The Tansy Beetle ranks as an extremely rare species of leaf beetle whose numbers continue to diminish at an alarming rate. Recovery efforts are now underway, consisting of regular surveys of their population and attempted control of invasive species. Their common name derives from their dietary preference, since this insect feeds primarily on the Tansy plant, […]
Rosary Pea
The Rosary Pea is a plant whose brightly hued seeds people once sought for their beguiling beauty. However, that beauty hides a potentially fatal secret. Their seeds contain a compound known as abrin, a chemical closely related to the deadly ricin. In fact, abrin remains one of the most powerful plant toxins known to man. Despite […]
Mole Cricket
Mole Cricket Facts Many consider the most noteworthy thing about the Mole Cricket to be what you do not notice: their presence. That occurs because they spend the majority of their lives, and conduct most of their activities, underground. Yet these fascinating insects do emerge at certain times of the year, for brief periods. While […]
Agouti
Agouti Facts Agouti serves as the collective term for several species of rodents. All species of this animal remain endemic to a specific range of the Northern Hemisphere. Several of the varieties of this animal have also been introduced into portions of the West Indies. There it remains considered an invasive species. Furthermore, genetically, scientists […]
Jellyfish Tree
Jellyfish Tree Principle Facts The reproductive components of the Jellyfish Tree’s female flower bear a strong resemblance to the tentacles of a jellyfish. These look like the snakes atop the head of Medusa, from Greek mythology, which also forms the source of their scientific name. The rather remarkable tree lists as Critically Endangered with the IUCN. In […]
Giant Lubber Grasshopper
Giant Lubber Grasshopper Facts The brilliantly colorful Giant Lubber Grasshopper represents a species of very large grasshopper which evolved as native to a restricted portion on North America. In the past few years, this rather impressive insect has also expanded its territory into other portions of the region. Researchers remain uncertain of the reasons for […]
Noronha Elaenia
Noronha Elaenia Facts Most notably, the Noronha Elaenia once existed in far greater numbers within its territory. Europeans discovered the islands the small avian inhabits in 1503. Since then, human habitation, unfortunately, has felled virtually all larger trees. Because the species uses a very selective material for nesting, this presented an impediment to reproduction. Additionally, […]
Lotus Corniculatus
Lotus Corniculatus Facts Firstly, the delicate yet beautiful Lotus Corniculatus represents an extremely unusual small flowering plant. Believe it or not, the stunning species actually constitutes a member of the pea family. However, you do not want to eat it, regardless of its remarkable visual appeal. That’s due to the fact that this little beauty […]
