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ARTHROPOD OF THE DAY
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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 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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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. 🤍
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. 🤍
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Southern Texas and Mexico mark the range of the purple Pavon Emperor (Doxocopa pavon).
This is a species that is mostly associated with host trees such as those in the hackberry genus.
However, it’s only the male Pavon Emperors that have purple wings as females have dark brown and white wings.
Southern Texas and Mexico mark the range of the purple Pavon Emperor (Doxocopa pavon).
This is a species that is mostly associated with host trees such as those in the hackberry genus.
However, it’s only the male Pavon Emperors that have purple wings as females have dark brown and white wings.
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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.
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.
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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.
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.
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Mycocepurus smithii is a common, but cryptic species of fungus-gardening ants, which is widely distributed throughout Latin America and obligately relies on a symbiotic fungus for food.
The ants reproduce via cloning - the queen ants copy themselves to produce genetically identical daughters.
This species - the first ever to be shown to reproduce entirely without sex - cultivates a garden of fungus, which also reproduces asexually
Workers of M. smithii ants maintain narrow tunnels (diameter of 1.3 mm), which do not allow two ants to pass each other in the tunnel (head size is around 0.7 mm for workers and 0.9 mm for queens). The tunnels also have a number of slightly larger sections (about 3.6 mm diameter), which would allow passing while also facilitating information exchange.
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Mycocepurus smithii is a common, but cryptic species of fungus-gardening ants, which is widely distributed throughout Latin America and obligately relies on a symbiotic fungus for food.
The ants reproduce via cloning - the queen ants copy themselves to produce genetically identical daughters.
This species - the first ever to be shown to reproduce entirely without sex - cultivates a garden of fungus, which also reproduces asexually
Workers of M. smithii ants maintain narrow tunnels (diameter of 1.3 mm), which do not allow two ants to pass each other in the tunnel (head size is around 0.7 mm for workers and 0.9 mm for queens). The tunnels also have a number of slightly larger sections (about 3.6 mm diameter), which would allow passing while also facilitating information exchange.
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Sesia bembeciformis, the lunar hornet moth, is a moth of the family Sesiidae. It is widespread across England and Wales, southern Scotland and scattered records in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Adults resemble a large hornet with distinctive yellow banding on the abdomen and a yellow collar at the back of the head. The wings after emergence lose most of their scales leaving a transparent window. Similar in appearance to the Hornet Moth it can be distinguished by the black head and shoulder and a yellow collar. It is also smaller in size.
They are most active in sunshine but are seldom seen except by accident, or at rest on the tree trunk after emergence in early morning.
Sesia bembeciformis, the lunar hornet moth, is a moth of the family Sesiidae. It is widespread across England and Wales, southern Scotland and scattered records in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Adults resemble a large hornet with distinctive yellow banding on the abdomen and a yellow collar at the back of the head. The wings after emergence lose most of their scales leaving a transparent window. Similar in appearance to the Hornet Moth it can be distinguished by the black head and shoulder and a yellow collar. It is also smaller in size.
They are most active in sunshine but are seldom seen except by accident, or at rest on the tree trunk after emergence in early morning.
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The Abbott’s Sphinx Moth is a member of the hawk moth family. It is a giant moth capable of fitting in the palm of an adult human’s hand.
When opened, the upper part of the wings is dark brown or violet gray, and the underside is marked irregularly.
In the final instar, the larva has two patterns, one in brown bands with about ten big green spots on their back mimicking grapes. The second type is wholly brown marked with a wood grain-like pattern. In both the color variations, one common thing is the big eyespot near the abdominal tip.
The Abbott’s Sphinx Moth is a member of the hawk moth family. It is a giant moth capable of fitting in the palm of an adult human’s hand.
When opened, the upper part of the wings is dark brown or violet gray, and the underside is marked irregularly.
In the final instar, the larva has two patterns, one in brown bands with about ten big green spots on their back mimicking grapes. The second type is wholly brown marked with a wood grain-like pattern. In both the color variations, one common thing is the big eyespot near the abdominal tip.
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Orchid Mantis, or Hymenopus coronatus, is a beautiful pink and white mantis with lobes on its legs that look like flower pentals. Although this species does not live on orchids, it does look remarkably well like a flower or orchid. Some individuals are completely white, others completely pink and yet others are somewhat of a mix.
Their four walking legs resemble petals, while their front two toothed legs are used for ambushing unsuspecting prey at blinding speed. They are carnivores and will diet on small insects, such as crickets, moths, flies and beetles.
An adult female is approximately 6 to 7 cm long, while the male is only about 2,5 cm. They inhabit tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia.
Orchid Mantis, or Hymenopus coronatus, is a beautiful pink and white mantis with lobes on its legs that look like flower pentals. Although this species does not live on orchids, it does look remarkably well like a flower or orchid. Some individuals are completely white, others completely pink and yet others are somewhat of a mix.
Their four walking legs resemble petals, while their front two toothed legs are used for ambushing unsuspecting prey at blinding speed. They are carnivores and will diet on small insects, such as crickets, moths, flies and beetles.
An adult female is approximately 6 to 7 cm long, while the male is only about 2,5 cm. They inhabit tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia.
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The Sally Lightfoot crab, also known as the red rock crab, is a vibrant species found along rocky coastlines of the Pacific, from Mexico to Chile, including the Galápagos Islands. Its carapace boasts bright red, yellow, and orange hues, making it stand out against dark volcanic rocks. These agile crabs are expert climbers and scurriers, darting away from waves and predators with impressive speed. They feed on algae, small invertebrates, and carrion, using their nimble claws. Their name is said to come from their light-footed agility, resembling a dancer skipping across the shore.
The Sally Lightfoot crab, also known as the red rock crab, is a vibrant species found along rocky coastlines of the Pacific, from Mexico to Chile, including the Galápagos Islands. Its carapace boasts bright red, yellow, and orange hues, making it stand out against dark volcanic rocks. These agile crabs are expert climbers and scurriers, darting away from waves and predators with impressive speed. They feed on algae, small invertebrates, and carrion, using their nimble claws. Their name is said to come from their light-footed agility, resembling a dancer skipping across the shore.
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Clubtail Dragonflies (Gomphidae) are distinctive for their enlarged club-like tail end. Within this species, sexual dimorphism is evident in size, with females being generally larger than their male counterparts.
Widespread globally, they are primarily found near rivers and streams, as well as occasionally around lakes and near water-filled ditches.
Clubtail Dragonflies (Gomphidae) are distinctive for their enlarged club-like tail end. Within this species, sexual dimorphism is evident in size, with females being generally larger than their male counterparts.
Widespread globally, they are primarily found near rivers and streams, as well as occasionally around lakes and near water-filled ditches.
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The Hercules Moth, known scientifically as Coscinocera hercules, falls under the order of Lepidoptera. Within this order, they are part of the family Saturniidae, famous for being the largest moths of the world. With an impressive wingspan that can reach 11 inches (around 27 cm), these moths truly are giants in their realm.
They are rainforest dwellers, inhabiting areas of dense greenery. This offers adequate camouflage for the Hercules Moth, given their leaf-like appearance. While Queensland rainforests serve as their primary home, they can also be identified in New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Indonesia.
One intriguing feature of the moth is that adult females are usually wingless. It’s an intriguing evolutionary adaptation to conserve energy because the female Hercules moth doesn’t need to fly. They simply release a pheromone to attract males.
The Hercules Moth, known scientifically as Coscinocera hercules, falls under the order of Lepidoptera. Within this order, they are part of the family Saturniidae, famous for being the largest moths of the world. With an impressive wingspan that can reach 11 inches (around 27 cm), these moths truly are giants in their realm.
They are rainforest dwellers, inhabiting areas of dense greenery. This offers adequate camouflage for the Hercules Moth, given their leaf-like appearance. While Queensland rainforests serve as their primary home, they can also be identified in New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Indonesia.
One intriguing feature of the moth is that adult females are usually wingless. It’s an intriguing evolutionary adaptation to conserve energy because the female Hercules moth doesn’t need to fly. They simply release a pheromone to attract males.
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The rainbow grasshopper (Dactylotum bicolor) is one of the most colorful grasshoppers in North America. This easily identifiable grasshopper has distinctive yellow, orange, and bluish markings giving it a rainbow-type coloration. The rainbow grasshopper is unique because it has tiny wing pads but no discernable wings and it doesn’t fly.
The female rainbow grasshopper grows 1.4” (35 mm) long, and the males are significantly smaller, only measuring 0.8” (20 mm). These brightly-colored grasshoppers use their coloring to ward off predators.
You will often find the rainbow grasshopper in the Great Plains of North America. The plant-eating insects are common in prairies, grasslands, and vegetated areas.
The rainbow grasshopper (Dactylotum bicolor) is one of the most colorful grasshoppers in North America. This easily identifiable grasshopper has distinctive yellow, orange, and bluish markings giving it a rainbow-type coloration. The rainbow grasshopper is unique because it has tiny wing pads but no discernable wings and it doesn’t fly.
The female rainbow grasshopper grows 1.4” (35 mm) long, and the males are significantly smaller, only measuring 0.8” (20 mm). These brightly-colored grasshoppers use their coloring to ward off predators.
You will often find the rainbow grasshopper in the Great Plains of North America. The plant-eating insects are common in prairies, grasslands, and vegetated areas.
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Euthyrhynchus floridanus, the Florida predatory stink bug, is a stink bug, but it is considered beneficial because it feeds on plant pests. Adults have orange spots on a dark, metallic blue background.
When the bugs jab their proboscis into a less fortunate insect, they inject a toxin that slowly immobilizes the prey. The predigested insides are then sucked out.
Euthyrhynchus floridanus, the Florida predatory stink bug, is a stink bug, but it is considered beneficial because it feeds on plant pests. Adults have orange spots on a dark, metallic blue background.
When the bugs jab their proboscis into a less fortunate insect, they inject a toxin that slowly immobilizes the prey. The predigested insides are then sucked out.
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The common hentz jumper (Hentzia palmarum) are widely spread across North America and Southern America, but are mostly sighted in the Caribbean and surrounding areas.
They measure between 5 and 7 mm. But despite their small size, Hentzia jumping spiders are daring and will take on both predators and prey alike.
Males first pair of legs are dark red, long, and larger than the other yellow legs. These strong legs help subdue insects, allowing the spider to inject its venom with a bite. Males have a white band wrapping around its entire body. Females tend to have a bit more hair and be a bit paler.
The common hentz jumper (Hentzia palmarum) are widely spread across North America and Southern America, but are mostly sighted in the Caribbean and surrounding areas.
They measure between 5 and 7 mm. But despite their small size, Hentzia jumping spiders are daring and will take on both predators and prey alike.
Males first pair of legs are dark red, long, and larger than the other yellow legs. These strong legs help subdue insects, allowing the spider to inject its venom with a bite. Males have a white band wrapping around its entire body. Females tend to have a bit more hair and be a bit paler.
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Zelus luridus, also known as the pale green assassin bug, is a species of assassin bug native to North America. It is the most common Zelus species in the eastern United States.
Though the base color is pale green, markings on the back can range from dark brown or red to bright yellow. Nymphs are generally more solid green, wingless, and with narrower bodies than adults.
Like many other assassin bugs, Zelus luridus preys on other insects. It will often wait on leaves to ambush passing insects, but occasionally it also actively hunts. For this, it uses sticky traps, a common predation strategy to species within the genus Zelus. The sticky material is produced by a gland on the leg. This gland develops in the second instar. During the first instar, the nymphs use secretions deposited over the egg batch by the female as the source of their sticky material.
Zelus luridus, also known as the pale green assassin bug, is a species of assassin bug native to North America. It is the most common Zelus species in the eastern United States.
Though the base color is pale green, markings on the back can range from dark brown or red to bright yellow. Nymphs are generally more solid green, wingless, and with narrower bodies than adults.
Like many other assassin bugs, Zelus luridus preys on other insects. It will often wait on leaves to ambush passing insects, but occasionally it also actively hunts. For this, it uses sticky traps, a common predation strategy to species within the genus Zelus. The sticky material is produced by a gland on the leg. This gland develops in the second instar. During the first instar, the nymphs use secretions deposited over the egg batch by the female as the source of their sticky material.
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The rainbow peacock spider (Maratus robinsoni) – is particularly impressive, because it showcases an intense rainbow iridescent signal in males’ courtship displays to females. This is the first known instance in nature of males using an entire rainbow of colors to entice females to mate.
The intense rainbow iridescence emerges from specialized abdominal scales on the spiders. These scales combine an airfoil-like microscopic 3D contour with nanoscale diffraction grating structures on the surface. It is the interaction between the surface nano-diffraction grating and the microscopic curvature of the scales that enables separation and isolation of light into its component wavelengths at finer angles and smaller distances than are possible with current engineering technologies.
These spiders are found in Australia.
The rainbow peacock spider (Maratus robinsoni) – is particularly impressive, because it showcases an intense rainbow iridescent signal in males’ courtship displays to females. This is the first known instance in nature of males using an entire rainbow of colors to entice females to mate.
The intense rainbow iridescence emerges from specialized abdominal scales on the spiders. These scales combine an airfoil-like microscopic 3D contour with nanoscale diffraction grating structures on the surface. It is the interaction between the surface nano-diffraction grating and the microscopic curvature of the scales that enables separation and isolation of light into its component wavelengths at finer angles and smaller distances than are possible with current engineering technologies.
These spiders are found in Australia.
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The bamboo shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) is naturally found in Indonesia, of which the Moluccas archipelago forms part.
In its natural habitat, this species prefers fast-flowing streams and rivers where it can catch plenty of passing edible particles with its fans. They've been described as clinging to the underside of smooth boulders right in the harshest currents of torrential streams and rivers. These streams are usually shallow and have a rocky substrate.
This is a fan shrimp, which uses modified front legs to filter food from fast-moving waters in its natural habitat.
Bamboo shrimp are orange-brown in color with a light stripe running across the top of their backs.
The bamboo shrimp (Atyopsis moluccensis) is naturally found in Indonesia, of which the Moluccas archipelago forms part.
In its natural habitat, this species prefers fast-flowing streams and rivers where it can catch plenty of passing edible particles with its fans. They've been described as clinging to the underside of smooth boulders right in the harshest currents of torrential streams and rivers. These streams are usually shallow and have a rocky substrate.
This is a fan shrimp, which uses modified front legs to filter food from fast-moving waters in its natural habitat.
Bamboo shrimp are orange-brown in color with a light stripe running across the top of their backs.
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The Costa Rican Tiger Rump, Davus Fasciatum is a new world tarantula that’s native to the Costa Rican region. While this spider is unique for its beautiful hue, one of its defining aspects is its leg span of 4.7 inches.
These tarantulas are also quite active in nature, and a large part of their lifespan is spent in spinning webs. The Costa Rican Spider Rump is also known to be an avid burrower. So it is difficult to spot them in the wild as they spend a significant chunk of their time, burrowing.
These spiders can be extremely skittish in nature. Since they are also quite defensive, you can expect them to kick back urticating hairs at the minimum disturbance.
The Costa Rican Tiger Rump, Davus Fasciatum is a new world tarantula that’s native to the Costa Rican region. While this spider is unique for its beautiful hue, one of its defining aspects is its leg span of 4.7 inches.
These tarantulas are also quite active in nature, and a large part of their lifespan is spent in spinning webs. The Costa Rican Spider Rump is also known to be an avid burrower. So it is difficult to spot them in the wild as they spend a significant chunk of their time, burrowing.
These spiders can be extremely skittish in nature. Since they are also quite defensive, you can expect them to kick back urticating hairs at the minimum disturbance.
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Elderberry Borer is a fascinating insect that can both delight and affect gardeners. These beetles boast an attractive mix of metallic blue and orange coloring, but they are known to pose a challenge for those who cultivate elderberries.
The Elderberry Borer (Desmocerus palliatus) primarily targets elderberry plants, as their common name suggests. Female beetles lay eggs near the base of the plant, and when the larvae hatch, they burrow into the stem, tunneling and eating their way into the roots. This behavior can weaken or even kill the affected elderberry plants.
Elderberry Borer is a fascinating insect that can both delight and affect gardeners. These beetles boast an attractive mix of metallic blue and orange coloring, but they are known to pose a challenge for those who cultivate elderberries.
The Elderberry Borer (Desmocerus palliatus) primarily targets elderberry plants, as their common name suggests. Female beetles lay eggs near the base of the plant, and when the larvae hatch, they burrow into the stem, tunneling and eating their way into the roots. This behavior can weaken or even kill the affected elderberry plants.
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The Polytela Gloriosae, also known as the Indian Lily moth, is adorned with a forewing palette of earthy tones punctuated by subtle eye-like patterns. The Indian Lily moth can undergo rapid color changes when sensing variations in light and temperature, showcasing a dynamic camouflage that confuses predators. It is found in Sri Lanka, India and probably in Indonesia.
The caterpillar is smooth and purple black. Series of white spots on dorsal, lateral, and sublateral areas. The caterpillar is a minor pest on several plants of the families Liliaceae and Amaryllidaceae.
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The Polytela Gloriosae, also known as the Indian Lily moth, is adorned with a forewing palette of earthy tones punctuated by subtle eye-like patterns. The Indian Lily moth can undergo rapid color changes when sensing variations in light and temperature, showcasing a dynamic camouflage that confuses predators. It is found in Sri Lanka, India and probably in Indonesia.
The caterpillar is smooth and purple black. Series of white spots on dorsal, lateral, and sublateral areas. The caterpillar is a minor pest on several plants of the families Liliaceae and Amaryllidaceae.
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The Black Bombyl (Bombylella atra) is recognized by its strong black hair interrupted by a series of white hairs on the abdomen. The base and the costive half of the wings are clouded. The eyes of the males are joined, those of the females spaced apart.
They can be found in southern European countries. Adults feed on nectar of flowers. The larvae are parasites of lone bees.
The Black Bombyl (Bombylella atra) is recognized by its strong black hair interrupted by a series of white hairs on the abdomen. The base and the costive half of the wings are clouded. The eyes of the males are joined, those of the females spaced apart.
They can be found in southern European countries. Adults feed on nectar of flowers. The larvae are parasites of lone bees.
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Tumidodromia dormia, the sleepy sponge crab or common sponge crab, is the largest species of sponge crab. It grows to a carapace width of 20 cm (8 in) and lives in shallow waters across the Indo-Pacific region.
T. dormia camouflages itself by carrying a sponge on its back, which it cuts to size with its claws, and then holds in place with its last two pairs of legs. Instead of a sponge, T. dormia has occasionally been observed carrying other materials, including a hollow piece of wood, and the sole of a discarded shoe.
Tumidodromia dormia, the sleepy sponge crab or common sponge crab, is the largest species of sponge crab. It grows to a carapace width of 20 cm (8 in) and lives in shallow waters across the Indo-Pacific region.
T. dormia camouflages itself by carrying a sponge on its back, which it cuts to size with its claws, and then holds in place with its last two pairs of legs. Instead of a sponge, T. dormia has occasionally been observed carrying other materials, including a hollow piece of wood, and the sole of a discarded shoe.
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Atylotus loewianus is a beautiful Yellow horse fly whose head, as wide as the thorax, is almost totally occupied by large green eyes. Its thorax and abdomen are covered with fine golden hair, its legs of the same tone as its body end in dark tarses.
Like many species of horse flies, the Atylotus loewianus males feed exclusively on nectar, but females also attack animals and humans to suck blood.
Atylotus loewianus is a beautiful Yellow horse fly whose head, as wide as the thorax, is almost totally occupied by large green eyes. Its thorax and abdomen are covered with fine golden hair, its legs of the same tone as its body end in dark tarses.
Like many species of horse flies, the Atylotus loewianus males feed exclusively on nectar, but females also attack animals and humans to suck blood.
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The Brazilian Jewel tarantula is scientifically known as Typhochlaena seladonia or T. seladonia. It also goes by other endearing names such as Candy Shop spider and Jewel Toe spider. Its natural habitat is in the rainforests of Sergipe and Babia in Brazil.
The Brazilian Jewel is crowed as the most colorful and beautiful new world tarantula, making it a popular choice among hobbyists. Common colors found on a T. seladonia include distinctive pink, black and yellow. Others may have hues of reds, blues, oranges, greys, and everything in between.
The Brazilian Jewel is an exceptionally small tarantula when compared to other tarantula species. In fact, it is categorized as a dwarf among the tarantula species. A Candy Shop tarantula’s leg span is only 2.5 inches for females and only 2 inches for males.
The Brazilian Jewel tarantula is scientifically known as Typhochlaena seladonia or T. seladonia. It also goes by other endearing names such as Candy Shop spider and Jewel Toe spider. Its natural habitat is in the rainforests of Sergipe and Babia in Brazil.
The Brazilian Jewel is crowed as the most colorful and beautiful new world tarantula, making it a popular choice among hobbyists. Common colors found on a T. seladonia include distinctive pink, black and yellow. Others may have hues of reds, blues, oranges, greys, and everything in between.
The Brazilian Jewel is an exceptionally small tarantula when compared to other tarantula species. In fact, it is categorized as a dwarf among the tarantula species. A Candy Shop tarantula’s leg span is only 2.5 inches for females and only 2 inches for males.
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St. Mark’s flies (Bibio marci) emerge en-masse around 25 April each year. These flies are common and found right across the UK. You’re most likely to see them congregating around woodland edges, above hedges, in rough grassland and wetlands.
Both male and female St Mark’s flies are black and shiny. Males are slightly smaller than the females at around 12mm in length, but what they lack in stature they make up for with huge, bulbous eyes. They also have longer legs and clear wings
Adult St Mark’s flies are important spring pollinators with a particular penchant for the nectar of fruit tree and hawthorn blossom.
St. Mark’s flies (Bibio marci) emerge en-masse around 25 April each year. These flies are common and found right across the UK. You’re most likely to see them congregating around woodland edges, above hedges, in rough grassland and wetlands.
Both male and female St Mark’s flies are black and shiny. Males are slightly smaller than the females at around 12mm in length, but what they lack in stature they make up for with huge, bulbous eyes. They also have longer legs and clear wings
Adult St Mark’s flies are important spring pollinators with a particular penchant for the nectar of fruit tree and hawthorn blossom.
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Ankersquilla pardus, the leopard Mantis shrimp, is named for its multitude of dark spots covering nearly every part of the body from the tail to the head. Being that it’s the first member of the brand new Ankersquilla genus the leopard mantis shrimp is not likely to be confused with any other species. It is found in the central and western Pacific.
The yellowish tan overall colors of the leopard mantis shrimp is peppered with its namesake spots over nearly every segment of its two to three inch long body except for the bristly tail.
Ankersquilla pardus, the leopard Mantis shrimp, is named for its multitude of dark spots covering nearly every part of the body from the tail to the head. Being that it’s the first member of the brand new Ankersquilla genus the leopard mantis shrimp is not likely to be confused with any other species. It is found in the central and western Pacific.
The yellowish tan overall colors of the leopard mantis shrimp is peppered with its namesake spots over nearly every segment of its two to three inch long body except for the bristly tail.
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Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris rapae) is the plain white butterfly that you will see in your garden, yard, or park. It is almost always the first butterfly of spring, fluttering among sprouting spinach, broccoli and cabbage plants; the females are looking to lay eggs that will hatch into very well-camouflaged green caterpillars. It's these caterpillars that chew holes in your leaves as the plant grows.
This very common spring butterfly was introduced from Europe many years ago and has found a home everywhere, from your backyard garden to the wilds of the western mountains.
Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris rapae) is the plain white butterfly that you will see in your garden, yard, or park. It is almost always the first butterfly of spring, fluttering among sprouting spinach, broccoli and cabbage plants; the females are looking to lay eggs that will hatch into very well-camouflaged green caterpillars. It's these caterpillars that chew holes in your leaves as the plant grows.
This very common spring butterfly was introduced from Europe many years ago and has found a home everywhere, from your backyard garden to the wilds of the western mountains.
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Southern Emerald moths (Synchlora frondaria) are only found in Southern US territories and further South in Mexico and The Caribbean.
This species of moth has the same emerald green color as the Emerald genus. Its wings show multiple white stripes and lines as well as white veins and short white hairs across the margins.
The species is found in different climates from arid habitats to crops and even suburban areas.
Many Sothern Emerald moths are found around sunflower crops. Sunflowers are the hosts of their caterpillars which feed on the leaves, stems, and roots of sunflowers.
Southern Emerald moths (Synchlora frondaria) are only found in Southern US territories and further South in Mexico and The Caribbean.
This species of moth has the same emerald green color as the Emerald genus. Its wings show multiple white stripes and lines as well as white veins and short white hairs across the margins.
The species is found in different climates from arid habitats to crops and even suburban areas.
Many Sothern Emerald moths are found around sunflower crops. Sunflowers are the hosts of their caterpillars which feed on the leaves, stems, and roots of sunflowers.
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Zebrida adamsii, Zebra Urchin Crab, is a distinctively striped species of crab that lives in association with a sea urchin in the Indo-Pacific region. It is cryptically coloured with vertical stripes and has special adaptations to its legs to enable it to cling to its host's spines.
Z. adamsii lives in symbiosis with a sea urchin, living among its spines. Z. adamsii feeds on its host's tube feet and on the epidermal tissue covering the test and the base of the spines. This does little harm to the host which readily regenerates both the tissue and the tube feet.
Z. adamsii larvae are planktonic and pass through four zoeal stages, and one megalopa stage before settling on the seabed and undergoing metamorphosis into juvenile crabs.
Zebrida adamsii, Zebra Urchin Crab, is a distinctively striped species of crab that lives in association with a sea urchin in the Indo-Pacific region. It is cryptically coloured with vertical stripes and has special adaptations to its legs to enable it to cling to its host's spines.
Z. adamsii lives in symbiosis with a sea urchin, living among its spines. Z. adamsii feeds on its host's tube feet and on the epidermal tissue covering the test and the base of the spines. This does little harm to the host which readily regenerates both the tissue and the tube feet.
Z. adamsii larvae are planktonic and pass through four zoeal stages, and one megalopa stage before settling on the seabed and undergoing metamorphosis into juvenile crabs.
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The metallic blue color and shield-like shape of the Blue Shield Bug (Zicrona caerulea) give them their name. Adults have vivid blue tones, whereas nymphs are black and red.
They are up to 0.3 inches long and help reduce pests by feeding on insects that eat on leaves, such as caterpillars. Usually found in grassland, wooded settings with sparse vegetation.
This species is found across the United States and has been collected statewide in Oregon.
The metallic blue color and shield-like shape of the Blue Shield Bug (Zicrona caerulea) give them their name. Adults have vivid blue tones, whereas nymphs are black and red.
They are up to 0.3 inches long and help reduce pests by feeding on insects that eat on leaves, such as caterpillars. Usually found in grassland, wooded settings with sparse vegetation.
This species is found across the United States and has been collected statewide in Oregon.
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A creepy-looking bug that carries a shell-like structure on its back is amongst the most beautiful purple bugs in the world. Introducing Cysteodmeus Wislizeni is a species of blisters family of beetles.
Usually, this species is not harmful to humans as they don’t bite them. However, they will inject their cantharidin through their legs into the skin if you threaten them. If it bites, you will get blisters on your body.
A creepy-looking bug that carries a shell-like structure on its back is amongst the most beautiful purple bugs in the world. Introducing Cysteodmeus Wislizeni is a species of blisters family of beetles.
Usually, this species is not harmful to humans as they don’t bite them. However, they will inject their cantharidin through their legs into the skin if you threaten them. If it bites, you will get blisters on your body.
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