Animal Eyes

American Black Bear

2012-03-02T04:57:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | American Black Bear | Although They all live in North America, American black bears are not closely related to brown bears and polar bears; genetic studies reveal That They split from a common ancestor and 5:05 mya.Both American Asiatic black bears are Considered sister taxa, and are more closely related to each other than to other species of bear.

The Ancestors of American black bears and Asiatic black bears from sun bears diverged 4:58 mya. The American black bear is then split from the Asian black bear mya.The 4:08 earliest fossils of the American black bear, the which were located in Port Kennedy, Pennsylvania, greatly resemble the Asiatic species, though specimens later grew to sizes comparable to grizzlies.From the Holocene to present, American black bears seem to have shrunk in size but this has been disputed Because of problems with these fossil specimens dating.

The American black bear lived during the same period as short-faced bears (Arctodus Simus and A. pristinus) and the Florida spectacled bear (Tremarctos floridanus). These bears evolved from bears Tremarctine That had emigrated from Asia to North America 7-8 ma. The short-faced bears are thought to have been Heavily Carnivorous FL spectacled bear and the more herbivorous, while the American black bears remained arboreal omnivores , like Asian Their Ancestors. The skulls of American black bears are broad, with narrow muzzles and large jaw hinges.

The Hind legs are longer than Asiatic black bears Those of. Black bears are highly dexterous, being capable of opening screw-top jars and manipulating door latches. Black bear weight tends to Vary According to age, sex, health, and season. Black bears on the East Coast growing niche to be heavier on average than Those on the West Coast. The North American Bear Center, located in Ely, Minnesota, is home to the world's largest captive male and female black bears.

Magpie

2012-03-02T04:44:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Magpie | Magpies are passerine birds of the crow family, Corvidae. In Europe, "magpie" is Often used by English speakers as a Synonym for the European Magpie, as there are no other Magpies in Europe outside Iberia. According to analysis, the Magpies do not form monophyletic group Traditionally They are believed to be a long tail Certainly has elongated (or shortened) independently in multiple lineages of corvid birds.

Among the traditional Magpies, there Appear to be two distinct lineages: one consists of Holarctic species with black / white coloration and is probably closely related to Eurasian Crows and jays.

The Azure-winged Magpie is a species with a most peculiar distribution and unclear relationships. Either the North American, Korean, and remaining Eurasian forms are accepted as three or four separate species, or there exists only a single species, Pica pica.

Loris

2012-03-02T04:38:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Loris | Loris is the common name for the Primates of the subfamily strepsirrhine Lorisinae in Lorisidae family. Loris is one genus in this subfamily and includes the slender lorises, while Nycticebus is the genus for the slow lorises. Lorises are nocturnal. Locomotion is a Slow Loris and Cautious climbing form of quadrupedalism. Female lorises practice infant parking, leaving behind Their Young Infants in nests.

Lark

2012-03-02T04:32:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Lark | Larks are small to medium-sized birds, 12 to 24 cm (5 to 8 inches) in length and 15 to 75 grams (0.5 to 2.6 ounces) in weight (Kikkawa 2003). They have more elaborate than most birds calls, and Often given extravagant songs in display flight (Kikkawa 2003). Most species build nests on the ground, usually cups of dead grass, but in some species more complicated and partly domed. A few desert species nest very low in bushes, so Perhaps circulating water can cool the nest. Larks' eggs are usually speckled, and clutch sizes range from 2 (ESPECIALLY in species of the driest deserts) to 6 (in species of temperate regions). Larks incubate for 11 to 16 days (Kikkawa 2003). Like many ground birds, most species have long Lark Hind claws, the which are thought to Provide stability while standing.

Many species dig with Their bills to uncover food. Some Larks have heavy bills (reaching an extreme in the Thick-billed Lark) for cracking open seeds, while others have long, down-curved bills, the which are ESPECIALLY Suitable for digging (Kikkawa 2003). Larks are the only passerines That Their lose all feathers in their first moult (in all species Whose first moult is known).

In many respects, Including tertial long feathers, Larks resemble other ground birds Such as pipits. Larks are a well-defined family, partly Because of the shape of Their tarsus (Ridgway 1907). For instance, the American Ornithologists' Union places just after the Crows Larks, shrikes, and vireos. At a finer level of detail, some now place the Larks at the beginning of a superfamily Sylvioidea with the swallows, Various' Old World warbler "and" Babbler "groups, and others (Barker et al., 2002, Alstrom et al. 2006) . Larks, commonly consumed with bones intact, have Historically been Considered wholesome, delicate, and light gaming.

Lark's Tongues were particularly highly valued. In modern times, shrinking habitats Lark made meat rare and hard to come by, though it can still be found in Italy and elsewhere in Restaurants in Southern Europe (Hooper).

Snowy Owl

2012-02-21T21:37:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Snowy Owl | This yellow-eyed, black billed white bird is easily recognizable. Also, these birds can weigh anywhere from 1.6 to 3 kilograms (3.5 to 6.6 lb). It is one of the largest species of owl in North America and is on average the heaviest owl species. The adult male is virtually pure white, but Females and young birds have some dark scalloping; the young are Heavily barred, and dark spotting may even predominate. Its thick plumage, Feathered Heavily taloned feet, and coloration render the Snowy Owl well-adapted for life north of the Arctic Circle. Snowy Owl calls are varied, but the alarm call is a barking, almost quacking crick-crick; the female also has a softer mewling pyee pyee-or-Prek Prek.

This powerful bird relies primarily on lemmings and other small rodents for food during the breeding season, but at times of low prey density, or Ptarmigan during the nesting period, They may switch to favoring juvenile Ptarmigan. Some of the larger mammal prey includes Hares, muskrats, marmots, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, prairie dogs, rats, moles, and entrapped furbearers. Birds preyed upon include Ptarmigan, grouse other ducks, geese, shorebirds, Pheasants, grouse, Coots, grebes, Gulls, songbirds, raptors and other events, Including other owl species. Snowy Owls are also known to eat fish and carrion.

Snowy Owls, like many other birds, swallow small prey Their whole. Biologists frequently examine these pellets to determine the quantity and types of prey the birds have eaten. When large prey are eaten in small pieces, pellets will not be produced. During the nesting season, the Owls regularly defend against arctic foxes Their nests, corvids and swift flying jaegers as well as dogs, gray wolves and avian predators. Both sexes attack approaching predators, dive-bombing them and Engaging in distraction displays to draw the predator away from a nest. Some species nesting near snowy owl nests, Such as the snow goose, seem to benefit from the protection of snowy owls That drive competing predators out of the area.

Kestrel

2012-02-21T05:47:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Kestrel | The name kestrel, (from French crécerelle, ie crécelle derivative from Ratchet) is given to Several different members of the falcon genus, Falco. Other Falcons are more adapted to active hunting on the wing. Kestrels require a slight headwind in order to hover, Hence a local name of Windhover for Common Kestrel. Kestrels are bold and have adapted well to human encroachment, nesting in buildings and hunting by major roads.

Kestrels do not build nests Their Own, but use nests built by other species. Most species termed Kestrels Appear to form a distinct clade Among the Falcons, as suggested by comparison of mtDNA cytochrome b sequence data (Groombridge et al., 2002) and morphology. The most basal "true" Kestrels are three species from Africa and its surroundings the which lack a malar stripe, and in one case have, like other Falcons true but unlike other large Kestrels areas of gray in their wings.

Approximately during the Gelasian (Late Pliocene or Early Pleistocene, around 2.5-2 mya), the main lineage of true Kestrels emerged; this contains the species characterized by a malar stripe. More enigmatic is a group of 3 predominantly gray species from Africa and Madagascar. The American Kestrel is the only New World species termed "kestrel".

Hornet

2012-02-18T07:56:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Hornet | If a hornet is killed near a nest the which it may release pheromones can cause the other Hornets to attack. Generally Yellowjackets are smaller than the Hornets and are bright yellow and black, whereas Often the Hornets may be black and white wasp and bee-see characteristics. Another major difference is the Hornets and Yellowjackets Between each of Their food choices and aggression towards Humans. In autumn, Yellowjackets may be attracted to human foods and food wastes, Increasing Between Potentially aggressive contact Yellowjackets and Humans

Stings Hornets have used to kill prey and defend nests. Hornet Stings are more painful to Humans than typical hornet wasp venom contains Stings Because a large amount (5%) of acetylcholine.See Schmidt Sting Pain Index. Individual Hornets can sting multiple times; unlike typical bees, Hornets and Wasps do not die after stinging Because Their Stingers are not barbed and are not pulled out of Their bodies. The toxicity of hornet Stings According to hornet species varies; some deliver just a typical insect sting, while others are known Among the most Venomous insects hornet Single Stings in Themselves are not fatal, except Sometimes to allergic Victims. The Stings of the Asian giant hornet (Vespa mandarinia japonica) are the most Venomous known. People who are allergic to wasp venom are also allergic to hornet Stings.

Some other large Wasps are Sometimes Referred to as the Hornets, most bald-faced Notably the hornet (Dolichovespula maculataand) found in North America. The name "hornet" is used for this and related species, primarily Because of Their habit of making aerial nests (similar to the true Hornets) rather than subterranean nests.

Carpenter bee

2012-02-18T07:47:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Carpenter bee | In Several species, Females live alongside the daughters or sisters Their Own, creating a sort of social group. They use wood bits to form partitions Between the cells in the nest. A few species bore holes in wood Dwellings. In the United States, there are two eastern species, Xylocopa virginica, and Xylocopa micans, and three other species are primarily western in That distribution, varipuncta Xylocopa, Xylocopa Xylocopa californica and tabaniformis orpifex.

Males of some species have a white or yellow face, where the Females do not; males also have much larger eyes Often than the Females, the which relates to Their mating behavior. Male bees are Often seen hovering near nests, and will approach nearby animals. Female carpenter bees are capable of stinging, but They are docile and rarely sting unless caught in the hand or otherwise directly Provoked. The exact nature of the relationship is not fully Understood, though in other bees That carry mites, the mites are beneficial, feeding either on fungi in the nest, or on other, harmful mites Carpenter bees are solitary bees Traditionally Considered, though some species have simple social nests in the which mothers and daughters may cohabit.

Carpenter bees the make nests by tunneling into wood, vibrating Their bodies as They rasp Their mandibles against the wood, each nest having a single entrance the which may have many adjacent tunnels. Carpenter bees do not eat wood. The provision Masses of some species are Among the most complex in shape of any group of bees; whereas most bees fill Their Brood cells with a soupy mass, and others form simple spheroidal pollen Masses, Xylocopa form elongate and carefully sculpted Masses That Several projections have the which keep the bulk of the mass from coming into contact with the cell walls, resembling an irregular caltrop Sometimes.

Species in the which the males have large eyes are characterized by a mating system where the males either search for Females by patrolling, or by hovering and waiting for passing Females, whom Pursue They then. The pheromone advertises the presence of the male to Females.

Wasp

2012-02-18T07:41:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Wasp | Male Yellowjacket Wasps, for example, have 13 divisions per antenna, while Females have 12. The Difference Between Wasps sterile female workers and queens also varies Generally Between species, but the queen is noticeably larger than both males and other Females. Unlike bees, Wasps Generally lack plumose hairs. The type of nest produced by Wasps can depend on the species and location. Many social Wasps That Produce nests are constructed predominantly from paper pulp.

The Various species of Wasps fall into one of two main categories: social and solitary Wasps Wasps. Adult solitary Wasps live and operate alone, and most do not construct nests (below); all adult solitary Wasps are fertile. By contrast, social Wasps exist in Colonies numbering up to Several thousand individuals and build nests in some cases but not all of the colony can reproduce. In some species, just the wasp queen and male Wasps can mate, whilst the majority of the colony is made up of sterile female workers. Like all insects, Wasps have a hard exoskeleton covering Their three main body parts.

Social Wasps also use other types of nesting material mixed in with That Become the nest and it is common to find nests located near to the plastic pool or trampoline covers Incorporating distinct bands of color That Reflect the inclusion of these materials have simply been That chewed up and mixed with wood fibers to give a unique look to the nest. Again each species of social wasp Appears to Favour its own specific range of nesting sites. By contrast solitary Wasps are parasitic or predatory and Generally only the latter build nests at all. Unlike honey bees, Wasps have no wax producing glands. Wood fibers are gathered locally from Weathered wood, softened by chewing and mixing with saliva.

Not all social castes That Wasps have are physically different in size and structure. All female Wasps are Potentially capable of Becoming a colony's queen and this process is determined by the which Often female successfully lays eggs first and begins construction of the nest. Evidence Suggests That Females Compete amongst each other by eating the eggs of other rival Females. Polistine nests are considerably smaller than many other social wasp nests, housing only around 250 Typically Wasps, compared to the Several thousand common with Yellowjackets, and have the smallest stenogastrines Colonies of all, rarely with more than a dozen Wasps in a mature colony.

Bumble bee

2012-02-18T07:32:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Bumble bees | Bumble bees are found in higher latitudes Typically and / or high altitudes, though exceptions exist (there are a few Lowland tropical species) A few species (Bombus polaris and B. alpinus) range into very cold climates where other bees Might not be found B . Bumble bees Their body temperature can regulate, via solar radiation, internal Mechanisms of "shivering" and radiative cooling from the abdomen (called heterothermy). Other bees have similar physiology, but the Mechanisms have been best studied in Bumble bees.

The eggs hatch develop into female That workers, and in time the queen populates the colony, with workers feeding the young and performing other duties similar to honey bee workers. According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the term Bumble bee was first recorded as having been used in the English language in the 1530 work by John Palsgrave Lesclarcissement, "I bomme, as a bombyll bee dothe." The latter term was used in A Midsummer Night's Dream (circa 1600) by William Shakespeare, "The honie-bags steale from the humble Bees."

"Said the Bumble Bee." In the post-World War II era, however, be humble-bee fell into near-total disuse. The orchestral interlude "Flight of the Bumblebee" was composed (circa 1900) by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov to Represent the turning of Prince Guidon to visit his father, Tsar Saltan, in the opera The Tale of Tsar Saltan, although the music is Considered to Reflect more accurately the flight of a Bluebottle than a bumblebee.The music inspired Walt Disney to feature a Bumble bee in his 1940 animated musical Fantasia and have it sound as if it were flying in all parts of the theater. The archaic English colloquialism dumbledor (also used for cockchafers) is the source of the name Albus Dumbledore, a fictional character from the Harry Potter series (1997-2007).

Spiderman Agamas

2012-02-16T06:40:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Spiderman Agamas | The Mwanza Flat-headed religion or Mwanza Flat-headed Rock Religion (Religion mwanzae) is a species of lizard from the family Agamidae, found in Tanzania, Rwanda, and Kenya. The male's head, neck and shoulders are bright red or violet, while the dark blue body. The female is mostly brown and is difficult, to distinguish from other female agamas. This species is Often confused with the Red-headed Rock Religion (Christian religion).

Religion species are Widely spread throughout areas of Africa. Agamas are most Often found in semi-dessert or scrubland environments. House Spiderman agamas in groups of 1.3 and during breeding season should introduce a second male to see if a roll of dominance helps with the captive breeding of this species.

Provide a shallow water bowl clean at all times. Agamas enclosure each morning mist of morning dew allowing simulating the agamas to lap up water off the glass enclosure and cage furnishings. Spiderman agamas reach an average length of 6-9 inches with Females usually being smaller.

Narwhal

2012-02-16T06:35:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Narwhal | Narwhal (monodon monoceros) is the name of one of the most whales are not known to man. The name "narwhal" is derived from the Old Norse language which means "corpse whale". Narwhal is a toothed whale-consuming and includes carnivorous marine animals such as fish, shrimp, or squid The mysterious spiral narwhal horn was functioning as a giant sensor to help determine the quality of water and to "smell" other narwhal. towel narwhal whales that could reach 2.4 meters in length it has long been a puzzle the naturalist and hunter. Martin Nweeia, a researcher at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

According Nweeia, the horn seems to have a hydrodynamic sensing capabilities. Narwhal (monodon monoceros) is a type of whale, including very rare. Nweeia team discovered that the narwhal horn similar to the membrane with a surface that is very sensitive.

Each whale narwhal (monodon monoceros) also use sound to communicate with each other like dolphins or other whales. Scientists have long known that marine mammals use sound signals to communicate with each other in the water. Recent research even suggests that the whales have dialects.

However, not much research to learn the identity of sounds like a narwhal whales. The researchers believe the narwhal whales use sound to identify each other and differ from one individual to individual. It is the scientists concluded after studying the sounds of three tails narwhal in Admiralty Bay on Baffin Island, Canada. They use electronic recorders attached to the body of the giant mammals. What do narwhal whales like bottle nose dolphins that also whistling noises to communicate. So with different voices, each one can distinguish the individual in the group or other groups.

Sockeye salmon

2012-02-16T06:29:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Sockeye salmon | Sockeye salmon ranges as far south as the Columbia River in the eastern Pacific (though individuals have been spotted as far south as the 10 Mile River on the Mendocino Coast of California) and northern Hokkaidō Island in Japan in the western Pacific, and as far north as Bathurst Inlet in the Canadian Arctic in the east and the Anadyr River in Siberia in the west. Nantahala Lake is the only spot in North Carolina where Kokanee salmon are found. Sockeye spawn mostly in streams having lakes in their watershed. The young fish, known as fry, spend up to three years in the freshwater lake before migrating to the ocean.

Some fish spend as long as four years in fresh water lakes before migrating. In rivers without lakes, many of the young move to the ocean soon after Hatching. The return Abundance (population) of Fraser River sockeye in 2009 was estimated at a very low 1,370,000, 13% of the pre-season forecast of 10,488,000. The Reasons for this (former) decline REMAIN speculative. The evidence indicated this reduced productivity Occurred after the juvenile fish began Their migration to the ocean.

Astonishingly, the number of sockeye returning to British Columbia was around 30 million in 2010, the largest sockeye run in 97 years, in bizarre contrast to the low Unexpectedly run in 2009. The Abundance of sockeye stocks in 2010 are estimated to be over 260% higher than the predicted 11.4 million salmon. Sockeye is an exception to 2010's forecast Oregonian Resurgence of fish stocks. The sockeye population peaked at over 200.000 in 2008 and were forecast to decline to just over 100 000 in 2010. As an early indication of the Unexpectedly high sockeye run in 2010, on July 2, 2010, the United States Army Corps of Engineers reported over 300 000 That sockeye had passed over Bonneville Dam on the Columbia river. Lower temperatures in 2008 in North Pacific waters Brought fatter plankton which, along with the Greater outflows of Columbia River water, feeding the resurgent Populations

Proposed Legislative Efforts Such as the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act are Attempting to protect the Headwaters of the sockeye salmon by Preventing industrial development in roadless areas. U.S. sockeye salmon Populations are currently listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act by the National Marine Fisheries Service as an endangered species in the Snake River (Idaho, Oregon and Washington area) and as a Threatened species in Lake Ozette, Washington. Other sockeye Populations in the upper Columbia River and in Puget Sound (Washington) are not listed under the Act.

Ring Tailed cat

2012-02-16T05:59:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Ring Tailed cat | The Ringtail is buff to dark brown in color with white underparts and a flashy black and white striped tail That has 14-16 white and black stripes the which is longer than the rest of its body. The claws are short, straight, and semi-retractable. The eyes are large and purple, each surrounded by a patch of light fur. Ringtails have occasionally been hunted for Their pelts, but the fur is not valuable expecellay. The Ringtail is found in California, Colorado, eastern Kansas, Oklahoma, Oregon, Arizona, New Mexico, southern Nevada, Texas, Utah and throughout northern and central Mexico.

The Ringtail is the state mammal of Arizona. It is also found in the Great Basin Desert. The Great Basin Desert covers most of Nevada and over half of Utah, as well as parts of California, Idaho, and Oregon. The Ringtail Prefers to live in rocky habitats associated with water. Ringtails mate in the spring.

Miners and settlers once kept pet ringtails to keep Their cabins free of vermin; Hence, the common name of "miner's cat" (though in fact the Ringtail is no more than it is civet cat). At least one biologist in Oregon has joked That the Ringtail is one of two species-the domestic cat and the Ringtail-that's Thus "Humans domesticated" due of that pattern of behavior.

Jumping spiders

2012-02-14T20:17:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Jumping spiders | Jumping spiders live in a variety of habitats. Euophrys omnisuperstes is a species reported to have been collected at the highest elevation, on the slopes of Mount Everest Jumping spiders have very good vision centered in their anterior median eyes (AME). Some species (for example, Cosmophasis umbratica) are highly dimorphic in the UV spectrum, suggesting a role in sexual signaling (Lim & Li, 2005). Color discrimination has been demonstrated in Behavioral Experiments.

The principal, anterior median, eyes have high resolution (11 min. Visual angle), but the field of vision is narrow, from 2 to 5 degrees. However, the retina at the back of the tube-shaped anterior median eye to inspect objects can move off the direct axis of vision. Jumping spiders are Generally diurnal, active hunters. This enables the spiders to jump without having large muscular legs like a Grasshopper. Most jumping spiders can jump several times the length of Their body. Like many other spiders That Practically continuous leave a silk trail, jumping spiders impregnate the silk line with pheromones play a role in That social and reproductive communication, and possibly in navigation.

Certain species of jumping spiders ave been shown by experiment to be capable of learning, recognizing and remembering colors, and of adapting accordingly behviour Their hunting. Their umping spiders use vision in complex visual courtship displays. Often males are quite different in appearance from Females, and may have plumose hairs, colored or Iridescent hairs, front leg fringes, structures on other legs, and other, Often bizarre, modifications.

The male will then his front legs extend towards the female to touch her. Remains if the receptive female, the male will climb on the female's back and inseminate her with his palps. A 2008 study of the species in Current Biology Phintella vittatain female spiders Suggests That React to the male reflecting ultraviolet B light before mating, a finding That challenges the assumption held Previously That animals did not register ultraviolet B light. In recent years it has been Discovered That many jumping spiders may have auditory signals as well, with amplified sounds produced by the males sounding like buzzes or drum rolls

Redback spider

2012-02-14T20:14:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Redback spider | The female Redback has a round body about the size of a large pea (1 centimetre long), with long, slender legs. The body is a deep black color (occasionally brownish), Often containing an obvious orange to red longitudinal stripe on the upper abdomen. Juvenile spiders have additional white markings on the abdomen. In the process of mating, the much smaller male somersaults to place his abdomen over the female's mouthparts. In about 2 out of 3 cases, the female consumes the male while fully Continues mating. WHO males are not eaten die of Their injuries soon after mating.

The eating process allows for a longer period of copulation and fertilization of more eggs Thus Spake. WHO Females have eaten a male are more Likely to reject subsequent males Although this prohibits the possibility of future mating for the males, this is not a serious disadvantage Because the spiders are sufficiently sparse That only 20% of males ever find a Their potential mate during lifetime. Males will bite through the exoskeleton and deliver sperm to the organs without performing the somersault seen in adult males mating with Females. The Females then moult within a few days and deliver a normal clutch of eggs.

A female spider may lay eggs every 25 to 30 days. A single female normally lays Between 40 and 300 eggs in each sac but can lay up to 5000 eggs. Young Redback spiders leave the maternal web by being Carried on the wind. The spider extends its abdomen high in the air and Produces a droplet of silk. The liquid silk is drawn out into a long Gossamer thread that, when long enough, carries the spider away. The Redback spider is commonly found in close proximity to human residences.

Diving bell spider

2012-02-13T20:17:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Diving bell spider | The diving bell spider or water spider, Argyroneta aquatica, is the only species of spider known to live entirely under water. It is the only spider known to spend its whole life under water. However it breathes water, the which it traps in a bubble held by hairs on its abdomen and legs Females build underwater "diving bell" webs the which They fill with water and use for digesting prey, molting, mating and raising offspring.

Males also build bells, but these are smaller and the males replenish Their bells' oxygen supply less often. Very unusual for spiders, males of this species are about 30% percent larger than Females, possibly Because Their hunting style requires more active Greater Strength to Overcome the resistance of the water and to counteract the buoyancy of mobile Their water supplies. The sizes of Females may be limited by the amount of energy put into building They Their larger bells and maintaining

The spider web can serve as underwater gills for the spider exchanging carbon dioxide with oxygen in the surrounding water The appearance of the diving bell gave rise to the genus name Argyroneta, from the Greek "argyreios" (αργυροειδής), meaning "Silvery", and "netos" (νήθωσ) meaning in context: "spun However, frequent replenishment at the surface is unnecessary in well-oxygenated water, Because the structure of the bell permits gas exchange with the surrounding water: oxygen is replenished and carbon dioxide Expelled by diffusion. The process is driven by differences in partial pressure and relative solubility in water, of nitrogen, oxygen , and carbon dioxide.

Giant house spider

2012-02-13T20:13:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Giant house spider | The Giant house spider is indigenous to north western Europe. The webs built by the Giant house spider are flat and messy with a funnel at one end. Like most spiders, the spider possesses quite a potent venom to subdue its prey, the which is not known to harm Humans.

A population of Giant house spiders is popularly thought to be a deterrent to the establishment of Tegenaria agrestis, known in North America as the hobo spider, and Considered by some to be more Likely to Bite Humans. Giant house spiders may Compete with hobo spiders for the same resources. Hobo spiders grow no more than a body size of 15 millimeters (0.59 in) long where as the larger female giant house spider can have a body size of 18 millimeters (0.71 in), but has proportionately much longer legs.

Other authors suggested That T. gigantea was a Synonym of T.saeva, but molecular evidence shows That these are distinct taxa, not Synonyms

Brazilian wandering spider

2012-02-13T05:05:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Brazilian wandering spider | The genus Phoneutria (Greek for "Murderess") contains eight scientifically described species. The Brazilian wandering spiders can grow to have a leg span of up to 13-15 cm (4-5 in). Two species (P. reidyi and P. boliviensis) are found from southern Central America to the Amazon region, while one species (P. Fera) is restricted to the Amazon. The remaining species are restricted to Atlantic Forest of Argentina, Paraguay and Brazil, Including forest fragments in the Cerrado (savannah). In Brazil, Phoneutria is only absent in the Northeastern region north of Salvador, Bahia. Phoneutria has been introduced to Chile and Uruguay.

Phoneutria includes some of the Relatively few species of spiders known to present a threat to Human Beings. Danger to Humans is not merely a question of toxicity, but requires the capacity to deliver the venom, a sufficient quantity of venom, a disposition Likely That makes a bite and proximity to human habitation. Spider mouthparts are adapted to envenomate very small prey; They are not well-adapted to attacking Large Mammals Such as Humans. A study in March 2009 Suggests That Phoneutria inject venom in approximately one-third of Their bites, and only a small quantity in one-third of Those cases.

Of the eight-described species, P. nigriventer and P. Fera most frequently receive mention in mass-media publications. The species P. Fera is native to the northern portion of South America in the Amazon of Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and the Guyanas. The spider's wandering nature is another reason it is so dangerous Considered. In densely populated areas, Phoneutria species usually search for cover and dark places to hide during daytime, leading it to hide within houses, clothes, cars, boots, boxes and log piles, Thus Spake generating accidents when people disturb it. Its other common name, "banana spider", comes from its Tendency to hide in banana bunches on Plantations, and it is occasionally found as a Stowaway within shipments of bananas. These spiders can also Appear in banana crates sent to grocery stores and bulk food centers around the world.

One study suggested That only 2.3 percent of bites (mainly in children) were serious enough to require antivenom.However, other studies, as cited in the studies Bücherl Wolfgang, That showed the toxicity of Phoneutria venom Cleary was more virulent than both Latrodectus and Atrax . Many experts believe That Various Phoneutria spiders can deliver like a "dry" bite to purposely conserve Their venom, as opposed to a more primitive like spider Atrax That usually delivers a full load. In one case, a single spider killed two children in São Sebastião. The spider was Positively Identified as a Phoneutria by Wolfgang Bücherl

Camel Spiders

2012-02-13T04:59:00.000-08:00

Animal Eyes | Camel Spiders | Typically Solifugae are univoltine. Reproduction can involve direct or indirect sperm transfer; when indirect, the male emits a spermatophore on the ground and then inserts it with his chelicerae in the female's genital pore. Solifugids have been recognised as distinct taxa from ancient times. The Greeks recognised That They were distinct from spiders; spiders were called ἀράχνη (Arachne) were named φαλάγγιον while Solifugae (phalangion).

Although Solifugae are Considered to be endemic indicators of desert biomes, Widely They occur in semi-desert and scrub. Some species also live in Grassland or forest habitats. Inhabit Solifugae Generally warm and arid habitats, Including virtually all warm deserts and scrublands in all Continents excepting Antarctica and Australia. Solifugae are Carnivorous or omnivorous, with most species feeding on Termites, darkling beetles, and other small ground-dwelling arthropods.

Anton August Heinrich Lichtenstein in 1797 theorised That the "mice" which plagued the Philistines in the Old Testament were Solifugae. Similarly British Troops stationed in Libya in World War II would stage fights Between Solifugae and scorpions. The name derives from Latin Solifugae, and means "Those That Flee from the sun".

In southern Africa They are known by a host of names Including red romance, haarskeerders ("hair cutters") and baardskeerders ("beard cutters"), the latter two Relating to the belief They use Their formidable jaws to clip hair from Humans and animals Their subterranean nests to line

Mountain Tapir

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Animal Eyes | Mountain Tapir | Mountain tapirs are black or very dark brown in color, with occasional pale hairs flecked in amongst the darker fur. The fur Becomes noticeably paler on the Underside, around the anal region, and on the cheeks. Like the other types of tapir, Stubby They have small tails and long, flexible proboscises. A patch of bare skin, pale pink or gray in color, extends just above each toe Female mountain tapirs have a 30-day estrus cycle, and breed only once Typically every other year.

During courtship, the males chases the female and uses soft bites, grunts, and squeals to get her attention, while the female responds with frequent squealing. New born mountain tapirs weigh about 5.4 to 6.2 kilograms (12 to 14 lb) and have a brown coat with Yellowish-white spots and stripes. Their like the adults of the species, mountain baby Woolly tapirs have thick fur to help keep them warm. Mountain Tapirs reach sexual maturity at age three and have lived up to 27 years in captivity

When around other members of Their species, Mountain Tapirs Communicate through high-pitched whistles, and the males occasionally fight over estrous Females by Trying to bite each other's rear legs. But for the most part, Mountain Tapirs are shy and lead solitary lives, spending waking hours foraging for Their food on Their Own along well-worn tapir paths. Mountain tapirs are Generally crepuscular, although They are more active during the day than other species of tapir.

Male Mountain Tapirs will frequently mark territory with dung piles Their, urine, and rubbings on trees, and Females will engage in these behaviors Sometimes as well. The territories of individuals usually overlap, with each animal claiming over 800 hectares (3.1 sq mi), and Females tending to have larger territories than males. The Mountain Tapir is found in the cloud forests and Páramo of the Eastern and Central Cordilleras mountains in Colombia, Ecuador, and the far north of Peru. The Mountain Tapir lives at elevations commonly Between 2.000 and 4.300 meters (6.600 and 14.100 ft), and since at this altitude temperatures routinely fall below freezing, the animal's Woolly coat is essential. During the wet season, mountain tapirs growing niche to Inhabit the forests of the Andes, while during the drier months, They move to the Páramo where there are fewer biting insects to pester them The Mountain Tapir recognised has no subspecies.

South American Tapir

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Animal Eyes | South American Tapir | It is dark brown in color, paler in the face, and has a low, erect crest running from the crown down the back of the neck. The round, dark ears have distinctive white edges. The South American Tapir can attain a body length of 1.8 to 2.5 m (5.9 to 8.2 ft) with a 5 to 10 cm (2.0 to 3.9 in) Stubby short tail and an average weight around 225 kg (500 lb). Lowland Tapirs are excellent swimmers and divers but also Move Quickly on land, even over rugged, mountainous terrain.

The South American Tapir is Generally Recognized as an endangered animal species, with the species being designated as endangered by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service on June 2, 1970. The South American Tapir, however, had a significantly lower risk of extinction than the other three tapir species.

Scorpion Fish

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Animal Eyes | Scorpion Fish | Scorpaenidae, the scorpionfish, are a family of mostly marine fish That includes many of the world's most Venomous species. In Addition to the name scorpionfish, informal names for family members include "firefish", "turkeyfish", "Dragonfish", and "stingfish", usually with adjectives added.

General characteristics of family members include a compressed body, ridges and / or spines on the head, one or two spines on the operculum, and three to five spines on the preopercle. The spines of the dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins all have venom glands at the bases Their Most species are bottom-dwellers feed on crustaceans That and smaller fish.

Most Scorpionfish, Such as the stonefish, wait in disguise for prey to pass them by before swallowing, while lionfish Often Ambush Their Prey. Stripers, grouper, bass, snook, Frogfish, toadfish, sculpin, etc., Also feed this way, but the scorpionfish, toadfish and sculpins are the only members of this group have That jaw teeth.

Fishes of the World recognizes 10 subfamilies with a total of 388 species, while (as of 2006) FishBase follows Eschmeyer and has 3 subfamilies, 25 genera, and 200 species, some of the species being removed to family Sebastidae the which other authorities do not follow .

Pliers

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Animal Eyes | Pliers | Acanthuridae ("thorn tails") is the family of surgeonfishes, Tangs, and unicornfishes. The family includes about 80 species in six genera, all of the which are marine fish living in tropical seas, usually around coral reefs. Many of the species are brightly colored and popular for aquaria. It has been suggested That feeding in schools is a mechanism for the highly aggressive defense Overwhelming responses of small territorial damselfishes That vigorously guard small patches of algae on coral reefs.

Most species are Relatively small and have a maximum length of 15-40 cm (6-16 in), but some members of the genus Acanthurus, some members of the genus Prionurus, and most members of the genus Naso can grow larger, with the whitemargin unicornfish (N. annulatus), the largest species in the family, reaching a length of up to a metre (3.3 ft). These fishes can grow Quickly in aquariums so it is advisable to check the average growth size and suitability before adding to a marine aquarium.

Tangs are very sensitive to disease in the home aquarium. However if the tang is fed enough algae and the aquarium is properly maintained disease should not be a problem. In length and most grow even in aquariums Quickly. Larger species Such as the popular Pacific Blue tang surgeonfish (of Finding Nemo fame), Naso or lipstick tang, clown and sohal Tangs can grow to 40 cm (15 ins.)

Tangs primarily graze on macroalgae, Caulerpa and gracilias Such as, although They have been observed in an aquarium setting to eat meat based fish foods.

Rock Ptarmigan

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Animal Eyes | Rock Ptarmigan | The Rock Ptarmigan is centimetres 34-36 (13-14 in) long (tail 8 cm) with a wing-span of 54-60 centimetres (21-24 in). The male's "song" is a loud croaking. The Rock Ptarmigan is seasonally camouflaged; its feathers moult from white in winter to brown in spring or summer. The breeding male has greyish upper parts with white wings and under parts. It can be distinguished from the winter Willow Grouse (Willow Ptarmigan in North America) by habitat of the Rock Ptarmigan Prefers higher elevations and more barrens habitat it is also smaller with a more delicate bill.

The Rock Ptarmigan is a sedentary species, the which breeds across arctic and subarctic Eurasia and North America (including Greenland) on rocky mountainsides and tundra. Studies have shown on other grouses That much variation in comb size and color exists Between the species, and that 'the comb is used in courtship displays and aggressive interactions Between males.

The male's comb has been the focus of studies regarding sexual selection. Studies of a population of male Rock Ptarmigans in Scarpa Lake, Nunavut, have shown That during the first year, mating success was influenced by Among males comb size and condition, and bigamous males had larger than monogamous males Combs. That muta That showed overall mating success is correlated to comb condition. Exceptions were first-time Breeders, in the which the size of the comb influenced mating success. The Ptarmigan's genus name, Lagopus, is derived from Ancient Greek lagos (λαγως), meaning "hare", + Pous (πους), "foot", in reference to the bird's Feathered legs (see also Snowshoe Hare).