Don't Touch a Lionfish

The lionfish, also known as the turkey fish, dragon fish and scorpion fish, is small, but deadly to most animals that touch it. Its 18 twig-like dorsal fins are equipped with venom used mainly for defense. It uses its feathery fins to group small fish into a smaller space, where the lionfish can then swallow them. Although the lionfish carries venom, it rarely causes death in humans. Read more!

Liger vs. Tigon

Ligers (left) and tigons (right) are similar because they both are the result of a crossbreed between a lion and a tiger; however, they have some distinct differences. Ligers are more common because the breeding process for them is easier. A liger is born to a male lion and a female tiger, inheriting most characteristics from its lion father. However, like their tigon ancestor, the liger loves to swim when most lions do not. The liger is usually a golden color with muted stripes (from the tiger parent) and spots (from the lion parent). They inherit the best qualities from both parents, including their size, which makes the liger one of the biggest cats in the world (unlike its tigon counterpart). There is greater interest in the liger specifically because of its massive size.

The tigon is born to a male tiger and female lion, and it is significantly smaller then the liger and usually both parents. It has the same features — muted stripes and spots and a golden coat — of the liger; however, it is often born prematurely and has a shorter lifespan. Both the liger and tigon are members of the genus Panthera; they don’t have a scientific name because of their human assisted ancestry.

Read more!

Sharks Help Cancer Patients

Sharks have an incredible ability to resist disease; in fact, they get sick less often than any other fish. This is probably why they have been around longer than crocodiles, humans or even dinosaurs. Because the shark is much more primitive than the human, researchers are trying to figure out more about the shark’s immune system. Someday they may even use that knowledge to help regulate the immune systems of human cancer patients.

Bonus Fact: Sharks first appeared in the seas 200 million years before the dinosaurs.

Find shark-inspired items at The Jungle Store!

Read more!

Make Room for Blue Crabs

The blue crab is named for its blue-tinted claws; however, its scientific name Callinectes sapidus, translates to “savory beautiful swimmer.” So, it's no surprise that blue crabs are the most harvested creatures in the world because of their well-liked, rich taste. They can be found in many regions from Uruguay to the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, in the Chesapeake Bay area (in the eastern United States), there have been several declines in the blue crab population due to their sensitivity to environmental changes. Because many of them are dying out, the populations that they feed on are growing and creating a negative impact on our ecosystem. As a result, many management systems are being set up to help better control the survival of the blue crab.

Bonus fact: Female blue crabs only mate once in their lives.

Read more!

The Luck of Ladybugs

Now, I want to discuss my favorite summertime bug: the ladybug. Ladybugs belong to the beetle family and are very beneficial to our agricultural systems. They feed on amphids and tiny insects, which often destroy plants. The ladybug is even said to bring good luck. In fact, the name ‘Ladybug’ comes from Mother Mary, also known as ‘Our Lady’. Contrary to popular belief, a ladybug’s spots fade as they get older.

Bonus Fact: A female ladybug lays more than 100 eggs throughout her life.

Read more!

Stay Bug-Bite Free This Summer

Moving right along with my summertime bug theme, I wanted to share some of these facts about mosquitoes to help you avoid bug bites this season. As many know, mosquitoes feed on blood; however, only female mosquitoes do. This is why women are more prone to mosquito bites; in fact, mosquitoes find the smell of estrogen and sweat to be appealing. They are also attracted to dark colors, especially the color blue. Other studies show that if you eat bananas, you can set off an appealing scent. However, garlic juice can be lethal for these tiny pests, and can be used as a repellent. Remember these simple facts, and you’ll be well on your way to a bug-bite-free summer! Read more!

Fireflies Glow

Fireflies or lightning bugs are actually nocturnal beetles. There are about 2,000 firefly species that all have the same ability to glow because they have specific light organs, located under their abdomens. By combining oxygen and a substance called luciferin, fireflies can produce light without heat. Each firefly species has a unique blinking pattern to help attract potential mates. Their light can also serve as a defense mechanism, showing predators that they would taste bad. Read more!

Frog to the Guts

The Hyalinobatrachium pellucidum, also known as the glass frog or see-through frog, is a species that lives in Ecuador. This one-of-a-kind frog has transparent flesh to the point where you can see its guts. Although its features are quite distinct, these frogs are rare to find because they are about the size of a fingernail. They are also endangered, so not many of them have been found; however scientists from Conservation International recently rediscovered one in the Nangaritza Protected Forest in Ecuador. Read more!

A Real-Life Unicorn

The Narwhal is a type of whale that gets its name, meaning “corpse whale”, from its bluish, blotchy skin. The most interesting thing about this whale, however, is the long tooth that juts out of its head. Narwhals have two upper teeth, and the male’s left tooth grows up to 10 feet in length. No one is aware of the exact use for the tooth. Some say it is used during mating season to fight off other males, while others think it may be a sensory organ, used to detect its surroundings. Whatever it’s used for, it must make eating difficult! Read more!

Camouflage Like a Leafy Sea Dragon

Leafy sea dragons are very similar to sea horses; however, they have several appendages that look like leaves, making it easy for them to camouflage amongst various seaweeds. Just like sea horses, the males are responsible for bearing children. Whenever they’re ready to mate, their tale turns bright yellow. The female deposits up to 250 bright pink eggs on a spongy patch, located on the male sea dragon’s underside. Read more!