Babycat Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 14 November 2015 Voodoo Lily (Sauromatum venosum) Native to tropical areas of Africa and Asia, the voodoo lily (not actually a lily, but an aroid) has flowers that emit a foul smell resembling rotting meat. This odour attracts insect pollinators such as flies. Despite its putrid smell, the voodoo lily is popularly cultivated as an ornamental. A tuberous perennial with a large, umbrella-like leaf on a brownish-red speckled petiole (leaf stalk) that appears after flowering, it is reported to occur in various habitats including evergreen forest, riverine forest and wet savannah, mostly in damp or wet areas in the shade. The tubers can be grown indoors as a curiosity; they can flower without soil or water, although the tuber should be planted immediately after flowering if it is to be kept alive. Tubers are also sometimes roasted and eaten in China. http://i.imgur.com/TVrHKkd.jpg http://i.imgur.com/nFr0V1m.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/iS80K7O.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/0aFDLS2.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/RHSiWJo.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/71zUxhg.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/UOjtcVS.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/EwtbLmE.jpg Beautiful pattern on its Leaf. :) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 14 February 2016Sunday OLOLIUQUI (Rivea corymbosa) Rivea corymbosa is a large, woody, perennial vine that has thin, heart-shaped leaves and white funnel-shaped flowers. The plant is thought to be indigenous to Mexico, but it is also very commonplace in Cuba, as well as on other islands of the West Indies and along the North American Gulf Coast. It also appears in Central America and in the Amazon basin of southern Columbia. Containing ergontine or LSA, an alkaloid similar in action to LSD, its seeds and the drug they contain are known as ololiuqui. Ololiuqui seeds have a long history of use in Central Mexico and have been used ritualistically since Pre-Hispanic times by the Aztecs and related tribes on the level of importance of sacred mushrooms and the cactus peyote, all of which played important roles in magic and religious ceremonies. Ololiuqui is still used today by certain tribes, such as the Zapotecs, Chinantecs, Mazatecs, and the Mixtecs, which all reside in the remote mountains of southern Mexico in relative isolation. Francisco Hernandez, a Spanish physician who between 1570 and 1575 carried out extensive research in Mexico for King Philip II of Spain, provided the first descriptive account and detailed illustration of ololiuqui. Hernandez claimed that Indian priests embarking on a journey to communicate with the spirit world would eat ololiuqui seeds to induce a state of delirium during which they were able to receive messages from the supernatural and commune with the gods. He reported that these priests saw visions and went into states of terrifying hallucinations while under the influence of the medicine. Reported effects in Western research include apathy and increased sensitivity to visual stimulation. After four hours, a phase of relaxation and well-being generally begin. Doses that are too high usually result in vomiting. According to native shamans, the seeds provide very strong visionary effects, but most Western users find the experience to be primarily hypnotic and sedating. Fifteen or more seeds may be ground and allowed to soak in a half cup of water. According to the Zapotec, a shamanic dose consists of thirteen pairs of seeds. Other traditional doses are fourteen or twenty-two seeds. For Western studies, doses from sixty to one hundred seeds were used. Doses as high as five hundred seeds have been tested, but such high doses almost always lead to very unpleasant results, complete with vomiting and diarrhea. http://i.imgur.com/4NVKumI.jpg http://i.imgur.com/TcTbxon.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/cHeurHW.png Ololiuqui growing on a fence in Mexico: http://i.imgur.com/MPP07Hf.jpg Seedlings: http://i.imgur.com/JZjE8DW.jpg Seeds: http://i.imgur.com/fPcTrEM.jpg Postage stamp: http://i.imgur.com/Y3AWLFF.jpg From Shroomery.org: I'm eating Rivea corymbosa seeds right now That's a lovely looking flower. :) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 12 November 2015 Giant African Land Snail The Giant African land snail is considered by some to be one of the most damaging snails in the world, feeding on at least 500 species of plants, many of them crops. It is thought to have originated in East Africa, but has since spread through many countries in Southeast Asia and islands in the Pacific Ocean, including the Hawaiian Islands. More recently, this mollusk gained access to South America (Brazil) and some Caribbean islands, and in 2011 it was found in southern Florida. Growing to a large size, it can attain a length of nearly 8 inches (20 cm) and a diameter of 5 inches (13 cm). These snails are most abundant in unnatural (disturbed) areas such as gardens. Typically, they have a daytime resting site and then wander out at night to feed. Adults often return to their resting site in the morning, but immature snails are less likely to do so. They may travel up to 50 feet (1500 cm) in a single night to feed. Like other snails, they are principally active at night and during wet weather (greater than 50% relative humidity). They normally seek shaded, sheltered resting locations with high humidity, but can climb trees and walls to rest. During inclement, dry weather they become inactive, a condition called aestivation. They often seek moist soil as an aestivation site, probably as an aid to maintain body moisture because they do not feed while aestivating. During aestivation they may produce a hard covering (called an epiphragm) over the opening of their shell. They may remain in this resting condition for several months, awaiting more favorable weather. http://i.imgur.com/hBbwtNz.jpg http://i.imgur.com/2srvgsE.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/xkcCaok.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Reka3J3.jpg Eggs: http://i.imgur.com/Ahc3h6X.png http://i.imgur.com/uD0O0nf.jpg http://i.imgur.com/tGPmaEg.png Holy crap, that's a whopper! :oThat's what she saidhttp://cdn.pastemagazine.com/www/articles/stevecarelllead.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 17 February 2016Wednesday Robber Flies The robber flies are an abundant and diverse family (Asilidae) known for their predatory behavior. Asilidae diversity can be attributed to their broad distribution, as most species tend to occupy a selective niche. As their common name implies, robber flies have voracious appetites and feed on a vast array of other arthropods, which may help maintain a healthy balance between insect populations in various habitats. Robber fly adults attack wasps, bees, dragonflies, grasshoppers, other flies, and some spiders. The Asilidae enjoy a worldwide distribution, although the majority of robber fly species are found in dry, sandy conditions, as confirmed by the diversity of species found in such locales. Some species are well adapted to desert climates, where they are known to thermoregulate in response to temperature variations throughout the day. Few species occur in woodland areas, and those that do tend to aggregate along the edges, near grasslands. Robber flies generally establish a perching zone in which to locate potential prey. Perching height varies by species, but generally occurs in open, sunny locations. Robber flies seize their prey in flight and inject their victims with saliva containing neurotoxic and proteolytic enzymes. This injection, inflicted by their modified mouthparts (hypotharynx), rapidly immobilizes prey and allows digestion of bodily contents. The robber fly soon has access to a liquid meal, which is generally consumed upon returning to a perched position. Female robber flies deposit whitish-colored eggs on low-lying plants and grasses, or in crevices within soil, bark, or wood. Egg-laying habits depend on the species and their specific habitat; most species lay their eggs in masses, which are then covered with a chalky protective coating. Robber fly larvae live in the soil or in various other decaying organic materials that occur in their environment. Larvae are also predatory, feeding on eggs, larvae, or other soft-bodied insects. Robber flies overwinter as larvae and pupate in the soil. Pupae migrate to the soil surface and emerge as adults, often leaving behind their pupal casing. http://i.imgur.com/HzgPuz1.pngGiant Blue Robber Fly(Blepharotes splendidissimus) http://i.imgur.com/WTwr6rL.pngLaphria posticata (Eastern US) http://i.imgur.com/yb8aLBQ.jpgLaphria canis with prey http://i.imgur.com/STSvGEU.jpgEfferia albibarbis (US and Mexico) http://i.imgur.com/V6si2lA.pngTriorla interrupta with dragonfly http://i.imgur.com/LYC8vj7.jpgGiant Yellow Robber Fly (Australia) Good gawd - that's the biggest fly I've ever seen! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 19 February 2016Friday Southern Blue-ringed Octopus The southern blue-ringed octopus (Hapalochlaena maculosa) is one of three closely related species belonging to the genus Hapalochlaena. Despite its small size, with an arm span of less than 6 inches, it is considered to be one of the world’s deadliest venomous animals, although it is not normally aggressive towards humans. The toxin in the southern blue-ringed octopus’s venom is 1,000 times more powerful than cyanide. At rest, this species is well camouflaged, being grey to beige with light brown patches on the body and arms. However, when the octopus is disturbed or threatened, special pigment cells in the skin called chromatophores become activated to display as many as 60 iridescent blue rings on the mantle and arms, which act as a warning signal. Like all cephalopods, the southern blue-ringed octopus is an active predator. This species is equipped with powerful venom which is secreted from the posterior salivary glands and is used to immobilise and kill the octopus’s prey of crabs and other crustaceans; it may also consume small fish. Despite its small size, bites have been known to cause human fatalities, and the soft tissue is also extremely poisonous if consumed. There is no antidote to the octopus’s venom, but it is not generally aggressive, preferring to hide rather than confront a potential attacker. The life cycle of the southern blue-ringed octopus, from mating through to the eggs hatching and the young reaching maturity, lasts for approximately seven months. The eggs are carried by the female throughout their development, which lasts for around two months, and the female does not eat during this time. Once hatched, the young grow rapidly and begin hunting live prey within one month. Young southern blue-ringed octopuses are thought to be venomous from birth, and their blue rings appear when they are about six weeks old. This species reaches sexual maturity at just four months old, and may begin laying eggs a month after that. The adult female octopus dies shortly after the eggs have hatched, and both sexes are unlikely to live for more than one year. The range of the southern blue-ringed octopus extends across the entire south coast of Australia, from Western Australia to eastern Victoria. It is often sighted in coastal waters at depths of up to 50 metres. Members of this genus are commonly found in shallow pools, under rocks and corals, or among clumps of sea squirts, particularly after storms. These soft-bodied animals often conceal themselves within crevices, seashells, or coral rubble for protection. http://i.imgur.com/cx2SNhd.jpg http://i.imgur.com/SF6lzG9.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Vxchu2k.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/oZk3m3e.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/tCI3Zq3.jpg Female with eggs: http://i.imgur.com/AdPHmor.jpg http://i.imgur.com/jLFYf1C.jpg http://i.imgur.com/idRfUWQ.jpg http://i.imgur.com/S945QGS.jpg?2 He's just gorgeous! :) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted February 20, 2016 Share Posted February 20, 2016 20 February 2016Saturday Sausage Tree Kigelia africana (Syn. K. pinnata) Kigelia africana is an African tree, easily recognised due to the large sausage-shaped fruits hanging from its branches. Sausage trees are sacred to many communities and are often protected when other forest trees are cut down. In Kenya, the Luo and Luhya people bury a fruit to symbolise the body of a lost person believed to be dead. It is found across sub-Saharan tropical Africa and as far south as South Africa. It is cultivated in other tropical countries and is used as an ornamental tree in Australia and parts of South-East Asia. The flowers only open at night and are pollinated by bats and hawk-moths. They are dark red, which is unusual for a bat-pollinated species (bats are normally attracted to white flowers), but the strong unpleasant smell of the flowers is thought to attract the bats instead. Both ripe and unripe fruits are poisonous to humans, but the fruits can be dried and fermented, and used along with the bark to enhance the flavour of traditional beers. The seeds are sometimes roasted and eaten in times of food shortage, and the wood makes good quality timber for fences, planking, boxes and canoes. Every part of the tree is used in herbal medicines (e.g., for digestive and respiratory disorders, and to treat infections and wounds). The sausage tree is used in a variety of commercial applications to treat skin complaints. Research into its anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-tumour activity is ongoing. http://i.imgur.com/qJukDLZ.jpg http://i.imgur.com/SLyHANZ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/iw5fPZd.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/ULT7GV6.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/9OsiEKg.jpg?1http://i.imgur.com/MOYx7rE.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/rOvNCvl.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/V1PP5wn.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/1Gr4N9O.jpg That's the first time I've ever heard of sausages hanging from trees..! :D 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomesickAlien Posted February 21, 2016 Author Share Posted February 21, 2016 That's the first time I've ever heard of sausages hanging from trees..! :D I've only heard of spaghetti hanging from trees: http://youtu.be/tVo_wkxH9dU :outtahere: 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomesickAlien Posted February 21, 2016 Author Share Posted February 21, 2016 Now including natural phenomena... 21 February 2016Sunday Morning Glory Clouds The Morning Glory cloud is a rare meteorological phenomenon occasionally observed in different locations around the world. The southern part of Northern Australia's Gulf of Carpentaria is the only known location where it can be predicted and observed on a more or less regular basis. A Morning Glory cloud is a roll cloud that can be up to 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) long, 1 to 2 kilometres (0.62 to 1.2 mi) high, often only 100 to 200 metres (330 to 660 ft) above the ground and can move at speeds up to 60 kilometres (37 mi) per hour. Sometimes there is only one cloud, sometimes there are up to eight consecutive roll clouds. The Morning Glory is often accompanied by sudden wind squalls, intense low-level wind shear, a rapid increase in the vertical displacement of air parcels, and a sharp pressure jump at the surface. In the front of the cloud, there is strong vertical motion that transports air up through the cloud and creates the rolling appearance, while the air in the middle and rear of the cloud becomes turbulent and sinks. The cloud can also be described as a solitary wave or a soliton, which is a wave that has a single crest and moves without changing speed or shape. Despite being studied extensively, the Morning Glory cloud is not clearly understood. Regardless of the complexity behind the nature of this atmospheric phenomenon, some conclusions have been made about its causes. Through research, one of the main causes of most Morning Glory occurrences is due to the mesoscale circulations associated with sea breezes that develop over the peninsula and the gulf. On the large scale, Morning Glories are usually associated with frontal systems crossing central Australia and high pressure in northern Australia. Locals have noted that the Morning Glory is likely to occur when the humidity in the area is high, which provides moisture for the cloud to form, and when strong sea breezes have blown the preceding day. http://i.imgur.com/2ts1Rr4.jpg http://i.imgur.com/HLUyg3z.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/tw5TgVc.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/jZn9OFt.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Zp1vl4M.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/gIZT7MH.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/gRcreDY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Bp0Af5k.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/TcJfOWl.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/HoJmrYB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/oRijCXM.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/D6xuP5B.jpg Satellite image of morning glory clouds over the Gulf of Carpentaria: http://i.imgur.com/DEEcHzr.jpg http://i.imgur.com/RrmQlQ5.png?1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomesickAlien Posted February 21, 2016 Author Share Posted February 21, 2016 http://youtu.be/BNEJVWD8FyA 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x1yyz Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Now including natural phenomena... 21 February 2016Sunday Morning Glory Clouds The Morning Glory cloud is a rare meteorological phenomenon occasionally observed in different locations around the world. The southern part of Northern Australia's Gulf of Carpentaria is the only known location where it can be predicted and observed on a more or less regular basis. A Morning Glory cloud is a roll cloud that can be up to 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) long, 1 to 2 kilometres (0.62 to 1.2 mi) high, often only 100 to 200 metres (330 to 660 ft) above the ground and can move at speeds up to 60 kilometres (37 mi) per hour. Sometimes there is only one cloud, sometimes there are up to eight consecutive roll clouds. The Morning Glory is often accompanied by sudden wind squalls, intense low-level wind shear, a rapid increase in the vertical displacement of air parcels, and a sharp pressure jump at the surface. In the front of the cloud, there is strong vertical motion that transports air up through the cloud and creates the rolling appearance, while the air in the middle and rear of the cloud becomes turbulent and sinks. The cloud can also be described as a solitary wave or a soliton, which is a wave that has a single crest and moves without changing speed or shape. Despite being studied extensively, the Morning Glory cloud is not clearly understood. Regardless of the complexity behind the nature of this atmospheric phenomenon, some conclusions have been made about its causes. Through research, one of the main causes of most Morning Glory occurrences is due to the mesoscale circulations associated with sea breezes that develop over the peninsula and the gulf. On the large scale, Morning Glories are usually associated with frontal systems crossing central Australia and high pressure in northern Australia. Locals have noted that the Morning Glory is likely to occur when the humidity in the area is high, which provides moisture for the cloud to form, and when strong sea breezes have blown the preceding day. http://i.imgur.com/2ts1Rr4.jpg http://i.imgur.com/HLUyg3z.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/tw5TgVc.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/jZn9OFt.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Zp1vl4M.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/gIZT7MH.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/gRcreDY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Bp0Af5k.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/TcJfOWl.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/HoJmrYB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/oRijCXM.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/D6xuP5B.jpg Satellite image of morning glory clouds over the Gulf of Carpentaria: http://i.imgur.com/DEEcHzr.jpg http://i.imgur.com/RrmQlQ5.png?1 OMG, huge contrails! ;) Those are really cool clouds. They look like rows of cut hay, waiting to be baled. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomesickAlien Posted February 21, 2016 Author Share Posted February 21, 2016 Now including natural phenomena... 21 February 2016Sunday Morning Glory Clouds The Morning Glory cloud is a rare meteorological phenomenon occasionally observed in different locations around the world. The southern part of Northern Australia's Gulf of Carpentaria is the only known location where it can be predicted and observed on a more or less regular basis. A Morning Glory cloud is a roll cloud that can be up to 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) long, 1 to 2 kilometres (0.62 to 1.2 mi) high, often only 100 to 200 metres (330 to 660 ft) above the ground and can move at speeds up to 60 kilometres (37 mi) per hour. Sometimes there is only one cloud, sometimes there are up to eight consecutive roll clouds. The Morning Glory is often accompanied by sudden wind squalls, intense low-level wind shear, a rapid increase in the vertical displacement of air parcels, and a sharp pressure jump at the surface. In the front of the cloud, there is strong vertical motion that transports air up through the cloud and creates the rolling appearance, while the air in the middle and rear of the cloud becomes turbulent and sinks. The cloud can also be described as a solitary wave or a soliton, which is a wave that has a single crest and moves without changing speed or shape. Despite being studied extensively, the Morning Glory cloud is not clearly understood. Regardless of the complexity behind the nature of this atmospheric phenomenon, some conclusions have been made about its causes. Through research, one of the main causes of most Morning Glory occurrences is due to the mesoscale circulations associated with sea breezes that develop over the peninsula and the gulf. On the large scale, Morning Glories are usually associated with frontal systems crossing central Australia and high pressure in northern Australia. Locals have noted that the Morning Glory is likely to occur when the humidity in the area is high, which provides moisture for the cloud to form, and when strong sea breezes have blown the preceding day. http://i.imgur.com/2ts1Rr4.jpg http://i.imgur.com/HLUyg3z.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/tw5TgVc.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/jZn9OFt.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Zp1vl4M.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/gIZT7MH.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/gRcreDY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Bp0Af5k.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/TcJfOWl.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/HoJmrYB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/oRijCXM.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/D6xuP5B.jpg Satellite image of morning glory clouds over the Gulf of Carpentaria: http://i.imgur.com/DEEcHzr.jpg http://i.imgur.com/RrmQlQ5.png?1 OMG, huge contrails! ;) Stratospheric traces of our transitory flight... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 (edited) That's the first time I've ever heard of sausages hanging from trees..! :D I've only heard of spaghetti hanging from trees: http://youtu.be/tVo_wkxH9dU :outtahere: That's the infamous April's Fools Day prank of 1957..! Edited February 21, 2016 by Babycat 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Now including natural phenomena... 21 February 2016Sunday Morning Glory Clouds The Morning Glory cloud is a rare meteorological phenomenon occasionally observed in different locations around the world. The southern part of Northern Australia's Gulf of Carpentaria is the only known location where it can be predicted and observed on a more or less regular basis. A Morning Glory cloud is a roll cloud that can be up to 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) long, 1 to 2 kilometres (0.62 to 1.2 mi) high, often only 100 to 200 metres (330 to 660 ft) above the ground and can move at speeds up to 60 kilometres (37 mi) per hour. Sometimes there is only one cloud, sometimes there are up to eight consecutive roll clouds. The Morning Glory is often accompanied by sudden wind squalls, intense low-level wind shear, a rapid increase in the vertical displacement of air parcels, and a sharp pressure jump at the surface. In the front of the cloud, there is strong vertical motion that transports air up through the cloud and creates the rolling appearance, while the air in the middle and rear of the cloud becomes turbulent and sinks. The cloud can also be described as a solitary wave or a soliton, which is a wave that has a single crest and moves without changing speed or shape. Despite being studied extensively, the Morning Glory cloud is not clearly understood. Regardless of the complexity behind the nature of this atmospheric phenomenon, some conclusions have been made about its causes. Through research, one of the main causes of most Morning Glory occurrences is due to the mesoscale circulations associated with sea breezes that develop over the peninsula and the gulf. On the large scale, Morning Glories are usually associated with frontal systems crossing central Australia and high pressure in northern Australia. Locals have noted that the Morning Glory is likely to occur when the humidity in the area is high, which provides moisture for the cloud to form, and when strong sea breezes have blown the preceding day. http://i.imgur.com/2ts1Rr4.jpg http://i.imgur.com/HLUyg3z.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/tw5TgVc.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/jZn9OFt.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Zp1vl4M.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/gIZT7MH.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/gRcreDY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Bp0Af5k.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/TcJfOWl.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/HoJmrYB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/oRijCXM.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/D6xuP5B.jpg Satellite image of morning glory clouds over the Gulf of Carpentaria: http://i.imgur.com/DEEcHzr.jpg http://i.imgur.com/RrmQlQ5.png?1 That's absolutely fantastic! :D 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 http://youtu.be/BNEJVWD8FyA Holy moly..! What size plane created that vapor trail?! :o 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x1yyz Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 http://youtu.be/BNEJVWD8FyA Holy moly..! What size plane created that vapor trail?! :o It's like something out of a horror movie, isn't it? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred Star Posted February 21, 2016 Share Posted February 21, 2016 Now including natural phenomena... 21 February 2016Sunday Morning Glory Clouds The Morning Glory cloud is a rare meteorological phenomenon occasionally observed in different locations around the world. The southern part of Northern Australia's Gulf of Carpentaria is the only known location where it can be predicted and observed on a more or less regular basis. A Morning Glory cloud is a roll cloud that can be up to 1,000 kilometres (620 mi) long, 1 to 2 kilometres (0.62 to 1.2 mi) high, often only 100 to 200 metres (330 to 660 ft) above the ground and can move at speeds up to 60 kilometres (37 mi) per hour. Sometimes there is only one cloud, sometimes there are up to eight consecutive roll clouds. The Morning Glory is often accompanied by sudden wind squalls, intense low-level wind shear, a rapid increase in the vertical displacement of air parcels, and a sharp pressure jump at the surface. In the front of the cloud, there is strong vertical motion that transports air up through the cloud and creates the rolling appearance, while the air in the middle and rear of the cloud becomes turbulent and sinks. The cloud can also be described as a solitary wave or a soliton, which is a wave that has a single crest and moves without changing speed or shape. Despite being studied extensively, the Morning Glory cloud is not clearly understood. Regardless of the complexity behind the nature of this atmospheric phenomenon, some conclusions have been made about its causes. Through research, one of the main causes of most Morning Glory occurrences is due to the mesoscale circulations associated with sea breezes that develop over the peninsula and the gulf. On the large scale, Morning Glories are usually associated with frontal systems crossing central Australia and high pressure in northern Australia. Locals have noted that the Morning Glory is likely to occur when the humidity in the area is high, which provides moisture for the cloud to form, and when strong sea breezes have blown the preceding day. http://i.imgur.com/2ts1Rr4.jpg http://i.imgur.com/HLUyg3z.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/tw5TgVc.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/jZn9OFt.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Zp1vl4M.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/gIZT7MH.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/gRcreDY.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/Bp0Af5k.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/TcJfOWl.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/HoJmrYB.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/oRijCXM.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/D6xuP5B.jpg Satellite image of morning glory clouds over the Gulf of Carpentaria: http://i.imgur.com/DEEcHzr.jpg http://i.imgur.com/RrmQlQ5.png?1 That's absolutely fantastic! :D If i'm remembering right, those MG's are formed in very much the same way as "Rotors" are. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomesickAlien Posted February 21, 2016 Author Share Posted February 21, 2016 22 February 2016Monday Redback Spider Redback spiders (Latrodectus hasselti) belong to the Family Theridiidae, which is found worldwide. The notorious Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus sp) of the United States is a close relative of the Redback Spider, and only differs in appearance by the absence of a red dorsal stripe. Other species of Latrodectus occur in Africa, New Zealand (the Katipo), the Pacific Islands, Europe and North and South America. Redback Spiders are found throughout Australia and are common in disturbed and urban areas. Webs consist of a tangled, funnel-like upper retreat area from which vertical, sticky catching threads run to ground attachments. The Redback Spider favours proximity to human habitation, with webs being built in dry, sheltered sites, such as among rocks, in logs, shrubs, junk-piles, sheds, or toilets. Redback Spiders are less common in winter months. Insects are the usual prey of Redback Spiders, but they are capable of capturing quite large animals, such as male trapdoor spiders, king crickets, and small lizards if they become entangled in the web. Prey-stealing is also common, with large females taking stored food items from others' webs. Once the female has mated, she can store sperm and use it over a period of up to two years to lay several batches of eggs. She spends much time producing up to ten round egg sacs (1cm diameter), which are white, weathering to brown over time. Each egg sac contains approximately 250 eggs and only one to three weeks need to pass before more eggs can be laid. These sacs are suspended within the web. Sometimes small ichneumonid wasps parasitise them, puncturing each sac with tiny holes. The young spiderlings hatch in two to four weeks. Spiderlings are cannibalistic and will eat unhatched eggs and other spiderlings. The spiderlings disperse by ballooning to another suitable nest site on long silk threads that are caught by air currents. Redback bites occur frequently, particularly over the summer months. More than 250 cases receive antivenom each year, with several milder envenomations probably going unreported. Only the female bite is dangerous. They can cause serious illness and have caused deaths. However, since Redback Spiders rarely leave their webs, humans are not likely to be bitten unless a body part such as a hand is put directly into the web, and because of their small jaws many bites are ineffective. The venom acts directly on the nerves, resulting in release and subsequent depletion of neurotransmitters. http://i.imgur.com/YE61arH.jpg http://i.imgur.com/D2jKlug.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/G5NE8jJ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/pGmO8CT.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/9mruq48.jpg http://i.imgur.com/f5j1DJj.jpg?1 http://i.imgur.com/uRjpNxh.jpg http://i.imgur.com/TbNYPi8.png 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tombstone Mountain Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 22 February 2016Monday Redback Spider Redback spiders (Latrodectus hasselti) belong to the Family Theridiidae, which is found worldwide. The notorious Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus sp) of the United States is a close relative of the Redback Spider, and only differs in appearance by the absence of a red dorsal stripe. Other species of Latrodectus occur in Africa, New Zealand (the Katipo), the Pacific Islands, Europe and North and South America. Redback Spiders are found throughout Australia and are common in disturbed and urban areas. Webs consist of a tangled, funnel-like upper retreat area from which vertical, sticky catching threads run to ground attachments. The Redback Spider favours proximity to human habitation, with webs being built in dry, sheltered sites, such as among rocks, in logs, shrubs, junk-piles, sheds, or toilets. Redback Spiders are less common in winter months. Insects are the usual prey of Redback Spiders, but they are capable of capturing quite large animals, such as male trapdoor spiders, king crickets, and small lizards if they become entangled in the web. Prey-stealing is also common, with large females taking stored food items from others' webs. Once the female has mated, she can store sperm and use it over a period of up to two years to lay several batches of eggs. She spends much time producing up to ten round egg sacs (1cm diameter), which are white, weathering to brown over time. Each egg sac contains approximately 250 eggs and only one to three weeks need to pass before more eggs can be laid. These sacs are suspended within the web. Sometimes small ichneumonid wasps parasitise them, puncturing each sac with tiny holes. The young spiderlings hatch in two to four weeks. Spiderlings are cannibalistic and will eat unhatched eggs and other spiderlings. The spiderlings disperse by ballooning to another suitable nest site on long silk threads that are caught by air currents. Redback bites occur frequently, particularly over the summer months. More than 250 cases receive antivenom each year, with several milder envenomations probably going unreported. Only the female bite is dangerous. They can cause serious illness and have caused deaths. However, since Redback Spiders rarely leave their webs, humans are not likely to be bitten unless a body part such as a hand is put directly into the web, and because of their small jaws many bites are ineffective. The venom acts directly on the nerves, resulting in release and subsequent depletion of neurotransmitters. http://i.imgur.com/YE61arH.jpg http://i.imgur.com/D2jKlug.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/G5NE8jJ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/pGmO8CT.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/9mruq48.jpg http://i.imgur.com/f5j1DJj.jpg?1 http://i.imgur.com/uRjpNxh.jpg http://i.imgur.com/TbNYPi8.pngHere's the American Redback 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
x1yyz Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 Spiders? http://www.sluniverse.com/php/vb/attachments/zomgwtfbbqgtfololcats/52317d1429695525-nope-grumpy-cat-nope.jpg 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomesickAlien Posted February 22, 2016 Author Share Posted February 22, 2016 Spiders elicit such negative reactions. http://i.imgur.com/2Q3LCIF.gif?1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted February 22, 2016 Share Posted February 22, 2016 http://youtu.be/BNEJVWD8FyA Holy moly..! What size plane created that vapor trail?! :o It's like something out of a horror movie, isn't it? It's incredible though! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomesickAlien Posted February 23, 2016 Author Share Posted February 23, 2016 This entry seems awfully familiar, as though I've done it before. Oh, well ...nobody cares. 23 February 2016Tuesday Jacaranda Tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia) The jacaranda is a large deciduous tree with fine-textured, fern-like pinnate leaves. Young trees are upright but assume an irregular branching pattern that produces beautifully asymmetric open crowns as the trees age. In the spring the tree covers itself with showy trumpet shaped flowers that are about 1.5 inches wide and are arranged in panicles (pyramid shaped clusters) that grow at the tips of branches. There are about 50 species of Jacaranda, most of them native to South America and the Caribbean basin. J. mimosifolia is the species most often seen in cultivation and is native to the Amazon River Basin. The jacaranda boasts some of the most electric and intense colors that nature has to offer. The fact that the tree stays in bloom for more that 8 weeks makes it even more desirable. Locations within which Jacaranda mimosifolia is naturalised include the warmer parts of eastern Australia, southern Africa, Hawaii, and the warmer parts of the southeastern and western United States. Jacaranda mimosifolia is regarded as an invasive species in parts of Queensland, Australia, where it can out-compete native species. It can form thickets of seedlings beneath planted trees from which the species may expand and exclude other vegetation. J. mimosifolia has been listed as a Category 3 invader in South Africa (no further planting is allowed - except with special permission - nor is trade in propagative material). Existing plants must be prevented from spreading. http://i.imgur.com/ur5boYW.png?1West Kempsey, NSW http://i.imgur.com/b0z0dMx.png?1New Farm Park, Brisbane, QLD http://i.imgur.com/6WIsvAp.png?1Mt. George, NSW http://i.imgur.com/jD2JFwi.jpg?1http://i.imgur.com/5UTrIgT.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/1SAsYgx.jpg?1http://i.imgur.com/a80X8T3.jpg?1 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 22 February 2016Monday Redback Spider Redback spiders (Latrodectus hasselti) belong to the Family Theridiidae, which is found worldwide. The notorious Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus sp) of the United States is a close relative of the Redback Spider, and only differs in appearance by the absence of a red dorsal stripe. Other species of Latrodectus occur in Africa, New Zealand (the Katipo), the Pacific Islands, Europe and North and South America. Redback Spiders are found throughout Australia and are common in disturbed and urban areas. Webs consist of a tangled, funnel-like upper retreat area from which vertical, sticky catching threads run to ground attachments. The Redback Spider favours proximity to human habitation, with webs being built in dry, sheltered sites, such as among rocks, in logs, shrubs, junk-piles, sheds, or toilets. Redback Spiders are less common in winter months. Insects are the usual prey of Redback Spiders, but they are capable of capturing quite large animals, such as male trapdoor spiders, king crickets, and small lizards if they become entangled in the web. Prey-stealing is also common, with large females taking stored food items from others' webs. Once the female has mated, she can store sperm and use it over a period of up to two years to lay several batches of eggs. She spends much time producing up to ten round egg sacs (1cm diameter), which are white, weathering to brown over time. Each egg sac contains approximately 250 eggs and only one to three weeks need to pass before more eggs can be laid. These sacs are suspended within the web. Sometimes small ichneumonid wasps parasitise them, puncturing each sac with tiny holes. The young spiderlings hatch in two to four weeks. Spiderlings are cannibalistic and will eat unhatched eggs and other spiderlings. The spiderlings disperse by ballooning to another suitable nest site on long silk threads that are caught by air currents. Redback bites occur frequently, particularly over the summer months. More than 250 cases receive antivenom each year, with several milder envenomations probably going unreported. Only the female bite is dangerous. They can cause serious illness and have caused deaths. However, since Redback Spiders rarely leave their webs, humans are not likely to be bitten unless a body part such as a hand is put directly into the web, and because of their small jaws many bites are ineffective. The venom acts directly on the nerves, resulting in release and subsequent depletion of neurotransmitters. http://i.imgur.com/YE61arH.jpg http://i.imgur.com/D2jKlug.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/G5NE8jJ.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/pGmO8CT.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/9mruq48.jpg http://i.imgur.com/f5j1DJj.jpg?1 http://i.imgur.com/uRjpNxh.jpg http://i.imgur.com/TbNYPi8.png WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Babycat Posted February 23, 2016 Share Posted February 23, 2016 This entry seems awfully familiar, as though I've done it before. Oh, well ...nobody cares. 23 February 2016Tuesday Jacaranda Tree (Jacaranda mimosifolia) The jacaranda is a large deciduous tree with fine-textured, fern-like pinnate leaves. Young trees are upright but assume an irregular branching pattern that produces beautifully asymmetric open crowns as the trees age. In the spring the tree covers itself with showy trumpet shaped flowers that are about 1.5 inches wide and are arranged in panicles (pyramid shaped clusters) that grow at the tips of branches. There are about 50 species of Jacaranda, most of them native to South America and the Caribbean basin. J. mimosifolia is the species most often seen in cultivation and is native to the Amazon River Basin. The jacaranda boasts some of the most electric and intense colors that nature has to offer. The fact that the tree stays in bloom for more that 8 weeks makes it even more desirable. Locations within which Jacaranda mimosifolia is naturalised include the warmer parts of eastern Australia, southern Africa, Hawaii, and the warmer parts of the southeastern and western United States. Jacaranda mimosifolia is regarded as an invasive species in parts of Queensland, Australia, where it can out-compete native species. It can form thickets of seedlings beneath planted trees from which the species may expand and exclude other vegetation. J. mimosifolia has been listed as a Category 3 invader in South Africa (no further planting is allowed - except with special permission - nor is trade in propagative material). Existing plants must be prevented from spreading. http://i.imgur.com/ur5boYW.png?1West Kempsey, NSW http://i.imgur.com/b0z0dMx.png?1New Farm Park, Brisbane, QLD http://i.imgur.com/6WIsvAp.png?1Mt. George, NSW http://i.imgur.com/jD2JFwi.jpg?1http://i.imgur.com/5UTrIgT.jpghttp://i.imgur.com/1SAsYgx.jpg?1http://i.imgur.com/a80X8T3.jpg?1 Pretty..! :ebert: 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HomesickAlien Posted February 24, 2016 Author Share Posted February 24, 2016 http://i.imgur.com/wyxbmIF.png?1 Steve Howe couldn't care less: http://i.imgur.com/f8vrHoT.png Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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