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Gliding spiders
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These tropical arachnids known as selenopid spiders (pictured above) possess the rare ability to steer themselves in the air and jump between trees - an unexpected talent for spiders, which have no history of flight. Researchers theorize that this behavior may have evolved because tree trunks are a far better place for a tree-dwelling spider than the forest floor, an unfamiliar territory crawling with creatures looking for a meal. ...
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11150 |
duddy |
8 years ago |
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1822 |
duddy |
8 years ago |
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The world’s first green helicopter
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It takes hundreds of hours to become a proficient helicopter pilot but this new 'volocopter' could change all that. Its 18 rotor blades make the craft incredibly stable and within two years it could be on the market
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3500 |
duddy |
9 years ago |
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1251 |
duddy |
9 years ago |
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A moth that looks and smells like bird poop
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This odd species is Macrocilix maia, a moth found all over Asia, including India, Japan, Korea, China and Borneo. Its wing patterning features two symmetrical patterns that look like flies or caterpillars feeding on a bird dropping, which could act as a deterrent for predators. The moth even smells like bird droppings.
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2220 |
duddy |
10 years ago |
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A woolly insect
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It is not surprising that this family of moths are commonly called woolly bears or woolly worms, as the caterpillars of many species are really very hairy. The larvae can be full of poisonous chemicals acquired from their host plants, advertising that they are bad to eat with bright colours, bad odours and unusual shapes. The adult moths have distinctive wing venation and can also be distasteful when eaten. They produce ultrasonic sounds to warn off predators and confuse bats looking for a tasty treat. There are over 10,000 species worldwide including all the tiger, footmen, wasp and lichen moths. Amazingly, the caterpillars of some species can even survive freezing. ...
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4013 |
savio |
10 years ago |
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See-through butterfly
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The pretty creature, who is a native of Mexico and South America, does not lack the tissues that make up a full wing, but rather the coloured scales that other butterflies have.
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8847 |
duddy |
10 years ago |
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6805 |
duddy |
10 years ago |
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Massive flying squirrel
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Named Biswamoyopterus laoensis, with a suggested common name of the Laotian giant flying squirrel. It weighs around 1.8 kg and measures about 42 inches (1.08 m) in total length – the body is about 18 inches (0.46 m) long and the tail is 24 inches (0.62 m) long.
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2500 |
duddy |
10 years ago |
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Ever seen white bats before?
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Introducing the Honduran white bat, a tiny bat (reaches up to 4.7 cm in length) found in Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama that has superb construction skills. These bats build tents from waxy leaves, creating a waterproof shelter that also helps them camouflage from predators.
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5886 |
duddy |
10 years ago |
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Why does airplane food taste strange?
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 If you've been fortunate enough to fly on an airplane, you've probably noticed that the food tastes a bit strange. It turns out that it's not actually because of the food itself (even if you are sitting in economy) but the reduced atmospheric pressure on board and the dry nose and mouth we get from flying, says an expert.
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2756 |
duddy |
10 years ago |
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A monster bug
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This is the Tacua speciosa, one of the world's largest and most beautiful species of cicada. It is found in Borneo, Sumatra, Java and parts of the Malay Peninsula and its wingspan can stretch up to an impressive 18 cm.
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6664 |
duddy |
10 years ago |
