Tower of FENNEC FOXES - by request
Vulpes zerda
©Joachim S. Müller
The fennec fox (Vulpes zerda) is a small nocturnal fox found in the Sahara of North Africa. Its most distinctive feature is unusually large ears. The name “fennec” comes from the Arabic word for fox, and the species name zerda has a Greek origin that refers to its habitat. The fennec is the smallest species of canid in the world; coat, ears and kidney functions have adapted to a high-temperature, low-water, desert environment.
When hunting, large eared foxes such as the fennec, or the bat-eared fox, can seem to stare at the ground while they rotate their heads from side to side to pinpoint the location of prey, either underground or hidden above ground.
Fennec Fox and The Little Prince
The French aviator and writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry made a reference, in a letter written to his sister Didi from Cape Juby in 1918, to his raising a fennec that he adored. Saint-Exupéry also mentioned encountering a fennec when wandering in the Sahara after his plane crashed there in 1935. The fennecs he had known in these two contexts are considered to have inspired the fox character in Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince”.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fennec_fox
Other posts:
![LACE BUGTingidae: Hemiptera©Rundstedt B. Rovillos
Tingidae is a family of very small [2-10 mm] insects in the order Hemiptera that are commonly referred to as lace bugs. This group is distributed worldwide and consists of approximately 2,000 species. This one was photographed in Quezon City, National Capital Region, Philippines.
They are called lace bugs because the pronotum and forewings of the adult have a delicate and intricate network of divided areas that resemble lace. Their body appearance is flattened dorso-ventrally and they can be broadly oval or slender. Often the head is concealed under the hood-like pronotum.
Lace bugs are usually host specific and can be very destructive to plants. Most feed on the undersides of leaves by piercing the epidermis and sucking the sap. The then empty cells give the leaves a bronzed or silvery appearance. Each individual usually completes its entire life cycle on the same plant, if not the same part of the plant.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tingidae
Other posts:
Turquoise Cicada
Mallotus Shield Bugs
Broadheaded Sharpshooter](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqis7r6lKt1qeeqk5o1_500.jpg)
LACE BUG
Tingidae: Hemiptera
©Rundstedt B. Rovillos
Tingidae is a family of very small [2-10 mm] insects in the order Hemiptera that are commonly referred to as lace bugs. This group is distributed worldwide and consists of approximately 2,000 species. This one was photographed in Quezon City, National Capital Region, Philippines.
They are called lace bugs because the pronotum and forewings of the adult have a delicate and intricate network of divided areas that resemble lace. Their body appearance is flattened dorso-ventrally and they can be broadly oval or slender. Often the head is concealed under the hood-like pronotum.
Lace bugs are usually host specific and can be very destructive to plants. Most feed on the undersides of leaves by piercing the epidermis and sucking the sap. The then empty cells give the leaves a bronzed or silvery appearance. Each individual usually completes its entire life cycle on the same plant, if not the same part of the plant.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tingidae
Other posts:
MAORI WRASSE, Napoleon wrasse, or Napoleonfish;
Cheilinus undulatus
by Luc Viatour
This fish is chock full of win - the patterning is gorgeous (even better in the shot on the other posts link) males grow to SIX FEET in length and 300 pounds.
The humphead wrasse is a wrasse that is mainly found in coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. It is also known as the Māori wrasse, Napoleon wrasse, Napoleonfish; or “So Mei” 蘇眉 (Cantonese) and “Mameng” (Filipino).
The humphead wrasse is the largest living member of the family Labridae, with males reaching 6 feet (2 m) in length, while females rarely exceed about 3 feet (1 m). It has thick, fleshy lips and a hump that forms on its head above the eyes, becoming more prominent as the fish ages. Males range from a bright electric blue to green, a purplish blue, or a relatively dull blue/green. Juveniles and females are red-orange above, and red-orange to white below. Some males grow very large, with one unconfirmed report of a Humphead Wrasse that was 7.75 feet (2.29 m) long and weighed 420 lbs (190.5 kg).
Individuals become sexually mature at 5 to 7 years and females are known to live for around 30 years whereas males live a slightly shorter 25 years. Humphead wrasse are protogynous hermaphrodites, with some members of the population becoming male at approximately 9 years old. The factors that control the timing of sex change are not yet known. Adults move to the down-current end of the reef and form local spawning aggregations they concentrate to spawn at certain times of the year.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humphead_wrasse
Other posts:
The Aximoronic SMALL GIANT CLAM
Tridacna maxima
Onexposure /1x.com © Alex Cearns
The maxima clam, also known as the small giant clam, is a species of bivalve found throughout the Indo-Pacific. They are much sought after in the aquarium trade, as their often striking coloration mimics that of the true giant clam, however the maximas maintain a manageable size, with the shells of large specimen typically not exceeding 20 centimetres (7.9 in) in length.
The attractive colours of the small giant clam are the result of pigment cells, which have a crystalline structure inside. These are thought to protect the clam from the effects of intense sunlight, or bundle light to enhance photosynthesis, the energy-producing process carried out by the tiny algae living within.
The small giant clam has the widest range of all giant clam species. It is found in the oceans surrounding east Africa, India, China, Australia, Southeast Asia and the islands of the Pacific.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxima_clam
Other posts:
![SHOEBILL STORKBalaeniceps rexPosted by ZulaNews
This species was only classified in the 19th century when some skins were brought to Europe. It was not until years later that live specimens reached the scientific community. However, the bird was known to both ancient Egyptians and Arabs. There are Egyptian images depicting the Shoebill, while the Arabs referred to the bird as abu markub, which means one with a shoe, a reference to the bird’s distinctive bill.[citation needed]
Shoebills feed in muddy waters, preying on fish, frogs, reptiles such as baby crocodiles, and small mammals. They nest on the ground and lay from 1 to 3 eggs, usually during the dry season.
The population is estimated at between 5,000 and 8,000 individuals, the majority of which live in Sudan. BirdLife International have classified it as Vulnerable with the main threats being habitat destruction, disturbance and hunting.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoebill
Other posts:
Shoebill moving aside a duck
Hoatzin
Grffon Vulture](http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lqitvpIe4v1qeeqk5o1_500.jpg)
SHOEBILL STORK
Balaeniceps rex
Posted by ZulaNews
This species was only classified in the 19th century when some skins were brought to Europe. It was not until years later that live specimens reached the scientific community. However, the bird was known to both ancient Egyptians and Arabs. There are Egyptian images depicting the Shoebill, while the Arabs referred to the bird as abu markub, which means one with a shoe, a reference to the bird’s distinctive bill.[citation needed]
Shoebills feed in muddy waters, preying on fish, frogs, reptiles such as baby crocodiles, and small mammals. They nest on the ground and lay from 1 to 3 eggs, usually during the dry season.
The population is estimated at between 5,000 and 8,000 individuals, the majority of which live in Sudan. BirdLife International have classified it as Vulnerable with the main threats being habitat destruction, disturbance and hunting.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoebill
Other posts:
OLEANDER HAWKMOTH
Daphnis nerii
©d.teil
Daphnis nerii is a large hawk-moth found in wide areas of Africa and Asia. It is a migratory species, flying to parts of eastern and southern Europe during the summer. Daphnis nerii (Oleander Sphinx Moth or Oleander Hawk-Moth) is one of the most beautiful butterfly-like patterned moths on Earth.
The adults feed on nectar of a great variety of flowers. They have a preference for fragrant species like petunia, jasmine and honeysuckle. They are especially active in the twilight time, hovering over the flowers after sunset.
The caterpillars feed mainly on oleander (Nerium oleander) leaves, a highly toxic plant to which toxicity they are immune.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daphnis_nerii
Other posts:
ORANGE LADYBIRD
Halyzia sedecimguttata
by terraincognita96
Halyzia sedecimguttata, or orange ladybird, is a species of Coccinellidae, also known as ladybird. Common in woodlands, both larvae and adults feed mainly on mildew and occasionally on small aphids. Their physical appearance is marked by a striking orange colour and the presence of usually 16 creamy white spots. Formerly uncommon, the species has established itself over the 20th century and is now common in many parts of Europe and the British Isles.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halyzia_sedecimguttata
Other posts:
![Creepy-looking ANTLIONFamily: Myrmeleontidae, Genus: Palpares© JonRichfield
As insectlove states Antlion larvae are unusual among the insects as they lack an anus. buggirl I wondered too - apparently all the metabolic waste that is generated during the larval stage is stored and is eventually emitted as meconium near the end of its pupal stage. [If you like insects these are two great blogs to follow BTW]
Antlion larvae are bruisers, the adult is considerably larger than the larva; they exhibit the greatest disparity in size between larva and adult of any type of holometabolous insects, by virtue of the adults having an extremely thin, flimsy exoskeleton - in other words, they have extremely low mass per unit of volume.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antlion
Other posts:
Spoonwing or Threadwinge AntLion
Snake Fly
Picture-Winged Fly
Lacewing Nymph
—-
buggirl:
insectlove:
Adult antlion (Family: Myrmeleontidae, Genus: Palpares). “Antlion larvae are unusual among the insects as they lack an anus.” Via Wikipedia.
Photo: JonRichfield
If you’d like to see other types of insects featured, please just ask!
No hiney? Where do all the ants go?? Wow, new bug facts never cease to amaze me.](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lpuhh8E1pF1qapz1bo1_500.jpg)
Creepy-looking ANTLION
Family: Myrmeleontidae, Genus: Palpares
© JonRichfield
As insectlove states Antlion larvae are unusual among the insects as they lack an anus. buggirl I wondered too - apparently all the metabolic waste that is generated during the larval stage is stored and is eventually emitted as meconium near the end of its pupal stage. [If you like insects these are two great blogs to follow BTW]
Antlion larvae are bruisers, the adult is considerably larger than the larva; they exhibit the greatest disparity in size between larva and adult of any type of holometabolous insects, by virtue of the adults having an extremely thin, flimsy exoskeleton - in other words, they have extremely low mass per unit of volume.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antlion
Other posts:
Spoonwing or Threadwinge AntLion
—-
Adult antlion (Family: Myrmeleontidae, Genus: Palpares). “Antlion larvae are unusual among the insects as they lack an anus.” Via Wikipedia.
Photo: JonRichfield
If you’d like to see other types of insects featured, please just ask!
No hiney? Where do all the ants go?? Wow, new bug facts never cease to amaze me.
RED-EYED TREE FROG
Agalychnis callidryas
©AnimalExplorer/Paul Bratescu
The Red-eyed Treefrog is an arboreal hylid native to Neotropical rainforests in Central America.
Red-eyed tree frogs, as their name states, have red eyes with vertically narrowed noses, a vibrant green body with yellow and blue striped sides, and orange toes. There is a great deal of regional variation in flank and thigh coloration.
Red-eyed tree frogs are not poisonous and rely on camouflage to protect themselves. During the day, they remain motionless, cover their blue sides with their back legs, tuck their bright feet under their stomach, and shut their red eyes. Thus, they appear almost completely green, and well hidden among the foliage.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agalychnis_callidryas
Other posts:
Marsupial Frog - carries tadpoles on her back
Thanks Radar for picking up my post and to all of you who have come on board as a result! This isn’t a blog about me, it’s a blog about animals. I was so blown away when I woke up this morning and saw all the activity on the blog.
For those of you who have grown the site with me, thank you so much—you’ve inspired me to keep finding new and under-posted animals and to tell a little bit of their story.
For those who have have recently come on board, feel free to take a look at the archive: http://animalworld.tumblr.com/archive and see what you think. I post 3-4 times a day and it’s always a photo of an animal, a little bit of text, a link to more text (in case you’re interested) and links to other posts you might like.
I welcome any animal related questions and comments. I’m always on the lookout for weird or unusual animals that you might not be familiar with - here are a sample:
Turtle Frog - a weird mash-up of turtle and frog
Cuban Land Snail - beautifully colored snail
Dead Leaf Butterfly - mimicss a dead leaf but is beautiful when its wings are opened
And now, back to the animals. :)
Pair of MANDARINFISH or MANDARIN DRAGONET
Synchiropus splendidus
© Jim Christensen
The Mandarinfish or Mandarin dragonet, is a small, brightly-colored member of the dragonet family. The common name of the Mandarinfish comes from its extremely vivid colouration, evoking the robes of an Imperial Chinese mandarin. The mandarinfish is native to the Pacific, ranging approximately from the Ryukyu Islands south to Australia.
To date, S. picturatus is one of only two animal species known to have blue colouring because of cellular pigment, the other is the closely related LSD or Psychedelic Dragonet. The name “cyanophore” was proposed for the blue chromatophores, or pigment-containing and light-reflecting cells. In all other known cases, the colour blue comes from thin-film interference from piles of flat, thin and reflecting purine crystals.
Fact Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandarinfish
Other posts:
METALLIC GREEN SWEAT BEE
Agapostemon splendens
© Jon Sullivan / PD Photo.org
The genus Agapostemon is a common group of Western hemisphere sweat bees of generally green or blue appearance (head and thorax always, sometimes also the abdomen in some females). There are some 45 species in the genus, ranging from Canada to Argentina. They superficially resemble various members of the tribe Augochlorini, which are typically metallic greenish in appearance. Members of this genus are commonly referred to as metallic green bees.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agapostemon
Other photos you may like:
PIN-TAILED MANAKIN
Ilicura militaris
©Ciro Albano - NE Brazil Birding
Observations were made in November and December 1983 on the display of the Pin-tailed Manakin (Ilicura militaris), a southeast Brazilian endemic genus. Groups of 2-3 adult males held contiguous display territories, each of which contained a special mating perch. Most displays were performed on or around the mating perch, which was kept clear of encroaching and epiphytic vegetation by regular “gardening.”
Males advertised their presence in their territories by repeated songs, given at short intervals throughout the day. A repertoire of stereotyped displays served to attract females to the mating perch, mating itself being preceded by ritualized jumps over the female and back. Elements of the courtship displays of the Pin-tailed Manakin resemble those of other manakins, but its relationships within the family are obscure.
Source: http://www.jstor.org/pss/4162101
Other posts:
PHYLLIUM Leaf Insect from Borneo
Phyllium pulchrifolium (male) ?
©Arddu
These are slow-moving herbivores and rely on their camouflage and forewings for defense from predators including birds, amphibians and reptiles. The females live from 4 to 7 months and males from 3 weeks to 1 month.
These leaf insects are found mainly in tropical areas and rainforests where adequate quantities of vegetation are available for consumption. It is widespread in Southeast Asia, in Borneo, China, India, Java, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sumatra. It is also found in Madagascar, Mauritius, and the Seychelles.
The females lay beige-brown eggs. Incubation takes place from 5–7 months. Many times the eggs are not fertilized due to parthenogenesis. This is a form of asexual reproduction found in females, where growth and development of embryos occurs without fertilization by a male. If the eggs are fertilized then it takes 3–4 months for incubation, otherwise it takes 6 months for unfertilized eggs. Unfertilized eggs hatch out with females only, while fertilized ones may be either male or female. The female lays about 100 eggs at intervals of a few days.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phyllium_bioculatum
Other posts:
BLUE STARFISH
Linckia laevigata
©funzug.com
Linckia laevigata (sometimes called the “blue Linckia” or Blue Star) is a species of sea star in the shallow waters of tropical Indo-Pacific. The most common color morph found is pure, dark or light blue, although one can find the aqua, purple or orange variation throughout the ocean. These sea stars may grow up to 30 cm/11.75” in diameter, with rounded tips at each of its arms — some individuals may bear light or darker spots along each of its arms. It is firm in texture, and possessing slightly tubular, elongated arms common to most of other Ophidiasteridae, and usually possessing short, yellowish tube feet. An inhabitant of coral reefs and sea grass beds, this species is relatively common and found in sparse density throughout its range.
The genus Linckia is known to be creatures with remarkable regenerative power, capable of defensive autotomy against predators and may reproduce asexually
Fact Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linckia_laevigata
Other photos you may enjoy:
