Rotifer Floscularia ringens, commonly known as the trumpet animalcule, is a microscopic freshwater invertebrate that belongs to the phylum Rotifera. It is a sessile organism, meaning it is anchored to a substrate or sediment by a stalk. This tiny creature has a bell-shaped, transparent body and is named for its trumpet-like shape. Floscularia ringens has […]
Category: Animals
Memory Without a Brain? Sliced-Off Flatworm Heads Retain Memories, Say Biologists
Planarian flatworms are small, flat-bodied freshwater invertebrates known for their remarkable regenerative abilities. With a distinctive elongated body shape covered in cilia, these animals range in size from just a few millimeters to several centimeters in length. They have a simple nervous system, primitive “eyespots,” and a single opening that serves as both a mouth […]
Flying Spiders: The Phenomenon of Ballooning Spiders
Have you ever looked up at the sky on a sunny day and noticed a tiny speck floating along with the clouds? Chances are, you might have encountered one of the world’s most fascinating creatures – a spider. Yes, you heard that right! Spiders have the incredible ability to fly through the air, and it […]
The Mighty Goliath Tigerfish: Taking Down Crocodiles
The Goliath Tigerfish (Hydrocynus goliath) is a large, predatory freshwater fish that is native to the Congo River Basin in Central Africa. It is considered one of the top predators in its environment and is known for its aggressive and predatory nature. In terms of size, the Goliath Tigerfish can grow up to five feet […]
Chemical Engineering in the Wild: The Defense Mechanism of Asian Bombardier Beetles
Asian bombardier beetles are a unique group of insects known for their impressive defense mechanism against predators. These beetles have the ability to shoot a hot chemical spray from their abdomens, which can deter would-be attackers and give the beetle time to escape. The spray is created by storing two separate chemicals, hydrogen peroxide and […]
The Underwater Photosynthesizer: The Leaf Sheep Sea Slug’s Quest for Survival
The leaf sheep sea slug, also known as Costasiella kuroshimae, is a fascinating and unique creature that lives in the ocean. Unlike other marine animals that rely on hunting or scavenging for food, this sea slug has a secret weapon that allows it to survive in environments where food is scarce: the ability to photosynthesize. […]
The Fungus That Can Control the Minds of Ants
Imagine a fungus that can infect an ant, take control of its behavior, and ultimately kill it. This might sound like a science fiction story, but it is actually a real phenomenon that occurs in nature. The fungus in question is called Ophiocordyceps unilateralis, and it specifically infects and kills ants. The fungus infects the […]
A Journey into the Invisible World: 2022 Photomicrography competition
Have you ever wanted to see what the world looks like at a microscopic level? With photomicrography, you can do just that! This process uses a microscope and a camera to capture images of small objects or features that are too small for the naked eye to see. These images can show us the intricate […]
The Colugo: A Unique and Fascinating Glider of Southeast Asia
The colugo, or flying lemur, is a unique and fascinating mammal found in Southeast Asia. Despite its name, it is not a lemur and does not actually fly; instead, it glides through the air using a patagium, a membrane of skin stretched between its limbs. This adaptation allows the colugo to cover long distances between […]
The Beeholder’s Eye – A Glimpse at the Bee’s Amazing Organ
The bee’s eye is a marvel of biology. It is covered with hairs that act as a shield against pollen and consists of thousands of small lenses called ommatidia. These lenses allow the bee to see a range of colors, including ultraviolet, and are highly sensitive to movement. This enables the bee to spot flowers […]