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08 July 2014

Tuesday

 

 

Coyote

 

The coyote appears often in the tales and traditions of Native Americans—usually as a very savvy and clever beast. Modern coyotes have displayed their cleverness by adapting to the changing American landscape. These members of the dog family once lived primarily in open prairies and deserts, but now roam the continent's forests and mountains. They have even colonized cities like Los Angeles, and are now found over most of North America. Coyote populations are likely at an all-time high.

 

These adaptable animals will eat almost anything. They hunt rabbits, rodents, fish, frogs, and even deer. They also happily dine on insects, snakes, fruit, grass, and carrion. Because they sometimes kill lambs, calves, or other livestock, as well as pets, many ranchers and farmers regard them as destructive pests.

 

Coyotes are formidable in the field where they enjoy keen vision and a strong sense of smell. They can run up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) an hour. In the fall and winter, they form packs for more effective hunting.

 

Coyotes form strong family groups. In spring, females den and give birth to litters of three to twelve pups. Both parents feed and protect their young and their territory. The pups are able to hunt on their own by the following fall.

 

Coyotes are smaller than wolves and are sometimes called prairie wolves or brush wolves. They communicate with a distinctive call, which at night often develops into a raucous canine chorus.

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/CcRSEzy.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/guzVRlG.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Y4bPEbX.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/y9qMH18.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DcuF60U.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1jIomsi.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/kz2wJv5.jpg

 

Great looking animal. The third one down looks quite ferocious, but my money's still on the roadrunner.

 

I hear coyotes yipping and howling quite often at night. A little spooky, but cool. http://www.smileyvault.com/albums/stock/smiley-happy0159.gif

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09 July 2014

Wednesday

 

 

Leopard

 

 

Leopards are graceful and powerful big cats closely related to lions, tigers, and jaguars. They live in sub-Saharan Africa, northeast Africa, Central Asia, India, and China. However, many of their populations are endangered, especially outside of Africa.

 

The leopard is so strong and comfortable in trees that it often hauls its kills into the branches. By dragging the bodies of large animals aloft it hopes to keep them safe from scavengers such as hyenas. Leopards can also hunt from trees, where their spotted coats allow them to blend with the leaves until they spring with a deadly pounce. These nocturnal predators also stalk antelope, deer, and pigs by stealthy movements in the tall grass. When human settlements are present, leopards often attack dogs and, occasionally, people.

 

Leopards are strong swimmers and very much at home in the water, where they sometimes eat fish or crabs.

 

Most leopards are light colored with distinctive dark spots that are called rosettes, because they resemble the shape of a rose. Black leopards, which appear to be almost solid in color because their spots are hard to distinguish, are commonly called black panthers.

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/oRzKkoJ.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/8QJPBkE.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/D3HWwnO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/LHko3Yl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ugAaTK9.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/x1McjVY.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mbamicO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/vqoBoLR.jpg

 

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08 July 2014

Tuesday

 

 

Coyote

 

The coyote appears often in the tales and traditions of Native Americans—usually as a very savvy and clever beast. Modern coyotes have displayed their cleverness by adapting to the changing American landscape. These members of the dog family once lived primarily in open prairies and deserts, but now roam the continent's forests and mountains. They have even colonized cities like Los Angeles, and are now found over most of North America. Coyote populations are likely at an all-time high.

 

These adaptable animals will eat almost anything. They hunt rabbits, rodents, fish, frogs, and even deer. They also happily dine on insects, snakes, fruit, grass, and carrion. Because they sometimes kill lambs, calves, or other livestock, as well as pets, many ranchers and farmers regard them as destructive pests.

 

Coyotes are formidable in the field where they enjoy keen vision and a strong sense of smell. They can run up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) an hour. In the fall and winter, they form packs for more effective hunting.

 

Coyotes form strong family groups. In spring, females den and give birth to litters of three to twelve pups. Both parents feed and protect their young and their territory. The pups are able to hunt on their own by the following fall.

 

Coyotes are smaller than wolves and are sometimes called prairie wolves or brush wolves. They communicate with a distinctive call, which at night often develops into a raucous canine chorus.

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/CcRSEzy.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/guzVRlG.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Y4bPEbX.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/y9qMH18.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DcuF60U.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1jIomsi.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/kz2wJv5.jpg

 

:LOL: As long as that last coyote stays away from Acme products, he'll probably be okay.

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09 July 2014

Wednesday

 

 

Leopard

 

 

Leopards are graceful and powerful big cats closely related to lions, tigers, and jaguars. They live in sub-Saharan Africa, northeast Africa, Central Asia, India, and China. However, many of their populations are endangered, especially outside of Africa.

 

The leopard is so strong and comfortable in trees that it often hauls its kills into the branches. By dragging the bodies of large animals aloft it hopes to keep them safe from scavengers such as hyenas. Leopards can also hunt from trees, where their spotted coats allow them to blend with the leaves until they spring with a deadly pounce. These nocturnal predators also stalk antelope, deer, and pigs by stealthy movements in the tall grass. When human settlements are present, leopards often attack dogs and, occasionally, people.

 

Leopards are strong swimmers and very much at home in the water, where they sometimes eat fish or crabs.

 

Most leopards are light colored with distinctive dark spots that are called rosettes, because they resemble the shape of a rose. Black leopards, which appear to be almost solid in color because their spots are hard to distinguish, are commonly called black panthers.

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/oRzKkoJ.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/8QJPBkE.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/D3HWwnO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/LHko3Yl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ugAaTK9.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/x1McjVY.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mbamicO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/vqoBoLR.jpg

 

What a beautiful and majestic animal. Very pretty...

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09 July 2014

Wednesday

 

 

Leopard

 

 

Leopards are graceful and powerful big cats closely related to lions, tigers, and jaguars. They live in sub-Saharan Africa, northeast Africa, Central Asia, India, and China. However, many of their populations are endangered, especially outside of Africa.

 

The leopard is so strong and comfortable in trees that it often hauls its kills into the branches. By dragging the bodies of large animals aloft it hopes to keep them safe from scavengers such as hyenas. Leopards can also hunt from trees, where their spotted coats allow them to blend with the leaves until they spring with a deadly pounce. These nocturnal predators also stalk antelope, deer, and pigs by stealthy movements in the tall grass. When human settlements are present, leopards often attack dogs and, occasionally, people.

 

Leopards are strong swimmers and very much at home in the water, where they sometimes eat fish or crabs.

 

Most leopards are light colored with distinctive dark spots that are called rosettes, because they resemble the shape of a rose. Black leopards, which appear to be almost solid in color because their spots are hard to distinguish, are commonly called black panthers.

 

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/oRzKkoJ.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/8QJPBkE.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/D3HWwnO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/LHko3Yl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ugAaTK9.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/x1McjVY.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mbamicO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/vqoBoLR.jpg

 

Fantastic! There's my cousin, Your_Leopard

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07 July 2014

Monday

 

 

Praying Mantis

 

The praying mantis is named for its prominent front legs, which are bent and held together at an angle that suggests the position of prayer. The larger group of these insects is more properly called the praying mantids. Mantis refers to the genus mantis, to which only some praying mantids belong.

 

By any name, these fascinating insects are formidable predators. They have triangular heads poised on a long "neck," or elongated thorax. Mantids can turn their heads 180 degrees to scan their surroundings with two large compound eyes and three other simple eyes located between them.

 

Typically green or brown and well camouflaged on the plants among which they live, mantis lie in ambush or patiently stalk their quarry. They use their front legs to snare their prey with reflexes so quick that they are difficult to see with the naked eye. Their legs are further equipped with spikes for snaring prey and pinning it in place.

 

Moths, crickets, grasshoppers, flies, and other insects are usually the unfortunate recipients of unwanted mantid attention. However, the insects will also eat others of their own kind. The most famous example of this is the notorious mating behavior of the adult female, who sometimes eats her mate just after—or even during—mating. Yet this behavior seems not to deter males from reproduction.

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/ctVehDN.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/301Cftx.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/PC0Q3Lt.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ZXylBEr.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/v5nNXDg.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/9CPdEux.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/QwOa8fe.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/4mShzWe.jpg

 

 

Lovely! And he looks like he's smiling in the first pic! :D

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08 July 2014

Tuesday

 

 

Coyote

 

The coyote appears often in the tales and traditions of Native Americans—usually as a very savvy and clever beast. Modern coyotes have displayed their cleverness by adapting to the changing American landscape. These members of the dog family once lived primarily in open prairies and deserts, but now roam the continent's forests and mountains. They have even colonized cities like Los Angeles, and are now found over most of North America. Coyote populations are likely at an all-time high.

 

These adaptable animals will eat almost anything. They hunt rabbits, rodents, fish, frogs, and even deer. They also happily dine on insects, snakes, fruit, grass, and carrion. Because they sometimes kill lambs, calves, or other livestock, as well as pets, many ranchers and farmers regard them as destructive pests.

 

Coyotes are formidable in the field where they enjoy keen vision and a strong sense of smell. They can run up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) an hour. In the fall and winter, they form packs for more effective hunting.

 

Coyotes form strong family groups. In spring, females den and give birth to litters of three to twelve pups. Both parents feed and protect their young and their territory. The pups are able to hunt on their own by the following fall.

 

Coyotes are smaller than wolves and are sometimes called prairie wolves or brush wolves. They communicate with a distinctive call, which at night often develops into a raucous canine chorus.

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/CcRSEzy.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/guzVRlG.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Y4bPEbX.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/y9qMH18.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DcuF60U.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1jIomsi.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/kz2wJv5.jpg

 

 

He's beautiful! :heart:

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09 July 2014

Wednesday

 

 

Leopard

 

 

Leopards are graceful and powerful big cats closely related to lions, tigers, and jaguars. They live in sub-Saharan Africa, northeast Africa, Central Asia, India, and China. However, many of their populations are endangered, especially outside of Africa.

 

The leopard is so strong and comfortable in trees that it often hauls its kills into the branches. By dragging the bodies of large animals aloft it hopes to keep them safe from scavengers such as hyenas. Leopards can also hunt from trees, where their spotted coats allow them to blend with the leaves until they spring with a deadly pounce. These nocturnal predators also stalk antelope, deer, and pigs by stealthy movements in the tall grass. When human settlements are present, leopards often attack dogs and, occasionally, people.

 

Leopards are strong swimmers and very much at home in the water, where they sometimes eat fish or crabs.

 

Most leopards are light colored with distinctive dark spots that are called rosettes, because they resemble the shape of a rose. Black leopards, which appear to be almost solid in color because their spots are hard to distinguish, are commonly called black panthers.

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/oRzKkoJ.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/8QJPBkE.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/D3HWwnO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/LHko3Yl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/ugAaTK9.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/x1McjVY.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/mbamicO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/vqoBoLR.jpg

 

 

Wonderful! And cute babies! :wub:

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08 July 2014

Tuesday

 

 

Coyote

 

The coyote appears often in the tales and traditions of Native Americans—usually as a very savvy and clever beast. Modern coyotes have displayed their cleverness by adapting to the changing American landscape. These members of the dog family once lived primarily in open prairies and deserts, but now roam the continent's forests and mountains. They have even colonized cities like Los Angeles, and are now found over most of North America. Coyote populations are likely at an all-time high.

 

These adaptable animals will eat almost anything. They hunt rabbits, rodents, fish, frogs, and even deer. They also happily dine on insects, snakes, fruit, grass, and carrion. Because they sometimes kill lambs, calves, or other livestock, as well as pets, many ranchers and farmers regard them as destructive pests.

 

Coyotes are formidable in the field where they enjoy keen vision and a strong sense of smell. They can run up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) an hour. In the fall and winter, they form packs for more effective hunting.

 

Coyotes form strong family groups. In spring, females den and give birth to litters of three to twelve pups. Both parents feed and protect their young and their territory. The pups are able to hunt on their own by the following fall.

 

Coyotes are smaller than wolves and are sometimes called prairie wolves or brush wolves. They communicate with a distinctive call, which at night often develops into a raucous canine chorus.

 

 

 

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/CcRSEzy.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/guzVRlG.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Y4bPEbX.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/y9qMH18.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DcuF60U.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1jIomsi.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/kz2wJv5.jpg

 

:LOL: As long as that last coyote stays away from Acme products, he'll probably be okay.

 

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss273/metasonix/wile-e-coyote-rocket-o_zps6cb8c146.gif

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08 July 2014

Tuesday

 

 

Coyote

 

The coyote appears often in the tales and traditions of Native Americans—usually as a very savvy and clever beast. Modern coyotes have displayed their cleverness by adapting to the changing American landscape. These members of the dog family once lived primarily in open prairies and deserts, but now roam the continent's forests and mountains. They have even colonized cities like Los Angeles, and are now found over most of North America. Coyote populations are likely at an all-time high.

 

These adaptable animals will eat almost anything. They hunt rabbits, rodents, fish, frogs, and even deer. They also happily dine on insects, snakes, fruit, grass, and carrion. Because they sometimes kill lambs, calves, or other livestock, as well as pets, many ranchers and farmers regard them as destructive pests.

 

Coyotes are formidable in the field where they enjoy keen vision and a strong sense of smell. They can run up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) an hour. In the fall and winter, they form packs for more effective hunting.

 

Coyotes form strong family groups. In spring, females den and give birth to litters of three to twelve pups. Both parents feed and protect their young and their territory. The pups are able to hunt on their own by the following fall.

 

Coyotes are smaller than wolves and are sometimes called prairie wolves or brush wolves. They communicate with a distinctive call, which at night often develops into a raucous canine chorus.

 

 

 

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/CcRSEzy.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/guzVRlG.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Y4bPEbX.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/y9qMH18.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DcuF60U.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/1jIomsi.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/kz2wJv5.jpg

 

:LOL: As long as that last coyote stays away from Acme products, he'll probably be okay.

 

http://i583.photobucket.com/albums/ss273/metasonix/wile-e-coyote-rocket-o_zps6cb8c146.gif

Poor b*stard - never wins, does he..! :hug2:

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10 July 2014

Thursday

 

 

Grey Kangaroo

 

Gray kangaroos roam the forests of Australia and Tasmania and prefer to live among the trees, though they do take to open grasslands for grazing.

 

Gray kangaroos, red kangaroos, and wallaroos are called the great kangaroos because they are so much larger than the nearly 70 other kinds of kangaroos.

 

Gray kangaroos hop along on their powerful hind legs and do so at great speed. A gray kangaroo can reach speeds of over 35 miles (56 kilometers) an hour and travel for long distances at 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hour. Their bounding gait allows them to cover 25 feet (8 meters) in a single leap and to jump 6 feet (1.8 meters) high.

 

Females have one baby at a time, which at birth is smaller than a cherry. The infant immediately climbs into its mother's pouch and does not emerge for two months. Until they reach about 10 or 11 months of age, threatened young kangaroos, called joeys, will quickly dive for the safety of mom's pouch. As they grow, joeys' heads and feet can often be seen hanging out of the pouch.

 

Gray kangaroos gather in groups called "mobs." Aboriginal and European Australians have spent centuries clearing open tracts of land and establishing water sources—both of which are boons to kangaroo populations. Many millions of these animals roam Australia, and considerable numbers are killed each year for their skins and meat, which is becoming a more popular human food.

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/Bv7aco0.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/NMH6qAC.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5uIPXzZ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/uAouH1J.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/WZyp32k.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/vTfWZ4Q.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/4VWRWrr.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/8ADzNBA.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/I8kOoxl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/NPn1m1l.jpg

 

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10 July 2014

Thursday

 

 

Grey Kangaroo

 

Gray kangaroos roam the forests of Australia and Tasmania and prefer to live among the trees, though they do take to open grasslands for grazing.

 

Gray kangaroos, red kangaroos, and wallaroos are called the great kangaroos because they are so much larger than the nearly 70 other kinds of kangaroos.

 

Gray kangaroos hop along on their powerful hind legs and do so at great speed. A gray kangaroo can reach speeds of over 35 miles (56 kilometers) an hour and travel for long distances at 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hour. Their bounding gait allows them to cover 25 feet (8 meters) in a single leap and to jump 6 feet (1.8 meters) high.

 

Females have one baby at a time, which at birth is smaller than a cherry. The infant immediately climbs into its mother's pouch and does not emerge for two months. Until they reach about 10 or 11 months of age, threatened young kangaroos, called joeys, will quickly dive for the safety of mom's pouch. As they grow, joeys' heads and feet can often be seen hanging out of the pouch.

 

Gray kangaroos gather in groups called "mobs." Aboriginal and European Australians have spent centuries clearing open tracts of land and establishing water sources—both of which are boons to kangaroo populations. Many millions of these animals roam Australia, and considerable numbers are killed each year for their skins and meat, which is becoming a more popular human food.

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/Bv7aco0.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/NMH6qAC.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5uIPXzZ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/uAouH1J.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/WZyp32k.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/vTfWZ4Q.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/4VWRWrr.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/8ADzNBA.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/I8kOoxl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/NPn1m1l.jpg

 

Beautiful creature! And that pic of mommy giving her baby a kiss..! :wub:

 

Ps, I once saw a snoozing wallaby..! :heart:

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Extinct giant sea scorpion gets an eye exam, with surprising results

 

 

 

 

 

Poor peepers are a problem, even if you are a big, bad sea scorpion. One minute, you're an imperious predator, scouring the shallow waters for any prey in sight. The next, thanks to a post-extinction eye exam, you're reduced to trolling for weaker, soft-bodied animals you stumble upon at night.

 

 

 

http://images.sciencedaily.com/2014/07/140710183616-large.jpg

 

 

http://www.scienceda...

Edited by Mr. IsNot
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10 July 2014

Thursday

 

 

Grey Kangaroo

 

Gray kangaroos roam the forests of Australia and Tasmania and prefer to live among the trees, though they do take to open grasslands for grazing.

 

Gray kangaroos, red kangaroos, and wallaroos are called the great kangaroos because they are so much larger than the nearly 70 other kinds of kangaroos.

 

Gray kangaroos hop along on their powerful hind legs and do so at great speed. A gray kangaroo can reach speeds of over 35 miles (56 kilometers) an hour and travel for long distances at 15 miles (24 kilometers) an hour. Their bounding gait allows them to cover 25 feet (8 meters) in a single leap and to jump 6 feet (1.8 meters) high.

 

Females have one baby at a time, which at birth is smaller than a cherry. The infant immediately climbs into its mother's pouch and does not emerge for two months. Until they reach about 10 or 11 months of age, threatened young kangaroos, called joeys, will quickly dive for the safety of mom's pouch. As they grow, joeys' heads and feet can often be seen hanging out of the pouch.

 

Gray kangaroos gather in groups called "mobs." Aboriginal and European Australians have spent centuries clearing open tracts of land and establishing water sources—both of which are boons to kangaroo populations. Many millions of these animals roam Australia, and considerable numbers are killed each year for their skins and meat, which is becoming a more popular human food.

 

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/Bv7aco0.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/NMH6qAC.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5uIPXzZ.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/uAouH1J.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/WZyp32k.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/vTfWZ4Q.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/4VWRWrr.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/8ADzNBA.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/I8kOoxl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/NPn1m1l.jpg

 

awesome. Great looking animal

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Extinct giant sea scorpion gets an eye exam, with surprising results

 

 

 

 

 

Poor peepers are a problem, even if you are a big, bad sea scorpion. One minute, you're an imperious predator, scouring the shallow waters for any prey in sight. The next, thanks to a post-extinction eye exam, you're reduced to trolling for weaker, soft-bodied animals you stumble upon at night.

 

 

 

http://images.sciencedaily.com/2014/07/140710183616-large.jpg

 

 

http://www.scienceda...

 

Cool story. I've been thinking about branching out into paleontology, but obviously haven't gotten around to it.

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11 July 2014

Friday

 

 

Monarch Butterfly

 

Monarch butterflies are known for the incredible mass migration that brings millions of them to California and Mexico each winter. North American monarchs are the only butterflies that make such a massive journey—up to 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers). The insects must begin this journey each fall ahead of cold weather, which will kill them if they tarry too long.

 

Monarch butterflies begin life as eggs and hatch as larvae that eat their eggshells and, subsequently, the milkweed plants on which they were placed. (Monarchs are dependent on milkweed plants, which larvae eat nearly exclusively.)

 

Fattening larvae become juicy, colorful caterpillars, then create a hard protective case around themselves as they enter the pupa stage. They emerge as beautifully colored, black-orange-and-white adults. The colorful pattern makes monarchs easy to identify—and that's the idea. The distinctive pattern warns predators that the insects are foul tasting and poisonous.

 

Butterflies that emerge from chrysalides (pupa state) in late summer and early fall are different from those that do so during the longer days and warmer weather of summer. These monarchs are born to fly, and know because of the changing weather that they must prepare for their lengthy journey.

 

Only monarchs born in late summer or early fall make the migration, and they make only one round trip. By the time next year's winter migration begins, several summer generations will have lived and died and it will be last year's migrators' great grandchildren that make the trip. Yet somehow these new generations know the way, and follow the same routes their ancestors took—sometimes even returning to the same tree.

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/5GK3glL.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/XqRk4ab.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/KVTf0zo.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/dPYMYmG.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UnLIeQF.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DGZh7uI.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/C8Tn056.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/SYsy3yO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5KDVSdf.jpg

 

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11 July 2014

Friday

 

 

Monarch Butterfly

 

Monarch butterflies are known for the incredible mass migration that brings millions of them to California and Mexico each winter. North American monarchs are the only butterflies that make such a massive journey—up to 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers). The insects must begin this journey each fall ahead of cold weather, which will kill them if they tarry too long.

 

Monarch butterflies begin life as eggs and hatch as larvae that eat their eggshells and, subsequently, the milkweed plants on which they were placed. (Monarchs are dependent on milkweed plants, which larvae eat nearly exclusively.)

 

Fattening larvae become juicy, colorful caterpillars, then create a hard protective case around themselves as they enter the pupa stage. They emerge as beautifully colored, black-orange-and-white adults. The colorful pattern makes monarchs easy to identify—and that's the idea. The distinctive pattern warns predators that the insects are foul tasting and poisonous.

 

Butterflies that emerge from chrysalides (pupa state) in late summer and early fall are different from those that do so during the longer days and warmer weather of summer. These monarchs are born to fly, and know because of the changing weather that they must prepare for their lengthy journey.

 

Only monarchs born in late summer or early fall make the migration, and they make only one round trip. By the time next year's winter migration begins, several summer generations will have lived and died and it will be last year's migrators' great grandchildren that make the trip. Yet somehow these new generations know the way, and follow the same routes their ancestors took—sometimes even returning to the same tree.

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/5GK3glL.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/XqRk4ab.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/KVTf0zo.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/dPYMYmG.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UnLIeQF.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DGZh7uI.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/C8Tn056.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/SYsy3yO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5KDVSdf.jpg

 

 

I always thought butterflies are beautiful little creatures. :heart:

I once watched one birth itself out of its cocoon. Took a long time. Amazing sight. Made me smile. :)

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11 July 2014

Friday

 

 

Monarch Butterfly

 

Monarch butterflies are known for the incredible mass migration that brings millions of them to California and Mexico each winter. North American monarchs are the only butterflies that make such a massive journey—up to 3,000 miles (4,828 kilometers). The insects must begin this journey each fall ahead of cold weather, which will kill them if they tarry too long.

 

Monarch butterflies begin life as eggs and hatch as larvae that eat their eggshells and, subsequently, the milkweed plants on which they were placed. (Monarchs are dependent on milkweed plants, which larvae eat nearly exclusively.)

 

Fattening larvae become juicy, colorful caterpillars, then create a hard protective case around themselves as they enter the pupa stage. They emerge as beautifully colored, black-orange-and-white adults. The colorful pattern makes monarchs easy to identify—and that's the idea. The distinctive pattern warns predators that the insects are foul tasting and poisonous.

 

Butterflies that emerge from chrysalides (pupa state) in late summer and early fall are different from those that do so during the longer days and warmer weather of summer. These monarchs are born to fly, and know because of the changing weather that they must prepare for their lengthy journey.

 

Only monarchs born in late summer or early fall make the migration, and they make only one round trip. By the time next year's winter migration begins, several summer generations will have lived and died and it will be last year's migrators' great grandchildren that make the trip. Yet somehow these new generations know the way, and follow the same routes their ancestors took—sometimes even returning to the same tree.

 

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/5GK3glL.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/XqRk4ab.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/KVTf0zo.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/dPYMYmG.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UnLIeQF.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/DGZh7uI.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/C8Tn056.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/SYsy3yO.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/5KDVSdf.jpg

 

They always have such wonderful patterns on their wings

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12 July 2014

 

Paleontology Saturday

 

Yes, dinosaurs are extinct, unless you're a crackpot who thinks sauropods still roam the swamps of Cameroon (although that would be cool).

 

 

Tyrannosaurus rex

 

 

Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs that ever lived. Everything about this ferocious predator, from its thick, heavy skull to its 4-foot-long (1.2-meter-long) jaw, was designed for maximum bone-crushing action.

 

Fossil evidence shows that Tyrannosaurus was about 40 feet (12 meters) long and about 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6 meters) tall. Its strong thighs and long, powerful tail helped it move quickly, and its massive 5-foot-long (1.5-meter-long) skull could bore into prey.

 

T. rex's serrated, conical teeth were most likely used to pierce and grip flesh, which it then ripped away with its brawny neck muscles. Its two-fingered forearms could probably seize prey, but they were too short to reach its mouth.

 

Scientists believe this powerful predator could eat up to 500 pounds (230 kilograms) of meat in one bite. Fossils of T. rex prey, including Triceratops and Edmontosaurus, suggest T. rex crushed and broke bones as it ate, and broken bones have been found in its dung.

 

Scientists theorize that unlike carnivores of today, T. rexes did not hunt in packs but rather were solo hunters. There is a debate as to whether the dinosaur relied solely on live prey or would it feast on already-dead food as well.

 

Tyrannosaurus rex lived in forested river valleys in North America during the late Cretaceous period. It became extinct about 65 million years ago in the Cretaceous-Tertiary mass extinction.

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/YJlAIIl.png

 

http://i.imgur.com/UxoOcQR.png

http://i.imgur.com/WQnmWOW.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/4pjeFQx.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UPg3fGu.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UQn6sEU.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Eeb7I0M.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Xh75NXe.jpg

 

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12 July 2014

 

Paleontology Saturday

 

Yes, dinosaurs are extinct, unless you're a crackpot who thinks sauropods still roam the swamps of Cameroon (although that would be cool).

 

 

Tyrannosaurus rex

 

 

Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs that ever lived. Everything about this ferocious predator, from its thick, heavy skull to its 4-foot-long (1.2-meter-long) jaw, was designed for maximum bone-crushing action.

 

Fossil evidence shows that Tyrannosaurus was about 40 feet (12 meters) long and about 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6 meters) tall. Its strong thighs and long, powerful tail helped it move quickly, and its massive 5-foot-long (1.5-meter-long) skull could bore into prey.

 

T. rex's serrated, conical teeth were most likely used to pierce and grip flesh, which it then ripped away with its brawny neck muscles. Its two-fingered forearms could probably seize prey, but they were too short to reach its mouth.

 

Scientists believe this powerful predator could eat up to 500 pounds (230 kilograms) of meat in one bite. Fossils of T. rex prey, including Triceratops and Edmontosaurus, suggest T. rex crushed and broke bones as it ate, and broken bones have been found in its dung.

 

Scientists theorize that unlike carnivores of today, T. rexes did not hunt in packs but rather were solo hunters. There is a debate as to whether the dinosaur relied solely on live prey or would it feast on already-dead food as well.

 

Tyrannosaurus rex lived in forested river valleys in North America during the late Cretaceous period. It became extinct about 65 million years ago in the Cretaceous-Tertiary mass extinction.

 

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/YJlAIIl.png

 

http://i.imgur.com/UxoOcQR.png

http://i.imgur.com/WQnmWOW.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/4pjeFQx.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UPg3fGu.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UQn6sEU.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Eeb7I0M.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Xh75NXe.jpg

 

Fantastic :haz: wait...did I just see ripples in a glass of water? :scared:

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12 July 2014

 

Paleontology Saturday

 

Yes, dinosaurs are extinct, unless you're a crackpot who thinks sauropods still roam the swamps of Cameroon (although that would be cool).

 

 

Tyrannosaurus rex

 

 

Tyrannosaurus rex was one of the largest meat-eating dinosaurs that ever lived. Everything about this ferocious predator, from its thick, heavy skull to its 4-foot-long (1.2-meter-long) jaw, was designed for maximum bone-crushing action.

 

Fossil evidence shows that Tyrannosaurus was about 40 feet (12 meters) long and about 15 to 20 feet (4.6 to 6 meters) tall. Its strong thighs and long, powerful tail helped it move quickly, and its massive 5-foot-long (1.5-meter-long) skull could bore into prey.

 

T. rex's serrated, conical teeth were most likely used to pierce and grip flesh, which it then ripped away with its brawny neck muscles. Its two-fingered forearms could probably seize prey, but they were too short to reach its mouth.

 

Scientists believe this powerful predator could eat up to 500 pounds (230 kilograms) of meat in one bite. Fossils of T. rex prey, including Triceratops and Edmontosaurus, suggest T. rex crushed and broke bones as it ate, and broken bones have been found in its dung.

 

Scientists theorize that unlike carnivores of today, T. rexes did not hunt in packs but rather were solo hunters. There is a debate as to whether the dinosaur relied solely on live prey or would it feast on already-dead food as well.

 

Tyrannosaurus rex lived in forested river valleys in North America during the late Cretaceous period. It became extinct about 65 million years ago in the Cretaceous-Tertiary mass extinction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/YJlAIIl.png

 

http://i.imgur.com/UxoOcQR.png

http://i.imgur.com/WQnmWOW.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/4pjeFQx.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UPg3fGu.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/UQn6sEU.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Eeb7I0M.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Xh75NXe.jpg

 

Fantastic :haz: wait...did I just see ripples in a glass of water? :scared:

 

This is so predictable, but here it is:

 

http://media.giphy.com/media/19ijzMia1BaMg/giphy.gif

 

:facepalm: :LOL:

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13 July 2014

Sunday

 

 

Sea Dragons

 

Sea dragons are some of the most ornately camouflaged creatures on the planet. Adorned with gossamer, leaf-shaped appendages over their entire bodies, they are perfectly outfitted to blend in with the seaweed and kelp formations they live amongst.

 

Endemic to the waters off south and east Australia, leafy and weedy sea dragons are closely related to seahorses and pipefish. Leafies are generally brown to yellow in body color with spectacular olive-tinted appendages. Weedies have less flamboyant projections and are usually reddish in color with yellow spots.

 

Sea dragons have very long, thin snouts; slender trunks covered in bony rings; and thin tails which, unlike their seahorse cousins, cannot be used for gripping. They have small, transparent dorsal and pectoral fins that propel and steer them awkwardly through the water, but they seem quite content to tumble and drift in the current like seaweed. Leafies grow to a length of about 14 inches (35 centimeters), while the slightly larger weedies can grow up to 18 inches (46 centimeters) long.

 

Sea dragons survive on tiny crustaceans such as mysids, or sea lice. It is not known if they are preyed upon by other animals. They are, however, frequently taken by divers seeking to keep them as pets. In fact, such takings shrank their numbers so critically by the early 1990s that the Australian government placed a complete protection on both species. Pollution and habitat loss have also hurt their numbers, and they are currently listed as near threatened.

 

 

http://i.imgur.com/rBDZ8KP.jpg

 

http://i.imgur.com/cCTiWWL.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/7mSzAyV.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/0DLiOHl.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/BX9s5Be.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/yCB1HM6.jpg

http://i.imgur.com/Fx370YT.png

 

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