The Wilde Truth

11/11/2023

Do you know the name, please? 🙂

11/11/2023

Osmeterium is a defensive organ found in all papilionid larvae, in all stages. The osmeterial emits a foul, disagreeable odor which serves to repel ants, small spiders and mantids. To humans, this odor is rather strong but pleasant, usually smelling like a concentrated scent of the caterpillar’s food plant and pineapple. ~ Earth Unreal

Image credit: cowyeow
Swallowtail Caterpillar
Tongkoko National Park, Sulawesi, Indonesia

11/11/2023

Sipping on a warm cup of herbal infusion, also known as herbal tea, allows you to connect with nature in a simple yet nourishing way. These plant-based beverages have been used for centuries as a natural way to promote health and wellness, and are believed to have a variety of beneficial effects on the body. From calming stress and anxiety to aiding digestion and promoting restful sleep, herbal infusions can be a helpful and natural part of your health routine. So why not take a moment to slow down and enjoy the soothing properties of these herbs, harvested straight from the earth? 🥰

11/10/2023

The common kusimanse is a small, diurnal member of the Mungotinae family. It has a vaguely weasel-shaped body with dark or reddish brown fur that is thick, with a wiry texture down the back, and fine and soft on the underside. It has a long snout, short legs, a short, relatively stiff tail which tapers to a point, long claws, small ears, small, dark colored eyes, and an elongated nose. Adult size is typically around 33 cm (13 in) with a weight of approximately 1 kg (2.2 lb).

This mongoose is a highly social animal which lives in a small family group of 10 to 20 or more individuals, with a strict hierarchical structure. The members of the family group communicate through various vocalizations including whistles, chirps and growls. They are active foragers and excellent diggers which feed on a wide variety of things. Their diet is primarily carnivorous consisting of insects, larvae, fresh water crabs, small reptiles and small rodents.

The common kusimanse is found in the west African countries of Ghana, Ivory Coast, Benin, Liberia and Sierra Leone. It differs from other mongooses primarily in its choice of habitat which is generally forested areas near water whereas most species of mongoose tend to prefer open grasslands or semi-arid brush. It can be found from sea level to elevations of 1000 m (3280 ft).

11/10/2023

11/10/2023

A study that was conducted on male garter snakes in Manitoba, Canada (2012), found that increasing the levels of estrogen in male snakes caused them to secrete pheromones that are typically produced by female snakes to attract mates. As a result, the male snakes became more attractive to other males and were able to initiate "mating balls," a common mating behavior among this species of garter snake.

The study, which was published in the Journal of Experimental Biology, is significant because it demonstrates the powerful role that estrogen can play in stimulating pheromone production and influencing reproductive behavior. The researchers suggest that this finding has important implications for understanding the environmental impact of compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen, which are found in some chemicals and pesticides.

In the study, the male snakes were implanted with a small capsule that increased their estrogen levels to approximately the same levels as female snakes. After a year of this estrogen supplementation, the male snakes began to exude pheromones that attracted other males for mating. The study also found that the pheromone production could be reversed when the estrogen supplementation was removed, and the male snakes returned to their normal behavior.

Overall, this study sheds new light on the effects of estrogen on reproductive behavior and highlights the potential environmental consequences of exposure to chemicals that mimic its effects.

Text credit: Earth Unreal
Image credit: Oregon State University

-----

Due to an increase in fraudulent activity in the comments, we'll be adding this warning message to our posts from now on. Be very cautious of friend requests or private messages from unknown individuals with fake profiles and stolen profile pictures. They'll use every means possible to get to connect and know you better. These scammers use ruthless tactics to scam and fool their victims, so stay vigilant and avoid their deceitful schemes. Don't add or private message them.

-----

11/10/2023

Dung Beetles: Nature's Waste Managers - Did you know that dung beetles are more than just gross little bugs? These fascinating creatures play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by recycling nutrients, improving soil health, controlling pests, and regulating the global climate. Read on to learn more about the unexpected benefits of these unsung heroes of the insect world and how they're helping to build a sustainable future!

https://illuzone.net/why-dung-beetles-are-more-important-than-you-think/

Photo credit: Gilles San Martin

11/10/2023

Gelatine Slug Caterpillar (Cup Moth, Limacodidae) "Jelly Bean"

Image credit: John Horstman (itchydogimages on Flickr).
Link to portfolio in the comments.

11/10/2023

11/10/2023

Moth eggs - The 2022 Nikon Small World Photography Competition, a renowned showcase of microphotography talent, recently announced its winning entries. Amidst a sea of talented photographers, Zhang Yefei from Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province, China rose to the top, earning 11th place with his stunning shot of moth eggs. This marks a historic moment as Zhang becomes the first Chinese photographer to crack the top 20 in this esteemed competition.

The beauty of moth eggs lies in their transformation from drab to dazzling. At birth, they lack vibrancy, but as they mature, bright 'fertilization spots' start to adorn their surface. Eventually, the entire egg becomes a colorful work of art. Zhang's award-winning photo captures this fleeting moment when the fertilization spots first appear.

"But this process is very short, so it takes a certain amount of luck to shoot this scene", said Zhang Yefei

Moth eggs are the delicate beginnings of a magnificent metamorphosis. These tiny marvels, laid on a variety of surfaces from leaves to twigs, come in a rainbow of shapes, sizes, and colors unique to each species. Hatching in a matter of days to weeks, the larvae, or caterpillars, emerge ready to feast and grow, eventually transforming into stunning adult moths. Each and every moth egg holds the promise of a new adventure, a continuation of life's wondrous cycle.

The Nikon Small World Competition is an annual photomicrography competition that showcases the beauty and complexity of the microscopic world. Here are 20 of the winning and honored images of our own picks for 2022: https://tinyurl.com/nc997ru5

Text credit: Earth Unreal
Photo credit: Zhang Yefei

-------

If you are downloading and reposting this, please don't remove the text and image credit.

11/10/2023

"Owl eyes are so big that in some species, you can actually see the base of their eyes by peeking into their ears" - American Bird Conservancy

Photo credit: ??

---------------
Due to an increase in fraudulent activity in the comments, we'll be adding this warning message to our posts from now on. Be very cautious of friend requests or private messages from unknown individuals with fake profiles and stolen profile pictures. They'll use every means possible to get to connect and know you better. These scammers use ruthless tactics to scam and fool their victims, so stay vigilant and avoid their deceitful schemes. Don't add or private message them.