HomesickAlien Posted October 10, 2014 Author Share Posted October 10, 2014 10 October 2014 FLORA FRIDAY Fanged Pitcher Plant The tropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes) of Asia are amongst the largest and most spectacular of all carnivorous plants, being equipped with large, modified, pitcher-shaped leaves with which to trap and digest small organisms. These deadly traps hang from coiled tendrils, and are filled with acidic digestive juices. In order to prevent the digestive liquid from being diluted by rainwater, the pitchers are covered by small lids as they grow, which open up when the pitchers are fully developed. One of the most striking of all Nepenthes is the fanged pitcher plant, a large and impressive species native to Borneo, famous for the two menacing fang-like spines projecting downward from its lid, which distinguish it from any other Nepenthes species. The pitcher colour of this species is typically yellowish green or orange, and occasionally red. Nepenthes pitcher plants have evolved carnivorous habits as the answer to growing in extremely nutrient-poor habitats. The plants are able to break down and absorb nitrogen and other nutrients from animals, usually invertebrates such as insects, that fall into the pitchers. This supplements any nutrition gained from the soils and therefore allows these plants to survive where others may not. Nepenthes plants attract their prey with nectar, aromas and visual signals such as colour. The brim of the pitcher, the peristome, produces the highest amount of nectar, and animals stepping on the slippery, waxy surface of the peristome often fall in. There, unable to escape, they drown in the pitcher fluid and their bodies are broken down by digestive enzymes. http://i.imgur.com/jCR1z8a.jpg http://i.imgur.com/dSHuHa7.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/56RWmr9.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ZAtaCwh.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/IwLOqU9.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ozCsPl3.jpg In habitat: http://i.imgur.com/141Vc9f.jpg More info: http://articles.lati...e-pals-20130522 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Your_Lion Posted October 11, 2014 Share Posted October 11, 2014 10 October 2014 FLORA FRIDAY Fanged Pitcher Plant The tropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes) of Asia are amongst the largest and most spectacular of all carnivorous plants, being equipped with large, modified, pitcher-shaped leaves with which to trap and digest small organisms. These deadly traps hang from coiled tendrils, and are filled with acidic digestive juices. In order to prevent the digestive liquid from being diluted by rainwater, the pitchers are covered by small lids as they grow, which open up when the pitchers are fully developed. One of the most striking of all Nepenthes is the fanged pitcher plant, a large and impressive species native to Borneo, famous for the two menacing fang-like spines projecting downward from its lid, which distinguish it from any other Nepenthes species. The pitcher colour of this species is typically yellowish green or orange, and occasionally red. Nepenthes pitcher plants have evolved carnivorous habits as the answer to growing in extremely nutrient-poor habitats. The plants are able to break down and absorb nitrogen and other nutrients from animals, usually invertebrates such as insects, that fall into the pitchers. This supplements any nutrition gained from the soils and therefore allows these plants to survive where others may not. Nepenthes plants attract their prey with nectar, aromas and visual signals such as colour. The brim of the pitcher, the peristome, produces the highest amount of nectar, and animals stepping on the slippery, waxy surface of the peristome often fall in. There, unable to escape, they drown in the pitcher fluid and their bodies are broken down by digestive enzymes. http://i.imgur.com/jCR1z8a.jpg http://i.imgur.com/dSHuHa7.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/56RWmr9.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ZAtaCwh.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/IwLOqU9.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ozCsPl3.jpg In habitat: http://i.imgur.com/141Vc9f.jpg More info: http://articles.lati...e-pals-20130522That looks awesome!!! It looks like it could easily be a Jim Henson creature, and it's even wearing a little hat. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted October 11, 2014 Share Posted October 11, 2014 10 October 2014 FLORA FRIDAY Fanged Pitcher Plant The tropical pitcher plants (Nepenthes) of Asia are amongst the largest and most spectacular of all carnivorous plants, being equipped with large, modified, pitcher-shaped leaves with which to trap and digest small organisms. These deadly traps hang from coiled tendrils, and are filled with acidic digestive juices. In order to prevent the digestive liquid from being diluted by rainwater, the pitchers are covered by small lids as they grow, which open up when the pitchers are fully developed. One of the most striking of all Nepenthes is the fanged pitcher plant, a large and impressive species native to Borneo, famous for the two menacing fang-like spines projecting downward from its lid, which distinguish it from any other Nepenthes species. The pitcher colour of this species is typically yellowish green or orange, and occasionally red. Nepenthes pitcher plants have evolved carnivorous habits as the answer to growing in extremely nutrient-poor habitats. The plants are able to break down and absorb nitrogen and other nutrients from animals, usually invertebrates such as insects, that fall into the pitchers. This supplements any nutrition gained from the soils and therefore allows these plants to survive where others may not. Nepenthes plants attract their prey with nectar, aromas and visual signals such as colour. The brim of the pitcher, the peristome, produces the highest amount of nectar, and animals stepping on the slippery, waxy surface of the peristome often fall in. There, unable to escape, they drown in the pitcher fluid and their bodies are broken down by digestive enzymes. http://i.imgur.com/jCR1z8a.jpg http://i.imgur.com/dSHuHa7.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/56RWmr9.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ZAtaCwh.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/IwLOqU9.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ozCsPl3.jpg In habitat: http://i.imgur.com/141Vc9f.jpg More info: http://articles.lati...e-pals-20130522 It's like looking at a Venus Flytrap! :o 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomesickAlien Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 No 'Paleontology Saturday'? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomesickAlien Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 12 October 2014Sunday Magpie The common magpie (Pica pica) is an unmistakable species with its black and white plumage, and iridescent green or blue glossy sheen. The tail is long, and is usually longer in males than females. Its harsh voice includes a fast chattering alarm call; the 'mag' part of the common name used to mean 'chatterer', and was added to 'pie' (referring to the black and white 'pied' colouring) in the 16th century. This much maligned bird is widely disliked because of its feeding habits; magpies occasionally take bird eggs and chicks, small mammals and even adders. Yet they are often beneficial birds, perching on livestock and ridding them of ticks, and feeding mainly on pest insects, other invertebrates and vegetable matter. Magpies hoard food in holes in the ground during winter. They are notorious thieves, taking clothes pegs and other brightly coloured objects from gardens. Magpies are sociable birds, gathering in groups to roost, and occasionally forming noisy gatherings called 'magpie parliaments' in the first few weeks of the year. It is thought that these gatherings are 'crow marriages', which allow unpaired birds to find a mate before the approaching breeding season. During spring, territories are defended, and fights may ensue. Both sexes help to construct the large roofed nest; the male brings nesting material while the female arranges it. Five to seven eggs are laid in April or May, and incubated for up to 18 days. After hatching, the chicks stay in the nest for 22 to 27 days, and rely on their parents for food for up to eight weeks after leaving the nest. The fledglings stay with their parents throughout autumn and winter. There are many folk stories involving the magpie; it is thought to be associated with the devil in many parts of the country, and crossing oneself upon seeing one or saluting lone magpies is a practice that continues to this day in some areas. Common Magpie:http://i.imgur.com/cw9xSHP.jpg Not all photos are of the common magpie, several species are pictured. http://i.imgur.com/8gh6TUM.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/pXuiFyA.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/1jJF9K1.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/au6Zucl.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/WWW2l5B.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/qoWId0w.jpg 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Your_Lion Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 No 'Paleontology Saturday'? http://www.planetsmilies.com/smilies/sad/sad0017.gif 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Your_Lion Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 12 October 2014Sunday Magpie The common magpie (Pica pica) is an unmistakable species with its black and white plumage, and iridescent green or blue glossy sheen. The tail is long, and is usually longer in males than females. Its harsh voice includes a fast chattering alarm call; the 'mag' part of the common name used to mean 'chatterer', and was added to 'pie' (referring to the black and white 'pied' colouring) in the 16th century. This much maligned bird is widely disliked because of its feeding habits; magpies occasionally take bird eggs and chicks, small mammals and even adders. Yet they are often beneficial birds, perching on livestock and ridding them of ticks, and feeding mainly on pest insects, other invertebrates and vegetable matter. Magpies hoard food in holes in the ground during winter. They are notorious thieves, taking clothes pegs and other brightly coloured objects from gardens. Magpies are sociable birds, gathering in groups to roost, and occasionally forming noisy gatherings called 'magpie parliaments' in the first few weeks of the year. It is thought that these gatherings are 'crow marriages', which allow unpaired birds to find a mate before the approaching breeding season. During spring, territories are defended, and fights may ensue. Both sexes help to construct the large roofed nest; the male brings nesting material while the female arranges it. Five to seven eggs are laid in April or May, and incubated for up to 18 days. After hatching, the chicks stay in the nest for 22 to 27 days, and rely on their parents for food for up to eight weeks after leaving the nest. The fledglings stay with their parents throughout autumn and winter. There are many folk stories involving the magpie; it is thought to be associated with the devil in many parts of the country, and crossing oneself upon seeing one or saluting lone magpies is a practice that continues to this day in some areas. Common Magpie:http://i.imgur.com/cw9xSHP.jpg Not all photos are of the common magpie, several species are pictured. http://i.imgur.com/8gh6TUM.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/pXuiFyA.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/1jJF9K1.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/au6Zucl.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/WWW2l5B.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/qoWId0w.jpgI get loads of Magpies in my garden...they're always scaring the other birds away 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 12 October 2014Sunday Magpie The common magpie (Pica pica) is an unmistakable species with its black and white plumage, and iridescent green or blue glossy sheen. The tail is long, and is usually longer in males than females. Its harsh voice includes a fast chattering alarm call; the 'mag' part of the common name used to mean 'chatterer', and was added to 'pie' (referring to the black and white 'pied' colouring) in the 16th century. This much maligned bird is widely disliked because of its feeding habits; magpies occasionally take bird eggs and chicks, small mammals and even adders. Yet they are often beneficial birds, perching on livestock and ridding them of ticks, and feeding mainly on pest insects, other invertebrates and vegetable matter. Magpies hoard food in holes in the ground during winter. They are notorious thieves, taking clothes pegs and other brightly coloured objects from gardens. Magpies are sociable birds, gathering in groups to roost, and occasionally forming noisy gatherings called 'magpie parliaments' in the first few weeks of the year. It is thought that these gatherings are 'crow marriages', which allow unpaired birds to find a mate before the approaching breeding season. During spring, territories are defended, and fights may ensue. Both sexes help to construct the large roofed nest; the male brings nesting material while the female arranges it. Five to seven eggs are laid in April or May, and incubated for up to 18 days. After hatching, the chicks stay in the nest for 22 to 27 days, and rely on their parents for food for up to eight weeks after leaving the nest. The fledglings stay with their parents throughout autumn and winter. There are many folk stories involving the magpie; it is thought to be associated with the devil in many parts of the country, and crossing oneself upon seeing one or saluting lone magpies is a practice that continues to this day in some areas. Common Magpie:http://i.imgur.com/cw9xSHP.jpg Not all photos are of the common magpie, several species are pictured. http://i.imgur.com/8gh6TUM.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/pXuiFyA.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/1jJF9K1.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/au6Zucl.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/WWW2l5B.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/qoWId0w.jpg I've seen up to 15 of these birds in one go. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x1yyz Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 12 October 2014Sunday Magpie This much maligned bird is widely disliked because of its feeding habits; This much maligned bird is widely disliked because of its habit of making way too much noise at 3 or 4 am right outside my window! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomesickAlien Posted October 13, 2014 Author Share Posted October 13, 2014 13 October 2014Monday Box Turtle The common box turtle (Terrapene carolina) gets its common name from the structure of its shell which consists of a high domed carapace (upper shell), and large, hinged plastron (lower shell) which allows the turtle to close the shell, sealing its vulnerable head and limbs safely within an impregnable box. Common box turtles are predominantly terrestrial reptiles that are often seen early in the day, or after rain, when they emerge from the shelter of rotting leaves, logs, or a mammal burrow to forage. These turtles have an incredibly varied diet of animal and plant matter, including earthworms, slugs, insects, wild berries, and sometimes even animal carrion. In the warmer summer months, common box turtles are more likely to be seen near the edges of swamps or marshlands, possibly in an effort to stay cool. If common box turtles do become too hot, (when their body temperature rises to around 32 degrees C), they smear saliva over their legs and head; as the saliva evaporates it leaves them comfortably cooler. Similarly, the turtle may urinate on its hind limbs to cool the body parts it is unable to cover with saliva. In the northern parts of its range, the common box turtle may enter hibernation in October or November. They burrow into loose soil, sand, vegetable matter, or mud at the bottom of streams and pools, or they may use a mammal burrow, and will remain in their chosen shelter until the cold winter has passed. The common box turtle occurs in the eastern United States and eastern Mexico, where it is distributed from Maine and Michigan to eastern Texas and south Florida, and south to the Mexican states of Yucatán and Quintana Roo. There are six living subspecies of the common box turtle, each differing slightly in appearance, namely in the colour and patterning of the carapace, and the possession of either three or four toes on each hind foot. The subspecies Terrapene carolina triunguis is particularly distinctive as most males have a bright red head. http://i.imgur.com/HYm1ozs.jpg http://i.imgur.com/U5B0sSs.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/36eTwPm.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/er5ehOB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/z38QY4y.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/fwAUgmh.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/7XAzIU3.jpg One week old box turtle: http://i.imgur.com/lwZ5yzG.jpg Box turtle range map: http://i.imgur.com/XLjbff3.png 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x1yyz Posted October 13, 2014 Share Posted October 13, 2014 "Yum, strawberry!" 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Your_Lion Posted October 14, 2014 Share Posted October 14, 2014 13 October 2014Monday Box Turtle The common box turtle (Terrapene carolina) gets its common name from the structure of its shell which consists of a high domed carapace (upper shell), and large, hinged plastron (lower shell) which allows the turtle to close the shell, sealing its vulnerable head and limbs safely within an impregnable box. Common box turtles are predominantly terrestrial reptiles that are often seen early in the day, or after rain, when they emerge from the shelter of rotting leaves, logs, or a mammal burrow to forage. These turtles have an incredibly varied diet of animal and plant matter, including earthworms, slugs, insects, wild berries, and sometimes even animal carrion. In the warmer summer months, common box turtles are more likely to be seen near the edges of swamps or marshlands, possibly in an effort to stay cool. If common box turtles do become too hot, (when their body temperature rises to around 32 degrees C), they smear saliva over their legs and head; as the saliva evaporates it leaves them comfortably cooler. Similarly, the turtle may urinate on its hind limbs to cool the body parts it is unable to cover with saliva. In the northern parts of its range, the common box turtle may enter hibernation in October or November. They burrow into loose soil, sand, vegetable matter, or mud at the bottom of streams and pools, or they may use a mammal burrow, and will remain in their chosen shelter until the cold winter has passed. The common box turtle occurs in the eastern United States and eastern Mexico, where it is distributed from Maine and Michigan to eastern Texas and south Florida, and south to the Mexican states of Yucatán and Quintana Roo. There are six living subspecies of the common box turtle, each differing slightly in appearance, namely in the colour and patterning of the carapace, and the possession of either three or four toes on each hind foot. The subspecies Terrapene carolina triunguis is particularly distinctive as most males have a bright red head. http://i.imgur.com/HYm1ozs.jpg http://i.imgur.com/U5B0sSs.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/36eTwPm.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/er5ehOB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/z38QY4y.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/fwAUgmh.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/7XAzIU3.jpg One week old box turtle: http://i.imgur.com/lwZ5yzG.jpg Box turtle range map: http://i.imgur.com/XLjbff3.pngFantastic looking faces.Are they Ninjas, though?...that's the question 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomesickAlien Posted October 14, 2014 Author Share Posted October 14, 2014 14 October 2014Tuesday Isn't there already an entry about ring-tailed lemurs?I don't keep records but I'm getting a feeling of deja vu with this one. Ring-tailed Lemur Impossible to confuse with any other lemur species, the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) is a distinctive primate with a long, bushy, black-and-white ringed tail. A medium-sized lemur, it is the most terrestrial of Madagascar’s primates. The ring-tailed lemur is a diurnal species and spends much of its time on the ground, although it is also able to move well through the trees. This lemur can often be seen sunning itself by sitting on its haunches and spreading its limbs in a yoga-like position, exposing its underside to the sun. The ring-tailed lemur often sleeps with its nose tucked between its hind legs and its long tail curled up over its back. A social species, the ring-tailed lemur occurs in larger groups than any other primate in Madagascar. Groups usually contain equal numbers of males and females, plus their young, and typically number between 3 and 25 individuals. Within the group, females are dominant over males, with the ‘alpha female’ forming the focal point of the group as a whole. There are well-defined dominance hierarchies between group members. Ring-tailed lemur groups are not strictly territorial, but do occupy preferred, overlapping home ranges and show strong territorial defence when they come into contact with another group. Territorial confrontations are generally dominated by females, and involve facing off against the opposing group, sometimes calling and alarm barking and occasionally fighting. After such an encounter, the group will usually retreat towards the safety of the centre of its home range. http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/5_zpsd90dc936.jpg http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/ring-tailed-lemur-family-in-tree-large_zps1e738916.jpghttp://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/ring-tailed-lemur_zps4af33272.jpghttp://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/lemurs-in-lemurland-at-drusillas-03_zps04a0979d.jpghttp://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/ring_tailed_lemur_006_by_winterstream-d63y4ow_zps84662264.pnghttp://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/7471021508_53b9755b4a_z_zpsbc4e4ee4.jpghttp://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/5990156390_ac37b830f2_b_zpscf768b54.jpg Range map: http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/2000px-Lemur_catta_range_mapsvg_zps1a748658.png 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Your_Lion Posted October 15, 2014 Share Posted October 15, 2014 14 October 2014Tuesday Isn't there already an entry about ring-tailed lemurs?I don't keep records but I'm getting a feeling of deja vu with this one. Ring-tailed Lemur Impossible to confuse with any other lemur species, the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) is a distinctive primate with a long, bushy, black-and-white ringed tail. A medium-sized lemur, it is the most terrestrial of Madagascar’s primates. The ring-tailed lemur is a diurnal species and spends much of its time on the ground, although it is also able to move well through the trees. This lemur can often be seen sunning itself by sitting on its haunches and spreading its limbs in a yoga-like position, exposing its underside to the sun. The ring-tailed lemur often sleeps with its nose tucked between its hind legs and its long tail curled up over its back. A social species, the ring-tailed lemur occurs in larger groups than any other primate in Madagascar. Groups usually contain equal numbers of males and females, plus their young, and typically number between 3 and 25 individuals. Within the group, females are dominant over males, with the ‘alpha female’ forming the focal point of the group as a whole. There are well-defined dominance hierarchies between group members. Ring-tailed lemur groups are not strictly territorial, but do occupy preferred, overlapping home ranges and show strong territorial defence when they come into contact with another group. Territorial confrontations are generally dominated by females, and involve facing off against the opposing group, sometimes calling and alarm barking and occasionally fighting. After such an encounter, the group will usually retreat towards the safety of the centre of its home range. http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/5_zpsd90dc936.jpg http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/ring-tailed-lemur-family-in-tree-large_zps1e738916.jpghttp://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/ring-tailed-lemur_zps4af33272.jpghttp://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/lemurs-in-lemurland-at-drusillas-03_zps04a0979d.jpghttp://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/ring_tailed_lemur_006_by_winterstream-d63y4ow_zps84662264.pnghttp://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/7471021508_53b9755b4a_z_zpsbc4e4ee4.jpghttp://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/5990156390_ac37b830f2_b_zpscf768b54.jpg Range map: http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/2000px-Lemur_catta_range_mapsvg_zps1a748658.pngIt does look a bit familiar...but the great pictures make up for any repetition....they are cuties....and those looooong tails! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomesickAlien Posted October 15, 2014 Author Share Posted October 15, 2014 15 October 2014Wednesday Horseshoe Crab The horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is a ‘living fossil’: forms almost identical to this species were present during the Triassic period 230 million years ago, and similar species were present in the Devonian, a staggering 400 million years ago. Despite their common name, horseshoe crabs are not crabs but are related to arachnids (spiders, scorpions, ticks and mites), and are the closest living relatives of the now extinct trilobites. Horseshoe crabs are typically active at night, with activity peaking around the time of the full moon. They dig for food, such as worms, algae and molluscs in the sediment. During the spring and summer, adult horseshoe crabs migrate in huge numbers towards sandy beaches and congregate in the shallow water. Breeding is associated with the lunar and tidal cycles, with most adults arriving at the full or new moon and within a couple of hours of high tide. The direction of the waves guides the females towards the beach. Male horseshoe crabs patrol along the bottom of the beach in the shallow water, waiting to intercept beach-bound females. Pairs make their way to the high tide mark and the male fertilises the eggs as they are laid into a 15 centimetre deep nest in the sand. From 2,000 to 20,000 eggs may be produced in a single clutch. Very often there may be more than one male accompanying each female; in some cases there have been as many as 14 males to one female. As the tide begins to retreat, the horseshoe crabs make their way back to the sea. The sticky eggs hatch after around five weeks, but this is dependent on temperature. The larvae, which are known as ‘trilobite’ larvae, may remain buried in the sand in aggregations for a number of weeks before emerging at high tide. After they enter the water, they undergo a ‘swimming frenzy’ of constant, vigorous activity. Six to eight days after emerging, they moult into the first juvenile stage, which is very similar in appearance to the adult stage. At this point they cease swimming and start to live on the bottom. Horseshoe crabs are slow-growing. Males reach sexual maturity at 9 to 11 years of age and females between 10 to 12 years. Although it is difficult to assess age in this species, the average life-span is thought to be 20 to 40 years. The horseshoe crab is an essential part of the ecosystem in which it occurs. Their eggs provide a valuable source of food for many species including wading birds, sea turtles, alligators and fish. Furthermore, the action of the horseshoe crab as it ploughs the sea bed in search of food aerates the substrate, resulting in a higher level of species richness. http://i.imgur.com/54DbcUk.jpg http://i.imgur.com/GM8neKb.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/GmO3QP7.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/33bZXiJ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/bgw5zVc.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/K2JLV58.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/krIeS5v.jpg Young: http://i.imgur.com/w27ZMn2.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/QqnwA0Z.jpg Eggs: http://i.imgur.com/DPc23By.jpg http://i.imgur.com/RGDk9Fq.jpg 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 13 October 2014Monday Box Turtle The common box turtle (Terrapene carolina) gets its common name from the structure of its shell which consists of a high domed carapace (upper shell), and large, hinged plastron (lower shell) which allows the turtle to close the shell, sealing its vulnerable head and limbs safely within an impregnable box. Common box turtles are predominantly terrestrial reptiles that are often seen early in the day, or after rain, when they emerge from the shelter of rotting leaves, logs, or a mammal burrow to forage. These turtles have an incredibly varied diet of animal and plant matter, including earthworms, slugs, insects, wild berries, and sometimes even animal carrion. In the warmer summer months, common box turtles are more likely to be seen near the edges of swamps or marshlands, possibly in an effort to stay cool. If common box turtles do become too hot, (when their body temperature rises to around 32 degrees C), they smear saliva over their legs and head; as the saliva evaporates it leaves them comfortably cooler. Similarly, the turtle may urinate on its hind limbs to cool the body parts it is unable to cover with saliva. In the northern parts of its range, the common box turtle may enter hibernation in October or November. They burrow into loose soil, sand, vegetable matter, or mud at the bottom of streams and pools, or they may use a mammal burrow, and will remain in their chosen shelter until the cold winter has passed. The common box turtle occurs in the eastern United States and eastern Mexico, where it is distributed from Maine and Michigan to eastern Texas and south Florida, and south to the Mexican states of Yucatán and Quintana Roo. There are six living subspecies of the common box turtle, each differing slightly in appearance, namely in the colour and patterning of the carapace, and the possession of either three or four toes on each hind foot. The subspecies Terrapene carolina triunguis is particularly distinctive as most males have a bright red head. http://i.imgur.com/HYm1ozs.jpg http://i.imgur.com/U5B0sSs.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/36eTwPm.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/er5ehOB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/z38QY4y.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/fwAUgmh.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/7XAzIU3.jpg One week old box turtle: http://i.imgur.com/lwZ5yzG.jpg Box turtle range map: http://i.imgur.com/XLjbff3.png That little baby turtle! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 14 October 2014Tuesday Isn't there already an entry about ring-tailed lemurs?I don't keep records but I'm getting a feeling of deja vu with this one. Ring-tailed Lemur Impossible to confuse with any other lemur species, the ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) is a distinctive primate with a long, bushy, black-and-white ringed tail. A medium-sized lemur, it is the most terrestrial of Madagascar’s primates. The ring-tailed lemur is a diurnal species and spends much of its time on the ground, although it is also able to move well through the trees. This lemur can often be seen sunning itself by sitting on its haunches and spreading its limbs in a yoga-like position, exposing its underside to the sun. The ring-tailed lemur often sleeps with its nose tucked between its hind legs and its long tail curled up over its back. A social species, the ring-tailed lemur occurs in larger groups than any other primate in Madagascar. Groups usually contain equal numbers of males and females, plus their young, and typically number between 3 and 25 individuals. Within the group, females are dominant over males, with the ‘alpha female’ forming the focal point of the group as a whole. There are well-defined dominance hierarchies between group members. Ring-tailed lemur groups are not strictly territorial, but do occupy preferred, overlapping home ranges and show strong territorial defence when they come into contact with another group. Territorial confrontations are generally dominated by females, and involve facing off against the opposing group, sometimes calling and alarm barking and occasionally fighting. After such an encounter, the group will usually retreat towards the safety of the centre of its home range. http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/5_zpsd90dc936.jpg http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/ring-tailed-lemur-family-in-tree-large_zps1e738916.jpghttp://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/ring-tailed-lemur_zps4af33272.jpghttp://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/lemurs-in-lemurland-at-drusillas-03_zps04a0979d.jpghttp://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/ring_tailed_lemur_006_by_winterstream-d63y4ow_zps84662264.pnghttp://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/7471021508_53b9755b4a_z_zpsbc4e4ee4.jpghttp://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/5990156390_ac37b830f2_b_zpscf768b54.jpg Range map: http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a587/Sean81A/2000px-Lemur_catta_range_mapsvg_zps1a748658.png "It's King Julien on the case! I like to move it, move it! I like to move it, move it! I like to move it, move it! I like to... move it!" :D Sorry got carried away with Madagascar! :P 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 15 October 2014Wednesday Horseshoe Crab The horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is a ‘living fossil’: forms almost identical to this species were present during the Triassic period 230 million years ago, and similar species were present in the Devonian, a staggering 400 million years ago. Despite their common name, horseshoe crabs are not crabs but are related to arachnids (spiders, scorpions, ticks and mites), and are the closest living relatives of the now extinct trilobites. Horseshoe crabs are typically active at night, with activity peaking around the time of the full moon. They dig for food, such as worms, algae and molluscs in the sediment. During the spring and summer, adult horseshoe crabs migrate in huge numbers towards sandy beaches and congregate in the shallow water. Breeding is associated with the lunar and tidal cycles, with most adults arriving at the full or new moon and within a couple of hours of high tide. The direction of the waves guides the females towards the beach. Male horseshoe crabs patrol along the bottom of the beach in the shallow water, waiting to intercept beach-bound females. Pairs make their way to the high tide mark and the male fertilises the eggs as they are laid into a 15 centimetre deep nest in the sand. From 2,000 to 20,000 eggs may be produced in a single clutch. Very often there may be more than one male accompanying each female; in some cases there have been as many as 14 males to one female. As the tide begins to retreat, the horseshoe crabs make their way back to the sea. The sticky eggs hatch after around five weeks, but this is dependent on temperature. The larvae, which are known as ‘trilobite’ larvae, may remain buried in the sand in aggregations for a number of weeks before emerging at high tide. After they enter the water, they undergo a ‘swimming frenzy’ of constant, vigorous activity. Six to eight days after emerging, they moult into the first juvenile stage, which is very similar in appearance to the adult stage. At this point they cease swimming and start to live on the bottom. Horseshoe crabs are slow-growing. Males reach sexual maturity at 9 to 11 years of age and females between 10 to 12 years. Although it is difficult to assess age in this species, the average life-span is thought to be 20 to 40 years. The horseshoe crab is an essential part of the ecosystem in which it occurs. Their eggs provide a valuable source of food for many species including wading birds, sea turtles, alligators and fish. Furthermore, the action of the horseshoe crab as it ploughs the sea bed in search of food aerates the substrate, resulting in a higher level of species richness. http://i.imgur.com/54DbcUk.jpg http://i.imgur.com/GM8neKb.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/GmO3QP7.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/33bZXiJ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/bgw5zVc.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/K2JLV58.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/krIeS5v.jpg Young: http://i.imgur.com/w27ZMn2.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/QqnwA0Z.jpg Eggs: http://i.imgur.com/DPc23By.jpg http://i.imgur.com/RGDk9Fq.jpg That's amazing! :) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Your_Lion Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 15 October 2014Wednesday Horseshoe Crab The horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is a ‘living fossil’: forms almost identical to this species were present during the Triassic period 230 million years ago, and similar species were present in the Devonian, a staggering 400 million years ago. Despite their common name, horseshoe crabs are not crabs but are related to arachnids (spiders, scorpions, ticks and mites), and are the closest living relatives of the now extinct trilobites. Horseshoe crabs are typically active at night, with activity peaking around the time of the full moon. They dig for food, such as worms, algae and molluscs in the sediment. During the spring and summer, adult horseshoe crabs migrate in huge numbers towards sandy beaches and congregate in the shallow water. Breeding is associated with the lunar and tidal cycles, with most adults arriving at the full or new moon and within a couple of hours of high tide. The direction of the waves guides the females towards the beach. Male horseshoe crabs patrol along the bottom of the beach in the shallow water, waiting to intercept beach-bound females. Pairs make their way to the high tide mark and the male fertilises the eggs as they are laid into a 15 centimetre deep nest in the sand. From 2,000 to 20,000 eggs may be produced in a single clutch. Very often there may be more than one male accompanying each female; in some cases there have been as many as 14 males to one female. As the tide begins to retreat, the horseshoe crabs make their way back to the sea. The sticky eggs hatch after around five weeks, but this is dependent on temperature. The larvae, which are known as ‘trilobite’ larvae, may remain buried in the sand in aggregations for a number of weeks before emerging at high tide. After they enter the water, they undergo a ‘swimming frenzy’ of constant, vigorous activity. Six to eight days after emerging, they moult into the first juvenile stage, which is very similar in appearance to the adult stage. At this point they cease swimming and start to live on the bottom. Horseshoe crabs are slow-growing. Males reach sexual maturity at 9 to 11 years of age and females between 10 to 12 years. Although it is difficult to assess age in this species, the average life-span is thought to be 20 to 40 years. The horseshoe crab is an essential part of the ecosystem in which it occurs. Their eggs provide a valuable source of food for many species including wading birds, sea turtles, alligators and fish. Furthermore, the action of the horseshoe crab as it ploughs the sea bed in search of food aerates the substrate, resulting in a higher level of species richness. http://i.imgur.com/54DbcUk.jpg http://i.imgur.com/GM8neKb.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/GmO3QP7.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/33bZXiJ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/bgw5zVc.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/K2JLV58.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/krIeS5v.jpg Young: http://i.imgur.com/w27ZMn2.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/QqnwA0Z.jpg Eggs: http://i.imgur.com/DPc23By.jpg http://i.imgur.com/RGDk9Fq.jpgThe upside-down ones remind me of the facehuggers in Alien 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted October 16, 2014 Share Posted October 16, 2014 15 October 2014Wednesday Horseshoe Crab The horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) is a ‘living fossil’: forms almost identical to this species were present during the Triassic period 230 million years ago, and similar species were present in the Devonian, a staggering 400 million years ago. Despite their common name, horseshoe crabs are not crabs but are related to arachnids (spiders, scorpions, ticks and mites), and are the closest living relatives of the now extinct trilobites. Horseshoe crabs are typically active at night, with activity peaking around the time of the full moon. They dig for food, such as worms, algae and molluscs in the sediment. During the spring and summer, adult horseshoe crabs migrate in huge numbers towards sandy beaches and congregate in the shallow water. Breeding is associated with the lunar and tidal cycles, with most adults arriving at the full or new moon and within a couple of hours of high tide. The direction of the waves guides the females towards the beach. Male horseshoe crabs patrol along the bottom of the beach in the shallow water, waiting to intercept beach-bound females. Pairs make their way to the high tide mark and the male fertilises the eggs as they are laid into a 15 centimetre deep nest in the sand. From 2,000 to 20,000 eggs may be produced in a single clutch. Very often there may be more than one male accompanying each female; in some cases there have been as many as 14 males to one female. As the tide begins to retreat, the horseshoe crabs make their way back to the sea. The sticky eggs hatch after around five weeks, but this is dependent on temperature. The larvae, which are known as ‘trilobite’ larvae, may remain buried in the sand in aggregations for a number of weeks before emerging at high tide. After they enter the water, they undergo a ‘swimming frenzy’ of constant, vigorous activity. Six to eight days after emerging, they moult into the first juvenile stage, which is very similar in appearance to the adult stage. At this point they cease swimming and start to live on the bottom. Horseshoe crabs are slow-growing. Males reach sexual maturity at 9 to 11 years of age and females between 10 to 12 years. Although it is difficult to assess age in this species, the average life-span is thought to be 20 to 40 years. The horseshoe crab is an essential part of the ecosystem in which it occurs. Their eggs provide a valuable source of food for many species including wading birds, sea turtles, alligators and fish. Furthermore, the action of the horseshoe crab as it ploughs the sea bed in search of food aerates the substrate, resulting in a higher level of species richness. http://i.imgur.com/54DbcUk.jpg http://i.imgur.com/GM8neKb.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/GmO3QP7.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/33bZXiJ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/bgw5zVc.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/K2JLV58.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/krIeS5v.jpg Young: http://i.imgur.com/w27ZMn2.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/QqnwA0Z.jpg Eggs: http://i.imgur.com/DPc23By.jpg http://i.imgur.com/RGDk9Fq.jpgThe upside-down ones remind me of the facehuggers in Alien I thought of that too. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomesickAlien Posted October 17, 2014 Author Share Posted October 17, 2014 16 October 2014Thursday Suriname Toad A distinctive South American amphibian, the Suriname toad (Pipa pipa) is one of seven species within the highly unusual Pipa genus. Members of this intriguing group are almost unmistakable, as they have a very flattened body, which in the Suriname toad is especially flattened. Unlike many other amphibian species, members of the Pipa genus do not sit up on their front limbs, and instead are characterised by adopting a splayed position, with their arms and legs pointing outwards. Living an almost completely aquatic lifestyle, the Suriname toad is able to remain underwater for up to an hour without surfacing for air. As this species camouflages itself against the dark mud of its watery home, its small but upwardly positioned eyes are able to see in all directions, enabling the Suriname toad to detect and avoid predators. The Suriname toad uses star-shaped sensory organs on the ends of its fingers to detect food, which it then scoops into its large, gaping mouth using its front feet or by vacuuming in the prey. This species’ diet consists mostly of small fish and invertebrates. One of the most remarkable features of the Suriname toad is its unusual and rather elaborate breeding system. Mating in this species begins soon after the onset of the rainy season, with the male toad uttering a series of metallic ticking calls before grasping the female in a position known as amplexus. If the female toad is not ready to mate, she indicates this by quivering. Amplexus can last for as long as 12 hours or more, during which time the two toads perform a fascinating series of somersaults in the water. At the point in the somersault when both toads are on their backs, the female lays between three and ten eggs, which then fall onto the belly of the male. As the male loosens its grip slightly, the eggs roll onto the female’s soft, spongy back, to which they adhere. At the same time, the male Suriname toad fertilises the eggs. This process is repeated up to 18 times, with between 60 and 100 eggs being laid in total. After the last egg has been laid, the male swims away, leaving the female remaining motionless. The skin on the female Suriname toad’s back gradually begins to swell and grow around each egg, eventually completely engulfing the eggs. Each egg lies in its own pocket, known as a brooding pouch, which is covered by a horny lid, giving the female Suriname toad a honeycomb-like appearance. Larval development of the young, which metamorphose from tadpoles into toadlets, occurs entirely within the pouch. After incubating within the pouches for between three and four months, the young Suriname toads ‘hatch’ by erupting through the skin on the female’s back. The Suriname toad is native to tropical South America, where it is found from Suriname and Guyana south through a wide area of the Amazon basin, including Brazil, Bolivia and Peru. The Suriname toad is an inhabitant of tropical rainforests, where it can be found in muddy slow-flowing watercourses such as streams, rivers and pools. Within these aquatic environments, the Suriname toad frequently hides under submerged leaf litter, and seldom ventures onto land, although it does occur in flooded forests. This intriguing amphibian is a lowland species found at elevations below 400 metres. http://i.imgur.com/CAZikyf.jpg http://i.imgur.com/ba7xt68.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/3gWyRW1.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/x7MC88G.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/R8TO1Ff.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/dbuzWa5.jpg http://i.imgur.com/LiwalNE.gif Distribution map: http://i.imgur.com/9CHmFgg.jpg 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Your_Lion Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 16 October 2014Thursday Suriname Toad A distinctive South American amphibian, the Suriname toad (Pipa pipa) is one of seven species within the highly unusual Pipa genus. Members of this intriguing group are almost unmistakable, as they have a very flattened body, which in the Suriname toad is especially flattened. Unlike many other amphibian species, members of the Pipa genus do not sit up on their front limbs, and instead are characterised by adopting a splayed position, with their arms and legs pointing outwards. Living an almost completely aquatic lifestyle, the Suriname toad is able to remain underwater for up to an hour without surfacing for air. As this species camouflages itself against the dark mud of its watery home, its small but upwardly positioned eyes are able to see in all directions, enabling the Suriname toad to detect and avoid predators. The Suriname toad uses star-shaped sensory organs on the ends of its fingers to detect food, which it then scoops into its large, gaping mouth using its front feet or by vacuuming in the prey. This species’ diet consists mostly of small fish and invertebrates. One of the most remarkable features of the Suriname toad is its unusual and rather elaborate breeding system. Mating in this species begins soon after the onset of the rainy season, with the male toad uttering a series of metallic ticking calls before grasping the female in a position known as amplexus. If the female toad is not ready to mate, she indicates this by quivering. Amplexus can last for as long as 12 hours or more, during which time the two toads perform a fascinating series of somersaults in the water. At the point in the somersault when both toads are on their backs, the female lays between three and ten eggs, which then fall onto the belly of the male. As the male loosens its grip slightly, the eggs roll onto the female’s soft, spongy back, to which they adhere. At the same time, the male Suriname toad fertilises the eggs. This process is repeated up to 18 times, with between 60 and 100 eggs being laid in total. After the last egg has been laid, the male swims away, leaving the female remaining motionless. The skin on the female Suriname toad’s back gradually begins to swell and grow around each egg, eventually completely engulfing the eggs. Each egg lies in its own pocket, known as a brooding pouch, which is covered by a horny lid, giving the female Suriname toad a honeycomb-like appearance. Larval development of the young, which metamorphose from tadpoles into toadlets, occurs entirely within the pouch. After incubating within the pouches for between three and four months, the young Suriname toads ‘hatch’ by erupting through the skin on the female’s back. The Suriname toad is native to tropical South America, where it is found from Suriname and Guyana south through a wide area of the Amazon basin, including Brazil, Bolivia and Peru. The Suriname toad is an inhabitant of tropical rainforests, where it can be found in muddy slow-flowing watercourses such as streams, rivers and pools. Within these aquatic environments, the Suriname toad frequently hides under submerged leaf litter, and seldom ventures onto land, although it does occur in flooded forests. This intriguing amphibian is a lowland species found at elevations below 400 metres. http://i.imgur.com/CAZikyf.jpg http://i.imgur.com/ba7xt68.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/3gWyRW1.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/x7MC88G.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/R8TO1Ff.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/dbuzWa5.jpg http://i.imgur.com/LiwalNE.gif Distribution map: http://i.imgur.com/9CHmFgg.jpg Wow! They are very flat!...Almost 2D 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 16 October 2014Thursday Suriname Toad A distinctive South American amphibian, the Suriname toad (Pipa pipa) is one of seven species within the highly unusual Pipa genus. Members of this intriguing group are almost unmistakable, as they have a very flattened body, which in the Suriname toad is especially flattened. Unlike many other amphibian species, members of the Pipa genus do not sit up on their front limbs, and instead are characterised by adopting a splayed position, with their arms and legs pointing outwards. Living an almost completely aquatic lifestyle, the Suriname toad is able to remain underwater for up to an hour without surfacing for air. As this species camouflages itself against the dark mud of its watery home, its small but upwardly positioned eyes are able to see in all directions, enabling the Suriname toad to detect and avoid predators. The Suriname toad uses star-shaped sensory organs on the ends of its fingers to detect food, which it then scoops into its large, gaping mouth using its front feet or by vacuuming in the prey. This species’ diet consists mostly of small fish and invertebrates. One of the most remarkable features of the Suriname toad is its unusual and rather elaborate breeding system. Mating in this species begins soon after the onset of the rainy season, with the male toad uttering a series of metallic ticking calls before grasping the female in a position known as amplexus. If the female toad is not ready to mate, she indicates this by quivering. Amplexus can last for as long as 12 hours or more, during which time the two toads perform a fascinating series of somersaults in the water. At the point in the somersault when both toads are on their backs, the female lays between three and ten eggs, which then fall onto the belly of the male. As the male loosens its grip slightly, the eggs roll onto the female’s soft, spongy back, to which they adhere. At the same time, the male Suriname toad fertilises the eggs. This process is repeated up to 18 times, with between 60 and 100 eggs being laid in total. After the last egg has been laid, the male swims away, leaving the female remaining motionless. The skin on the female Suriname toad’s back gradually begins to swell and grow around each egg, eventually completely engulfing the eggs. Each egg lies in its own pocket, known as a brooding pouch, which is covered by a horny lid, giving the female Suriname toad a honeycomb-like appearance. Larval development of the young, which metamorphose from tadpoles into toadlets, occurs entirely within the pouch. After incubating within the pouches for between three and four months, the young Suriname toads ‘hatch’ by erupting through the skin on the female’s back. The Suriname toad is native to tropical South America, where it is found from Suriname and Guyana south through a wide area of the Amazon basin, including Brazil, Bolivia and Peru. The Suriname toad is an inhabitant of tropical rainforests, where it can be found in muddy slow-flowing watercourses such as streams, rivers and pools. Within these aquatic environments, the Suriname toad frequently hides under submerged leaf litter, and seldom ventures onto land, although it does occur in flooded forests. This intriguing amphibian is a lowland species found at elevations below 400 metres. http://i.imgur.com/CAZikyf.jpg http://i.imgur.com/ba7xt68.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/3gWyRW1.pnghttp://i.imgur.com/x7MC88G.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/R8TO1Ff.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/dbuzWa5.jpg http://i.imgur.com/LiwalNE.gif Distribution map: http://i.imgur.com/9CHmFgg.jpg I've never seen a flat toad before! :o 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomesickAlien Posted October 17, 2014 Author Share Posted October 17, 2014 (edited) 17 October 2014 FLORA FRIDAY King Protea With its massive, bowl shaped inflorescences, the king protea is one of the most spectacular members of the Proteaceae family, and as a result, has been designated the national flower of South Africa. The king protea is a woody shrub, with thick stems leading to clusters of pink or crimson coloured flowers, arranged into large flower heads that are surrounded by large, narrow, colourful bracts, and flattened, paddle-shaped leaves. The appearance of the king protea varies substantially throughout its range, and an astonishing 81 variants have been used in horticulture. However, the variants with pale pink bracts and a silvery sheen are the most familiar, and are widely used as decorative garden plants. The seed of the king protea is a large nut that is covered in hairs. The king protea is a perennial plant that flowers for several months each year. Birds such as sunbirds and sugarbirds, and insects, such as scarab beetles, are attracted by the sweet, sugar-rich nectar and the brightly coloured bracts and styles, and are the main pollinators. Most flowers are produced on young plants up to five years old, with some plants occasionally flowering up to 15 years of age. As the king protea lives in nutrient-deficient soils, only a small proportion of the flowers produce nutrient-rich seeds. These seeds are stored on the plant in fire proof cones, with seeds released, usually after a fire, when the cone dries out. The seeds of the king protea are dispersed by wind, and germinate after the first heavy autumn rains. The seeds are often consumed, and killed, by birds and mammals. After fires much of the above ground vegetation is burnt; however the king protea plant persists in an underground bole, from which it will sprout into several stems. http://i.imgur.com/kWIvyX9.jpg http://i.imgur.com/VIOSf68.jpg http://i.imgur.com/XnkMG2R.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/1mP0Ymw.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/k1G5xAK.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/YDsL4pD.jpg Edited October 18, 2014 by substancewithoutstyle 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Your_Lion Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 17 October 2014 FLORA FRIDAY King Protea With its massive, bowl shaped inflorescences, the king protea is one of the most spectacular members of the Proteaceae family, and as a result, has been designated the national flower of South Africa. The king protea is a woody shrub, with thick stems leading to clusters of pink or crimson coloured flowers, arranged into large flower heads that are surrounded by large, narrow, colourful bracts, and flattened, paddle-shaped leaves. The appearance of the king protea varies substantially throughout its range, and an astonishing 81 variants have been used in horticulture. However, the variants with pale pink bracts and a silvery sheen are the most familiar, and are widely used as decorative garden plants. The seed of the king protea is a large nut that is covered in hairs. The king protea is a perennial plant that flowers for several months each year. Birds such as sunbirds and sugarbirds, and insects, such as scarab beetles, are attracted by the sweet, sugar-rich nectar and the brightly coloured bracts and styles, and are the main pollinators. Most flowers are produced on young plants up to five years old, with some plants occasionally flowering up to 15 years of age. As the king protea lives in nutrient-deficient soils, only a small proportion of the flowers produce nutrient-rich seeds. These seeds are stored on the plant in fire proof cones, with seeds released, usually after a fire, when the cone dries out. The seeds of the king protea are dispersed by wind, and germinate after the first heavy autumn rains. The seeds are often consumed, and killed, by birds and mammals. After fires much of the above ground vegetation is burnt; however the king protea plant persists in an underground bole, from which it will sprout into several stems. http://i.imgur.com/kWIvyX9.jpg http://i.imgur.com/VIOSf68.jpg http://i.imgur.com/XnkMG2R.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/1mP0Ymw.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/k1G5xAK.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/YDsL4pD.jpg Fancy looking flower with some great colour variations. The Bright pink/blue one is particularly vivid 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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