Tagged With Insects & Arthropods

Close-up of the open mouth of a green iguana, revealing its sharp, serrated teeth

Lizard Teeth: A Look at Their Dental Anatomy and Functions

10 April 2024

The variation in lizard dentition, which includes the number, type, and arrangement of teeth, as well as how they are specialized for hunting and protection.

Puff adder snake captured mid-jump, its thick body elevated off the ground with jaws open as if striking

Do Snakes Jump? The Fascinating World of Snake Locomotion

5 April 2024

How some snakes are able to jump and even fly by using special biomechanical modifications.

A black and yellow patterned ball python slithering up a smooth concrete wall

Why Do Snakes Climb Walls? The Science of a Reptilian Superpower

3 April 2024

How snakes' bodies and behavior help them move up walls and other steep inclines, and the obstacles they encounter.

Close-up of a large, brown garden snail crawling on a leaf in a lush garden setting

Snail Reproduction: An In-Depth Look at Egg-Laying

29 March 2024

The ins and outs of sexual and asexual snail reproduction, including the differences between land and water snail eggs, how long eggs take to hatch, and protective strategies.

A large python snake curled around a clutch of oval-shaped eggs, nestled in a shallow burrow lined with moss and twigs

How Do Snakes Reproduce? An In-Depth Explanation of Snake Egg-Laying

29 March 2024

The process of oviposition in snakes, including mating and finding a suitable location to lay the eggs, as well as how the eggs are cared for until they hatch.

Close-up of a brown stick insect's head, showing its large compound eyes and small mandibles

Do Stick Bugs Bite? What You Need to Know About These Docile Insects

19 March 2024

Stick insects are not known to bite people, but some types can release defensive toxins that can cause skin and eye irritation.

Vibrant yellow bird perched on a branch observing an ant, set against a softly focused natural background

What Do Birds Eat? The Science of Bird Diets

15 March 2024

Birds eat ants to get certain nutrients and also use ‘anting’ to get rid of parasites, which shows the many different ecological interactions at play.

Tarantula on a leafy background with focus on silk strands from spinnerets in dim lighting

Why Do Tarantulas Spin Webs? A Look at Their Silk-Spinning Behaviors

19 February 2024

Tarantulas' use of silk in shelter and threat detection but not in prey capture is consistent with their sensory biology and ability to adapt to different environments.

Tarantula in a desert habitat, raising its front legs in a defensive posture with dry plants in the background

Can Tarantulas Make Noise? The Truth About Spider Sounds

10 February 2024

Tarantulas are known to make noise, but instead of barking, they hiss and stridulate, which means they rub their legs together. They also use vibrations and urticating hairs to protect themselves and attract a mate.

Crickets nibbling on carrot and apple with a water dish, on a leafy green background

Optimal Cricket Nutrition: What to Feed Your Crickets for Peak Health

6 February 2024

The best diet for crickets consists of protein, produce, store-bought options, and ways to keep them hydrated, as well as gut loading to make them more nutritious as feeder insects.

Naked hermit crab on a sandy beach examining a variety of empty shells

Why Is My Hermit Crab Naked? The Science of Crab Behavior

5 February 2024

Knowing why hermit crabs leave their shells, maintaining the right living environment, and offering a variety of shells for optimal health and safety.