Life, Death, and Taxonomy

“…and today we’re talking about the savannah’s secret dangerous megafauna. But more on that later.” Species: Syncerus caffer, also known as Cape buffalo, savanna buffalo, or forest buffalo, depending on the subspecies. Description Build: Stocky and muscular with a broad chest, short neck, and sturdy legs built for endurance. Coat: Short, coarse hair ranging from […]

“…and today we’re talking about a globe trotting bug. But more on that later.” A simple insect lives a glover trotter’s life. No dry season will do in this bug’s life–rainfall is needed near round to maintain a healthy life cycle. So, chasing storms all over the Indian ocean is the bold strategy the globe […]

“…and today we’re talking about a starfish that the jester stole. But more on that later.” Dive into the dazzling depths of the ocean, where a spiky sovereign slinks silently across coral castles, whispering secrets through an invisible ink of proteins. This prickly predator, a veritable porcupine of the sea, rules the reefs with a […]

“…and today we’re talking about a monkey that pays for long distance. But more on that later.” Description Tiny primate, about the size of a large squirrel compared to other tamarins Soft, silky fur in a mix of gray, black, and brownish hues Distinctive long, white mustache that droops like a hipster’s finest facial hair […]

“…and today we’re talking about a little big creature. But more on that later.” Description Appearance: Compact body with a blunt, shark-like head, small lower jaw, and grayish skin that may appear wrinkled, especially in older individuals. They have a dorsal fin, smaller than that of the pygmy sperm whale, and a distinctive white or […]

“…and today we’re talking about a dessert demon. But more on that later.” Finding a solid food source is a top priority in the red dust of the Australian outback. But one thorny little devil has developed an appetite for the dessert’s spicy buffet. Not all creatures can stomach one of nature’s most common prey […]

“…and today we’re talking about a bug that dances by the light of the moon. But more on that later.” It’s time to dive into the dark, daring, and downright dazzling world of the Bogong moth! This unassuming little night-flyer might look like a dusty brown speck, but it’s got a secret superpower that’ll make […]

“…today we’re talking about a whale that’s here today and here tomorrow. More on that later.” Description Looks like a massive, stocky submarine Dark gray to black smooth, rubbery skin, often with white patches on the chin and tail Largest mouth of any animal, with a curved jawline that can extend as a massive 13’ […]

“…and today we’re talking about a sea creature that does not have a beak. More on that later.”  Description They have a robust, cigar-shaped body, a short, stubby beak, and a slightly curved mouth resembling a goose’s beak.  Their coloration varies from dark gray to reddish-brown, often with a lighter head and white scars or […]

“…and today we’re talking about a sneaky spider. But more on that later.” A cunning hunter weaves deceit in silken threads. Her artistry captures the eye, and it also snares her prey. But that’s not the only purpose for this cyclonic masquerade. It also hypnotizes hungry guests that would make a meal out of this […]

“…and today we’re talking about a creature that has a good grip despite how wet it is.” Description Slender body with a long tail, short limbs, and distinctive square-shaped toe tips containing large blood sinuses, which aid in climbing and gripping surfaces. Coloration varies but is typically dark brown, gray, or black with a mottled […]

“…and today we’re talking about a moth that is marked for death. But more on that later.” If you’re wandering the forests of East Asia at night, you may encounter a creature that bears an ill omen. Black cats, ravens, owls– people around the world believe some animals are a sign that death is around […]

“…and today we’re talking about the world’s tiniest mammal. But more on that now.” The smallest of sky-dwellers won’t win any contests of strength or speed, but hunting at night requires more precision than power. A sound in the forest will echo through the dark in a million directions, but a small source can create […]

“And today we’re talking about frogsicle.” Description of the Frog Appearance: This frog gets its name from two inguinal poison glands on its lower back that resemble eyes, creating a “four-eyed” effect. These glands are part of a defensive posture where the frog lowers its head and raises its rear to appear larger and deter […]

“…and today we’re talking about a a creature that looks like a float on Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade.” Dive into the deep, where the ocean weaves its wildest wonders. A creature slinks through the sea like a ghostly ribbon, glimmering with an eerie glow. This aquatic apparition dances in the dark, a silent symphony […]

“…and today we’re talking about the most famous fluffy animal around.” Looking to nature to find the cures for aches and ills seems like a uniquely human trait. But many animals use the elements to take care of their ailments. You may not realize, but there’s one farmiliar friend that’s extremely good at recognizing medicines […]

“…And today we’re telling about a creature that sounds likes a bad thing to call someone.” Beneath the briny blue of South Africa’s coastal waters lurks a creature with a schnoz so prominent it could co-star with the proboscis monkey in a muppet movie. The black musselcracker, a reef-roaming, shell-smashing singleton, chomps through crustaceans like […]

“…and today we’re talking about a creature that sounds like a brand of expensive tea.” The unblinking eyes of the spicebush caterpillar stare into the face of danger. Subterfuge is a great tool, but maintaining a ruse requires showmanship and commitment to a role. If a hungry predator sees past their sly facade, this caterpillar’s […]

“…and today we’re talking about an animal with a name that sounds like a AAA baseball team.” Deep in the dark, desolate depths of the ocean, where the sun don;’t shine and the pressure is crushing, there slinks a squishy, sausage-shaped sensation. This waddler of the abyss trundles through the muck with an extremely bizarre […]

“…and today we’re talking about a flat character. But more on that later.” Everyone likes a comeback kid. Clutching victory from the jaws of defeat. But what the Black Planarian Flatworm does is way beyond a come from behind win. This pond citizen has a regenerative ability so extraordinary that it would give a thinking […]

“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 […]