<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0">
<channel>
<title>Zoology</title>
<link>http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/index.1538</link>
<description>New posts in Zoology</description>
<item>
<title>The Web Master Diver: Macrophotography and Video</title>
<link>http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/The-Web-Master-Diver-Macrophotography-and-Video.356897</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>This sounds impossible for spiders popularly known for their engineering genius in trees, and other land structures. But out of the 40,000 known species of spiders in the world, one of the most unusual among them is the spider Argynoreta aquatica. &amp;nbsp;It&amp;nbsp; is about 0.75 inches long.&amp;nbsp; It is only found naturally in lakes and streams in the continents of Asia and Europe.&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;First, let's have a look a the sister species of the diver.</p>
<p>Spiders are of varying size, color, shape and the way they make their web. The&amp;nbsp;biggest&amp;nbsp;spiders&amp;nbsp;are tarantulas, having bodies that are more than 4 inches (10 centimeters) long, whereas the smallest spiders have bodies that are less than 0.04 inch (1 millimeter) long.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/19/tarantula_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/juniorvelo/1363073027/sizes/m/ " target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/19/crab-spi_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/stoichiometry/2291541325/sizes/m/" target="_blank">Image Source</a><br /><br />This is a male Phidippus (or genus if you like) has without a doubt the greatest chelicerae, with a wide range of colors. Known to be&amp;nbsp;another athletic spider , a jumper.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/19/jumping-beter_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7539598@N04/2989573241/sizes/m/in/photostream/" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/19/albino-beaty_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/eklektikos/961214917/sizes/m/ " target="_blank">Image Source</a>&amp;nbsp;</p>
<p>Spiders are known to have spinning glands used to produce silken threads and webs. The glands, found in the spider&amp;rsquo;s abdomen&amp;nbsp;make&amp;nbsp;a&amp;nbsp;liquid that goes out through tubes called spigots, which are thin as hair strands. The spigots go to spinnerets on the spider&amp;rsquo;s abdomen. Dozens of spigots go to each spinneret which is like a finger. They can move to stick silk threads to a wall or wrap prey in silk.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/19/trap_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jiaren/2255242096/sizes/m/" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p>All spiders make silk threads but not&amp;nbsp;all&amp;nbsp;spin&amp;nbsp;webs. Variation on the web pattern is large depending on the species of spiders. The most identifiable web is the almost circular orb web. Others have a more irregular shape, fragile webs.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/19/roundweb_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yogi/31256986/sizes/m/  " target="_blank">Image Source</a>&amp;nbsp;</p>
<p>Spiders that make funnel web are known to be the poisonous spider.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/19/funnel_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sree314/2351355383/sizes/m/" target="_blank">Image Source</a>&amp;nbsp;</p>
<p>Cobweb spiders build an irregular silk interlocking work with sticky threads &amp;nbsp;that traps insects.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/19/cobweb_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brostad/1430743039/sizes/m/" target="_blank">Image Source</a>&amp;nbsp;</p>
<p>Sheet web spiders construct a horizontal silk sheet , from which the small spider hangs upside down. The photographer&amp;nbsp; lay down when he took the &amp;nbsp;photograph to get a better view on the web.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/19/sheetspi_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href=" http://www.flickr.com/photos/bcie/2774932606/sizes/m/" target="_blank">Image Source</a>&amp;nbsp;</p>
<p>Just as how other organisms need air to sustain life, the water spider moves to the surface of the water to avail the life-saving oxygen. Other than that, it fills itself with air. As it moves down into his creation, it outpours most of its air into the web forming bubbles. It again swam to the surface of the water to avail another bubble. The web resulted into a kind of bell or dome from the input of air.</p>
<p>
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<p>How does the Argynoreta create its underwater habitat? Living marine plants should be present which serve as the framework. The little engineer patiently moves back and forth from one stem to another, spinnerets shuddering elatedly as it juts out most invisible, sleek strands. After a while, a grand design anchored to the plants by slender threads is established. This tiny diver&amp;nbsp; build air-filled abode inside the water which serves as its dining room, bedroom and even a nursing room for its young.</p>
<p><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GidrcvjoeKE "></embed></p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2FThe-Web-Master-Diver-Macrophotography-and-Video.356897"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2FThe-Web-Master-Diver-Macrophotography-and-Video.356897" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 22 Nov 2008 04:33:02 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Dragonfly: Predator of Beauty, a Most Welcome Insect</title>
<link>http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/Dragonfly-Predator-of-Beauty-A-Most-Welcome-Insect.341885</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<!--[if !mso]> <mce:style><!  v:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);} --> <!--[endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser /> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]-->
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<p><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shapetype id="_x0000_t75" coordsize="21600,21600"  o:spt="75" o:preferrelative="t" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" filled="f"  stroked="f"> <v:stroke joinstyle="miter" /> <v:formulas> <v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0" /> <v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0" /> <v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1" /> <v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2" /> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth" /> <v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight" /> <v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1" /> <v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2" /> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth" /> <v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0" /> <v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight" /> <v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0" /> </v:formulas> <v:path o:extrusionok="f" gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" /> <o:lock v:ext="edit" aspectratio="t" /> </v:shapetype><v:shape id="_x0000_i1028" type="#_x0000_t75" style='width:135pt;  height:38.25pt' o:ole=""> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/JOEL/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.wmz" mce_src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/JOEL/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image001.wmz"   o:title="" /> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OLEObject Type="Embed" ProgID="Package" ShapeID="_x0000_i1028"   DrawAspect="Content" ObjectID="_1288020680"> </o:OLEObject> </xml><![endif]--></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/12/264056467471c2756852_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/krikit/2640564674/sizes/m/" target="_blank">Image Source<br /></a></p>
<p>A voracious predator of insects such as mosquitoes and flies, the dragonfly also eats ants, bees and butterflies. Found around lakes, ponds and wetlands where they breed, hatch and hunt, these beautiful insects keep populations of pesky mosquitoes at bay. The humming sound of the dragonfly&amp;rsquo;s wings is feared by mosquitoes which sense danger and flee. But still, many fall prey to this talented killer of the sky.</p>
<p><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--><!--[endif]--> Some enterprising people have even created &amp;lsquo;<a href="http://itotd.com/articles/298/ultrasonic-mosquito-repellers/" target="_blank">ultrasonic mosquito repeller</a>&amp;rsquo; devices. Carried on the person, they emit a high-pitched droning whistle that is supposed to emulate the sound of dragonfly wings and thus, repel mosquitoes. I doubt if they really work. Mine didn't do much. Nothing beats the real thing, the dragonfly!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/12/206575512dd681079f1_2.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <!--[endif]--></p>
<p><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1029" type="#_x0000_t75"  style='width:126pt;height:38.25pt' o:ole=""> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/JOEL/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image003.wmz" mce_src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/JOEL/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image003.wmz"   o:title="" /> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OLEObject Type="Embed" ProgID="Package" ShapeID="_x0000_i1029"   DrawAspect="Content" ObjectID="_1288020681"> </o:OLEObject> </xml><![endif]--></p>
<p><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/hape_gera/206575512/sizes/m/" target="_blank">Image Source<br /></a></p>
<p>Dragonflies neither bite nor sting. But the juvenile dragonfly babies called &amp;ldquo;nymphs&amp;rdquo;, on the other hand, they can deliver a fairly painful bite. They are quite ugly, yes?</p>
<p>The larval stage of some dragonflies can be as short as several months, others, as long as five years! They spend nearly all their lives under water in this nymph form. The nymphs of some species can leave the water for brief periods to hunt for insects upon the land or climb up upon plants that extend out of the water, to search for prey. Some nymphs can even catch and eat tadpoles!</p>
<p><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->Most species of dragonflies when they leave the water to molt into the adult form, will only live for several months. Seemingly, their life is too short.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/12/2830198213356cb88d77_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1026" type="#_x0000_t75"  style='width:135pt;height:38.25pt' o:ole=""> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/JOEL/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image005.wmz" mce_src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/JOEL/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image005.wmz"   o:title="" /> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OLEObject Type="Embed" ProgID="Package" ShapeID="_x0000_i1026"   DrawAspect="Content" ObjectID="_1288020682"> </o:OLEObject> </xml><![endif]--></p>
<p><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/ana_cotta/2830198213/sizes/m/" target="_blank">Image Source<br /></a></p>
<p>Mystical, magical dragonfly&amp;rsquo;s wing!</p>
<p>He does not bite nor does he sting.</p>
<p>Ugly from birth but time behold</p>
<p><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->Their grace and beauty, tenfold!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/12/5642728536e0fb6ce07_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/28481088@N00/564272853/sizes/m/" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->Dreaded hunter of the mosquito, a dragonfly reposes! For your death is but part of the cycle of things. You provide life. <!--[endif]--></p>
<p><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1031" type="#_x0000_t75"  style='width:132pt;height:38.25pt' o:ole=""> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/JOEL/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image009.wmz" mce_src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/JOEL/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image009.wmz"   o:title="" /> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/12/2602164262266e6b7fe1_1.jpg" alt="" /><!--[endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OLEObject Type="Embed" ProgID="Package" ShapeID="_x0000_i1031"   DrawAspect="Content" ObjectID="_1288020684"> </o:OLEObject> </xml><![endif]--></p>
<p><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/wendypiersall/2602164262/sizes/m/" target="_blank">Image Source<br /></a></p>
<p><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->What would a farm pond or stream be without these wonderful insects? So harmless and free, the dragonfly epitomizes the sultry days of summer. <!--[endif]--></p>
<p><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]--> <img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/12/1240207318cc0e4acd9e_1.jpg" alt="" /><!--[endif]--></p>
<p><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1030" type="#_x0000_t75"  style='width:135pt;height:38.25pt' o:ole=""> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/JOEL/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image011.wmz" mce_src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/JOEL/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image011.wmz"   o:title="" /> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OLEObject Type="Embed" ProgID="Package" ShapeID="_x0000_i1030"   DrawAspect="Content" ObjectID="_1288020685"> </o:OLEObject> </xml><![endif]--></p>
<p><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/t_trace/1240207318/sizes/m/" target="_blank">Image Source<br /></a></p>
<p><!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->In Japan, when the dragonfly appears it is a sign that summer is nearly over and it is time to return to school.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/11/12/1350595369c4d40b193e_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><!--[if gte vml 1]><v:shape id="_x0000_i1027" type="#_x0000_t75"  style='width:135pt;height:38.25pt' o:ole=""> <v:imagedata src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/JOEL/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image013.wmz" mce_src="file:///C:/DOCUME~1/JOEL/LOCALS~1/Temp/msoclip1/01/clip_image013.wmz"   o:title="" /> </v:shape><![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OLEObject Type="Embed" ProgID="Package" ShapeID="_x0000_i1027"   DrawAspect="Content" ObjectID="_1288020686"> </o:OLEObject> </xml><![endif]--></p>
<p><a href="http://flickr.com/photos/hisgett/1350595369/sizes/m/" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p>Such beauty in flight is rarely seen. Perfectly designed in form and function. Long reign the dragonfly!</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2FDragonfly-Predator-of-Beauty-A-Most-Welcome-Insect.341885"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2FDragonfly-Predator-of-Beauty-A-Most-Welcome-Insect.341885" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:55:35 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Seeing Spots</title>
<link>http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/Seeing-Spots.324029</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<h3>Spotted Quoll</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/29/0_21.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a7/SpottedQuoll_2005_SeanMcClean.jpg" target="_blank">PHOTO SOURCE</a></p>
<p>This cute little critter is actually a carnivore.  They gobble up rats, birds, bugs, and reptiles.  Spotted Quolls are also known as Tiger Quolls, and are marsupials, meaning they carry their young in a pouch.  They are native to Australia.</p>
<h3>Chital</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/29/1_4.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/05/Axdeer.jpg" target="_blank">PHOTO SOURCE </a></p>
<p>Also referred to as, no surprise, the Spotted Deer, these deer don't just have spots as fawns.  The live in India, and other neighboring countries.  They live in large herds, and use their spots to blend into the dappling sunlight though the trees.  Assuming most predators see in black, white, and shades of grey, you can understand how an animal like this would use these markings to hide.</p>
<h3>Jaguar</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/29/2_4.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/70/Panthera_onca.jpg" target="_blank">PHOTO SOURCE </a></p>
<p>Jaguars are often confused with Leopards or Cheetahs.  Leopards are smaller than Jaguars, and their spots have different appearances.  The jaguar having spots within their spots, the leopard having irregular donut type spots.   The cheetah on the other hand has very simple spots, more like polka-dots, see below.    Like all cats they are carnivores, at the top of the food chain.  Sadly as they are facing habitat destruction they are approaching threatened status.</p>
<h3>Cheetah</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/29/3_4.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e8/Gepard1.JPG" target="_blank">PHOTO SOURCE </a></p>
<p>Cheetahs are best known for their remarkable speed over short distances, and they have incredibly fast acceleration, zero to over one hundred kilometers an hour in less than three seconds.  That's fast!  In comparison, people can run about twelve kilometers an hour.  A couple of odd facts is that, unlike most cats, Cheetahs' claws are not fully retractable, and they are not terribly good at climbing trees.</p>
<h3>Ladybird Beetle</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/29/4_21.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/33/Citroenlieveheersbeestje_%28Psyllobora_vigintiduopuntata%29_01.jpg" target="_blank">PHOTO SOURCE </a></p>
<p>Also known as Ladybugs, these are good insects to have in your garden, they eat aphids.  Most are red, but they can also be orange, or yellow like this one.  If you have ever tried picking one up, you might have thought it "peed" on you, actually what it did was extrude a yucky tasting toxin in defense so you wont eat it.  Since their main predators are birds, they are usually picked up in beaks, so their reflex is to "bleed" out this substance in effort to not only free themselves, but in combination with their color, to remind the bird not to try eating them, or their family, again.  Smart huh?</p>
<h3>Dalmatian</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/29/5_4.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/88/Dalmatiner_schw_braun.jpg" target="_blank">PHOTO SOURCE</a></p>
<p>Although most people think of Dalmatians as being white with black spots, you will note that they can also have "Liver" colored spots.  These dogs are highly energetic and need a lot of good exercise.  They are considered intelligent, so combined with their need for activity, these are not often suited for beginners or people with little time to devote to a pet.</p>
<h3>Giraffe</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/29/6_2.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/1e/Giraffes_IMG_9614.JPG" target="_blank">PHOTO SOURCE</a></p>
<p>One of the biggest animals you might ever spot is the Giraffe.  In this picture we see an adult male and a young giraffe, which are called "calves".   At up to 18 feet tall these are impressive animals to say the least.   Although it is said that the lion is their main predator, they are also hunted by humans.  As with most beautiful animals of this world, they are prized for their fur coats and meat.</p>
<h3>Appaloosa</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/29/7_3.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/93/Appaloosa_stallion.JPG" target="_blank">PHOTO SOURCE</a></p>
<p>Appaloosas are one of several breeds of spotted horses.  They come in many spotted color patterns, this being the "leopard" pattern.  The opposite of which is the "snowflake" pattern, where you would see white spots on a colored background.   Typically an Appaloosa horse would not have such a long thick tail.</p>
<h3>Blue Spotted Stingray</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/29/8_2.png" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/65/Blue-Spotted_Stingray.png" target="_blank">PHOTO SOURCE</a></p>
<p>These beautiful creatures live in the oceans where they use their color to camouflage in the sand or along coral reefs.  I just love the extreme blue on the body of this fish especially when compared to the almost sickly green-yellow background the spots are on.</p>
<h3>Guinea Fowl</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/29/9_2.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.picable.com/Nature/Birds/Guinea-Fowl.289805" target="_blank">PHOTO SOURCE</a> <br />Guineas are native to Africa but often kept by farmers in other parts of the world.  They have a very loud call and are well suited to act as "alarm systems" alerting the farmer to any trespassing foxes, eagles, or coyotes.  They are also often consumed by the farmers.  They eat plant matter, and insects.  Their spots probably help them blend into the scrub of the African plains.</p>
<h3>Fire Salamander</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/29/10_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/63/Salamander_Israel.jpg" target="_blank">PHOTO SOURCE</a></p>
<p>Salamanders are amphibians, there are many different species of which the Fire Salamander is one.  They grow to about eight inches, and live long lives, reportedly up to fifty years!  Being from Europe, they are often kept as pets by people with allergies to the more common types of pets.</p>
<p>All the photographs, which the exception of the Guinea Fowl, are from Wikimedia, and you should check their licensing agreements before using them.  The Guinea Fowl is my own picture.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2FSeeing-Spots.324029"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2FSeeing-Spots.324029" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 01 Nov 2008 05:50:16 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Giant Multi-Legged Animals: Deadly Killers in Nature</title>
<link>http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/Giant-Multi-legs-Animals-Deadly-Killers-in-the-Nature.302095</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_0.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.mybitoftheplanet.com/2002/2002oct_files/centipede1210big.jpg" target="_blank">Image source Top<br /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.arachnopets.com/images/cimages/sgigantea02.jpg" target="_blank">Image source Bottom<br /></a></p>
<p>Centipedes are among the largest terrestrial invertebrate predators in the terrestrial ecosystems that can be found in a wide array of terrestrial habitats from tropical rainforests, savannah, prairie, dry regions in deserts to Arctic region. They inhibit under stones and deadwood, inside logs, in leaf litter and soil.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_2.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_3.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://animal-world.com/encyclo/reptiles/centipedes/images/GiantDesertCentipede_BillLoveWHSp_AP7C.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a> Photo credit: Meczko</p>
<p>Centipedes are any of wormlike arthropods of the class Chilopoda of long flattened many-segmented predaceous arthropods. They are elongated metameric animals that have one segment bearing one pair of legs of which the foremost pair is modified into venomous biting organs with which it preys on insects, such as cockroaches. Presently, approximately 3000 out of 8,000 of its species have been described and identified by the scientists. They can range to a length of a few millimeters (as in the species of Lithobiomorphs) and to as long as 30cm (as in the species of Geophilomorphs). The Giant Desert Centipede as shown in the above picture which is found in the southern United State and in northern Mexico can grow up to 8", though it appears quite attractive and pretty in its external appearance.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_4.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_5.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29658312%40N00/409456822/" target="_blank">Image Source Top <br /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.minizoo.donetsk.ua/Sc.gigantea.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source Bottom<br /></a></p>
<p>The Amazonian giant centipede, also called Scolopendra gigantean scientifically, is the largest known species of centipede in the world, which can grow to a length of 30cm or more. This centipede feeds on rodents, spiders and bats. The prehistoric Euphoberia (an extinct genus of myriapod, and its length is 4 times the length of modern-day largest species, Scolopendra gigantean) is the largest known species of a centipede, which can grow up to one meter in length.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_6.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gladiolaroot/234462748/" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p>This prehistoric monster is NOT an insect or a worm. It is said to be a prehistoric centipede. Yuck, this centipede looks hideous and huge in size!! Oh no, I could not believe on what I see!</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_7.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_8.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/centipede-anterior-jpg-1" target="_blank">Image Source Top </a></p>
<p><a href="http://home.euphonynet.be/st7/big/galahead2.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source Bottom<br /></a></p>
<p>As mentioned earlier, centipedes as like the millipedes are highly segmented wormlike arthropods. Their bodies can be segmented into 15 to 173 pieces (according to its species) each with a couple of legs, one on each side. They are identified among the fastest and most agile of non-flying arthropod predators in the terrestrial ecosystems.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_9.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_10.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Image%3aScolopendra_fg02.JPG" target="_blank">Image Source</a> Photo credit: Meczko</p>
<p>There are jaw-like mandibles, a pair of antennae and other mouthparts found in the head of a centipede. A pair of venomous claws which are called maxillipedes can be seen at the most anterior trunk segment of the centipedes. The centipede uses this weapon (maxillipedes) to defence, capture and paralyze its prey it managed to catch.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_11.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_12.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://dug.main.jp/blog/archives/mukade3.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://dug.main.jp/blog/archives/mukade2.jpg" target="_blank"> Top</a></p>
<p><a href="http://dug.main.jp/blog/archives/mukade2.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source Bottom<br /></a></p>
<p>Centipedes stay in moist microhabitats which prevent water loss rapidly from their bodies particularly when dealing with the dry conditions. These moist microhabitats are important survival surroundings for centipede to sustain their survivals on Earth as due to their rapid rates of water loss. Under the condition of dehydration, the centipede will die.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_13.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_14.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.gps.caltech.edu/%7erkopp/photos/China2005/3-Guizhou/images/65.html" target="_blank">Image Source</a><a href="http://www.gps.caltech.edu/%7erkopp/photos/China2005/3-Guizhou/images/66.html" target="_blank"> Top</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.gps.caltech.edu/%7erkopp/photos/China2005/3-Guizhou/images/66.html" target="_blank">Image source Bottom<br /></a></p>
<p>In English, this fellow is called centipede, but in French its name is millepattes which means thousand-leg. In general, most centipedes have about 30 to 42 legs but they are some rare species which have more than 200 legs. Photos show a foot-long centipede discovered in Guizhou, China.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_15.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Photo credit: Sofu</p>
<p>This red-headed centipede can be found in China and Japan. Its body length varies according to the terrestrial ecosystems in which it resides. Its species that inhibit in the region of Okinawa, Japan can have a body length up to 20cm.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_16.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Photo credit: Sofu</p>
<p>This red dragon centipede is native to China and can be found inhibiting in the southern part of China, Asia, and tropical regions throughout the world. It has a red gown coated its body, making its appearance rather attractive. Though it is pretty in its appearance, this guy has an unattractive bite! It can grow up to 20cm.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_17.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Photo credit: Jangtu</p>
<p>This is another centipede coated with its vividly seen red cloth, inhibiting primarily in the regions of Western Pacific. It has a relatively huge body as compared to other normal centipedes. The one of its species found in Solomon Island can grow up to 20cm.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_18.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://dug.main.jp/blog/archives/mukade.jpg" target="_blank">Image source</a></p>
<p>
<object width="425" height="344">
<param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qf8pAwGsuF4"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Qf8pAwGsuF4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed>
</object>
</p>
<p>Not all species of centipedes are poisonous, only certain types of them are found highly hazardous to humans due to their venomous and painful bites. Generally, the smaller centipedes do not puncture human skin. It is described that the bite of a smaller centipede in temperate regions may be similar to a bee sting. The house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata), a fast-moving carnivore that feeds on insects such as house flies and cockroaches and other small house pests is not harmful to humans, but its sting can be painful. Be caution to the bite of all giant or large centipedes as they are potentially harmful particularly to children. It has been recorded that the bite of a larger or giant tropical species is excruciatingly painful, and in most cases, the bite of such centipedes will leave two black puncture wounds about one centimeter apart.</p>
<h3><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_19.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_20.jpg" alt="" /></h3>
<h3><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_21.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/18/398537_22.jpg" alt="" /></h3>
<p>Photos credit: Max, Wee, Tham</p>
<p>Giant centipedes are relatively venomous animals that attack furiously and swiftly while fighting its prey with their venomous bites. To most of its prey, it is almost a challenge to escape away from the captivity of this giant MONSTER. This lizard is unlucky that it has encountered the stronger wrestler in the nature. It tried its almighty strength to give its predator a kick, but it was finally succumbed to collapse to the ground. Photos show a sequence (from first row left to right, and to second row left to right) on how the champion wrestler (centipede) has defeated the loser (lizard) in this fight. The lizard has unwillingly sacrificed its flesh for the centipede's meal.</p>
<p>Here's a video showing you how this giant centipede captures and&amp;nbsp;bite on&amp;nbsp;the mouse cruelly.</p>
<p>
<object width="425" height="344">
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<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RoXfYvoUsxg" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed>
</object>
</p>
<p>Also read:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.purpleslinky.com/Trivia/Science/The-Spookiest-Deep-Sea-Marine-Animals.300379" target="_blank"><u>The spookiest deep sea marine animals</u></a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2008/07/odd-looking-marine-animals-you-never.html" target="_blank">Odd Looking Marine Animals (You Never Knew Existed)</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.purpleslinky.com/Trivia/Random/OMG-Baffling-Creatures.292641" target="_blank">OMF! Baffling creatures</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/The-Most-Interesting-Animals-on-Earth.294877" target="_blank">The most interesting animals on Earth</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/20-Weirdest-and-Ugliest-Looking-Animals-on-Earth.154635" target="_blank">20+ Weirdest and Ugliest-Looking Animals on Earth</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/The-Weirdest-and-Coolest-Deformed-Animals-on-Earth.207407" target="_blank">The Weirdest and Coolest Deformed Animals on Earth</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/Exploring-the-Most-Incredible-World-of-Sea-Aliens-of-the-Deep.256117" target="_blank">Exploring the Most Incredible World of Sea Aliens of the Deep</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/13-Strangest-and-Most-Unusual-Sexual-Behavior-Among-the-Animals.197157" target="_blank">13 Strangest and Most Unusual Sexual Behavior among the Animals</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/20-Unusual-and-Astounding-Living-Lives.194817" target="_blank">20+ Unusual and Astounding Living Organisms</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/Butterflies-of-the-Sea-Flamboyantly-Decorated-Marine-Animals.181635" target="_blank">Butterflies of the Sea: Flamboyantly Decorated Marine Animals</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/Extremely-Amazing-Animals-That-Sustain-Their-Survival-Under-Extreme-Conditions.253113" target="_blank">Extremely Amazing Animals that Sustain Their Survival under Extreme Conditions</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/Terror-and-Shock-The-Worlds-Largest-Snakes-Ever.115000" target="_blank">Terror and Shock: the World s Largest Snakes Ever</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.purpleslinky.com/Humor/Animal/10-Reasons-Why-Did-Dinosaurs-Extinct-From-Our-Earth.246509" target="_blank">10 Reasons Why Dinosaurs No Longer Live on Our Earth</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.purpleslinky.com/Offbeat/My-Secret-Life-as-a-Panda.136975" target="_blank">My Secret Life as a Panda</a> </li>
</ul><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2FGiant-Multi-legs-Animals-Deadly-Killers-in-the-Nature.302095"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2FGiant-Multi-legs-Animals-Deadly-Killers-in-the-Nature.302095" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 18 Oct 2008 07:03:25 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>The Most Interesting Animals on Earth</title>
<link>http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/The-Most-Interesting-Animals-on-Earth.294877</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<h3>Star-nosed Moles</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/12/386645_0.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/12/386645_1.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/12/386645_2.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://img66.imageshack.us/img66/7743/starnosedmoles1360x6732qm1.jpg" target="_blank"><strong>Image source</strong></a><a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/bigphotos/images/061220-underwater_big.jpg" target="_blank"><strong>Image source</strong></a><a href="http://www.dirtdoctor.com/pics/content_img.2118.img.bmp" target="_blank"><strong>Image source</strong></a></p>
<p>Star-nosed Moles live in the humid lowland areas of northern-eastern United States and the eastern Canada. They are expert at swimming and digging holes. They can forage along the bottoms of streams and ponds and they also can swim in ice-covered streams. They often dig shallow surface tunnel for foraging, in which their tunnels can be seen existing underwater. They have thick blackish brown water-repellent fur coated their bodies. A circle of 22 mobile, fleshy and pink tentacles attached at the end of their snouts which they use to detect food (such as worms, crustaceans and insects) by touch are the most distinctive feature.</p>
<h3>Tapirs</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/12/386645_3.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.dinosoria.com/mammifere/tapir-5.jpg" target="_blank"><strong>Image source</strong></a></p>
<p>Tapirs are herbivorous animals as they feed on plants. They are pig-like in shape, with short and prehensile snouts. They inhibit primarily in jungle and forest regions of South and Central part of America, and Southeast Asia. Tapirs are aggressive animals as they will attack furiously when they are annoyed by their enemies. They have a close relationship to other odd-toed ungulates, including rhinoceros and horses.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/12/386645_4.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.raincitystory.com/images/tapir.jpg" target="_blank"><strong>Image source</strong></a></p>
<p>All tapirs are characterized with features include oval and white-tipped ears, splayed and hoofed toes, rounded and protruding rumps with stubby tails, with three toes on the hind feet and four on the front feet. These characteristics help them to walk on muddy and soft ground. Female tapirs have a single pair of mammary glands while the baby tapirs have stripped-and-spotted coats for camouflage. Adult tapirs are usually large in size and thus they have very few natural predators. The thick skin coated the back of their necks help them to reduce the threats from crocodiles, anacondas, tigers and jaguars.</p>
<h3>Emperor Tamarins</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/12/386645_5.jpg" alt="" /><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/12/386645_6.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.humanbeams.com/images/8_image_meme/emperor-tamarins-sm.jpg" target="_blank"><strong>Image source</strong></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/danjc003/1843168627/" target="_blank"><strong>Image source</strong></a></p>
<p>The Emperor Tamarins (Saguinus imperator) inhibit tropical rain forests and open tree covered areas of the southwest Amazon Basin, east Peru, west Brazilian states of Acre and Amazonas, and north Bolivia. Originally, the word &amp;ldquo;Tamarin&amp;rdquo; was allegedly named for their long, white mustache that resembles the German emperor Wilhelm II, and their mustache can extend to both sides beyond their shoulders. There are yellowish speckles around their chests and their furs are generally gray in color. Their adults can reach a weight up to 300 to 400g. As they are omnivorous animals, they feed on bird eggs, small vertebrates such as tree frogs, fruits, sap and insects. While feeding on sap, they latch on to the tree vertically with their claws dug into the bark of the tree. They spend most of their time swinging and jumping through the forests with their active limbs.</p>
<h3>Baboons</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/12/386645_7.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/12/386645_8.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.claviantica.com/Personal_files/Kakumbi_clinic_roof_files/The_animals_files/images/09%20Baboons%20preening%202.jpg" target="_blank"><strong>Image source</strong></a><a href="http://www.thezoo.com/animals/baboons.jpg" target="_blank"><strong>Image source</strong></a></p>
<p>Baboons (comes from &amp;ldquo;babouin&amp;rdquo;, the name given by the French naturalist Buffon) belong to any five species of robust, large, and primarily terrestrial (ground dwelling primate) monkeys found in open savannah, open woodland and hills across the dry regions of Africa and Arabia. Olive baboon and the yellow baboon are two common types of baboons found in Uganda, west and central Kenya and northern Tanzania. Chacma baboon (papio ursinus) is the male largest species, average 30kg (66 pounds), but females from the same species are only half of this size. The Hamadryas, or sacred baboon (P.hamadryas) is the smallest species, average 17kg, and the females weight in 10kg. Generally, baboons range from 50 to 115cm in length, without including their 45 to 70cm long tails. All species have long snouts with the nostrils situated at the end, close-set eyes, rough spots on their protruding hindquarters called ischial callosities, short tails, heavy powerful jaws, and male baboons even have long dagger-like canine teeth. Baboons have known to live up to 45 years. They can survive for long periods by licking the night dew from their fur.</p>
<h3>Shoebills</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/12/386645_9.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/42203050%40N00/99122760/" target="_blank"><strong>Image source</strong></a></p>
<p>The Shoebills (Balaeniceps rex), also called Shoe-billed Storks, or Whale-headed Storks, are very large vertebrate unique birds found in swampy area in tropical east Africa from Sudan to Zambia. They stand about 115 cm (3.5ft) tall, a very large bird indeed. Their weight is 5.6kg (12.3ibs) along with its 2.33-meter-wingspan. Their heads are big in proportion to their bodies, and their bills are thick and wide. Their adults are generally, grey in color while their juveniles are brown. They feed on lungfish and other aquatic animals in muddy waters. They nest on the ground and the females lay either one to two eggs. While flying, they hold their heads back against their bodies, as do pelicans and herons.</p>
<h3>Leafy Sea dragons</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/12/386645_10.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/12/386645_11.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kellyfaerie/2733241696/" target="_blank"><strong>Image source</strong></a><a href="http://www.divegallery.com/Leafy_Sea_Dragon__1.jpg" target="_blank"><strong>Image source</strong></a></p>
<p>Leafy sea dragons (phycodurus eques) or Glauerts sea dragons are long pipe-like snout marine fish linked to the family of a seahorse. They have long leaf-like protrusions coming from all over its large body which enable them to hide among different types of floating seaweeds or kelp beds. These protrusions are served as its camouflage: neither preys nor predators recognize it as a fish. They feed on larval fishes, plankton, sea anemones and small crustaceans, by sucking up them with its small mouth. They are found in the ocean waters of south-western, south and further east along the coastline of Australia and generally remain in shallow and temperate water. A fully grown leafy sea dragon can reach about 45cm (18in). During mating, the female deposits up to 250 bright pink eggs onto a special &amp;ldquo;brood patch&amp;rdquo; on the underside of the tail of the male where they are attached and fertilized.</p>
<h3>Giant Pandas</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/12/386645_12.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/12/386645_13.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/drs2biz/197521387/" target="_blank"><strong>Image source</strong></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/73441567%40N00/2589864665/" target="_blank"><strong>Image source</strong></a></p>
<p>The Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) or 'black-and-white cat-foot&amp;rdquo; is a mammal animal that inhibits in the mountainous regions in central China, in Shanxi, Tibet, Gansu, and Sichuan. They are classified in the bear family as they have a typical body shape similar to bears. Their muzzle, legs, shoulders, ears and eye patches are coated with large and distinctive black fur. In the bear family, Giant Pandas have the second largest tails, with the length measured 4 to 6 inches.</p>
<p>They are terrestrial animals in the wild, and they primarily spend time roaming and feeding in the bamboo forests. They feed on foods such as 99% bamboo, honey, yams, bananas, fish, eggs, oranges and shrub leaves. They have no problem to crush tough bamboos as they have large molar teeth and strong jaw muscles. They communicate via vocalization and scent marking, including spraying urine and clawing trees. They are smart to take shelter and even climb in rock crevices and hollow trees.</p>
<h3>Angora rabbits</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/12/386645_14.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/squish_e/2376739267/" target="_blank"><strong>Image source</strong></a></p>
<p>Angola rabbits are a type of human bred domestic rabbits. They have long silky and soft hair coated their bodies. They are thought to be originated in Ankara, Turkey, along with other famous pets like Angora goat and Angora cat. They were popular pets with French royalty in the mid 1700s, before they first appeared in the United States in the early of 1900s. Today, they are many breeds of Angola rabbits, including German, English, Chinese, Swiss, Satin, Giant and so forth which are bred for their wool.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2FThe-Most-Interesting-Animals-on-Earth.294877"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2FThe-Most-Interesting-Animals-on-Earth.294877" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sun, 12 Oct 2008 11:33:35 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>The Most Venomous Scorpions of the World</title>
<link>http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/The-Most-Venomous-Scorpions-of-the-World.292963</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>Until yesterday morning, I had never seen a scorpion before. I always imagine it in my mind like a big spider and I am not aware of scorpions have tails at its back. I had known them from biology and zoology books. After seeing the black scorpion yesterday, I decided to research scorpions and how venomous they are. Here is the most venomous and spooky scorpions on the Earth.</p>
<h3>Fattail Scorpion</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/11/385059_0.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>It is not the most venomous and deadliest one. It is classified in Androctonus genus in taxonomy. The natural habitat of it is Africa and Middle East. The venom in its body includes powerful neurotoxins. They live in Israel, Iraq, Iran, Egypt, Yemen, Algeria and Pakistan.</p>
<h3>Emperor Scorpion</h3>
<p>The natural habitat is Africa. It is one of the largest one in the world with 20 cm length. Its life span changes between 5 or 8 years. It lives in tropical territories. African Emperor type is the most killer one.</p>
<h3>Gormar</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/11/385059_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Gomar lives only in Venezuela's villages. It is called as Devil by the villagers. If it beats someone, it can kill him in ten minutes. Especially children should be kept far away.</p>
<h3>Parabuthus</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/11/385059_2.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Parabutus is actually a genus name which collects many species under one category. Typical examples of Parabuthus family are Parabuthus Pallidus, Parabuthus Liosoma, Parabuthus Transvaalicus and Parabuthus Namibensis. The natural habitat of Parabuthus family is Southern Africa and especially Kenya. Their length ranges from 6 to 18 cm. Most of Parabuthus lives on sandy regions.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2FThe-Most-Venomous-Scorpions-of-the-World.292963"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2FThe-Most-Venomous-Scorpions-of-the-World.292963" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Sat, 11 Oct 2008 10:05:03 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Awesome Animal Dads in the Animal Kingdom</title>
<link>http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/Awesome-Animal-Dads-in-the-Animal-Kingdom.291795</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>The trials and tribulations of being a parent is never easy. In the animal kingdom, it is even more trying, as everything depends on survival. It is often believed that when it comes to parenting, the males of the animal world shirk their responsibilities and leave it up to the mother. But this isn't necessarily true with some species. When it comes to parenting, these dads put it all on the line for their young's survival.</p>
<h3>Emperor Penguins</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/08/381113_0.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>When it comes to good fathers, there's nothing these dads won't do. The moment the female lays her egg, the male Emperor Penguin steps up to care for the egg. The female passes the egg to the male. He must be quick when receiving the egg, as it can freeze in the 40 below weather of the Antarctic. Once the egg is passed to the male, the females will leave the fathers behind for nearly two months. It's a good thing the fathers bulked up before the females left, for they will not get a chance to eat until the females return. The fathers will huddle together in the cold for warmth, keeping the eggs nestled underneath them, on top of their feet. When the eggs finally hatch, the fathers, who have lost half of their weight by now, will feed the chicks with a milky white substance that resembles milk. When the females finally return, the fathers transfer the chicks back to the mothers, so that they can finally get a chance to eat.</p>
<h3>Sea Horse</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/08/381113_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Sea horse males are the only male animals capable of giving birth. The female will deposit her eggs into the male's abdomen. The male fertilizes them, and then the embryos will attach themselves into the male's pouch. Here he will nurture the embryos, delivering oxygen and removing waste. As if this wasn't taxing enough, he will then go into a painful labor, whereby his color will drain, becoming pasty in appearance. The exhausting contractions will leave him spent after pushing up to nearly 200 sea horses out of his body. No sooner is he done giving birth, that some males will begin to show off their pouch, wanting to become impregnated again!</p>
<h3>South American Marmoset (or Common Marmoset)</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/08/381113_2.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The male marmoset is an outstanding father in the terms of fatherhood. After a few weeks, the mother begins to pull away from the young. She will usually give birth to twins, although triplets aren't unusual. The father will then take care of the young by grooming them, feeding them, and carrying them on his back. At times, the male has even acted as a midwife, by licking the newborns. It is thought that male marmosets become highly involved in the raising of the young because the females give birth to such large infants (they make up 25% of the mother's weight). Not to mention that unlike other species, where nursing can act as a from of birth control, in marmosets, the female can become pregnant again within a matter of weeks.</p>
<h3>Red Fox</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/08/381113_3.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The male red fox is ever so attentive, not only to his offspring, but to his mate as well. After a month of the young's birth, the mother doesn't do any hunting at all. She stays in the den providing warmth and food for the young. That means dad must forage for food and provide for his family. The male red fox even attentively plays with his young and exhibits keen excitement when playing. But after three months the free meals come to an end. However, the father doesn't just leave the pups high and dry. He teaches them how to forage for food by burying scraps in the ground, thus enabling them with the skills necessary for their survival.</p>
<h3>Darwin Frog</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/08/381113_4.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The father of this bizarre looking frog is dedicated to his young's survival. After the female lays her eggs, the male will stand guard until they are near to being hatched. He will then take the eggs in his mouth where they will slide into his vocal sac. Even though the eggs are in the father's vocal sac, he is still capable of eating. The eggs will continue to develop in the male's vocal sac, until they become tadpoles. When the tadpoles' tails fall off and they become froglets, they leave the protection of their fathers care, and venture out into the world on their own.</p>
<h3>Jacana</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/08/381113_5.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Despite the fact that his mate is a two-timer, and that his children might not be his, the jacana father will never leave his brood. Why you ask? Because the female has lost all capabilities of rearing her young. Instead, she's too busy out and about carrying on in what has to be one of the weirdest roles of sex-reversal. Once the female lays about 4 eggs, she leaves the male to incubate and care for the young, while she's copulating with multiple males. The male tolerates this behavior because they somehow understand that by abandoning the mixed-parentage eggs, this will eventually lead to their deaths. So caring is the father, that if he detects the eggs are in danger, he will move them to a new site. Once the eggs have hatched, he will teach the chicks to forage for food. If they are threatened, he will carry the chicks under his wings to safety.</p>
<h3>Flamingo</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/08/381113_6.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Not only are they doting partners, but they take an active part in the rearing of their young. While the female finds a suitable site to build their nest, the male will then actively participate in the building of the nest. The female will lay one egg, which is then incubated by both parents. While the female can feed the chicks a milk-like substance, the males are also capable of producing this substance to feed the young.</p>
<h3>Silverback Gorilla</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/08/381113_7.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The dominant male of the troop is the patriarch of a family of maybe 20-30 gorillas. He will protect the group from outside threats, such as other male gorillas that may try to kill the young when trying to usurp power. They will resolve disputes, acting as mediators, and guide the troop while seeking out food. He attaches special bonds with the females, as well as affectionately playing with his offspring. But he is quick to put them back in line with a stern warning if they get too precocious.</p>
<h3>Great Horned Owl</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/10/08/381113_8.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Once he has found a mate, the pair will find a nest. The female will keep the eggs safe and warm, which means the male must search for food. In most bird species, the female is smaller. This isn't the case with birds of prey. The female great horned owl is 25% larger than the male. So not only must he feed himself, but he has to constantly bring food home to his mate. Once the chicks hatch, his task of feeding the family multiples. He must then feed the chicks, on top of his partner, for an additional 2-3 months.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2FAwesome-Animal-Dads-in-the-Animal-Kingdom.291795"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2FAwesome-Animal-Dads-in-the-Animal-Kingdom.291795" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Fri, 10 Oct 2008 06:45:44 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>10 of the World's Smallest Animals</title>
<link>http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/10-of-the-Worlds-Smallest-Animals.277151</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<h3>Monkey</h3>
<p><a href="http://ismsarebad.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/marmoset.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/29/0_12.jpg" alt="" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://ismsarebad.files.wordpress.com/2007/07/marmoset.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p>Smallest monkey pygmy marmoset can be seen in Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador and some places of Peru.  This monkey grows to a height of 11 to 15 cm and has a 17-22 cm long tail. It weighs only 120 grams; and weighs only 15 grams at the time of birth. The lifespan of these monkeys is 11 to 16 years. They usually give birth to fraternal twins.</p>
<h3>Rabbit</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/29/1_2.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ed/BRACHYLAGUS_IDAHOENSIS.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p>The Pygmy Rabbit is found in North America. It is the smallest leporid. The adult pygmy rabbit weighs about 400 grams having a body length of 24 cm to 29cm.</p>
<h3>Dog</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/29/2_3.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.toypomeranian.com/Picture_11747.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a></p>
<p>Smallest dog is Chihuahua that was first observed in 1850 in Mexico. The dog took its name from the state of Chihuahua in Mexico. The dog has a height of 6 to 9 inches. It weighs 2 to 12 pounds. The lifespan is 15 years.</p>
<h3>Cat</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/29/3_12.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.wildcatconservation.org/kodkods%20Sanderson.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a><br /><br />Kodkod is the smallest cat species in South America.  It is found in Chile and Argentina. It is very rare and exclusive species. An adult Kodkod weighs about 2 kilograms with a length of 42 to 50 cm.</p>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/29/4_2.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://news.softpedia.com/images/news2/A-new-star-has-rised-Mr-Peebles-the-world-s-smallest-cat-2.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a><br /><br />Peebles is the smallest cat in the world according to the Guinness World Records.  It weighs about 1 kilogram and 15 cm long. It can fit in a 200 ml glass.</p>
<h3>Horse</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/29/5_2.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/picable/2008/04/26/151310_Thumbelina-the-Worlds-Smallest-Horse_620.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a><br /><br />Thumbelina, the world's smallest horse weighs 27 kilograms. The height of this dwarf horse is only 17 inches.</p>
<h3>Fish</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/29/12_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.underwatertimes.com/news2/Paedocypris_progenetica.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a><br /><br />Paedocypris is the smallest fish which is only 7.9 mm in length. This is also considered as the smallest vertebrate. This is found in the swamp forests of Indonesia's Sumatra Island.</p>
<h3>Frog</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/29/6_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://www.apasfa.org/images/minisapo.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a><br />Brazilian Gold frog is the smallest frog and is found in the Southern Hemisphere. This is also known as Izecksonh's Toad. The adult gold frogs grow to only 9.8 mm in body length.</p>
<h3>Snake</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/29/7_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://brianlean.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/thread-snake.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a><br />Thread snake is found throughout North and South America, Africa and South-western Asia. The Thread Snake is the world's smallest snake. It has the length of 4.25 inches. It is only found on some scattered islands in the Caribbean.</p>
<h3>Bat</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/29/10_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://thelongestlistofthelongeststuffatthelongestdomainnameatlonglast.com/images2/bat.JPG" target="_blank">Image Source </a></p>
<p>The smallest bat, called the Philippine Bamboo bat, belongs to the Vespertilionid family. It measures 4 cm in length and weighs 1.5 grams. The wingspan of this bat is 15 cm.</p>
<h3>Bird</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/29/8_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Calypte_helenae_ampliado.jpg" target="_blank">Image Source</a><br />Bee Hummingbird is the smallest bird. It is also known as Cuban bee as it is found mostly in Cuba. It measures 2.25 inches in length and 2 grams in weight. We cannot see its wings while flying as it flaps its wings 90 times per second. The heartbeat of this bird is 1,260 times. The size of its nest measures 0.78 inches width and 1.2 inches depth. Its eggs are smaller than coffee grounds.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2F10-of-the-Worlds-Smallest-Animals.277151"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2F10-of-the-Worlds-Smallest-Animals.277151" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:37:50 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>12 Astonishing Interspecies Relationships</title>
<link>http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/12-Astonishing-Interspecies-Relationships.272351</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>What can be better than love, especially when it is unconditional?  In my last article, you've seen a golden retriever nurses tiger cubs because she simply loves them.  Relationship like this brings warm and wonder to our world. <br /><br />Here is a look at another 12 astonishing interspecies relationships.</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.floristone.com/hippopotamus-tortoise.html" target="_blank">Tortoise Dad and Baby Hippo</a></h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/24/0_23.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Dad is a giant century-old tortoise, and son is less than a year-old hippo.  They found each other after the tsunami in the port city of Mombassa.  The pair carried out daily routine such as eating, swimming, sleeping and bonding together.<br />Click on the link for more amazing images!</p>
<h3>Leopard Nurtures Baby Baboon</h3>
<p>
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</object>
<br /><br />You just have to watch this video!  It is sad at the beginning, but what the leopard does after that will warm your heart, and question the law of nature!  This is love at its best!</p>
<h3>D<a href="http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20051011&amp;amp;slug=squirrel11" target="_blank">og Adopted a Squirrel</a></h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/24/1_4.jpg" alt="" /><br />Mom is a Papillion, adopted son is a squirrel, and siblings are Papillion puppies.  The squirrel-Finnegan-was found under a tree at around one week old, and Mademoiselle Giselle-the Papillion-was pregnant at the time.  <br /><br />Owner Debby Cantlon said the dog actually pulled Finnegan's case next to her bed twice, and encouraged the squirrel to join her family.<br /><br />View photos gallery <a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/photogalleries/living838/1.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</p>
<h3>The Crow and the Kitten</h3>
<p>
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</object>
<br /><br />The power of love took place in this video between a crow and a kitten.  It was amazing to see the crow fed this kitten, and tried to safeguard over the furry cat.</p>
<h3><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7630765.stm" target="_blank">Pig Raises Tiger Cub</a><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/7630765.stm" target="_blank">s</a></h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/24/3_20.gif" alt="" /></p>
<p>Three tiger cubs were abandoned by their mother, who lives in a nearby private zoo, found an adopted mother pig.  This pig is raising the cubs on a farm in the Ukraine.  <br />This video shows a pig nurses three tiger cubs, but it is in Thailand.  I don't know if it is related to the story above from BBC News, but it is interesting to watch.<br /> 
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</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/2002/apr/03/highereducation.jamesmeek" target="_blank">Lioness and Oryx</a></h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/24/5_4.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>This Kenyan lioness is known as a serial adopted mom to baby oryxes, since this is her third baby.  The lioness, Larsens, not yet has her own cub, but she seems to be attracted to baby oryxes.  She lost her first adopted baby to a lion, and lost her second adopted baby to the warden of the park, since the baby was not taking to her milk.  The third adopted baby is still with her despite the birth mom's effort to gain her baby back.</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.boreme.com/boreme/funny-2008/polar-bears-and-huskies-play-p1.php" target="_blank"><!-- var sid=134;var vid=14890; // -->Polar Bears and Dogs</a></strong></p>
<p>This is another beautiful relationship between the polar bears and the dogs.  One of polar bears snuggles a dog like a baby in a very protective manner.</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/23401/newsDate/12-Jan-2004/story.htm" target="_blank">Cat and Bear</a></h3>
<p>This story took place in Berlin Zoo, where a bear called Maeuschen and a cat called Muschi formed a friendship.  The cat camped out in front of the bear's cage for months, and zoo keepers finally put the distraught cat in the cage with a female Asiatic black bear.</p>
<p>The pair was a popular site a zoo where visitors watch them sunbathing, and sharing meal together.</p>
<h3>Duck and Puppy</h3>
<p>
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</object>
<br />This is a short and cute clip of a duck following a puppy.  It seems that the duck had a special bond with this puppy, and tried to nestle when the puppy took a nap.</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10903211/" target="_blank">Snake and Hamster</a></h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/24/6_2.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>A snake named Oochan had befriended with a dwarf hamster named Gohan at Tokyo Kingdom Zoo Mutsugoro Okoku zoo.  Oochan is a 2 year-old Japanese rat snake, who shares his heated glass cage with a 3.5-inch hamster.  <br /><br />Since the snake refused to eat frozen mice, the zoo keeper put the hamster in the snake's box for its meal, but Oochan decided to be friends with Gohan (means a delicious rice meal) instead.</p>
<h3><a href="http://cellar.org/showthread.php?t=293" target="_blank">Fish and Dog</a></h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/24/7_2.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>A 9-year-old golden retriever, Chino has a favorite fish named Falstaff, and they meet daily at Dan and Mary health's home in Medford, Oregon.  They have spent the last three years together.  When Chino comes, Falstaff swims up to him happily, and nibble on his paws.</p>
<h3><a href="http://www.dogsinthenews.com/issues/0202/articles/020214a.htm" target="_blank">Dog Adopted Baby Chimp</a></h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/24/14_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The newborn pygmy chimpanzee is forming a special bond with a bulldog at the Twycross Zoo, north-east of Birmingham.  This baby, Kia, is only 31 lbs, and receives plenty of kisses from Bugsy the bulldog, who assumed the guardianship role happily.</p>
<p>These relationships are remarkable and wonderful.  Mother nature shows us that even preys and predators can get along quite harmoniously.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2F12-Astonishing-Interspecies-Relationships.272351"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2F12-Astonishing-Interspecies-Relationships.272351" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Thu, 25 Sep 2008 07:22:52 PST</pubDate></item>
<item>
<title>Camouflage and Mimicry: The Art of Disguise</title>
<link>http://www.scienceray.com/Biology/Zoology/Camouflage-and-Mimicrythe-Art-of-Disguise.269245</link>
<description>
<![CDATA[<p>Camouflage is an art. Mimicry takes on the form of one's surrounding. Many insects use it as a means of disguise for survival. It is used as a form of deceiving potential predators. It's a matter of eat or be eaten. And their art of hiding serves them well.</p>
<h3>Peacock Butterfly</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/23/349665_0.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>They are a large butterfly known to habitat Britain, Western Europe, and Asia. The upper wings are a rustic, chocolaty brown, while the hind-wings have remarkable, vibrant purple eyespots. When it is viewed upside down, the pattern of the butterfly resembles an owl. This is used to ward of predators. If this doesn't work, then the butterfly will flash its wings open while making a rustling sound. Underneath the butterfly's wings is a mottled grey-brown color, protecting the insect with camouflage.</p>
<h3>Katydid</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/23/349665_1.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>They are a species of long-horned grasshoppers. They are tree-living insects, and most look like leaves. Their wings mimic the movement of leaves and serve as camouflage in protection against potential predators.</p>
<h3>Walking sticks</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/23/349665_2.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The Greeks called them phantoms. So well is their art of hiding, that they meld right into the landscape. Many resemble sticks or leaves, rocking ever so gently to mimic vegetation moving in the wind. And if that isn't enough to ward of predators, some can even secrete a noxious substance that can cause burning of the eyes and mouth, and even temporary blindness.</p>
<h3>Camouflage Moth</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/23/349665_3.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>In most instances, you could hike right on past this moth and not even pay heed to it. Blending in with its environment, it looks just like its surrounding. It is the chameleon of insects.</p>
<h3>The Viceroy</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/23/349665_4.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>It's convincing enough to predators. It has evolved to look like monarchs so potential harassers won't eat it. They are almost alike with the exception that the viceroy has a black horizontal stripe that crosses the bottom of its back wings.</p>
<h3>Giant Swallowtail Caterpillar</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/23/349665_5.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Of all things this bug was made to mimic, it was made to look like a piece of bird poo. But the ruse works. Any potential predator doing a drive-by will take one look and say, &amp;ldquo;No thanks!&amp;rdquo;</p>
<h3>Ant-mimicking jumping spiders</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/23/349665_6.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>Some jumping spiders take on the appearance of ants. They use their front legs as antennae to carry on the deception. Scientists are unsure if they do this to prey on the unsuspecting ants, or if it's a mechanism for self-defense.</p>
<h3>Moth mimicry</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/23/349665_7.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>A species of metalmark moth (Brenthia hexaselena) mimics a jumping spider when it spreads its wings in defense. Instead of panicking and fleeing, the moth will outstretch its wings in a desperate attempt to scare of its attacker.</p>
<h3>Hermeroplanes triptolemus</h3>
<p><img src="http://images.stanzapub.com/readers/2008/09/23/349665_8.jpg" alt="" /></p>
<p>The caterpillar of this moth uses quite the deception to startle predators. When frightened, it will inflate the front of its body, giving the appearance of a snake. The false eyes almost give it a viper-like quality.</p><a href="http://www.pheedo.com/click.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2FCamouflage-and-Mimicrythe-Art-of-Disguise.269245"><img src="http://www.pheedo.com/img.phdo?x=&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.scienceray.com%2FBiology%2FZoology%2FCamouflage-and-Mimicrythe-Art-of-Disguise.269245" border="0"/></a>]]></description>
<pubDate>Wed, 24 Sep 2008 05:00:10 PST</pubDate></item>
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