Life, Death, and Taxonomy

“…and today we’re talking about danger from above. But more on that later.” In the African rainforest lives the King of Trees, gliding along the canopy, seeking prey in his sky domain. His crown is slight, but not his bite. One peck sends his subjects into an eternal slumber. Leave the ground to his cobra […]

“…and today we’re talking about an insect that doesn’t stay in its lane. But more on that later.” Squirming the soil of a windswept island, lurks a many-legged menace with a taste that…raises eyebrows. It’s a wriggling, writhing ribbon of ruthless efficiency, equal parts nightmare noodle and avian scourge. While most creepy crawlies shy away […]

“…and today we’re talking about a bug that is a real jokester. But more on that now.” Suggestion from Rowan via email The harlequin cockroach is a little like the bus boy at an underground speakeasy. It clears a low bar. This brilliant bug is striking for its mottled pattern and interesting hues… for a […]

“…and today we’re talking about a friendly sky rat. But more on that later.” Picture a dusk-drenched desert sky where the horizon starts to move. A clear evening gives way to a tornado. But it’s not the weather, it’s a living, breathing, leathery blizzard pouring out of caverns deep within the rocky substrate. That’s right, […]

“…and today we’re talking about a cool Canadian cat. But more on that later.” As iron sharpens iron, so does one man sharpen another. A friend can show you the way to a better you… but sometimes… so can a rival. The Canadian wilderness is the field for an eternal game of cat and hare… […]

“…and today we’re talking about a fish that would shoot a guy in the back. But more on that later.” Lurking in the low-lit lounge of the Pacific lies the spotted ratfish, this silvery weirdo skims the ocean floor, callously crunching crustacean carapaces. Part shark, part rabbit, part catfish thing, it glides around with the […]

“…and today we’re talking about insistent incisors. But more on that later.” A black rat finds a brick stack that blocks his way back to a food sack that helps his rat pack get a good snack. There’s no flaw in a steady gnaw in the brick’s flaw with a rat jaw and a sharp […]

“…and today we’re talking about the worst thing about wasp prison. But more on that later.” Slender, shiny, and carrying the emotional energy of a horror movie villain, the Dementor Wasp floats through the insect world like a tiny eight-legged HR nightmare. This is not a creature that rushes, panics, or gets its hands dirty—this […]

“…and today we’re talking about an animal so cool, they named an X-man after it.” It takes a tenacious heart to survive in the Yukon and other high latitude places. Food is a reward for the brave and the bold when temperatures drop below zero. The wolverine is a small creature with a big appetite […]

“…and today we’re talking about a screaming sensation. But more on that later.” In the open meadows, the humble goat grazes and stares into the middle distance, contemplating its place in the universe and the meaning of life. Its calls shift subtly, shaped by its social circle, adapting as needed to fit in or stand […]

“…and today we’re asking hoo is this bug? But more on that later.” In nature, mimicry allows some creatures to ride the coat tails of others. You get the aura–the vibe of a dangerous, poisonous, or disgusting critter without having to put in the hard work of developing those traits. But the Giant Owl Butterfly […]

“…and today we’re talking about a familiar feathered friend. But more on that now.” In the quiet just before dawn, when everything feels briefly held in place, one animal steps in and breaks it like a neighbor who thinks that revving his mufflerless engine at 5 am is what the kids on fleek think is […]

“And today we’re talking about a tiny creature that looks like a penguin but isn’t. More on that later.” A bird with a funny name sits upon a dock post of a frigid Atlantic wharf, waiting for friends to arrive for the busy mating season. With a beak the color of sunset, these seabirds squawk […]

“….and today we’re talking about a tiny, little farmer. But more on that later.” (Messor Ibericus) Measure Up Welcome to the beloved Measure Up segment. The official listener’s favorite part of the show! The part of the show when we present the animal’s size and dimension in relatable terms through a quiz that’s fun for […]

“…and today we’re talking about little bird blue, but more on that later.” As seasons change, so do many animals. New coats, sloughed skin, fresh molts–even humans don’t wear white after labor day. For most, it’s a gradual process that can be a challenge, but makes way for growth. For some, it can be dangerous, […]

“…and today we’re talking about a high fly star that’s not Taylor or D’andre… But more on that later. High above the Alps, where even eagles take snack breaks, there’s a bird that laughs in the face of gravity, sleep schedules, and layovers. It’s a feathered jet stream, a sky-soaring insomniac that treats “touching grass” […]

“…and today we’re talking about fish with an identity crisis. But more on that later.” Is it a snake? An eel? A buzz saw? The frilled shark is none of those things, and yet it’s something of all three. This creepy looking ocean creature appears to have blunt pearly whites from a distance, but a […]

“…and today we’re talking about the savannah’s secret dangerous megafauna. But more on that later.” Species: Syncerus caffer, also known as Cape buffalo, savanna buffalo, or forest buffalo, depending on the subspecies. Description Build: Stocky and muscular with a broad chest, short neck, and sturdy legs built for endurance. Coat: Short, coarse hair ranging from […]

“…and today we’re talking about a globe trotting bug. But more on that later.” A simple insect lives a glover trotter’s life. No dry season will do in this bug’s life–rainfall is needed near round to maintain a healthy life cycle. So, chasing storms all over the Indian ocean is the bold strategy the globe […]

“…and today we’re talking about a starfish that the jester stole. But more on that later.” Dive into the dazzling depths of the ocean, where a spiky sovereign slinks silently across coral castles, whispering secrets through an invisible ink of proteins. This prickly predator, a veritable porcupine of the sea, rules the reefs with a […]

“…and today we’re talking about a monkey that pays for long distance. But more on that later.” Description Tiny primate, about the size of a large squirrel compared to other tamarins Soft, silky fur in a mix of gray, black, and brownish hues Distinctive long, white mustache that droops like a hipster’s finest facial hair […]

“…and today we’re talking about a little big creature. But more on that later.” Description Appearance: Compact body with a blunt, shark-like head, small lower jaw, and grayish skin that may appear wrinkled, especially in older individuals. They have a dorsal fin, smaller than that of the pygmy sperm whale, and a distinctive white or […]

“…and today we’re talking about a dessert demon. But more on that later.” Finding a solid food source is a top priority in the red dust of the Australian outback. But one thorny little devil has developed an appetite for the dessert’s spicy buffet. Not all creatures can stomach one of nature’s most common prey […]

“…and today we’re talking about a bug that dances by the light of the moon. But more on that later.” It’s time to dive into the dark, daring, and downright dazzling world of the Bogong moth! This unassuming little night-flyer might look like a dusty brown speck, but it’s got a secret superpower that’ll make […]

“…today we’re talking about a whale that’s here today and here tomorrow. More on that later.” Description Looks like a massive, stocky submarine Dark gray to black smooth, rubbery skin, often with white patches on the chin and tail Largest mouth of any animal, with a curved jawline that can extend as a massive 13’ […]

“…and today we’re talking about a sea creature that does not have a beak. More on that later.”  Description They have a robust, cigar-shaped body, a short, stubby beak, and a slightly curved mouth resembling a goose’s beak.  Their coloration varies from dark gray to reddish-brown, often with a lighter head and white scars or […]

“…and today we’re talking about a sneaky spider. But more on that later.” A cunning hunter weaves deceit in silken threads. Her artistry captures the eye, and it also snares her prey. But that’s not the only purpose for this cyclonic masquerade. It also hypnotizes hungry guests that would make a meal out of this […]

“…and today we’re talking about a creature that has a good grip despite how wet it is.” Description Slender body with a long tail, short limbs, and distinctive square-shaped toe tips containing large blood sinuses, which aid in climbing and gripping surfaces. Coloration varies but is typically dark brown, gray, or black with a mottled […]

“…and today we’re talking about a moth that is marked for death. But more on that later.” If you’re wandering the forests of East Asia at night, you may encounter a creature that bears an ill omen. Black cats, ravens, owls– people around the world believe some animals are a sign that death is around […]

“…and today we’re talking about the world’s tiniest mammal. But more on that now.” The smallest of sky-dwellers won’t win any contests of strength or speed, but hunting at night requires more precision than power. A sound in the forest will echo through the dark in a million directions, but a small source can create […]

“And today we’re talking about frogsicle.” Description of the Frog Appearance: This frog gets its name from two inguinal poison glands on its lower back that resemble eyes, creating a “four-eyed” effect. These glands are part of a defensive posture where the frog lowers its head and raises its rear to appear larger and deter […]

“…and today we’re talking about a a creature that looks like a float on Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade.” Dive into the deep, where the ocean weaves its wildest wonders. A creature slinks through the sea like a ghostly ribbon, glimmering with an eerie glow. This aquatic apparition dances in the dark, a silent symphony […]

“…and today we’re talking about the most famous fluffy animal around.” Looking to nature to find the cures for aches and ills seems like a uniquely human trait. But many animals use the elements to take care of their ailments. You may not realize, but there’s one farmiliar friend that’s extremely good at recognizing medicines […]

“…And today we’re telling about a creature that sounds likes a bad thing to call someone.” Beneath the briny blue of South Africa’s coastal waters lurks a creature with a schnoz so prominent it could co-star with the proboscis monkey in a muppet movie. The black musselcracker, a reef-roaming, shell-smashing singleton, chomps through crustaceans like […]

“…and today we’re talking about a creature that sounds like a brand of expensive tea.” The unblinking eyes of the spicebush caterpillar stare into the face of danger. Subterfuge is a great tool, but maintaining a ruse requires showmanship and commitment to a role. If a hungry predator sees past their sly facade, this caterpillar’s […]

“…and today we’re talking about an animal with a name that sounds like a AAA baseball team.” Deep in the dark, desolate depths of the ocean, where the sun don;’t shine and the pressure is crushing, there slinks a squishy, sausage-shaped sensation. This waddler of the abyss trundles through the muck with an extremely bizarre […]

“…and today we’re talking about a flat character. But more on that later.” Everyone likes a comeback kid. Clutching victory from the jaws of defeat. But what the Black Planarian Flatworm does is way beyond a come from behind win. This pond citizen has a regenerative ability so extraordinary that it would give a thinking […]

“And today were talking about something that’s not real velvet but it is a real worm. It is actual worm. It lives like a worm.” A wanderer in the undergrowth, glides along the leaf litter, searching for prey to tuck into the cradle of decay. This plush creature hides a secret silk used to knit […]

“…and today we’re talking about another, more different spotted noodle. But more on that later.” Slithering silently in the sandy shallows, the garden eel sways like a living blade of seagrass, rooted yet restless in the ocean’s endless ebb. Picture a creature that’s half snake, half shrub, playing peek-a-boo with the tides while pretending to […]

Picture a primate with a penchant for plunging.The proboscis monkey, with its pendulous schnozz and a physique built for aquatic acrobatics, is the rainforest’s resident daredevil. This long-nosed leaper doesn’t just swing through the mangroves; it hurls itself into the drink with the grace of a 10-year old at the Y, making a splash that […]

“…and today we’re talking about an armadillo that’s having wicked dreams of leaving Tennessee. But more on that later.” A rose-hued sprite is found on the Argentine plains. This fae surfs the rippling waves of xeric sands, past the islands of desert scrub. A pointed nose cuts a channel through the substrate, while paddle claws […]

Picture a sneaky, slinky shadow darting through the African savanna, a nocturnal ninja with a knack for nabbing prime real estate on the move. This crafty critter isn’t just scampering through the grass—it’s catching rides on the biggest beasts around, like a furry freeloader hitching a lift on a living tank. With a face like […]

“..and today we’re talking about a pup from the past but more on that later.” When a species is long forgotten underneath ancient permafrost, things start to look dire. But new scientific efforts are tapping into long forgotten DNA to build a bridge to the past. The question is, are we able to see the […]

“…and today we’re talking about a Tom Sawyer bug. But more on that later.”  Some guys just can’t take the hint. For Moorland Hawker Dragonfly females, this can be a bit more than a simple inconvenience. When the suitors come knocking, this lady doesn’t just dodge the drama—she takes it to a whole new level. […]