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

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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

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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: ??

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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

The Candiru (Vandellia cirrhosa), also known as cañero, toothpick fish, or vampire fish, is a species of parasitic freshwater catfish native to the Amazon Basin where it is found in the countries of Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The fish is known for its alleged tendency to invade and parasitize the human urethra (see YouTube link in the comments). Candirus are small fish that can reach up to 17 cm (7 in) in standard length. They are hematophagous and parasitize the gills of larger Amazonian fishes, especially catfish of the family Pimelodidae. ~ Earth Unreal

Image credit: Ivan Sazima and Jansen Zuanon (A, B),
Unknown (C)

11/10/2023

Sammy, the gray seal, is a captivating wild marine inhabitant found in the waters near Wicklow, a town situated south of Dublin, Ireland. This male seal boasts a weight of approximately 300 kilograms and sports a thick fur coat adorned with charming whiskers.

His diet mainly consists of fish, squid, and crustaceans, which he skillfully hunts in the ocean. Sammy's remarkable diving abilities allow him to plunge depths of up to 70 meters, effortlessly holding his breath for an impressive duration of 20 minutes.

Among his notable activities, Sammy has gained recognition for his regular visits to a local fish shop named The Fishman. During these outings, he is sometimes treated to delectable fishy delights by the kind staff and customers. Since 2012, Sammy has risen to local celebrity status and even become an online sensation, with his own dedicated page and merchandise featuring his name.

The latest web search results about him are from 2023, and they show that he is still visiting the fish shop in Wicklow and getting fishy treat.

However, it's important to remember that Sammy remains a wild creature, not a domesticated pet, and thrives in his natural habitat. His visits to the fish shop are solely occasional indulgences, not essential for his survival.

While Sammy's charm has won the hearts of many, it is crucial to appreciate and respect him by observing from a distance and refraining from interfering with his life.

Video included in the comments.

Text credit: Earth Unreal
Image credit: Michael Kelly (top & middle)
Derek Byrne (bottom)

11/10/2023

~ Shikadamari, the Mysterious Deer Gathering Spot in Nara Park, Japan ~

Every summer, nearly half of Nara Park's deer gather in one spot for an hour each evening. This mysterious phenomenon, called "shikadamari," has baffled scientists for years. It translates to “deer gathering spot.”

The deer sit together in the corner of the park near the Nara National Museum from roughly 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm before going their separate ways to other areas of the park.

It’s unclear why the deer gather at sunset during the summer, but it’s a popular sight for visitors to Nara Park, creating a truly unique experience.

Some theories suggest the deer gather to cool down, socialize, or protect themselves from predators. Whatever the reason, shikadamari is a fascinating thing to witness.

When visiting Nara, it's important to keep a safe distance from the deer and refrain from feeding them by hand. For the best shikadamari viewing experience, head to the corner of Nara Park near the Nara National Museum. This natural spectacle occurs during the shikadamari season, which usually spans from June to August.

Text credit: Earth Unreal
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Image credit: Oona McGee

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11/09/2023

Extraodrinary microcopse photo of Stinkbug eggs. Technique: Brightfield illumination.

Image credit: Haris Antonopoulos/Athens, Greece

11/09/2023

~ Evapotranspiration: The Process That Makes Corn Plants “Sweat” ~

Corn plants release water v***r into the air through their leaves and roots in a process called evapotranspiration. This helps the plants regulate their temperature and hydration, but also affects the humidity and dew point of the surrounding air. The dew point is the temperature at which the air becomes saturated and condensation occurs. Some people call this process “Corn Sweat” because it resembles human perspiration.

The amount of water v***r emitted by corn plants depends on factors such as soil moisture, temperature, wind speed and plant growth stage. An acre of corn can produce between 2000 and 3000 gallons of water v***r per day. However, the impact of corn plants on humidity levels varies by region and time. It also depends on the size and density of the corn fields, the background humidity and the atmospheric circulation. In some cases, corn plants can increase the humidity levels by up to 10%, making the air feel hotter and stickier.

In summary, corn plants transfer water v***r into the atmosphere through evapotranspiration, which influences the humidity and dew point of the nearby air. This process, known as “Corn Sweat”, is similar to human sweating. The amount of water v***r released by corn plants ranges from 2000 to 3000 gallons per acre per day, depending on various environmental factors. The effect of corn plants on humidity levels is not uniform across all situations and regions. In some situations, corn plants can elevate humidity levels by up to 10%, contributing to a heightened sense of heat and stickiness in the air.

Text credit: Earth Unreal