The beech blight aphid (Grylloprociphilus imbricator), aka the boogie-woogie aphid.
The white, fuzzy coating on beech blight aphids is a waxy secretion produced by specialized glands on their bodies. It isn't fungus, mold, or cotton. It acts as a form of physical defense from predators by making it harder for predators to reach or grip individual aphids.
The seadragon in this video is carrying a cluster of vibrant pink fertilized eggs on the brood patch beneath its tail.
They live exclusively in the temperate coastal waters of southern and eastern Australia. They are endemic to this region, meaning they cannot be found in the wild anywhere else on Earth.
The Green Milkweed Locust, also known as the African bush grasshopper! Lives in Southern Africa.
It feeds on toxic milkweed plants, making the locust itself toxic and unpalatable to potential predators.
These little bugs are from South and Central
America and Mexico.
A common pest in southern Florida, the thorn bug has adapted to look strikingly similar to, well, thorns. The insects cling to stems and tree trunks in large clusters.
It's rare to see one of these in the wild. They're quiet, reclusive, well camouflaged against the trees they spend most of their lives in, and they're nocturnal.
This is an Indonesian striped possum.
One of the strangest things about them is their absurdly long fourth finger, which they use to reach into holes and cracks in trees and fish out wood-boring beetle larvae.
And although it's called a possum, it's actually closely related to sugar gliders. In fact, they belong to the same family of marsupials.
The "Dibbler" (Parantechinus apicalis) is a rare, endangered carnivorous marsupial native to southwestern Australia. Looking like a tiny mouse with sharp teeth, it grows up to 6.3 inches long, weighs under 4.5 ounces, and features distinct white rings around its eyes.
Native to the mountainous and coastal regions of Central America.
Only males feature the three long, black, stringy "wattles" hanging from the base of their bills. When singing or interacting, these structures can extend up to 4 inches long. They remain completely flaccid, have no muscle control, and simply shake wildly as the bird calls. It has one of the loudest bird calls on earth!
Native to Australia. They lack a typical preen oil gland and instead possess specialized "powder down" feathers. These feathers constantly wear down into a waxy powder, which they spread over their bodies to keep clean and waterproof.
These little guys are endangered, termite-eating marsupials native to Australia!
The ones remaining are the sole surviving members of both their genus (Myrmecobius) and their family (Myrmecobiidae).
This is my pet short tailed opossum, "Monkey" eating a blue hornworm snack. These little guys have been captive bred and domesticated since the 1970s. If you live in the United States, short tailed opossums are legal to own as a pet in 28 states.
They live in the islands surrounding New Guinea and northeastern Australia. Preferring rainforests, they spend the entirety of their lives in trees.
Their mating habits include being polygynous, meaning both males and females mate with multiple different partners throughout the year. And they are marsupials, carrying their babies in a pouch.
They live in the islands surrounding New Guinea and northeastern Australia. Preferring rainforests, they spend the entirety of their lives in trees.
Their mating habits include being polygynous, meaning both males and females mate with multiple different partners throughout the year. And they are marsupials, carrying their babies in a pouch.
My short-tailed opossum playing tug of war with me for a tiny piece of mango.
My short tailed opossum, almost 8 months old. Amazing temperament. I'm happy to answer questions for anyone who is considering one.
My pet short tailed opossum tucking himself in for bed. 🥰
I'm 99% certain it was screaming 'Vitamin R' by Chevelle
