Bugs and Critters

My toddler is super into bugs and other small creatures right now so this blog is a collection of pictures for them to look at.

[angelnumber130]

[angelicgarnet]

got a phonecall from my dad and he said "hey. you gotta come out here. i want you to see something" in a very serious tone so i went outside and

Bnnuy

[autistrix]

[https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/143693984] American Kestrel || Falco sparverius Observed in United States Least Concern in location of observation

[snototter]

A Brandt's cormarant (Urile penicillatus) on a nest in La Jolla Cove, California, USA

by Robyn Waayers

[inatungulates]

Southern warthog Phacochoerus africanus sundevallii

Observed by olegrozhko, CC BY-NC-ND

[amnhnyc]

Behold the magnificent Satyr Tragopan (Tragopan satyra). Found in central and eastern parts of the Himalayas, this bird inhabits elevations of up to 14,107 ft (4,300 m). Males sport dazzling plumage and bright blue wattles, which they “show off” during elaborate courtship rituals. To attract potential mates, male Satyr Tragopans will spread their wings, nod their heads, rustle their feathers, vocalize, and inflate their wattles.

Photo: Matěj Baťha,CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons

[amnhnyc]

Can you spot the Common Potoo (Nyctibius griseus)? This master of disguise lives in parts of Central and South America and roosts on high perches, motionless. It has large bright yellow eyes that you’d think would draw a predator’s attention, but the bird has a workaround: It can close its peepers while staying aware of its surroundings, thanks to slits in its eyelids! At dusk, the nocturnal critter begins to feast on large insects like moths.

Photo: Jéssica Martins, CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, iNautralist

[lilybug-02]

Solo BUG FACT 🐌 🐌 🐌

I love researching bug facts that I use for my comic, but I loved this one so much that I wanted to talk more for about it.

This is the critically endangered Cuban Painted Snail!

They are beautiful and no two individuals are exactly the same. Each one has its own unique colors and patterns based on its diet. And I am gobsmacked at its beauty.

Like oh my gosh. This is real????

The shell colors vary depending on the diet of the snail, however they are not poisonous. Scientists suspect the varied colors are a defense mechanism to confuse predators.

They're critically endangered because people keep poaching them ☹️. Locals once collected them to make souvenirs without threatening their population, but the global black market demand by collectors and merchants has become a problem, making the species one of the rarest snail in the world. 🥺

Many good samaritans and locals are aware of keeping these snails alive. And they are protected by law in the country. Many research institutions in Cuba are making steady progress to keep these snails alive and bring hope for a better future.

[michaelnordeman]

White wagtail/sädesärla, Barn swallow/ladusvala, Common tern/fisktärna, and Black-headed gull/skrattmås. Lake Grängen in Värmland, Sweden (June 1, 2020).

[razehider]

this Arctosa got very wet from the rain, hid under a rock in an attempt to be less wet, and when i lifted said rock it just stood there with no idea what to do. an animal that constantly looks like it's about to start sobbing uncontrollably should not have to put up with all this. how much more pathetic could you be

(February 28th, 2025)

[pangeen]

" A mother polar bear rests peacefully among a blanket of purple flowers, taking a moment to relax as her curious little cubs bounce around her in playful joy. Like any loving parent, she watches over them with gentle care, while her energetic babies explore the world around them, savoring the carefree days of childhood in the Arctic. "

// © Martin Gregus

[amnhnyc]

Jiminy Cricket! Meet the Pinocchio anole (Anolis proboscis). For decades, this rarely-seen species was thought to be extinct, until an individual was spotted crossing the road by a group of birdwatchers in 2005! Growing about 3.3 in (8.4 cm) long, this slow-moving lizard inhabits forests throughout parts of Ecuador, climbing trees to escape predators. Only males of this species sport long proboscises. Scientists think these fleshy appendages help them to attract mates.

Photo: John Sullivan, CC BY-NC 4.0, iNaturalist

[amnhnyc]

Whooo... are... youuu? 🐛🫖 Meet the tobacco hornworm (Manduca sexta). This bulky critter specializes in eating the tobacco plant, which is loaded with the natural insecticide known as nicotine. So how does it manage? When it bites into a nicotine-laced leaf, the action triggers an increase in the gut enzymes that break down nicotine—allowing the caterpillar to continue feeding. “Nicotine” may make you think only of tobacco, but lots of plants contain varying amounts of this toxin. For instance, green peppers, green tomatoes, and even green potatoes contain nicotine, though in concentrations too low to have any effect. Nicotine affects the transmission of nerve impulses in both the peripheral and central nervous systems.

Photo: Matt Noch, CC BY-NC 4.0, iNaturalist 

[clawmarks]

Les papillons dans la nature : 64 planches en couleurs et monographies - Paul Robert - 1934 - via Internet Archive

[theoneofwhomisblue]

My gleeful vampire

[woman-becomer]

I just realized this video loops and reverses itself in the middle, allowing the viewer to enjoy the glee of this vampire even longer than before. what a masterful extension

[inatungulates]

Guanaco Lama guanicoe

Observed by niboldus, CC BY-NC

[xphaiea]

Melibe leonina