Animal fun facts

The leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx) is well adapted to its habitat, living both on land and sea. It has adapted limbs known as flippers which allow the animal to both swim gracefully in the water and walk not so gracefully on land. Their powerful jaws make them adept hunters, catching fish, cephalopods,...

The pine processionary caterpillar, the larval stage of a specific moth, is known for causing two distinct problems. First, these caterpillars feed on the needles of pine trees, and sometimes other conifers, which can weaken the trees and even lead to their death over time, especially if there are many...

Seals are aquatic mammals that live in both marine and freshwater environments. To survive in the water, they have various evolutionary adaptations to make them adept swimmers. One of the most obvious is their flippers. While some may wonder if seals have paws, the answer is not any more. Seals are also known...

It's interesting to consider what eats spiders. Despite their predatory skills, spiders occupy a middle ground in the food web. They hunt insects and sometimes small animals, but they are also prey for a diverse range of creatures. From common birds and lizards to less expected predators, many animals consume...

Zebras may look like striped horses, but there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye. These horse relatives have evolved adaptations that help them survive in environments with predators and changing conditions. From their digestive systems to their social structures, zebras showcase effective survival...

The jaguar, a truly iconic and mysterious predator. But today, these magnificent animals are disappearing from the wild, and alarmingly, most people don't grasp how close they are to vanishing forever. Jaguars once roamed from the southwestern United States all the way down to Argentina, but they've now...

Guppies (Poecilia reticulata) are known for their colorful appearance and versatility, making them one of the most common aquarium fish in the world. Another characteristic that makes them so popular is that they are freshwater fish. It is generally easier to keep freshwater fish in aquariums than their...

The total area of China's maritime zone is somewhere between 1 to 5 million km². Such a large discrepancy is due to the contestation over ownership of waters near China's coastline. Even with conservative estimates, China has a lot of ocean with an incredible level of biodiversity contained within. In addition...

Cats are often celebrated for their incredible agility and their almost legendary ability to survive falls from high places. But it's natural to wonder, where is the limit? The science behind how cats manage to survive these falls is a fascinating blend of evolutionary adaptations, their quick reflexes,...

Ladybugs are a type of beetle belonging to the arthropod family Coccinellidae. More than 6,000 species have been identified and their populations are distributed globally. A type of beetle, they are relatively small at only around 10 mm long. They are characterized by their colorful patterns on their elytra,...

For millions of years, sea turtles have been vital players in our oceans' ecosystems. These incredible reptiles, encompassing seven distinct species, each boast unique characteristics, habitats, and behaviors, from the colossal leatherback to the tenacious Kemp's ridley. Despite their varied sizes, diets,...

The family Coccinellidae is made up of insects known as ladybugs, ladybirds or lady beetles. Which term you use generally depends on your location, with ladybug being the preference in North America. The reason for so many names is due to an incredible species diversity and population range. They are found...

Cockroaches have survived for over 300 million years, evolving into one of Earth's most resilient pests. With their ability to withstand radiation, survive without food for months, and squeeze through the tiniest cracks, they've earned their reputation as nearly indestructible. But nature has developed its...

Ladybugs are toxic, but their ability to cause harm to humans is minimal. There are more than 6,000 individual insect spcies in the family Coccinellidae, the family to which all ladybugs belong. Also known as ladybirds, ladybugs are noted for their colorful forewings known as elytra. They are often red with black...

Reptiles are some of the most diverse and ancient creatures on Earth, thriving in nearly every environment—from scorching deserts to dense rainforests. As cold-blooded vertebrates, they rely on their surroundings to regulate body temperature, and their unique adaptations have allowed them to survive for millions...

The giraffe, the tallest land mammals on Earth, has a life influenced by its environment and unique adaptations. They are born after falling almost 2 meters to the ground and grow to a height of up to 5.5 meters (18 feet), going through interesting changes as they develop. The big difference in lifespan...

Firebugs are not poisonous and they are not known to carry any disease which is harmful to humans. Despite their alarming name, they do not pose any particular threat to our well-being. Belonging to the Pyrrhocoridae family, the firebug (Pyrrhocoris apterus) is native to Central Europe and Asia, particularly...

Aquatic ecosystems have a varied range of trophic interactions. This refers to the feeding habits of organisms, including predators, prey and parasites, among others. Predation on snails by certain fish acts as a regulatory mechanism that maintains population dynamics and prevents excessive proliferation....

Ever had one of those cute, spotted ladybugs land on your finger and wondered if it could bite? The short answer is yes, but don't worry. While ladybugs do have tiny mouthparts capable of biting, they rarely break human skin and aren't interested in us as food. Their mandibles are designed for munching...

While it may appear as if your dog is howling for no reason, this is not the case. It may not be obvious, but understanding a dog's canine instinct and behavioral traits will help you to understand the reason for their howling. To do so, we need to look at the context of the howling. This can include the genetics...

"Despite their global popularity, goldfish are often wrongly perceived as short-lived, disposable pets. In reality, these resilient fish can thrive for 10-15 years, or more, with attentive care. This raises a common question among owners: what is their typical lifespan, and how is it influenced by environment,...

Choosing the right fish for your aquarium requires various considerations, with their diet being particularly important. Some fish are carnivorous and cannot share a fish tank with species it might eat. Others will need specialized nutrition to ensure health and well-being. Algae eaters are aquarium fish that...

Corydoras catfish are among the most popular freshwater fish for home aquariums, loved for their peaceful nature, fascinating behaviors, and ability to help keep tanks clean. With over 170 recognized species, these bottom-dwelling fish come in a variety of sizes, colors, and patterns, making them a favorite...

Anyone who has shared their home with a cat knows these mysterious creatures have their own unique ways of communicating. From a subtle tail flick to personalized meows just for their humans, cats speak volumes if we learn to listen. While dogs are more obvious, cats communicate with nuance and subtlety,...

Omnivorous fish are water creatures that eat both plants and animals. Unlike fish that only eat one type of food, these adaptable eaters have bodies that can handle different food sources. They can eat things like algae and water plants, as well as insects, tiny shellfish, and smaller fish. This ability...

For 165 million years, dinosaurs reigned over Earth, and their diverse diets were pivotal in shaping their evolution, behavior, and ecological roles. From colossal herbivores that ate vast quantities of plants to formidable carnivores that preyed on other dinosaurs, their feeding habits dictated their...

When you picture life underground, moles are likely one of the first animals that come to mind. Their unique, shovel-like paws and extensive burrowing habits are certainly memorable. A common question, however, is whether these subterranean mammals are truly blind. While many people believe moles are...

We cannot tell a dog we are pregnant directly. We can intimate it during the pregnancy and they will be fully aware of a baby's presence once they are born. Fortunately, dogs are likely aware of the pregnancy thanks to their own perceptive abilities. It is even possible a dog will be aware that their...

One of the most fascinating tales in Asian culture is the story of the koi fish, which represents symbolizing strength, perseverance, and transformation. This ancient story tells of koi fish swimming upstream against powerful currents, with some eventually transforming into majestic dragons, a metaphor for personal...

Eagles are among the most powerful birds of prey. With their massive wingspans, razor-sharp talons, and keen intelligence, these birds dominate the skies and serve as top predators in many ecosystems. But what exactly makes eagles so unique? From their legendary eyesight that allows them to spot prey from...

Angelfish are different species of freshwater fish from the genus Pterophyllum. They are one of the most popular freshwater species in aquarium keeping due to their elegance and peaceful behavior, making them great tank mates for a wide variety of aquatic species. They are also highly prized for their physical...

Can dogs sense when their owner is about to go into labor? Many pet owners claim their dogs act differently in the days leading up to childbirth, becoming more protective, clingy, or even restless. But is there any truth to this, or is it just a coincidence? Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and intuition,...

The jaw is a defining feature of vertebrates with teeth, and it plays a crucial role in biting, chewing, and survival. From the powerful jaws of a lion to the flexible hinged jaws of a snake, vertebrate species have developed unique jaw structures and teeth adaptations to match their diets and lifestyles....

Hanging upside down in the canopies of Central and South American rainforests, the sloth has earned its reputation as nature's chilliest mammal. These creatures move at an average pace of just 0.15 miles per hour, making them the undisputed champions of slowness in the animal kingdom. To put this in perspective,...

These majestic animals captivate us with their incredible intelligence, strong family bonds, and complex social lives. But have you ever wondered how elephants create new life? Elephants truly stand out in the animal kingdom when it comes to reproduction. These giants take everything at their own pace, from...

Canids are a diverse family of carnivorous mammals that have adapted to various different habitats on almost every continent. Within the family known as Canidae, there are well-known species. The one with which we have most interaction is the domestic dog, but wolves, foxes, jackals and coyotes are all...

The blue whale (Balaenoptera musculus) is the largest living creature on the planet. A true colossus of the oceans, there are individuals which exceed 110 ft (33.5 m) in length and weigh over 100,000 lb. Their enormous size does not mean they are free from danger. With the impacts of climate change, ocean...

In the crushing depths of the ocean, where sunlight fades and life takes on bizarre forms, lives the oarfish, Regalecus glesne. This extraordinary creature, the longest bony fish on Earth, can grow to a staggering 36 feet. Its rare appearances near the surface, or on beaches, always cause a stir. With its...

Found in the phylum Cnidaria, polyps are small organisms which are essential to marine ecosystems. They are cylindrical in shape and have tentacles, the latter they use for feeding and other behaviors. Almost all are sessile, being attached to certain substrates. It is for this reason they are so important to...

Imagine an animal larger than a jumbo jet, with a heart so massive you could swim through its arteries, that's the blue whale. Narrowing down just 10 fascinating facts about these ocean giants was no easy task because everything about them is extraordinary. They are extraordinary not only because of their...

The jaguar (Panthera onca), the largest wild cat in the Americas and the third largest in the world, is a key apex predator. It plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of ecosystems across its range, which spans from the southwestern United States to northern Argentina. Modern genetic research identifies...

Manta rays are gentle giants, with distinctive fins and impressive size, have a fascinating reproductive process. Unlike egg-laying fish, manta rays give birth to live young, a sophisticated strategy. This journey, from conception to birth, exemplifies marine reproduction, involving complex courtship, internal...

The snailfish belongs to the group of ray-finned fishes (Actinopterygians) and to the family of Lipariidae, generally known as snailfish or slimy fish. Within this family, 29 genera and more than 300 species have been recognized, although there is little information about many of them. Snailfish are...

The term ‘panther’ is not always a strict scientific term. While it is used to describe the big cat species which encompass the genus Panthera, it is also used to cover animals with similar characteristics such as certain types of cougar. There are also significant types of panther which are classified...

Reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus), also called caribou in North America, are one of the most widespread and adaptable members of the deer family. These large mammals thrive across the Northern Hemisphere, from the high Arctic all the way to the southern reaches of boreal forests. This remarkable adaptability...

Black panthers are animals which are culturally important worldwide. Symbols of strength, power and pride, many of us have a clear image of this big cat. Despite this, it might be difficult for some of us to answer what animal is a black panther? The first thing to know is that a black panther is not...

In the depths of forests around the world, a silent shadow glides. We have long been fascinated with black panthers, which may be found in both contemporary and ancient mythologies. However, the truth of these enigmatic felines is much more amazing than any work of fiction. They're not even a single species,...

All types of jellyfish are fascinating animals. Some look like creatures you are more likely to find in a fantasy novel or sci-fi movie, but they are real animals and important members of their aquatic ecosystems. Belonging to the Cnidaria phylum, these gelatinous creatures have a great diversity of...

Many of us speak about calico cats as if they were their own breed. All calicos share distinct characteristics, both physically and genetically, but they are not a specific breed. The calico is a tricolor coat pattern which belongs to various breeds of cat. Of the estimated 600+ million domestic cats in...

Over the course of millions of years, tarantulas have developed advanced hunting methods and a variety of dietary preferences as predators. Understanding what these arachnids eat, both in their natural habitats and in captivity, is crucial for appreciating their role in ecosystems and ensuring their...