Life, Death, and Taxonomy

“And today were talking about something that’s not real velvet but it is a real worm. It is actual worm. It lives like a worm.” A wanderer in the undergrowth, glides along the leaf litter, searching for prey to tuck into the cradle of decay. This plush creature hides a secret silk used to knit […]

“…and today we’re talking about another, more different spotted noodle. But more on that later.” Slithering silently in the sandy shallows, the garden eel sways like a living blade of seagrass, rooted yet restless in the ocean’s endless ebb. Picture a creature that’s half snake, half shrub, playing peek-a-boo with the tides while pretending to […]

Picture a primate with a penchant for plunging. The proboscis monkey, with its pendulous schnozz and a physique built for aquatic acrobatics, is the rainforest’s resident daredevil. This long-nosed leaper doesn’t just swing through the mangroves; it hurls itself into the drink with the grace of a 10-year old at the Y, making a splash that […]

“…and today we’re talking about an armadillo that’s having wicked dreams of leaving Tennessee. But more on that later.”  A rose-hued sprite is found on the Argentine plains. This fae surfs the rippling waves of xeric sands, past the islands of desert scrub. A pointed nose cuts a channel through the substrate, while paddle claws […]

Picture a sneaky, slinky shadow darting through the African savanna, a nocturnal ninja with a knack for nabbing prime real estate on the move. This crafty critter isn’t just scampering through the grass—it’s catching rides on the biggest beasts around, like a furry freeloader hitching a lift on a living tank. With a face like […]

“..and today we’re talking about a pup from the past but more on that later.” When a species is long forgotten underneath ancient permafrost, things start to look dire. But new scientific efforts are tapping into long forgotten DNA to build a bridge to the past. The question is, are we able to see the […]

“…and today we’re talking about a Tom Sawyer bug. But more on that later.”  Some guys just can’t take the hint. For Moorland Hawker Dragonfly females, this can be a bit more than a simple inconvenience. When the suitors come knocking, this lady doesn’t just dodge the drama—she takes it to a whole new level. […]

“…and today we’re talking about a smooth operator. But more on that later.” In the strange underwater world of the reef, many creatures develop weapons of war to fight off enemies. But one crab has entered the ocean’s arms race with a refined approach. The smooth box crab has a pair of pinchers specialized for […]

“…and today we’re talking about a petite predator– relatively speaking. But more on that later.” Slithering through the shadows of swampy secrecy, the African dwarf crocodile is a pint-sized predator with a penchant for peculiarity. This crafty critter lurks in the murky margins of rivers and wetlands, a miniature menace shrouded in mystery. Some whisper […]

“…and today we’re talking about an active kid that grows into a lazy adult. But more on that later.” A tiny tadpole freely glides along ocean currents, going where it wills, seeking its thrills. The ocean is its oyster. But when a larva is on an adventure, it dreams of home, and when it’s home, […]

“…and today we’re talking about the original member of a group that likes to go swimming in the winter in Coney Island.” The Arctic is an unforgiving place—cold, desolate, and covered in ice as far as the eye can see. It’s a freezing wasteland where only the toughest survive, and no one does it quite […]

“… and today we’re talking about a funny little fish. But more on that later.” They say the enemy of my enemy is my friend, but that might mean putting up with some prickly traits to band together against a common foe. The clown fish makes an alliance that requires a thick skin. But what […]

“..and today we’re talking about something that jealousy took two of the coolest animals for its name.” If you’ve ever found yourself watching a toddler shove random objects into their mouth, you’ve witnessed a fraction of the chaos that is the tiger shark. With an appetite as indiscriminate as a black hole and the curiosity […]

“…and today we’re talking about little swimmers. And not the aquatic diaper brand.” Let’s dive right into the cool, calm, and collected world of a lizard that’s not afraid to get its scales wet. Most reptiles avoid water like it’s hot lava, but not this daredevil. Imagine a scuba diver, a magician, and a survivalist […]

“…and today we’re talking about something that’s sticky. What is it?!” Mold, grime, and disease are plagues that the human world does it’s best to keep at bay. But animals have to worry about these things too – even ants. The Red wood ant has found a true multi-purpose cleaner that they use to keep […]

“…and today we’re talking about a rodent of unusual size.” In the verdant wetlands of South America the world’s largest rodent lives a serene, communal life. The capybara’s day is spent basking in the early morning sun or submerged in cool, refreshing water, their eyes above the surface, watching for signs of predators. But these […]

“…and today we’re talking about an NBC branded fish. But more on that later.” Flat and fabulous, the peacock flounder is the Picasso of the seafloor. But beneath its cool, camouflaged exterior lies a wild anatomical twist that would make even the most seasoned contortionist wince. You thought you looked different as a kid, the […]

“…and today we’re talking about something you probably haven’t ever heard of. But more on that later.” You may think the age of exploration is over. Human beings have seen everything there is to see–at least on land right? But what if you knew there was an animal so rare that people didn’t think it […]

“…and today we’re talking about an animal that sounds more sinister than it is. Bot more on that later.” Step into the insect world where everything is weird and brutal…including courtship. Imagine a tinyl Casanova what brings the snacks to the party. If you’ve ever thought dating apps were transactional, wait until you hear about […]

Ah, the ocean. It’s full of mysteries, marvels, and creatures that look like they were designed during a fever dream directed by HR Gieger. Among them swims a gelatinous giant with flowing, fibrous tentacles that seem to stretch into infinity. Meet the lion’s mane jellyfish, a giant egg yolk that can ruin your day with […]

“…and today we’re talking about a humble stead that once had a grand rider. But more on that later.” Few animals gain widespread cultural significance in the human world. But a creature known for stubbornness, hardiness, and humility, also once shared its manger on a very important birthday. Today, it’s name is proclaimed with the […]

“…and today we’re talking about a bird that make a great gift if you can get them a-swimming. But more on that later.” Nothing makes the Lords a-leap and the Ladies dance like the regal mute swan. But royal veneration and beautiful snow white feathers doesn’t change the fact they are wild animals, ready to […]

“…and today we’re talking about how when a red belly rises it means blood has been spilled this night. But more on that later.” Description of the Red-Bellied Piranha The red-bellied piranha is a small to medium-sized fish, well-known for its striking appearance and infamous reputation. Here’s a more detailed description: Color: Their most distinctive […]

“…and today we’re talking about a pumpkin spiced tic tac toad. But more on that later.” If attacking you would be automatically deadly to your enemies, you might lead a charmed life–free from worry. Such an easy going atmosphere might make you grow complacent. Things that were once important to survival become optional. And why […]

“…and today we’re talking about another disgusting deep sea creature. But more on that later.” Deep in the dark recesses of the ocean, where the sun’s rays are only a memory, lurks a creature with an interesting talent. It’s a fish with a flash, a beast with a beacon, a predator with a peculiar penchant […]