Organic Labels Not For The Birds

Organic Labels Not For The Birds

Birds wouldn't be happy in a Trader Joe's, it seems.   Stuffed with aisles full of organically grown, gluten-free, range fed deliciousness, birds would see through expensive marketing and know…
Colossal Squid Are Just Really Big Glass Squid

Colossal Squid Are Just Really Big Glass Squid

Yes, I am still here! Did you miss me? You totally missed me! Maybe just a little. I emerge from my thesis-writing cave to spread the word that teuthologists Rui Rosa and Brad Seibel--who,…
Not Bamboo, But Knotweed

Not Bamboo, But Knotweed

I garden for a living, besides writing. My last blog referred to bamboo growing in a rock garden outside my back door. But my urban gardening mentor has informed me this plant is not bamboo.  It…
Humboldt Squid Acquitted; Colossal Squid On Tour

Humboldt Squid Acquitted; Colossal Squid On Tour

So it looks like Humboldt squid don't kill divers after all. At least, they haven't done so yet. Meanwhile, two different species of very large squid are going on display at opposite ends of the…
Anaerobic Metazoans Found In Mediterranean Sea

Anaerobic Metazoans Found In Mediterranean Sea

Three new species of anaerobic multicellular organisms have been discovered deep under the Mediterranean Sea. The small animals, new members of the group Loricifera, live their entire lives without…
Scorpions mimicking flowers?

Scorpions mimicking flowers?

I was watching a wildlife documentary several years ago. The commentor said that scorpions glow under black light (UV light) and proceeded to demonstrate it and it was fascinating to see all those…
Snowy Tree Cricket: Woodland Thermometer

Snowy Tree Cricket: Woodland Thermometer

Out in the woods and wondering what the temperature is? Slip down to the nearest stand of deciduous trees to search for the wee Snowy Tree Cricket, Oecanthus Fultoni, part of the order orthoptera.…