myriada's Favorites
Photos / Sounds
Observer
ddrhoadsDescription
Found on a female Bogertophis subocularis, 26 months after capture (near the closed-down gas station of Langtry, Texas). Photo taken in 2009 in captivity in Utah. She was found right at dusk with Bob Ashley, Russ Gurley, and John Mack.
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Genus AceriaObserver
kimberlietxDescription
Might have helped to ID if I'd noted the plant. Maybe someone will recognize the square tipped leaf.
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Genus AceriaObserver
dylapodiformesDescription
Galls on Texas Persimmon. Devils River
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Family HenicopidaeObserver
anna540Description
Cave species, photo Pete Baxter
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Northwestern Pond Turtle (Actinemys marmorata ssp. marmorata)Observer
smallhandsDescription
Pacific pond turtle found in backyard, released into local pond.
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xantusiahunterDescription
This Mite (covered with what looks like other mites) was found crawling on my 10-line June Beetle (previous observation).
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Texas Paloverde (Parkinsonia texana var. texana)Observer
pufferchungDescription
with @myriada
I think this is one of those rare south Texas' Parkinsonia
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Texas Tuberose (Manfreda maculosa)Observer
pufferchungDescription
Is this Manfreda?
with @myriada
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Agathothus gracilisObserver
derhennenDescription
Under log in mesic rhododendron, hemlock, oak, tuliptree, birch, beech forest
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Round-backed Millipedes (Superorder Juliformia)Observer
garethyearsleyDescription
Found under a rock. About 3cm long
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Genus StrigamiaObserver
sambiologyDescription
Had to work from the Arlington library today, so afterwords, I stopped by River Legacy Park and the Drying Beds. :)
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Giant Desert Centipede (Scolopendra heros)Observer
lovebirderDescription
Centipede
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Desert Millipede (Orthoporus ornatus)Observer
gtsalmonDescription
Adult on Pepper's Hill (California Mountain).
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Brown Centipede (Lithobius forficatus)Observer
sambiologyDescription
Elizabeth and I went to Mallard Cove Park to see how much it rained last night. Turns out it rained a lot! We spotted some neat critters here today too.
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Giant Centipedes (Genus Scolopendra)Observer
chuckfordDescription
Very large, at least 7", found on tree trunk in broad daylight, slowly making its way along, almost oblivious. Found in upland forest. Assuming genus Scolopendra, maybe one of the S. subspinipes subspecies?
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Common Desert Centipede (Scolopendra polymorpha)Observer
sandinoguerrero_naturalista
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Asian Weaver Ant (Oecophylla smaragdina)Observer
vipinbaligaDescription
When a Weaver Ant is infected by this parasitic fungus (Ophiocordyceps spp) the behavior of the ants is dramatically changed. They become erratic and zombie-like, and are manipulated by the fungus into dying at a spot that provides optimal conditions for fungal reproduction.
The growing fungus fills the ant's body and head causing muscles to atrophy and forcing muscle fibres apart. The fungus also affects the ant's central nervous system which force it to walk in a random manner, unable to find their way home.
The ant will eventually die as the fungus erupts out of its body, causing some pretty dramatic displays as above.
Entire colonies can be destroyed by this deadly fungus...
But here is good news: Ant colonies attacked by the zombie-ant fungus can survive with the help of a second parasite that castrates’ zombie-ant fungus thus keeping the infectious spores in check.(Source: www.futurity.org/top-stories/parasite-castrates-zombie-an...)
Sources: diorealskills.org/2012/09/20/social-parasites-are-as-old-...
www.biology-blog.com/blogs/permalinks/5-2011/zombie-ants-...
