is Anisomorpha buprestoides (Stoll), the so-called twostriped walkingstick. Other names applied to it and to stick insects in general include devil's riding horse, prairie alligator, stick bug, witch's horse, devil's darning needle, scorpion, and musk mare.
Anisomorpha buprestoides is a large, stout (for a stick insect) brown phasmid with three conspicuous longitudinal black stripes. Females average 67.7 mm in length; males are smaller and more slender, averaging 41.7 mm (Littig 1942). There is a strikingly distinct black and white color form that is found only in the Ocala National Forest scrub. Both forms suffer considerable discoloration upon death and pinned specimens are not nearly as distinctively marked as living individuals.
Like all stick insects, Anisomorpha buprestoides is herbivorus, feeding on the leaves of trees and shrubs.
The ability of this species to defend itself with a particularly odiferous secretion was reported as early as 1835, when Gray in describing the genus quoted an account by Thomas Say "...that when taken they discharged a milky fluid from two pores of the thorax, diffusing a strong odor..." Albert (1947) also described it as a "...rather thick, tenacious white material..." Blatchley (1920) described it as having "...a peculiar, though somewhat pleasing odor."
Sunflower tortoise beetle (Physonota helianthi) is a small leaf beetle. It occurs in the United States east of the Great Plains and in adjacent Canadian provinces. It is uncommon throughout its range.
There are three color phases that each adult undergoes. The teneral adult, freshly emerged from the pupal stage, is soft bodied and dingy white or ivory. The intermediate adult is black and white with numerous spots. This phase lasts about three weeks. The mature adult is entirely iridescent green. The upper thoracic plate and the two hardened wing covers each have a semi-transparent covering over the entire surface.
Both larvae and adults feed on the underside of leaves. They occasionally defoliate the plant and can be a major pest. Larvae carry dried fecal matter over their body, presumably as a form of camouflage. The fecal matter is attached to a forked appendage on the last abdominal segment, and is held suspended over the body.
Despite the season, there’s a surprising number of insects and related arthropods that can be found on the snow during the winter months. Snow Fleas, dark-colored springtails (Collembola), can sometimes be abundant enough to give large swaths of snow a sooty appearance. Snow fleas can be common on mild winter days.
Their population is very challenging to estimate, however someone has figured out that there are about 25,000 of these guys and gals in each square yard of soil.
Springtails are unique in that they have a stiff, hinged appendage that tucks under their abdomen and when they have to move a great distance they unlock this tail piece which flips down with such force that it flips the critter up, up and away for quite a distance.
They do not bite people or dogs or birds. They eat only vegetation and never live on another creature. Parasitic fleas and lice are also small, and 'way back when' somebody thought the little springtails looked suspiciously like a cat's flea. Not even closely related.
Coenobita purpureus (colloquially referred to as the purple land hermit crab) is a species of land hermit crab native to Japan. Dubbed ‘Blueberry’ crabs by Felix Wang. Their coloration is usually purple, blue, purple-blue, or purple-red although as young crabs they are colored white.
They typically inhabit and are endemic only along the mainland, oceanic, and continental island coasts of Japan. They are considered to have a very narrow distribution within this northwestern pacific region. Coenobita purpureus deliver their larvae in the summer, which they then disperse to Ogasawara Islands.
The green lynx spider is a big, bright green ghost of the garden, often fading into the foliage and flowers as it prowls for insects. It lives across most of the southern U.S. from coast to coast, as well as Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It's North America's largest lynx spider, a mostly tropical family of arachnids named for their cat-like speed and agility.
The green lynx inhabits a variety of low shrubs and herbaceous plants, gravitating near the top of vegetation in open habitats like meadows, prairies, farms, and gardens.
The green lynx spider is an ambush hunter, often lurking on leaves or flowers and pouncing when an insect comes near to feed on nectar.
Despite their aggressive nature when hunting or defending their brood, green lynx spiders seldom bite people, even in places like Florida where both the spiders and humans are abundant, according to the IFAS. In rare cases when a person is bitten and envenomated, the venom causes only local pain, itching, redness, and swelling.
Spotted wing Drosophila can be distinguished from other vinegar flies by spots on the wings of male flies, and by the ovipositor on female flies. First detected in the eastern United States in 2009-10, this small vinegar fly can lay eggs into grapes once the berries become soft after veraison. Unlike most vinegar flies, it can lay eggs into intact fruit, creating a risk of the white larvae (1-2 mm) being in berries at harvest time.
Female flies cut a slit and lay eggs in healthy fruit. The adult female SWD can lay hundreds of eggs in her lifetime of two to three weeks. Infested fruit do not show obvious symptoms of infestation at first, with only a small pinprick visible from the egglaying.
Arthroschista hilaralis, also known as the kadam defoliator, is a moth in the family Crambidae. It was described by Francis Walker in 1859. It is found in India, Sri Lanka, Burma, Cambodia, Sumatra, Borneo and in Australia, where it has been recorded from Queensland.
The adults are a beautiful green colour, with a brown line along the costa of each forewing with two adjacent brown dots, and brown dots along the margin of each hind wing, and often along the abdomen. The moths have a wingspan of about 3 cms.
The European lobster (Homarus gammarus) is an invertebrate marine creature with a rigid, segmented body covering called an exoskeleton. It has five pairs of legs, one pair of which is modified into claws for cutting and crushing. Lobsters are dark in color, either bluish-green or greenish-brown/black, to blend in with the ocean floor where they live.
The closest relative of H. gammarus is the American lobster, Homarus americanus. The two species are very similar, and can be crossed artificially, although hybrids are unlikely to occur in the wild since their ranges do not overlap.
Homarus gammarus is found across the north-eastern Atlantic Ocean from northern Norway to the Azores and Morocco, not including the Baltic Sea. It is also present in most of the Mediterranean Sea, only missing from the section east of Crete, and along only the south-west coast of the Black Sea.[2] The northernmost populations are found in the Norwegian fjords Tysfjorden and Nordfolda, inside the Arctic Circle.
The Rosalia longicorn is 15 to 38 mm (0.59 to 1.50 in) long. The antennae can be up to twice as long as the rest of the body in males, and the same length in females. The elytra are flat, blue-gray, with variable black spots, including a prominent one on the thorax, a silky one in front, and a small one in back. Both the antennae and the legs have the same coloration as the body. The coloration serves as good camouflage with their preferred habitat, the European Beech.
They are distributed from Cantabrian Mountains east to Caucasus. Its numbers across Europe has greatly depleted in recent years, and it is a protected species in Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland and Slovenia.
The ashy mining bee (Andrena cineraria) is a black bee with two bands of gray-whitish hairs around its thorax. The black and white bee has an identifiable shiny black abdomen that can appear bluish in bright light. The furry bees also have two slender segmented antennae and heads covered in whitish-gray hairs. The black male ashy mining bee is entirely covered in gray hairs with a tuft of white hairs on its face.
Also called the gray mining bee, this nesting bee grows up to 0.6” (15 mm) long. The docile black and gray bee makes nests in sandy soil, river banks, and gardens. The ground nests are identifiable by the small mounds of dirt around the opening.
Ashy mining bees are capable of stinging, but they are generally not aggressive and are not known to sting unless directly handled or threatened.
A new species of isopod, Stenasellus Dollfus was found and published in a study November 15th, 2024. It's been given the name Stenasellus Stygopersicus which is earned from the place it calls home, a combination of “stygo,” from the ancient Greek “stýx,” and “persicus” in reference to Persia.
Found in cave water rich with hydrogen sylfide, the isopods' “coral pink” color was in sharp contrast with the darkness of the cave and the brown and gray rocks.
Males of the species are about half an inch long, with a coral-colored body and “trapezoidal” head. Females are almost two times the size of males.
The Greenbottle Blue Tarantula is a medium-sized tarantula native to the Paraguaná peninsula in Venezuela. It has vibrant hues of blue on its legs and a metallic green-blue sheen on its carapace.
This earth-dweller constructs intricate tunnel systems in harsh, arid conditions such as deserts and scrublands. It is active during the day and feeds mainly on insects. However, it may occasionally consume small lizards and rodents.
The Greenbottle Blue Tarantula is aggressive towards its prey. When threatened, it flicks urticating hairs as a defensive tactic. Due to its defensive nature, it requires cautious handling as a pet tarantula.
Fall Webworm Moths (Hyphantria cunea) are some of the most common native species in the US. This white moth has small differences from one area of the country to another when it comes to its looks.
Fall Webworm Moths are almost completely white in Northern US territories.
The species has brown spots across the forewings in the case of males for groups living in the South.
With a wingspan of up to 42mm, Fall Webworm moths also have a hairy upper body and are mostly seen on trees.
These white moths are major tree pests with limited to no impact on healthy trees. They specifically choose old trees or sick trees as hosts.
Parasphendale affinis, common name budwing mantis, is a species of praying mantis named for the female's short wings. They originate from Kenya and are a mottled brown and reddish pink color. They have a voracious appetite, and have been known to gorge themselves to the point of illness when kept in captivity with an unlimited food source.
When feeling threatened, the female Budwing Mantis strikes a pose, spreading its wings to reveal a stunning display of bright yellow-orange coloration underneath.
Moth flies aka Drain flies (family Psychodidae) are small and mothlike and are commonly found around the openings of drain pipes. No more than 5 mm (0.2 inch) long, these flies have broad hairy wings that are held rooflike over the body when at rest, so that they resemble tiny moths.
Most moth flies are harmless to humans, though they may transmit and spread bacteria and other microorganisms from their breeding ground to areas where people are. Moth flies do not bite, but they can be a nuisance and make for an uncomfortable living situation, as they may have been recently in contact with things like animal waste. Moth flies breed in the drains, drain openings, sewers, septic tanks, septic systems, kitchen sinks, and soil that has been contaminated with sewage which is why they are often called sewer flies. They feed off the filth and scum that build up in these areas.
The Cyrtarachne inaequalis, "disco spider" has scientists and spider experts baffled with the pulsating membrane of the orb-weaver spider, which resembles blobs of ink dancing to a certain tempo. It is a species of spider in the orb-weaver spider family Araneidae, found in India, Myanmar, China and Korea
The swirling blob is part of the spider's abdomen which may be a defense mechanism or a mating scheme for their species.
The Cyrtarachne species are also known as bird-dropping spiders due to its color resemblance to bird droppings.
Heikegani (平家蟹, ヘイケガニ, (Literal meaning: Heike Crab), Heikeopsis japonica) is a species of crab native to Japan, with a shell that bears a pattern resembling a human face - an example of the phenomenon of pareidolia - which is interpreted to be the face of an angry samurai, hence the nickname samurai crab. The crabs are named after the once powerful Taira clan which dominated medieval Japan, commonly known as the Heike. It is believed that these crabs are reincarnations of the Heike warriors defeated at the naval Battle of Dan-no-ura as told in The Tale of the Heike. While the crabs are edible, they are not eaten by most Japanese.
The orange and black Margined Burying Beetle feeds on the carcasses of dead animals. Antennae are black with large orange spheres at the tip. These antennae are sensitive to the smell of carrion lead the beetle to it. This beetle even buries carcasses underground which aids in decomposing the tissue of the animal. It also removes the odor of rotting flesh from the air. The Margined Burying Beetle's whole existence is a benefit to the ecosystem as it cleans areas and cycles nutrients through its diet.
The common whitetail is a widespread species found across much of North America. It has a distinctively short, stout abdomen. As with many species of dragonflies, male and female common whitetails look quite a bit different.
Mature males have a chalky bluish-white abdomen and single broad dark band per wing. Females have a brown body with a row of pale yellowish triangular marks on each side of the abdomen. Each wing has 3 evenly spaced dark blotches.
Pamphobeteus sp. platyomma known also by the common name Brazilian Pink Bloom Tarantula, is a New World terrestrial, opportunistic bird spider that can be found in Ecuador and Brazil.
Females can live over 20 years, but males usually live no more than 5 years or so at most. There is sexual dimorphism in these Tarantulas with the males producing bright pink and purple colors with their ultimate molt with females mostly being dark grey, brown or black.
Emerald ash borer, (Agrilus planipennis), species of beetle (order Coleoptera, family Buprestidae) that is native to East Asia and became a serious pest of ash trees (Fraxinus) in North America. The insect naturally occurs in China, eastern Russia, Mongolia, Taiwan, Japan, and Korea and was introduced into eastern and central North America in the 1990s. Being responsible for the deaths of hundreds of millions of ash trees in the United States and Canada, the Emerald ash borer is considered one of the most destructive insect pests ever to be introduced to North America.
The adult beetle is bright metallic green with a flattened back and measures about 1.3 cm (0.5 inch) long. It has purple abdominal segments beneath its wing covers. Females begin laying eggs on the bark of ash trees as soon as two weeks after emerging. After one or two weeks, the larvae hatch and tunnel into the tree to feed on the phloem and outer sapwood layers. As they grow, they produce distinctive S-shaped tunnel networks, known as galleries, that girdle and ultimately kill the tree by disrupting its vascular system.
Rimicaris exoculata, commonly known as the 'blind shrimp', is a species of shrimp. It thrives on active hydrothermal edifices at deep-sea vents of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. This species belongs to the Alvinocarididae family of shrimp, named after DSV Alvin, the vessel that collected the original samples described by M. L. Christoffersen in 1986. The name Rimicaris is derived from the Latin word 'rima', which means rift or fissure, in reference to the Mid Atlantic Ridge, and the Greek word 'karis', meaning shrimp.
Rimicaris exoculata typically measures between 4–6 cm in length, and weighs an average of 1.6 grams. During the molt cycle of their exoskeleton, this species transitions from white to translucent due to mineral deposits in the branchial chamber . Both sides of their body are covered in long, numerous bacteriophore setae, and they possess an enlarged cephalothorax. Although they lack eyes, Rimicaris exoculata has a high concentration of rhodopsin within a dorsal "eyespot" located beneath a transparent cuticle on their carapace. Despite having non-image-forming optics, their evolved compound eye on the dorsal surface suggests extreme sensitivity to light, and the ability to detect dim light and chemical compounds emitted by vents. With an enlarged gill chamber and hypertrophied mouthparts covered in thick microbial layers, Rimicaris exoculata house a dense ectosymbiotic community of chemoautotrophic bacteria within its gill chambers. The atypically large mouthparts within the gill chamber are densely covered with setae.
Baeus Wasps, belonging to the genus Baeus, are tiny parasitoid wasps.
These diminutive insects are often overlooked due to their size, but they play a significant role in controlling spider populations, as the female wasps lay their eggs on spider eggs.
Baeus Wasps are harmless to humans and can be beneficial in managing pest populations.
Their life cycle and the symbiotic relationships they form within their ecosystems is extensively documented.
The Red-bordered Pixie (Melanis pixe) ranges from the Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas southward to Costa Rica. This is a very attractive black butterfly, with yellow forewing tips, red to reddish orange spots along the lower hindwings and four red spots along the body. It is usually spotted on overcast days, and seldom in the sun.
Melanis pixe has a wingspan of about 40 millimetres (1.6 in). Eggs are laid in groups of 10 to 30 on the host tree leaves, stems, or bark and the caterpillars feed on the leaves.
The rainbow scarab, Phanaeus vindex, is a dark beetle with bright metallic green or green and blue wing covers and with iridescent reds interspersed with golden reflections on the thorax. These beetles are 1/2 to 7/8 inch long. Males have a horn that recurves back over the thorax.
This species is a dung beetle that is beneficial in disposing of animal solid wastes relatively quickly. Males and females tunnel under a dung pat and form a tunnel down into the soil. The beetles push the excavated soil into a mound beside the dung pat. Females form a ball of dung, the "brood ball," from the bottom of the pat, and both beetles push it down the tunnel where the female eventually lays an egg on the ball. They then dig an adjacent tunnel and stock it with balls of dung as well for food for the next generation of rainbow scarabs to feed on before the new beetles emerge. A tiny grub hatches and feeds within the ball of dung. It molts as it grows into a typical C-shaped white grub. Rainbow scarabs spend the winter in their tunnels and also feed on the provisions in adjacent tunnels.
Brachytrupes membranaceus, the tobacco cricket, is a species of cricket in the family Gryllidae. It is a pest of crops including young tobacco plants. There are four subspecies, all of which are native to Africa.
Brachytrupes membranaceus is nocturnal. It digs a burrow that may be 50 to 80 centimetres (20 to 30 in) deep, with chambers in which it stores food. The burrow is dug by the mandibles, and the fore-legs are used to move loose soil and push it out of the entrance. An adult cricket may form a mound up to 30 centimetres (12 in) in height beside the burrow entrance.
The crickets live almost entirely underground, each in its own burrow. Mating takes place in the male's burrow and the female may remain there till the eggs are laid, in a walled-off side tunnel.
The diet is grasses, succulent parts of plants and the suckers of trees such as Brachystegia and Isoberlinia. In cultivated areas, foodstuffs may include seedlings, transplanted plants, vegetables, tobacco, maize and field beans. Vegetable matter is carried underground and packed into storage chambers.
The white flannel moth is a member of the flannel moth family. The species name ovina means “of or like sheep” in Latin.
The caterpillar is not only poisonous, but also one of the most dangerous bugs in America. A sting from this insect can cause pain, blisters, and swelling and, even severe complications if left untreated.
The caterpillars are striped black and yellow, with yellow dots. There are yellow hairs on the side of its body and white hairs emerging from the dots.
The adults have an overall white body, with hairs from its thorax sticking out in all directions, giving them a frilly appearance. The underside of its body, including its eyes and face, is black. The males have orange-colored, flat antennae, which are not present in the females.
They are located in the United States ranging from Washington D.C., south to Florida, west of Montana, and Texas; Mexico, Guatemala, Venezuela, Bolivia, Panama, and Suriname.
The Hemisquilla californiensis mantis shrimp lives in the Pacific coast's subtidal and intertidal zones, from Santa Barbara, California, to the Bay of Panama. It is primarily brown with blue legs, a red carapace, and yellow raptorial appendages.
This type of mantis shrimp produces low-frequency sounds, similar to African and Asian elephants, by contracting a specific muscle. In the 20-60 Hz range, this rumble emanates from red spots on the carapace that vibrate, possibly serving as a defense or territorial signal.
Meloimorpha japonica, also known as suzumushi (鈴虫, lit. 'bell cricket'), the bell cricket, and the bell-ring cricket, is a species of cricket widespread in Asia (from India, through Indochina to Japan). It is known particularly for its chiming song in Japan, where they are often kept as pets.
M. japonica range from approximately 17 to 25 mm in length and have wide wings which are shaped like melon seeds.
In the 1962 novel The Old Capital by Yasunari Kawabata, they are kept as pets by the main character, Chieko Sada, and are mentioned several times.
Thyris fenestrella, aka the pygmy sorrel moth, belongs to a group of micro-moths called leaf miners. Named for their eating habits as larvae, leaf miner caterpillars tunnel between the top and bottom layers of leaves, “mining” them and slurping down the green goodness within. As the larvae eat their host plants from the inside, they create squiggly brown tunnels filled with poop, or frass, scrawled across the leaves. Researchers are often able to identify pygmy sorrel moths by their larvae's distinctive, spiral mining pattern.
Thyris fenestrella has a wingspan of 15–20 mm. The basic color of the wings is grayish- dusky brown. The frontwings have some orange dots along the front edge and a distinctive slightly translucent whitish patch in the middle of each wing. These almost transparent areas are similar to windows (hence the Latin species name fenestrella, meaning small window). Two of such windows are present also in the middle of the hindwings. The abdomen is blackish-brown, with some slight white cross bands.
The caterpillars can reach a length of about 10 millimetres (0.39 in). They are yellowish or olive green with a slightly transparent skin and numerous large black verrucae. The head is dark brown. Pupa are stubby and reddish brown.
Odorous house ants (Tapinoma sessile) produce an unpleasant smell when crushed; their odor is like a mix of rotten coconut and blue cheese.
These ants live in the varied terrains of North America. Despite their size, they can survive in the soil under rocks, logs, carpets, and walls.
Moreover, adult ants will eat dead insects, sweet confections, dairy, meat, vegetables, and honeydew from aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs. Odorous house ants also follow a network of trails–indoors and outdoors–to find food and nest around hot water pipes and heaters.
Marbled Orbweavers get their names to form resembling a marked piece of marble.
These spiders come in all types of bright colors including yellow and orange.
A common morph of the species includes a Yellow Marbled Orbweaver. The yellow coloring dominates the cephalothorax while its legs are mostly orange with black marks.
This spider also comes in an orange-dominating version where yellow marks are common across its body.
Common on trees and in shrubs, the Marbled Orbweaver is one of the common yellow spiders in North America, Europe, and Asia.
Growing up to 18mm, the Marbled Orweaver is also one of the largest bulbous yellow spiders in North America.
Hermit flower beetles (Osmoderma eremicola) are a type of scarab beetle that has a shiny jet-black fat oval body. These hermit beetles are solitary insects that are among the larger species of beetle.
Their scientific name means ‘smelly skin’ and describes the strong pungent odor these black “bugs” give off. Apart from their shiny hard shell, the beetles are identified by the dimple on their thorax and between their eyes. Hermit flower beetles are beneficial insects that only feed on dead or decaying wood.
The spiny Flower Mantis, or Pseudocreobotra wahlbergii, is a beautiful and colorful flower mantis. Their natural range is in sub-Saharan Africa. This species of flower mantis is white with green stripes on the legs. The eyes are purple, depending on the light conditions this can vary from lilac to deep purple. As nymphs these man tids have an orange spot on the upside of the abdomen which scares away predators by mimicking an eye. As adults they have wings with a black and yellow ‘swirl’ on them, also mimicking an eye. If you threaten a spiny flower mantis, it will put its wings upwards to show the two eyes. The thinner wings that are under the top wings are bright yellow.
This species is fairly quiet, but can also actively hunt their prey once they have spotted it. Some individuals are easily agitated and will display their wings at the slightest disturbance, while other individuals almost never show their thread display. This species is cannibalistic, like most species of praying mantis. It will eat anything that moves and is the correct size, also members of its own species or family members.
The order Grylloblattodea is not well known, due in part to the small size of this insect group. Commonly called rock crawlers, ice crawlers, or ice bugs, these insects were first described in 1914. The order name comes from the Greek gryll for cricket and blatta for cockroach, a testament to their odd mixture of both cricket-like and roach-like traits.
Most ice bugs are believed to be nocturnal. They're most active when temperatures are coldest, and die when temperatures rise above 10º Celsius. They scavenge on dead insects and other organic matter.
Rock crawlers inhabit the earth's coldest environments, from ice caves to the edge of glaciers They typically live at high elevations. We know of only 25 species worldwide, and 11 of these live in North America. The other known ice bugs live in Siberia, China, Japan, and Korea. So far, rock crawlers have never been found in the southern hemisphere.
The Christmas Wasp story has long disappeared and traditions surrounding the Christmas Wasp can only be found in small areas of Jutland, Denmark, the Faroe Isles and the Yorkshire Wolds. In general, the story includes baking dark rye and light wheat cakes called Hvepekager, or wasp cakes, to symbolize the black and yellow of the Christmas Wasp, to leave out on the night of the Winter Solstice.
One variant of the story as presented by the Brothers Grimm dates back to at least the 1600s and tells of a farmer who made a deal with the devil one winter season to see his son succeed as a lawyer. When it came time for the farmer to pay up, he offers to show the devil where he can get the finest honey and leads him to a wasps’ nest in the ground, telling the devil he must stick his hand in the nest to get the wonderful honeycomb. The devil thinks to himself there must be magic involved, since wasps aren’t active in the cold, nor do they produce honey. The devil readily sticks his hand in the nest and a very large, angry wasp stings the devil repeatedly, sending him fleeing back to his own domain. When the farmer asks the wasp for a favor, the wasp, already irritated, stings him as well.
Candy canes in America were originally striped in yellow and black, an oblique reference to the Christmas Wasp, but settlers of North European origin found it disturbing, and they were quickly changed to the red and white stripes common today.
Trichopoda pennipes is a tachinid fly parasitoid of the squash bug and other members of the stink bug and leaffooted bug families, including brown and green stink bugs. It has a wide distribution in both North and South America. It and the other six species of Trichopoda in North America are sometimes referred to as the “feather-legged fly” because of the prominent fringe of feather-like bristles on its hind legs.
This distinctive and conspicuous fly is about the same size as a house fly but is bright orange with a velvety black head and thorax. It has dark legs with a fringe of short black hairs on the hind leg and yellow feet, large brown eyes and brown and black wings.
The flies may be seen hovering over squash plants when searching for squash bugs to parasitize. Each female fly lays on average 100 eggs, which are placed singly on the body of a large nymph or adult bug. Most of the small, white or gray, oval eggs are placed on the underside of the thorax or abdomen but they can occur on almost any part of the bug. Many eggs may be laid on the same host but only one larva will survive in each bug.
The Pterinochilus murinus comes with many names. Orange Baboon tarantula, but more affectionately named by enthusiasts as ‘Orange bitey thing’. This is not just your average bad tempered tarantula, but a full blown aggressive little beast that will sometimes not even bother to give you the warning of a threat posture. Even though the bite itself will not kill you, it is said to be insanely painful. It is possible even walking past their enclosure will set them off.
This species is found in Angola, as well as central and southern Africa. Female P. murinus can grow to 4–6 inches (10–15 cm) in size (measured from the tip of the front left leg, to the tip of the rear right leg), while males typically range from 3–4 inches (7.5–10 cm). The spider's abdomen, carapace, and legs have the same basic coloration, though the legs typically have brightly colored rings.
Allogalathea elegans (known as the feather star squat lobster, crinoid squat lobster or elegant squat lobster) is a species of squat lobster that is sometimes kept in marine aquariums.
The cephalothorax of Allogalathea elegans is droplet-shaped. The extremity of the body corresponds to the triangular rostrum of the animal, which is positioned on each side of the pedunculated eyes. The chelipeds or the first pair of legs are endowed with pincers and are longer than the animal body. The last pair of legs are wasted. The body and mainly the legs are covered with small hairs.
The animal’s size depends on the sex. Females are usually bigger than males but never grow over 2 cm.
The animal’s coloration is variable and is matching the colors of its host but not systematically. It can be uniform and varied from dark red, blackish purple, orange, or brown. But generally, the observed animals have longitudinal stripes in which the thickness, the number, and the tint varies.
Allogalathea elegans lives in the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific area, Red Sea included.
Allogalathea elegans live in a couple on their host. The observation is not always easy because the animal exposes itself in the crinoid’s arms when both are feeding, or it hides at the level of the claws foot of its host. They feed off plankton while taking advantage of the host who has the same diet and who always positions in the best catchment areas for the plankton to feed.
Eciton burchellii is frequently encountered in ecological and behavioral studies of army ants. Members of this species are the most intensively studied army ants, and most of the studies elucidating the cycle of nomadic and statary phases have been done with with species.
These ants construct a unique temporary structure called a bivouac. This organic structure is formed by the interlocking bodies of the ant workers, serving as a protective nest for the queen and larvae. The bivouac is built at night, during the migratory phase, and can cover an area of up to a meter across, with as many as 150,000 to 700,000 worker bodies linked together.
E. burchelli has an unusual mode of hunting even for an army ant. It is a "swarm raider," which means that the foraging workers spread out into a fan-shaped swarm with a broad front. Most other army ant species are "column raiders," pressing outward along narrow dendritic odor trails.
The largest soldiers of this species have tusk like mandibles, that are a specialised defence against larger predators.
Ischiopsopha wallacei is a species of flower chafer from the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae, tribe Schizorhinini.
Wallace's Flower Chafer was collected by Alfred Russel Wallace in the Aru Islands. He notes that it is "Rather plentiful, flying in hot places in the forest, and settling on rotten stumps."
This flower chafer can reach a length of about 30 mm. The beetles are an electric green colour, and have the tip of the scutellum visible.
The adult mealybug destroyer beetles are small in size and are also primary dark brown or black lady beetles with a rusty or tan orange head and tail.
A healthy appetite is a reason why they can consume mealybugs quickly and within two months of their lifespan, they are also capable of laying about four hundred eggs.
The larvae have tiny white fuzzy bodies and look exactly like a mealybug and what this means is that mealybug destroyers are capable of sneaking up on their prey in order to feed on them.
Native to tropical and subtropical climates, these bugs are sometimes used in California to control mealybug invasions on citrus crops.
The Brazilian treehopper (Bocydium globulare) is a small, curious-looking insect from the family Membracidae that inhabits many tropical rainforests in South America.
Nobody knows why they grow these globular helmets, but there are a few hypotheses. It could be a decoy for predators, or it could even be an extra set of wings. In 2019, a research team asserted that treehopper helmets were not wings but simply outgrowths of the insect’s thorax. However, they found that helmet growth depended on wing genes: For some reason, the pronotum was turning on certain genes otherwise used for growing wings.
Another hypothesis for why the Brazilian treehopper has such unique ornamentation is that it might be intended to mimic a parasitic fungus.
Brazilian Treehoppers Are Only About the Size of a Pea. Microphotography has made it possible to see an extraordinary degree of detail on these tiny creatures. These photos can make treehoppers seem like miniature monsters. Encountering a Brazilian treehopper in real life is a bit less exciting. They are only about 5 or 6 millimeters long, so you might need a magnifying glass to clearly see the details of its extraordinary pronotum.
Portunus pelagicus, also known as the blue crab, blue swimmer crab, blue manna crab and flower crab is a species of large crab found in the Indo-Pacific, including off the coasts Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam; and in the intertidal estuaries around most of Australia and east to New Caledonia.
The males are bright blue in color with white spots and with characteristically long chelipeds, while the females have a duller green/brown, with a more rounded carapace.
They stay buried under sand or mud most of the time. They are excellent swimmers, largely due to a pair of flattened legs that resemble paddles.
Slaty Skimmers prefer ponds and other still-water habitats that are surrounded by woodlands. They spend much of their time perched in sunny spots on nearby vegetation or the woodland edge, waiting for prey to pass. Then they fly out and grab insects from midair.
Males are aggressively territorial. They spend much of their time zooming around and chasing other males out of their section of shoreline. You may spot them looping and charging at other males. The females, on the other hand, are tougher to spot and don’t spend much time at the shoreline until they’re ready to mate.
The Green-veined White butterfly (Pieris napi) is a common butterfly of damp grassland and woodland rides and is often mistaken for its cousin, the Small White. It can be found from spring through to autumn in parks and gardens, as well as less-urban areas such as meadows and woodland rides. The so-called green veins on the underside of the adults are, in fact, an illusion created by a subtle combination of yellow and black scales.
This butterfly is widespread across Europe and Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, Japan, the Maghreb and North America.
Recent research has shown that when males mate with a female, they inject methyl salicylate along with their sperm. The smell of this compound repels other males, thus ensuring the first male's paternity of the eggs—a form of chemical mate guarding.
Creobroter gemmatus, common name jeweled flower mantis, is a species of praying mantis native to Asia.
Males grow to about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) and females are slightly larger. They prefer a humid environment and live about nine months in captivity. Females can be cannibalistic but males are fairly communal. Though infrequent, cannibalism among C. germmatus is nevertheless more common than among other flower mantises.
They moult 8 times to become an adult and can take between 2 and 5 months to mature depending on food and temperature. They are the smallest yet most widespread Creobroter species.
Each ootheca can contain up to 50 eggs, and under optimal conditions, the hatchlings will emerge after about 5 weeks.
Native to Europe and parts of Asia, Ladybird Spiders are quite small; adult females measure around 10-16mm, while males tend to be smaller at 8-11mm.
Male ladybird spiders have bright red bodies covered in black spots, making them look uncannily like ladybirds (or ladybugs). This unusual colouration might help them avoid predators who associate the pattern with the bad taste of real ladybirds. The ladybird spider (Eresus sandaliatus) is extremely rare in the UK and is the subject of intense conservation efforts to protect its remaining habitats.
The Oriental rat flea, also known as the tropical rat flea or Norway rat flea, is a flea that feeds on rodents, primarily Norway rats. These nasty little buggers are the primary carriers of bubonic plague and murine typhus, which occur when the flea feeds on an infected rodent and then bites a human.
Oriental rat fleas can also act as hosts for tapeworms, and any diseases they do carry are transmitted from generation to generation through their eggs.
Oriental rat fleas grow to be just 2.5 mm in length and consist of three parts: the head, thorax, and abdomen. Adult fleas do not have wings; they are constructed to jump long distances with ease. They can sense heat and smell carbon dioxide at a distance and then jump rapidly to the source to feed. Oriental rat fleas can jump up to 200 times its body length.
Despite its name, the Kentish Glory, this rare and dramatic moth is no longer found in Kent. Of late it has only been recorded in the north-east of Scotland, where it flies from late April to mid-May in areas of young, birch thickets.
There are some differences between males and females; males tend to be smaller and darker overall with predominantly orange-brown hindwings, whereas the females are brownish white. The males have feathery antennae.
Females lay small clusters of eggs on birch twigs and the caterpillars feast on birch leaves until they pupate in August; to over-winter as pupae and hatch out in the Spring. Adults do not eat, so literally, the caterpillars have to eat enough in 8-12 weeks to last them a lifetime.
European green crab is a small crab species that grows between 8-10 cm wide and varies in colour from olive green to brown or yellow. The crab’s joints are typically orange.
European green crabs are small marine crustaceans native to Europe and Northern Africa. They arrived to North America in the 1800’s by travelling in the ballast water of large shipping vessels.
There are now invasive populations of European green crab established on both the East and West Coast of Canada. Their long-distance spread is largely attributed to human activity through increases in the use of live bait, recreational boating, and pet release. They threaten coastal ecosystems by destroying eelgrass and shellfish beds, outcompeting native crab species, and through preying on native species. Economically they pose a threat to shellfish and fishing industries.
The Smokey Oak Millipede, also known as Narceus gordanus, is sometimes called the Smokey Ghost Millipede. It's native to the southeastern US, where it inhabits areas with plenty of leaf litter and decaying wood. This millipede is large for a North American native, growing up to about 4 inches. These millipedes have a distinctive green and yellow-banded pattern that darkens with age.
Smokey oak millipedes are detritivores, feeding on decaying vegetation, fungi, and small insects found in the leaf litter of their forest and woodland habitats. They are generally docile and non-aggressive, making them a popular choice for exotic pet owners. These millipedes can live for over 10 years in captivity and are relatively easy to care for.
Andricus kollari, also known as the marble gall wasp, is a parthenogenetic species of wasp which causes the formation of marble galls on oak trees.
Adult Andricus kollari are dark brown, and about 1.5–2.0 millimetres (0.059–0.079 in) in length. It has alternating sexual and asexual generations, each often taking two years to complete. Like all gall wasps, it causes the formation of parasitic galls on trees in which it lays its larvae.
Oaks, especially the native species Quercus robur and Q. petraea are the host plants for more than 70 species of cynipid gall wasp. It is the larval stage of these insects that induce the plant to produce abnormal growths, known as galls, that enclose the developing larvae. These galls are part of the biodiversity a healthy oak tree supports.
The nine-spotted moth, Amata phegea, colonizes open woods, rocky walls, rocky slopes and bushy grasslands. The larva feeds on mosses, lichens, old plant parts, algae, and also fresh but soft fresh plants. Amata phegea is widespread in Southern and Central Europe.
Amata phegea reaches a wingspan of 35–40 millimetres (1.4–1.6 in). Males are smaller than females and have thicker antennae. Wings are blueish black or greenish black with white spots and metallic sheen. The number and the size of spots are quite variable. Usually there are six white spots on the forewings and two or three spots on the hindwings. The body is quite long, with a yellow spot on the second segment of the abdomen. A further feature is the prominent yellow ring at the sixth segment of the abdomen. The black thread-like antennae have white tips.
Edessa rufomarginata, also known as red-bordered stink bug, is widely distributed in Central America and South America, ranging from Mexico to Argentina.
The body and legs of the Red-Bordered Stink Bug (Edessa rufomarginata) are characterized by their reddish-brown borders, which stand out against the blue wings and head. Its wings are particularly striking, with a shimmering turquoise color and black points that draw the eye in.
It is dangerous for crops, especially potatoes and tobacco.
With lightning reflexes and keen vision, lean lynx spider is a skilled daytime hunter, relying on impressive visual acuity rather than webs to catch prey. Its slender body is adapted to agile movement, allowing it to pounce with precision, while its coloration provides an effective camouflage amidst vegetation. Notably, individuals undergo dramatic transformations from their juvenile stage, where they adapt varied diets, to become highly specialized predators as adults.
The Lean lynx spider can induce toxic reactions varying in severity. Nevertheless, these toxins primarily target their prey and predators and are usually not fatal to humans.
Lean lynx spider can change its color to blend with the environment, an adaptation not typical for most spiders.
Dictyoptera aurora is a also known as the red net-winged beetle and the golden net-winged beetle and can grow as long as 11 mm. The larva feeds on decaying wood. The adult feeds on nectar, pollen, and small insects. This species can be found in decaying logs, under bark of decaying tree trunks, and also on flowers. It is named after Aurora, the Roman goddess of dawn, referring to the brilliant color of this beetle.
Their bright coloring and noxious odor serve as a defense mechanism by warning potential predators of their unpalatability.
The West African Fiddler Crab; European Fiddler Crab; Barrilete, scientifically known as Afruca tangeri, is a captivating crustacean species renowned for its distinctive morphology and intriguing behavior. This crab, often inhabiting coastal regions, exhibits a fascinating interplay between its physical characteristics and its ecological role.
Its most notable feature is the prominent, oversized claw possessed by the male, which it uses for attracting mates and defending its territory. The claw is significantly larger than the other claw and is often brightly colored, ranging from red to orange. Females, in contrast, possess two smaller claws, lacking the impressive display of their male counterparts. The overall body shape is typically oval, with a broad carapace, providing a protective shell for the crab. Afruca tangeri can reach a maximum size of approximately 5 centimeters in length, making it a relatively small crab compared to some other species.
Afruca tangeri is an omnivorous feeder, consuming a wide range of food sources. Their diet includes algae, detritus, carrion, worms, snails, clams, and other small invertebrates collectively known as zoobenthos.
The Orange Skipperling, Copaeodes aurantiaca, has very rapid flight. To warm themselves, adults bask in the early morning, and males perch in gulches during the day to find receptive females.
From February-November they can be found in Texas; March-December in southern California; and April-October they are further North.
The Thorny Stick Insect Aretaon asperrimus has a very spikey look when adult. Especially the males are adorned with huge spikes. The young stick insects are much more smooth and have shorter spikes. The spikes are not used to fight or sting, but in nature they do serve to make it harder to eat the stick insect. The colors of the Thorny Stick Insect can differ from dark brown, to light brown to a bit greenish. The colors are dependent on the environment in which the stick insect lives.
Thorny Stick Insects are very quiet and docile animals. They are mostly active at night. They do not sting, bite or try to attack you. The mean looking spikes are not used in self defense. They can be handled easily and generally walk at slow pace.
Aretaon asperrimus is native to the Malay part of Borneo. Here it can be found especially in the north of the island, in Sabah.[5] Another locality of the species is the Philippine island Palawan.
Drugstore beetles get their name from their capability to eat pharmaceutical and medicinal products, including some poisonous substances like belladonna and strychnine.
Females will lay their eggs in your foodstuff or non-edible substances, like books, leather, or fur. The eggs hatch into larvae, then eat and grow. They quickly make a mess of anything they infest. It has been said that drugstore beetles will eat "anything but cast iron."
Drugstore beetles are small, reddish-brown insects that can be identified by their oval and cylindrical body shape. They also have antennae that end in a three-segmented club. With magnification, you can often see lines of fine hairs that run down the back of these beetles.
Arthropods are active during the winter in temperate regions. Many use the seasonal snowpack as a buffer against harsh ambient conditions and are active in a refugium known as the subnivium. In one study, it was the hahniid genus Cicurina that was the most abundant subnivium spider group (90.1%), with the species Cicurina brevis alone representing nearly 85% of all spiders in the winter collections, and these were rare but present in the summer samples.
Cicurina brevis is a species of araneomorph spider found in the USA and Canada.
Perhaps the most familiar of our tree crickets, the Snowy Tree Cricket is the one whose chirp rate can easily be used to estimate the temperature. One popular formula is to count the number of songs given in 13 seconds, and then add that number to forty to yield the temperature in degrees Fahrenheit. It is referred to as “snowy” because individuals are often so pale that they appear white. Snowy Tree Crickets sing from brushy understory plants at the margins of woods or within open woods. During cold spells, they can be found close to the ground on the trunks of small trees — here they probably find a warmer micro-environment.
The oblong-winged katydid is usually green but some populations may be pink or other colors.
It is one of several members of a subfamily called false katydids, named because they do not sing the famous "katy did, katy didn't" call. More specifically, it is a member of the genus called round-headed katydids, named because the top of the head is rounded. The hind legs in this genus are very long.
The oblong-winged katydid is one of the species that can be pink, yellow, orange, or tan instead of green. The rasping organs, in a flattened, elongated triangle behind the pronotum, are dark or blackish. The distinctive call is a single, rapid "tzeety-tik!" with several seconds in between calls.
Papaya Isopods are small, tropical isopods most commonly found in the US. They get their scientific name from the order they belong to – Isopoda – and their common name from their distinctive pink coloration.
They are sometimes known as Pink Isopods, Pink Ducky Isopods, and of course, Papaya Isopods. That last common name comes from their similarity to the outside skin of the papaya fruit.
These isopods are popular as exotic pets and will happily eat leafy greens, vegetable matter, and fruits like bananas.
Papaya isopods are hardy creatures and can live for about two to three years if cared for properly.
The Broad-headed Sharpshooter (Oncometopia orbona) is a leafhopper. As a group, the sharpshooters are among the largest of the North American leafhoppers. The Broad-headed Sharpshooter is the only common and widespread member of its genus in the eastern U.S., and the only member of its genus known to occur in Maryland. It feeds on plant sap, and these feeding activities can spread plant pathogens.
These insects use tiny piercing mouthparts to suck the juices from plants. They also have modified hind legs that allow them to jump with incredible speed and distance (comparatively speaking).
These leafhoppers jump so fast that in order to jump in a straight line and land where they want to land, they have to push off with both hind feet at virtually the exact same moment. If one leg is more than 30 microseconds slower than the other, the leafhopper will land off course. That window of time is faster than the leafhopper's brain can process, so it evolved an amazing solution: the upper hind legs of Issus coleoptratus have interlocking toothed gears that allow both legs to fire at the exact same moment. As of now, it's the only animal known to have evolved gears.
The bald-faced hornet is a fairly large wasp that is mostly black, with white or ivory markings on the face, thorax, and toward the tip of the abdomen. The wings are translucent dark brown.
In winter after leaf-fall, look up into trees for old nests, which are large, rounded, papery, and gray. You have probably seen one of these nests in a natural history display. Unlike the wasps we usually call yellowjackets, this species is not yellow. Its larger size and black and ivory coloration make it easy to distinguish as a distinct type of social wasp.
In spring the overwintering queen starts building the nest and lays her first eggs. She feeds these larvae, which become infertile female workers. Workers are the most commonly encountered by people, as they do most of the work outside the nest, while the queen specializes in egg-laying and stays at the nest. As winter begins, the queen lays eggs that become new queens and male drones. Once these mature and mate, and temperatures drop, all die except the fertilized young queens.
The South African lobster (Jasus lalandii) has a spiny carapace and two large claws. They prefer to live in rocky or coral reef habitats at depths ranging from 0 to 120 meters.
They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of prey, such as crabs, clams, mussels, and sea urchins.
South African lobsters are commercially fished and are a popular seafood item in many coastal regions.
The Mediterranean mantis (I. oratoria) is known for two distinctive behaviours, apart from the ambush hunting common to other mantids: cannibalism and deimatic or threat displays. The sexual cannibalism of mantids known in popular culture occurs in roughly one quarter of all intersexual encounters of this mantis.
When the mantis is under attack, it sets in motion a complex series of actions which combine to form a startling deimatic display. The mantis turns to face the aggressor, rears up by arching its back, curls its abdomen upwards, raises and waves its forelimbs, raises its wings to displays the large brightly coloured eyespots on the hindwings, and stridulates by scraping the edge of its hindwings against its tegmina, the leathery front wings.
"Iris oratoria" is a widespread species of praying mantis native to Europe. It is found as an introduced species in the Middle East, Western Asia and the United States.
The American rubyspot (Hetaerina americana) is a damselfly of the family Calopterygidae.
During mating, a male uses claspers at the end of his abdomen to grab a female behind the head, and the female bends her abdomen to engage segments 2–3 of the male, where sperm is stored, forming a "wheel" or "valentine". The male forcefully expels sperm stored by the female from prior matings before injecting his own.
The name highlights this damselfly's status as the most widespread of the North American rubyspots. It is reported from all of the lower 48 US states except Washington and Idaho, and is also found in Mexico and southern and eastern Canada.
Often found on prairies, Nuttall’s Blister Beetles (Lytta nuttalli) are among the purple species which contrast their natural habitat.
While many types of prairie bugs are green or match their habitat, Nuttall’s Blister Beetles have a purple or purple-green color.
Found in Southern US states, this type of beetle has a presence in New Mexico and Arizona. Living solitary lives, these types of beetles mostly nest in the ground in bee nests.
With a wingspan of 3.8 − 5.1 cm, the Atala is the largest hairstreak in Southeast Florida. It is also the most iridescent, with a velvety black surface and turquoise shimmer on the dorsal side of its wings. This coloring is striking in males and can be bright blue or greenish teal. Blue scales are more common in summer months, while the wings favor a greener shade in winter. The underside of the wings bears three curved rows of ultramarine spots and a large red spot on the hindwing. The abdomen is orangish-red, matching the butterfly’s hindwing spot.
The Atala’s name is literary in origin. Eumaeus was a hero in the Trojan War and a friend of Odysseus in Homer’s the Illiad and The Odyssey. The species epithet atala comes from French author Chateaubriand’s tragic 19th century novella of the same name, which takes place amidst Native American tribes in the southeastern United States.
One of the largest and most beautiful beetles of the Neotropics, the Harlequin Beetle is named for the ornate, colorful red, olive & black pattern on the elytra (hardened wings) of both the male and female.
The species name longimanus is a Latin word that refers to the extremely long forelegs (manus) of the large males, which are longer than the beetle's entire body.
Tiny pseudoscorpions may attach themselves or hide under the wing coverts of harlequin beetles to use them for transport, which is a form of phoresy. In one case, fifteen pseudoscorpion had hidden themselves under the wing coverts of a harlequin beetle, but their combined weight was still less than 2.5% of the beetle's.
Gigantometrus swammerdami, commonly called the giant forest scorpion, is a scorpion belonging to the family Scorpionidae. It is native to India and is the world's largest scorpion species at 23 cm (9 inch) in length, and weighs 56 g (2.0 oz).
Their bodies have colors ranging from uniform reddish brown to reddish black. Juveniles are typically reddish with a yellow telson. They have 16 to 20 pectinal teeth. Its chela is strongly lobiform. Its manus is completely covered by large rounded granulae, but lacks true carinae. Its pedipalp patella lacks a pronounced internal tubercle. Its carapace has a smooth disc in which the margins and posterior portion are granulate. Telson bulbous, and the vesicle longer than aculeus.
Its venom is not usually lethal to humans because it has arguably evolved to kill its prey by crushing it with its pincers and not by venom.
Yellow flies, Diachlorus ferrugatus, are found in the southeastern U.S. from New Jersey to Texas, as well as in the Bahamas, and from Mexico to Costa Rica.
The female yellow fly is one of the most serious biting fly pests wherever it occurs (males do not bite). It attacks man vigorously, and the bites are painful, often causing large and itchy swellings.
The female feeds on blood to develop eggs. Mating takes place soon after emergence. Once mated, the female deposits an egg mass on plants, rocks, sticks or other objects usually over water.
Penicillidia sp is a genus of bat flies belonging to the family Nycteribiidae. These flies are ectoparasites that live exclusively on bats, feeding on their blood. They are characterized by their flattened, spider-like appearance and lack of wings, making them distinct from other Dipterans.
These flies have evolved to be highly specialized parasites, with adaptations such as flattened bodies and specialized claws that make it difficult for bats to dislodge them. Their bodies are also very hard, making them resistant to being squashed by their hosts.
This species of bat fly's parasitic lifestyle has caused them to permanently lose their wings through evolution. Other bat flies have wings but shed them when they find a host. Bat flies have lost what it means to be a fly.
Oregonia gracilis, commonly known as the graceful decorator crab, is a "true crab". It often decorates itself with objects from its surroundings in order to blend in with its natural environment. This form of crypsis is used to avoid predation. Because of this crypsis, it can be difficult to spot in its habitat.
Oregonia gracilis decorates by cutting small pieces of material with its chelipeds and fraying and softening the material with its mouth parts. Once the material is soft, it rubs the material onto its carapace until the material adheres to the setae on the carapace. Individuals will use virtually any material available to decorate themselves to the environment. In captivity, individuals will change their decorations to better match the environmental colors offered.
This species has a triangular-shaped carapace that is usually tan in color and matches bryozoans, sponges, and hydroids usually found on its body and legs.
Generally, this species can be found from northern Alaska, along the Bering Strait, to central California as well as the Pacific coast of Japan. It tends to live on the rocky bottoms and mixed bottoms of the low intertidal up to roughly 400 m depth.
Pheidole megacephala, common name: big-headed ant, is one of the world's most invasive ant species. Direct damage occurs when seeds are taken as food, affecting agriculture, and home invasions result in chewed electrical and telephone cables.
Queens mate once, within the colony, laying more than 200 eggs a months. After mating, the male dies. Workers are pale yellow to very dark brown. There are two types, 'major' and 'minor'. The major workers are soldiers about 3-4 mm long, with distinctly large heads (hence the common name). The minor workers are 2 mm long, with heads of normal size. Minor workers stay mostly within the nest, caring for the brood.
Apart from honeydew and seeds, the ants feed on insects, and their eggs, as well as small lizards and birds. They are general scavengers.
Holcocephala fusca, the gnat ogre, is a species of robber fly in the family Asilidae. The head is over twice as wide as high. They forage from twig tips or the tips of other vegetation. They occur along margins of streams, fields, woods, and wet meadows.
The first picture is the winner of the 2024 Royal Entomological Society Photography Competition, awarded to Benjamin Salb.
Rhagonycha fulva, the common red soldier beetle, also misleadingly known as the bloodsucker beetle, is popularly known in England as the hogweed bonking beetle.
Rhagonycha fulva is commonly found on open-structured flowers and can be spotted in grassland, woodland, along hedgerows and in parks and gardens, often on flower species such as Anthriscus sylvestris (Cow Parsley) and others of the genus Heracleum (Hogweed) and the family Asteraceae during the summer. R. fulva is a significant pollinator of two species of Hogweed, Heracleum sphondylium, and H. mantegazzianum.
Adults feed on aphids, and eat pollen and nectar. Larvae prey on ground-dwelling invertebrates, such as slugs and snails, and live at the base of long grasses. The adults, which are active between June and August, spend much of their short lives mating and can often be seen in pairs.
2 large eyespots and numerous other types of tiny spots are seen on Eastern Eyed Click Beetle (Alaus oculatus). This is a species that evolved into having eyespots that make it appear threatening or even another species.
Its eyespots keep predators away. Small birds and reptiles are among the most common predators of the species.
These beetles feed on other bugs in their larvae stage and become herbivorous as they become adults which only feed on plant leaves and flowers.
Knowing for their capacity to catapult themselves in a fast escaping movement, Eastern Eyed Click Beetles are native to American woodlands.
Glomeris marginata, otherwise known as Pill Millipedes, are small, terrestrial creatures commonly confused with traditional pill bugs.
They are found throughout Central and North Europe and gained the common name “Pill Millipede” due to their peculiar pill-like shape and segmented appendages.
They typically have a yellowish-brown color, with black and brown stripes along the segments.
Each segment has two pairs of legs, giving them a total of 16 legs per body. Other notable features are their head and antennae, which are small and black.
They also have small and delicate pinchers located on the outside of their body, which they use to gain manual dexterity.
Triop longicaudatus, commonly known as the Long-Tailed Tadpole shrimp, are also called triops since they have a pair of compound eyes with the third eye between them. Their bodies also resemble tadpoles with shields, and thus some people refer to them as shield shrimp.
This species is known to inhabit a diverse range of habitats, including dry lake playas, ephemeral pools, and more, particularly during the warmer seasons of the year. It can frequently be observed in North America, especially in the southern United States, where it is quite prevalent.
Triop longicaudatus typically measures 2 to 3 inches in length, contingent on prevailing environmental conditions. The coloration varies among different populations.
Tadpole shrimps are generally benthic feeders, scavenging for food items or preying on other organisms. In the absence of readily available food, they may rise to the surface in search of sustenance. This behavior is also associated with low oxygen levels and the need to gather air.
Stalk-eyed flies are insects of the fly family Diopsidae. The family is distinguished from most other flies by most members of the family possessing "eyestalks": projections from the sides of the head with the eyes at the end. The stalked eyes are usually sexually dimorphic, with eyestalks present but shorter in females.
More than 100 species in the Diopsidae are known, with the greatest diversity found in the Old World tropics. They are distributed throughout the region, with the best-known species being from Southeast Asia and Southern Africa. Also, two species in North America have been described and a European species has recently been found in Hungary.
Adult diopsids are typically found on low-lying vegetation in humid areas, often near streams and rivers, where they feed on fungi and bacteria, which they scavenge from decaying vegetation.
The Mormon cricket (Anabrus simplex) is a large insect native to western North America, primarily found in rangelands dominated by sagebrush and forbs. It belongs to the shield-backed katydid subfamily in the Tettigoniidae family, commonly known as katydids or bush crickets. The name “Mormons” comes from a swarm of insects that decimated crops of Mormon pioneers that settled on the shore of Great Salt Lake in 1848.
Mormon crickets are flightless insects native to the western United States, classified as katydids. They can grow to nearly 8 cm (3 inches) in length and exhibit a range of colors, including black, brown, red, purple, and green.
The Catalpa moth, scientifically known as , is a hawk moth species in the family Sphingidae. It is also commonly referred to as the Catalpa sphinx moth or Catawba worm. This moth is native to southeastern North America and can be found on catalpa trees in this region, from Maine west to Iowa, and south to Florida, the Gulf States, and Texas.
The caterpillars of the Catalpa moth, known as Catalpa worms, are distinctive due to their long, straight, and black horn near the end of their abdomen. They can be white with black spots when young, or black dorsally with a broad yellow stripe on the side as they mature. These caterpillars feed exclusively on trees in the genus Catalpa, including both northern and southern catalpa species. They can defoliate catalpa trees during outbreak years, but the trees can often recover by pushing out a second set of leaves if defoliation occurs early in the
As its name suggests, the zebra spider (Salticus scenicus) has the familiar black-and-white stripes of a zebra, making it very distinctive. It can be found stalking its prey on rocks, trees and walls, particularly in gardens.
The zebra spider is a common jumping spider that stalks and leaps on its prey - it can jump up to 10cm, over 14 times its own body length! Look for it on walls, rocks and tree trunks in the sun, particularly in gardens and sometimes in houses. Males attract females through a complex courtship dance, moving around the females with their legs waving in the air. The females create a silk cocoon in which the eggs are protected, and guards the nest until the young hatch.
Zebra spiders are widespread across Europe, North America, and North Asia, where they are found throughout the Holarctic.
Diplolepis spinosa is a type of gall wasp endemic to wild roses of Canada. Now, there are about 50 different species in the gall wasp family, but this particular one is considered to be a pest.
What it does is it creates galls on this specific type of rose, which then serve as a host for the eggs. As soon as it hatches, the larva starts feeding on the plant, sucking all the nutrients.
The larva eats fast because it has to stock up on glycerol, which is naturally occurring alcohol. This compound is important because it helps the body attract water, which is something gall wasp will have use of during winter.
The wasp enters the prepupal stage by the end of August and it stays that way throughout the winter. The galls usually sit higher on the rose, so they’re above the snow level and exposed to harsh weather.
But because the wasp has accumulated all that glycerol, which serves as an antifreeze agent, it’s not bothered by the snow. Even the temperatures as low as -24°F isn’t enough to kill this insect.
Pancorius magnus jumping spider is one of the smallest species of jumping spiders measuring at less than 0.1 inches long. They are found in various habitat types in Taiwan, India, Nepal, and Vietnam.
While these spiders have a largely brown body, they can also have bands of sky blue and white along the legs.
Scabies is caused by the human itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei var. hominis). The microscopic scabies mite burrows into the upper layer of the skin where it lives and lays its eggs. Scabies can spread quickly under crowded conditions where close body and skin contact is frequent.
The most common symptoms of scabies are intense itching and a pimple-like skin rash.
The Italian biologists Giovanni Cosimo Bonomo and Diacinto Cestoni showed in the 17th century that scabies is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei; this discovery of the itch mite in 1687 marked scabies as the first disease of humans with a known microscopic causative agent.
Upon infesting a human host, the adult female burrows into the stratum corneum (outermost layer of skin), where she deposits two or three eggs per day. Upon hatching, the six-legged larvae migrate to the skin surface and then burrow into molting pouches, usually into hair follicles, where vesicles form. After three to four days, the larvae molt, turning into eight-legged nymphs. This form molts a second time into slightly larger nymphs, before a final molt into adult mites. Adult mites then mate when the male penetrates the molting pouch of the female. Mating occurs only once, as that one event leaves the female infertile for the rest of her life (one to two months).
Lasiodora parahybana, also known as the Salmon Pink Birdeater, is a New World Terrestrial Tarantula endemic to North Easter Brazil. This species is argued to be the 3rd or 4th largest tarantula in the world growing anywhere from 9-11 inches with most only being about 8-9”. The Salmon Pink Birdeater is a very fast growing tarantula and can reach adult sizes in as little as 2 years and have a lifespan up the about 15 years.
Though this tarantula is large, its venom is not known to be medically significant, so the fangs would be potentially more painful than the venom.
This species does possess urticating hairs, like most New World tarantulas, which it will kick out causing caused itching and swelling for a week or two.
The Eyespot Shrimp, scientifically known as Saron neglectus, is a fascinating and visually striking crustacean that has been gaining popularity among marine aquarists. Its intricate marbled pattern of white, brown, and green hues makes it a standout addition to any aquarium. This nocturnal species is known for its quirky behavior and unique appearance, often resembling a miniature mosaic masterpiece.
Native to the Indo-Pacific region, Saron neglectus can be found in coral reef habitats, often hiding among rocks and crevices during the day and becoming more active at night. While not as commonly seen in the aquarium trade as other shrimp species, its captivating looks and interesting behavior make it a sought-after choice for hobbyists looking to add diversity to their tanks.
The budwing mantis is named for its distinctive, bud-like wing structure which does not fully develop in females. Originating from East Africa, this species thrives in warm and humid environments, often found in grasslands and bushy areas.
Males tend to be slimmer and more agile, with longer wings that allow for flight, whereas females are more robust and larger, measuring around 7 cm compared to males’ 4 cm. Their wings are shorter, extending to about half the length of the abdomen.
This praying mantis species typically comes in light to medium brown, although there are also dark and beige variations. They sport numerous dark and light stripes across their body and legs. On the underside of their front wings, you’ll find a bright yellow-orange hue. The inner part of their front legs also shares this orange coloration. Their back wings are dark purple.
Trithemis aurora, the crimson marsh glider, is a species of dragonfly in the family Libellulidae. It is a common and widely distributed species found throughout the year across the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.
The male of this small species is distinctly different from the female. The male has a reddish-brown face, with eyes that are crimson above and brown on the sides. The thorax is red with a fine, purple pruinescence. The abdomen, the base of which is swollen, is crimson with a violet tinge. The female has an olivaceous or bright reddish-brown face with eyes that are purplish-brown above and grey below. The thorax is olivaceous with brown median and black lateral stripes.
The blue ant (Diamma bicolor), also known as the bluebottle, is a species of flower wasp in the family Thynnidae. It is the sole member of the genus Diamma and of the subfamily Diamminae. Despite its common name and wingless body, it is not an ant but rather a species of large, solitary, parasitic wasp.
The blue ant is endemic to south and southeast Australia, including the states of Tasmania, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia.
Blue ants are ground-nesting. They are unusual among members of the family Thynnidae in exclusively hunting mole crickets as larval provisions, whereas all other species of thynnids attack beetle larvae. The cricket is paralysed with venom injected by the female's stinger and an egg is laid upon it so the wasp larva has a ready supply of food.
Found in the U.S. Southwest and Mexico, the colors of the Aztec Spur-throat change from bold to bland as it grows and matures.
The colorful body of this small species of grasshopper is striking, and the stripe patterns amplify the effect. It is difficult to miss the young grasshopper's red legs and black body. Yellow stripes cross the lower part of the insect. The yellow lines cover the face and converge at the middle 'back'. The hump on its back flattens out as an adult. The mature adult is brown to brownish-gray and looks more like a typical grasshopper. Spur-throat Grasshoppers have a peg-like protrusion that sticks out from the 'neck'.
The medium brown wings of the Bent-line Dart are crossed with two thin, dark lines: one curves around the 'shoulders', and the other sits near the bottom edge. This bottom line is mostly straight except for a generous upward bend right by the outer edge.
Caterpillars for this species feed on low-growing weeds like clover and dandelion. Tobacco also serves as a host plant. It is brown with black mottled lines on it.
It is found in eastern North America, from southern Ontario, Pennsylvania, and southern Michigan, south to the Gulf coast of northern Florida and west to central Kansas and eastern Texas.
The Harlequin Flower Beetle is a strikingly patterned species of scarab beetle. They are a robust yellow and black beetle with a large pattern variation between individuals. Although they are not identical, they are all the same species. Adults grow to approximately 16-21 mm.
These day-flying beetles can be found in the southeastern United States and northern Mexico within low-elevation & mid-elevation tropical rainforests. Larvae have been found dwelling in tree holes of post oak, mesquite, & several other species.
The Large Milkweed Bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus) is an intriguing insect commonly found on milkweed plants, with striking orange and black markings that make it easily recognizable. The adult bugs are around ¾ inch long, featuring a distinctive black band across their back and preferring to feed on milkweed, particularly the seeds source.
Although Large Milkweed Bugs are not the only insects that rely on milkweed plants, they have a special relationship with this plant. These bugs are known to travel south for the winter source, highlighting their intriguing life cycle and adaptability.
The Montagu’s crab or furrowed crab is a beautiful crab species with a unique appearance. It has a bright pink and purple carapace that is covered in strange golden hairs. This is just enough to warn any predator that this crab is dangerous to eat so avoid them. The claws of this crab are large and robust, and they are equal in size.
This poisonous crab species is widely distributed in hot waters around the world including Asia, Europe, and Oceania. These crabs live under stones on sandy and stony beaches, usually below the intertidal zone around 40 meters deep. As nocturnal omnivores, they feed on various algae but they also scavenge at times. The Montagu’s crabs are very lethal so cooking them does not remove the toxin at all.
Despite its exotic appearance, the purple emperor (Apatura iris) is as typical of UK woodland as the mighty oak. It’s elusive and beautiful, but has quite the unsavoury appetite.
Adult butterflies are large and dark with white banded wings. Males have an iridescent purple sheen to their upper wings, while females are brown. It is the second largest butterfly in the UK (only the swallowtail is larger). Males are the size of a small bird.
Caterpillars are bright green with yellow spots and diagonal yellow lines along sides. They also have prominent, horn-like protrusions on their heads.
Redback Spiders (Latrodectus hasselti) are tiny black spiders with red markings on their rounded abdomen. The redback spiders have long spindly back legs and measure about 1cm.
The female redback is the third most poisonous spider in the world and it is possible for their bites to be fatal to humans if left untreated. Each year around two thousand people report bites and roughly 250 are given antivenom. Since an antivenom was created in 1965 there have been no human deaths.
Female redback spiders do not attack people, but they bite if threatened. The red strips on the round and smooth black abdomen are ideal for identification.
The Black Rose Shrimp is a dwarf freshwater shrimp. This rare variety of Neocaridina Heteropoda has only been available to aquarists since around 2000, when it was first bred in Taiwan. Possessing a stunning combination of both black and red accents, these shrimp are highly sought-after for their aesthetic value. Due to their original habitat, these shrimp thrive in planted tanks with a variety of shelter options and hiding spots.
This species is an ideal pet due to its undemanding nature. This species will thrive in modestly sized terrariums as noxious free water quality is not necessary for good health, though they do prefer filtered water. This species hibernates in the winter months and may become inactive when exposed to excessively cold environmental conditions.
The shiny blue color of Steel-Blue Cricket-Hunter Wasps (Chlorion aerarium), one of the several blue wasp species found in North and Central America, sets them apart from the others.
They have a uniform coloring and are skilled at immobilizing prey, such as spiders, in order to feed their young. These wasps live alongside cicada killers, frequently using each other’s nests to lay their eggs.
They are also expert cricket hunters, usually congregating in regions where their prey is found. They are predators, although they don’t really threaten people; their main food source is plant nectar.
Caecidotea racovitzai is a freshwater isopod, native to eastern North America from southeastern Canada to Florida and Georgia.
The body is dorsoventrally flattened, with a length about 4X its width. The 'head' is actually a cephalothorax, representing a fusion of the head and the first thoracic segment.
Caecidotea racovitzai inhabits large and small lakes, ponds, rivers, and swamps, and is considered an indicator of polluted waters.
The Gulf Fritillary, scientifically known as Agraulis vanillae, is a remarkable butterfly that captivates with its vivid orange hues and unique lifecycle.
The Gulf Fritillary caterpillar is an eye-catching spectacle, adorned with a bright orange body and black spines. These spines, while menacing in appearance, are harmless to humans.
Upon spreading their wings, the adults reveal a mesmerizing bright orange color, adorned with black markings and three distinctive white spots rimmed in black. The underside of the wings presents a contrast with its brownish color and silvery-white spots, a beautiful sight whether the wings are open or closed.
They are predominantly found in the southern U.S., extending through Mexico.
Promachus rufipes, known generally as the red-footed cannibalfly or bee panther, is a species of robber fly. The Bee Panther is more friend than foe to humans, despite its terrifying appearance. They don't really pose any threat to us when left alone and play an important ecological role across the Southeast.
They like to hide out and wait for a bee or wasp to fly by before launching at it and stabbing it with its proboscis. They then inject the prey with a saliva cocktail that immobilizes it and liquefies its innards so it can suck out a nice meal.
It has a life span of about 2 to 3 weeks, and usually its hunting grounds are in the woods.
The California Glowworm (Ellychnia californica) is also known as the western firefly. It belongs to the Lampyridae family and is common in North America. They fly during the day, with adults using pheromones rather than light to locate and communicate.
There is not much documentation of this specific firefly species, though they are often encountered in tree trunks during the day. The larvae are carnivorous, feeding on soft-bodied invertebrates, which include slugs, earthworms, and snails.
While adults of this species don't bioluminesce, larvae associated with them have bright (intensity) pale-green luminescent areas on their abdomens.
Phronima are small crustaceans that swim through the open ocean, though It may be more accurate to say they sail. These marine horrors make a gruesome little submersible out of an unfortunate creature known as a salp.
Salps are barrel-shaped zooplankton with a gelatinous body, reaching up to nearly four inches in length. Unfortunately, this makes them the ideal vessel for phronima, who carve out their innards with a set of powerful frontal claws.
Researchers have found that a hollowed-out salp offers the phronima shelter and acts as a buoyancy device (and mobile nursery), reducing the energy required for this ghoulish sailor to traverse the seas. Disturbingly, the hollowed-out salps remain partially alive.
Sphodros rufipes, sometimes called the red legged purseweb spider, is a mygalomorph spider from the southern and eastern United States, though it has been photographed as far north as Minnesota.
These spiders are solid and strong-looking with reddish-brown to black bodies. The males have distinctive long red or red-orange legs from the femora downwards. The females have legs the same color as the body.
This spider has a distinctive method of catching its prey. It spins a tunnel of silk against the side of a tree or supported by stones or other convenient objects, and waits for its prey to land or climb on the side of the tunnel. Then the spider bites through the silk walls and pulls the prey inside. These spiders rarely leave their webs for any reason other than mating. Like other purseweb spiders, when ready to mate, the males will leave their webs to search for females.
Gillmeria albertae is a moth of the family Pterophoridae first described by William Barnes and Arthur Ward Lindsey in 1921. It is known from the mountains of Alberta near Banff.
The wingspan is 24–27 millimetres (0.94–1.06 in). Adults are white. The antennae are dotted above with grey brown. The forewings are white. The costa is brownish grey to the cleft, which is preceded by two dark dots. There is a third similar dot in the middle of the cell. The fringes are white. The hindwings are light brownish grey, although the fringes and third lobe are slightly paler.
Chilocorus orbus is a species of lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. It is native to North America. It is a black, domed beetle with two large red spots and is commonly called the twice-stabbed lady beetle or the two-stabbed lady beetle. Both adults and larvae feed on scale insects.
Chilocorus orbus is one of about a dozen species of Chilocorus that occur in North America. It is predominantly found in the western states of Washington, Oregon and California, being replaced in other areas of the United States by other, closely related species.
The Indra swallowtail is a black butterfly with minimal blue and whitish markings, similar in coloration to the black swallowtail or the short-tailed swallowtail. Likewise, the species has a very short tail, and dark blue crescents on the topside of the hindwing.
Indra Swallowtails are specific to the Western US states and regions around The Rocky Mountains.
The caterpillars are initially dark brown to black. They start to grow pale pink bands along their bodies as they grow.
Emerald Cockroach Wasps (Ampulex compressa) paralyze various species of cockroaches by injecting venom into them.
They then eat the antennae of the roach so that they have no more moving capacity and carry them back to their nests when the cockroach is fed to the emerging nymph.
This type of wasp is common in a few areas around the world. Native to Asia, the wasp has an emerald green color with additional red and black sections.
Wasps of this family are venomous and they might bite.
Striped bark scorpions are pale yellowish brown, usually with two lengthwise dark stripes on the abdomen.
It occurs in glades and other dry, warm, rocky areas, and sometimes in buildings and shelters and under piles of wood, brush, or garbage.
This species is distinguished, among other things, by a dark triangle is on top of the head. Young striped bark scorpions are pale yellowish brown, usually with two broad lengthwise dark stripes on the abdomen (the back); older scorpions are uniform dark brown with the stripes faint or lacking.
Stagmomantis californica, common name California Mantis, is a species of praying mantis in the genus Stagmomantis, native to the Western United States.
Adults typically range from 2 to 3 inches long. Brown, green, or yellowish hues can all be found within a single species.
Often spotted in gardens and on various plants, these intriguing creatures are well-known for their impressive hunting abilities and unique appearance.
As members of the praying mantis family, California Mantids are expert predators, actively seeking out prey such as aphids, beetles, and crickets.
Locus Leaf-miner beetles (Odontota dorsalis) are some of the most tree-damaging beetles in North America.
This species is a common problem for black locusts, as its name implies. It also spread its damage to oak and even fruit-bearing trees such as apple trees.
The Locust Leaf-miner beetle overwinters under tree bark before emerging in the spring.
The yellow meadow ant is known for creating anthills in grassland habitats. It has a close relationship with the chalkhill blue butterfly - protecting the larvae in return for a sugary substance they secrete.
They build a soil dome above the nest (which can extend a metre below the ground) to help regulate temperature and humidity. Like all ants, the Yellow meadow ant is social and forms colonies; the workers are mainly active underground, however, and not often seen unless the nest is disturbed. During summer, winged adults pair and mate, the females dispersing to form new colonies.
Yellow meadow ants spend most of their life underground where they feed on honeydew produced by aphids which they 'farm' on the roots of grass.
Meat ants have long been known for their unique hunting techniques and fascinating social behavior. These ants play a crucial role in controlling populations of various insects, including the infamous cane toad.
Meat ants live in large colonies that consist of millions of individuals. Each colony is organized into various castes, including workers, soldiers, and queens. Meat ants communicate with each other using pheromone trails. When a worker ant discovers a potential food source, it releases a trail of chemicals to guide other colony members to the prey. This enables them to coordinate their efforts and efficiently hunt as a group.
To control cane toads, meat ants employ a unique method. When a group of ants encounters a cane toad, they will immediately swarm the toad, climbing onto its body. The ants release formic acid, which acts as a potent irritant and venom. This chemical irritates the toad's skin and mucous membranes, forcing it to release toxins as a defense mechanism.
To avoid being poisoned, meat ants have evolved a remarkable defense mechanism. They use their strong mandibles to bite the toad's limbs, avoiding the toxin-secreting parotid glands located behind the toad's ears.
The Inornate Pyrausta Moth is also known by the name of: Southern Pink Moth. The Inornate Pyrausta Moth is typically 0.2 inches to 0.4 inches in size. The forewings are uniform reddish pink with no eye-spots or any other notable markings. The head of the moth hosts some brown antennae and mouth parts. The eyes are a yellowish green color and large.
The larvae of this moth feed primarily on Salvia species, including Salvia farinacea. They mainly feed on the flowers and buds of salvia species by boring into the unopened flowers near the base.
Larvae which are fully grown are known to be a translucent light green in color with rows of spots that appear either black or black with white centers.
It is found in the southern United States as well as Mexico.
The Gold Leg Matano Crab, aka Yellow Leg Towuti Crab is native to Lake Matano, Sulawesi lake system of Indonesia. It has a life span of 2-3 years and grows 4-8cm in diameter.
It has a purple carapace with golden legs that can also be lavender or lilac in color. They are freshwater crabs and are commonly kept in aquariums by hobbyists.
The Parktown prawn, African king cricket or tusked king cricket (Libanasidus vittatus) is a species of king cricket endemic to Southern Africa. It is unrelated to prawns. The king crickets are not true crickets either: they belong to the family Anostostomatidae, whereas true crickets are in the Gryllidae. The insect gets its English name from the suburb of Parktown in Johannesburg, South Africa, where they are common.
A large specimen may grow to be 6 to 7 cm (2.8 in) or more, with long whip-like antennae extending to about the same length. The exoskeleton is orange to light brown, with darker brown or black stripes across the abdomen.
Libanasidus vittatus is omnivorous, feeding on slugs, snails, and moth larvae such as cutworms, as well as a fairly wide range of vegetable matter. They have been seen feeding on dead birds and other carrion, the food of pet dogs and cats, pet droppings, dry oatmeal, and also on fallen fruit. They have been known to chew on wooden floor boards and wooden structures such as garden furniture, though they are not equipped to digest sound wood. Gardens that have a healthy population of Parktown prawns are practically free of slugs and snails, so gardeners who are aware of their habits regard Parktown prawns as an effective natural means of controlling such pests.
Thorny Devil Stick (Eurycantha calcarata) is one of many species of Walkingsticks that are mainly nocturnal. During the day, they may hide, motionless, under plants. Because of their superior camouflage, they can also sit in the open and remain unseen.
Thorny Devil Walkingsticks are well named: the males have huge spines on their back legs. These built-in weapons help males defend themselves if attacked by other males or potential predators.
This Walkingstick species resides among the foliage and leaf litter of warm tropical rainforest in New Guinea, New Caledonia, and the Solomon Islands.
The Eastern Amberwing is a fascinating species of dragonfly, known for its small size and distinctive amber-colored wings. Reaching only about an inch in length, this little insect is one of the smallest dragonflies found in North America. With red spots along the outer leading edges of its wings and different wing patterns between males and females, the Eastern Amberwing offers a diverse and eye-catching appearance.
Males and females of the Eastern Amberwing have distinct physical features, which aid in mating. Males possess clear amber wings, while females have blotch-patterned wings. They usually mate near water sources such as streams and ponds.
Native to Eastern parts of North America, the Pure Green Sweat Bee is among the primary species of bees only seen in the summer.
A green body and dark legs with white hairs make up the coloring of the species. Large black eyes and smoky transparent wings are also specific to these bees.
This wonderful little green bee has a lifestyle that distinguishes it from other halictid bees. Most nest in holes in the ground and a few others use hollow twigs, but Augochlora makes her nests under the loose bark of old trees. Where you see a fallen log on the forest floor female Augochlora see valuable real estate. She builds cells made of mud and debris found under the bark that she glues together.
The six-spotted tiger beetle (Cicindela sexguttata) is named after the 6 white spots on its elytra. Still, some bugs of the species have more spots while others have fewer.
This species has a metallic tint green color. It has overlapping mandibles which might help distinguish it from other beetles in the forest.
Six-spotted Tiger beetles live in woodlands where they can find plenty of spiders.
They feed on different species of arthropods and are known to bite humans as well. While not very painful, the bite can happen when this species is handled.
The sulphur butterfly, often known as the cloudless sulphur butterfly, is a large yellow butterfly found throughout most of the mainland United States. It is most common in the eastern United States and southern portions of the western United States, but it has been spotted as far north as Canada.
Adult butterflies are strongly attracted to red flowers, and have even been known to dive into the red lenses over car taillights. They have exceptionally long tongues that allow them to reach the nectar of even the longest and narrowest flowers.
Before metamorphosing into an adult sulphur butterfly, the caterpillar feeds on leaves and flowers, especially those of the Senna and Cassia genus. Both Senna and Cassia are poisonous, which allows the caterpillars to accumulate a toxic deterrent to would-be predators.
Panulirus homarus, the scalloped spiny lobster, is a species of spiny lobster that lives along the coasts of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It lives in shallow water, and feeds on the brown mussel Perna perna. It typically grows to a length of 20–25 cm (7.9–9.8 in).
It is nocturnal and forms groups, taking shelter in and around rocks and crevices. It is an omnivorous scavenger with a preference for mussels. Juveniles favor feeding on barnacles.
Whiteflies are small flying white insects resembling tiny moths. The pesky flying bugs typically swarm around host plants in your home or greenhouse. Tiny whiteflies are destructive plant pests, feeding on the sap of plants and excreting a sticky honeydew substance that causes sooty mold. Whiteflies measure 0.4” to 0.8” (1 – 2 mm) long.
Like all types of true bugs, whiteflies bite plant foliage and stems to suck the juices. This can damage plants by weakening their growth or spreading plant diseases. Failure to get rid of a whitefly infestation could result in plant death.
The Brunner’s Mantis (Brunneria borealis) is also known as Brunner’s stick mantis or northern grass mantis. It is native to the southern United States. There are no males in this species. Females reproduce asexually through parthenogenesis.
The Brunner’s Mantis is a carnivore and captures its prey of insects and grasshoppers by ambush. They grow to about 3 inches.
The Virginia Ctenucha (Ctenucha virginica) is an attractive moth that flies in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York in mid-summer.
This moth has a metallic blue body, which contrasts with the bright orange of its head and the sides of its collar. Its fore wing is a deep grayish brown, with some metallic blue at base. Its hind-wing is black. As can be seen from the photo, the fringes on all the wings are partly white.
The adult Virginia Ctenucha flies primarily during the day, but may also come to light at night. Adults feed on nectar at various flowers, such as goldenrod. The larva body surface is black, covered with tufts of cream-colored or black hairs. Caterpillar hosts include grasses, sedges, and irises.
Pholcus phalangiodes can be found in undisturbed, low light locations. Some places one might encounter this spider are in basements, under stones, under ledges, and in caves. People most often associate these spiders with living on ceilings and in corners in homes. They make their webs large, loose, and flat, but they can make them in irregular shapes to fit into surrounding objects.
Pholcus phalangioides is pale yellow-brown except for a large gray patch in the center of the cephalothorax. The body and legs are almost translucent. These spiders are covered with fine gray hairs. The head is a darker color around the eyes.
Pholcus phalangioides seems to prefer other spiders and small insects as prey. Also, males and females have both been known to engage in cannibalism. Females have been seen invading another spider's web, eating that spider, and using the foreign web to catch new prey for themselves.
Olla v-nigrum is a species in the family Coccinellidae ("lady beetles"), in the suborder Polyphaga. The species is known generally as the ashy gray lady beetle. The distribution range of Olla v-nigrum includes Central America, North America, and Oceania. It is usually gray or pale tan with small black spots on its elytra and thorax.
Olla v-nigrum has been observed in nature to specifically prey upon the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri) as well as various aphids.
Tiny red spider mites (Tetranychus urticae) look like tiny red bugs crawling on plants or webbing under plant leaves. The tiny red spider mites are only 0.016” (0.4 mm) long. Close-up pictures of the red bugs show they have an oval body and eight spiny legs. tiny red spider mite.
Spider mites usually do a lot of damage to house plants. The tiny red pests use their piercing jaws to bite plant tissue and suck the juices from foliage and stems. This destructive behavior can cause leaves to turn yellow, develop spots, wither, and eventually die.
The white spotted sawyer is a large-bodied black bug with a distinct white heart-shaped spot at the base of its thorax. Other identifying features of this black bug are its super-long arching antennae and stocky legs. Its long antennae can be twice as long as its body.
The black beetle can measure 0.70” to 1.0” (18 – 25 mm) long. It is found in evergreen forests in North America, where it damages pine, fir, and spruce trees by boring into the timber and causing holes. 🤍
Tectocoris diophthalmus, commonly known as the hibiscus harlequin bug or cotton harlequin bug, is a brightly coloured convex and rounded shield-shaped bug with a metallic sheen that grows to about 20 mm. Adult females are mostly orange and males are both blue and red or orange, while nymphs are typically metallic green and purple
It is common in Eastern Australia, New Guinea and several Pacific Islands in habitats ranging from urban to agricultural and coastal areas.
The colors are quite variable, and experiments suggest that the variation in colour may reduce bird predation, especially on the immature stages. This extreme level of variation is such that different taxonomists have, since 1781, described this species under different new names at least 16 times.
Miner bees are fuzzy black and creamy-yellow bees similar to bumble bees. Also known as chimney bees, these medium sized, stout furry bees are coated in fine hairs, including their long legs.
Miner bees have a solitary existence. Their common name comes from their burrowing habit, where they dig tunnels in the soil. They also create chimney-like tunnels for their nests.
Miner bees are vital pollinators for plants such as rhododendrons, irises, roses, persimmons, and parsnips.
Hey everyone, I’m #newhere. I’m interested in #travel. I am Doctor Reverend Dae Yun Kim Ph.D. In Theology. Northwest Florida Bible Institute Graduate with Doctor of Divinity. Life Christian University ( University of South Los Angeles, Gardena, California, U.S.A.) Graduate with Bachelor of Arts in Theology, Master of Arts in Theology, Master of Divinity. Pacific International University (California Pacific School of Theology, U.S.A.) Graduate with Doctor of Philosophy In Theology. Graduate School of Business Administration Studied ( Master of Business Administration / M.B.A. / Studied ). Health College Graduate as Major in Pathology. Ordained Minister. Moon Star TaeKwonDo Academy Graduate with 5TH DEGREE BLACK BELT. TaeKwonDo MASTER.
Normal human beings are not capable of understanding the level of evil we are dealing with...
This is why the Satanic cabal no longer even tries to hide their intentions, instead choosing to openly broadcast what they are doing to the masses, thereby ritually mocking their victims...
It is time to wake up and fight back... Or step out of the way. -Gary Williams
Military contractors pitch unprecedented prison plan for detained immigrants Military contractors pitch unprecedented prison plan for detained immigrants
Erik Prince wants to cut a deal to skirt immigration laws and transport detainees from the US to El Salvador.
I’ve been accused of being Republican, and I want to set the record straight.
I criticize Democrats far more often than I criticize Republicans. But there is a reason. As you may know, most politics are local. In my local state and region, the following is true:
Every politician is corrupt
Every politician is a Democrat
There are no Republicans here on the left coast; only Democrats spanning from full-on communist to somewhat-moderate (meaning they still like taxing the middle class into poverty, but might have an objection to one or two spending projects)
So, in my defense, the simple reason that I don’t criticize Republican politicians as often is that I’m not sure I’ve ever actually seen one.
My state has been ruined by overtaxation, overregulation, and overspending of government, and there’s only one party available to take the blame. It is very very difficult not to assume causation.
Oh, and please spare me the "this is what the people voted for" argument. Washington State uses all mail-in ballots. The counting rooms are closed to the public and staffed by the incumbent party. What the voters want is irrelevant.
This is a foreign organization that promotes labeling gender confused minors "trans" and permanently mutilating them. Most would have grown up to be functional gay adults if left alone. And this organization claims gays and lesbians not wanting to fuck trans people, i.e. the opposite sex, are "transphobic". My fucking tax dollars went to this genuinely homophobic bullshit. Livid.
Germar Rudolf was born in Limburg, Germany. He studied chemistry at Bonn University, where he graduated in 1989 as a Diplom-Chemist, which is comparable to a U.S. PhD degree. From 1990-1993 he prepared a German PhD thesis at the Max Planck Institute…
🚨President Trump just authorized the Dept of Defense to militarize the “Roosevelt Reservation” along the US border in CA, AZ, and NM
This means the 60 foot buffer zone on a 700 mile stretch of our border will now be considered military property and troops can seize illegals to hand to Border Patrol
Translation: He just activated the military to completely shut down the invasion on our southern border
Russian Spetsnaz battling Ukrainian “terrorists” near the town of Pokrovsk fortuitously stumbled upon a warehouse in which 11 malnourished American children, ages seven to twelve, were handcuffed to a wall and had been lapping muddy water from dog bowls, FSB operative Andrei Zakharov told Real Raw News.
They were, no doubt, trafficked out of the USA. The search has been ongoing for how many years, finding trafficked children all over the world. Think cargo containers!
"This is the President of the Federation. Do not approach the United States. The ravings of a madman are causing critical damage to rule of law and have almost totally obliterated our Constitution. All reasoned opposition has failed. All chances at legal restoration are impossible. The madman is vaporizing our country. We cannot survive unless a way can be found to stop these fascists. Further communications may not be possible. Save your energy. Save yourselves.
Nanook
in reply to @ladyred👑 • — (Shoreline, WA, USA) •