Butterfly Farming in Kenya: The Untapped Potential
Kenya is home to a thriving butterfly farming industry. The industry began in the 1990s as a way to generate income and conserve the country’s forests. Today, the industry is worth millions of dollars and employs thousands of people.
However, the industry is not without its challenges. Many farmers complain that the government is not doing enough to support the sector. They also say that the…
In my au Stanley (narrow gauge) has a special interest in insects (I hc him as being into animals, they don’t judge you for your “jinx” and he’s got a soft spot for critters that are seen as “bad luck”) and tends to blurt out the most detailed information, he often info-dumps with and to Nia who encourages it cause it makes him happy once he’s freed from his “jinx” and she know every single insect name alphabetically along with their scientific names and nicknames
Here we have Duke immediately regretting asking them if they can name every single species and ends up sleeping when they’re engrossed in their conversation before leaving when they were in the mid section of the e category (Nia gave him “the disappointment older sister look” awhile back so the poor guy can trapped there and wondered how did he got ever himself into this situation)
Basically it’s just Stanley to Duke in alphabetical order: Alderflies Angel Insects Anoplura (Sucking lice) Ants Antlions Aphids
Archeognatha (Bristletails) Barklice Bees Beetles Bird lice Biting lice Blattodea (Cockroaches) Booklice Bristletails Bugs Butterflies Caddisflies Chewing lice Cicadas Cockroaches Coleoptera (Beetles) Collembola (Springtails) Crickets Damselflies Diplura Diptera (Flies) Dobsonflies Dragonflies-
Nia joining in cause she was mad at Duke: ah yes the alderfly which are megalopteran insects of the family Sialidae. They are closely related to the dobsonflies and fishflies as well as to the prehistoric Euchauliodidae. All living alderflies – about 66 species all together are part of the subfamily Sialinae, which contains nine extant genera. Sialinae have a body length of less than 25 mm (1 inch), long filamentous antennae, and four large dark wings of which the anterior pair is slightly longer than the posterior. They lack ocelli and their fourth tarsal segment is dilated and deeply bilobed. Dead alderfly larvae are used as bait in fishing-
duke:shooketh (Nia’s is basically the train version of a encyclopedia also her design is based off of MrTerrier673 on Twitter)
Blue is an extra-fun color for birds to be, because, as you may have heard, it is not created by a pigment. Blue feathers (and the blue scales on butterfly wings, and the blue irises of some humans) are structural, meaning that the color is created by the physical properties of the living tissue, which are arranged in such a way that they reflect the short wavelengths of blue light. Often this is paired with a dark pigment which absorbs other colors of light and makes the blue 'pop'. Look at all the tints and shades they can make!
JEREMY RENNER for INCREDIBLE ANIMAL JOURNEYS
ph. Eric Michael Roy
Disney has announced that Jeremy Renner will narrate an upcoming National Geographic series, “Incredible Animal Journeys”.
According to the show’s official description, we might think we are the world’s greatest explorers, but we’re not. Every day, millions of animals migrate across the planet using routes passed down by generations. “Incredible Animal Journeys” puts viewers in the action as they soar, fly and swim from the Antarctic to the African Savanna and the Pacific Ocean to Alaska. Join the protective humpback mom shepherding her newborn calf, tiny dung beetle, monarch butterfly, determined barn swallow who never gives up, and many more species.
A couple months ago (at least I think it was, but time is weird for me), I purchased an African Violet. This is a plant that's been in my life since early childhood. I had one until my husband killed it during one of our moves; he put it in full sun on a hot day. These plants burn. Just an hour in direct sun is enough to do serious damage. I was at our new place, directing where things go, and six hours later he arrived with a completely cooked plant. No, I was no okay, and more than ten years later I'm still very fucking upset. He's well aware of this.
Which is why he didn't argue when I said I'm getting an African Violet. They were $6 and poorly cared for at the local gardening place. On the container, it says "keep out of direct sunlight" and "water from the bottom." They had them in barely filtered light and were water from above. Yes, I fucking corrected them. The guy threw a fit and called the gardening manager over, who asked if I wanted to work there and sent the other guy to put the plants in a different area.
They had no self-water pots, nor African Violet food. Those are the kind African Violets need. So I've had mine in its original container until today. It started showing signs of dying a week ago, and was getting way too large for the container it came in. I'm using general potting soil because that always worked fine for my previous plant. I had to repot that thing four times! African Violet food will need to be acquired soon-ish.
My husband came home with a self-watering pot today. He went to four different places to find one! A couple days ago I was have a Very Bad Day, and seeing my plant rapidly failing was what set the dam of tears flowing. It was Bad. He was my hero today, didn't even tell me he was getting a pot. The plant has since been re-potted. I soaked the soil before adding the plant and dry soil, something my mom taught me (she has around half a dozen African Violets). If it does well, I'll see about acquiring more in the future. I have a spot on my PC desk set aside for an African Violet. The one I have is on my cutting table, the corner nearest the window.
I now have six pothos plants (all cuttings from the same one), one spider plant that may soon become two, and an African Violet. Next week, I may be filling some containers with soil and wildflower seeds from the front yard. There's too many weeds and general crap in the front yard for anything but more weeds and general crap to grow, so we're more or less destroying it, then adding layers of organic matter (six inches or more of fallen leaves and other similar stuff), and leaving it alone for a year or two while I add more containers. I intend to acquire tires of various sizes, a bathtub, and some other similar items, to decorate the yard and serve as containers. Because it amuses me, we own the house, and I fucking can. Even told the neighbors, and they found it hilarious. When the soil is ready, I'll add native wildflowers, some milkweed (monarch butterflies navigate through here), and other native plants that self-seed and will require minimal effort. The backyard will be treated much the same, but with raised beds for food and herbs, and walkable paths.
For now, my current plants will have to do. I'm just hoping my African Violet survives the transfer and thrives in the significantly larger and more appropriate pot. The other held maybe two cuts of wet soil. This? A gallon, possibly more.
Okay for my Modern Welcome Au fanfic, I’m making a Mother’s Day chapter, and I decided to draw all the moms. Everyone except for Miss Beagle is my own thoughts how they would look.
Miss Beagle belongs to Clown aka PartyCoffin. I just fan drew her in a cute Barnaby’s paw print apron (You can see his pup print and the large one) and I decided to give her a first name for the fanfic, since she needs one and a cute mama nickname. “Big Mama Betty”
Anyway in order!
Monique Dear “Mama Dear”: Mother of Eddie Dear lives in Louisiana and is a post-man. Her husband die in a terrible truck accident before Eddie was born. She is a feisty, spunky woman that loves to go out doors, train for anything survival. She is a sweet mother and big tiger mom. When she sees her groan son, she would give him a bear hug and pick him up like he was a toddler. Very accepting and would sound like Carol from OK KO (VA: Kate Flannery) She’s always working out, since she have to lift heavy packages, and can cook!
Eleanor Frankly “Mother Frankly”: Mother of Frank. A calm, soft spoken woman. She is a Neurosurgeon, has the most steadiest hands. When she uses knives or scissors, she always cuts beautifully; one thing Eddie finds amazing because hello Crafting! She’s very intelligent, comes from a very wealthy family. Lives in New York, specifically Mid Manhattan with her husband. Yes, they are happily married, but once they saw Monique... 🤭 let’s just say they wanted to do a poly relationship.
Serenity Joyful “Mama Llama”: Mother of Julie. A funny nickname Jonesy came up when he was a toddler and stuck to the Joyful family. Don’t mind the colorful vomit skirt, rainbow monsters love to represent their family. Since, Serenity is all about Maximalism boho-chic outfits, she loves to represent her children’s colors. Believes in nature, spirituality, crystal healing, and listens to trees. Very laid back, sweet, and always goofy. Believes problems can be solved with yoga and Chamomile tea. Lives in the Rainbow Forest not far from the Welcome Home Residents.
Charlotte Partridge “Mama Lottie”: Mother of Poppy. She’s exactly like Poppy, but sweeter like honey! Very caring, hates cursing, and she knows how to cook. Her socks were made by Poppy, when she learned how to sew. Loves to support and protect all her children. She will treat everyone like her own kids. Lives in West Virginia!
Maria Gloria Pillar Garcia “La Jefe or Tu Jefe”: Mother of Howdy. In my fanfic, Howdy is Mexican American. As a joke, him and siblings like to call their mom, the boss or say, “Tu Jefe esta llamando” It’s a thing I noticed with Latino Americans say about their parents like the joke, “Your mom is calling you or My mom...” You don’t have to get it if you don’t. It’s a thing I’ve seen. Anyway, she’s the boss of the family, and knows how to run things. I mean this woman gave birth over 300 caterpillars, so she has the right to run her family and the family’s ranch. What I can say about her? She’s a Monarch butterfly, lives in Michoacán, Mexico. Used to live in East LA.
Chantelle Darling “Mother Darling: Mother of Wally. Lives in Atlanta, Georgia. She’s funny, nice, but cross the line with her and she’s the first to fight. Very protective of Wally, and his a widow. So her and Monique are gonna get along just fine.
Miss Beagle “Big Mama Betty”: Mother of Barnaby. That dog is a HUGE mama’s boy! Everyone in the neighborhood knows her, she’s sweetest Mother Hen.
I’ma say this too. If they were Humans, All of them except Maria and Monique would be African American/black! Monique would be biracial. Maria would be Mexican American with dark brown skin tone. My Au is about inclusivity for BIPOC/POC.
General Info
Senshi Name: Sailor Butterfly
Civilian Name: Bernadette Keita
Name Meaning: Bernadette - As strong as a bear Keita - blessing
Other Aliases: Super Sailor Butterfly, Supreme Sailor Butterfly, Africa's first Sailor Scout
Titles: Sailor Butterfly
Birthday: Dec. 3
Zodiac: Sagittarius
Age: 17
Species: Human
Nationality: African
Ethnicity: Sudanese
Gender Identity: female
Sexual Orientation: bisexual
Physical Traits
Body Type:
Height: 6'0, or 1.8 meters
Weight: 173 lbs.
Skin Color: brown
Hair Color: brown
Hair Length: mid-neck
Hair Style: afro
Eye Color: pink
Disabilities / Injuries: n/a
Casual Clothing: toob
General Physical Description: She is a bit chubby
Psychological Traits
Ethical Alignment: neutral good
Friends: Kunto Bello, Nakato Okeke, Oni Ibori, Zula Mensah
Lovers: n/a
Enemies: Mera Empire
About the Sailor Senshi
What they represent: rebirth
Colors: pink and green
Their mission: to stop the Mera Empire from taking over
How your character relates to Sailor Moon canon: have to fight off an empire to save the corresponding country
Senshi who are a part of their team: Kunto Bello (Sailor Adonis Blue), Nakato Okeke (Sailor Morpho Menelaus), Oni Ibori (Sailor Monarch), Zula Mensah (Sailor Swallowtail)
Animal Companions / Guardians: Kekoa
Other allies they affiliate with: n/a
Transformations
■ Basic Sailor Form
Name: Sailor Butterfly
Phrase: Butterfly Fly Free!
Transformation Item: over the ear mic
Wand / Weapon: ax
Description / Image: green handled ax
■ Super Sailor Form
Name: Super Sailor Butterfly
Phrase: Butterfly Fly Free!
Transformation Item: over the ear mic
Wand / Weapon: ax
Description / Image: green handled ax
■ Eternal Sailor Form
Name: Supreme Sailor Butterfly
Phrase: Butterfly Fly Free Forever!
Transformation Item: over the ear mic
Wand / Weapon: ax
Description / Image: green handled ax
Attacks
Element
N/A
■ Butterfly Breeze!
Butterfly wings appear on her back and flap rapidly, blowing the enemy into the sky.
■ Butterfly Larvae Blitz!
She shoots small pebbles at the enemy from her pointer fingers that attach to them and drain their energy.
■ Butterfly Pollen Onslaught!
Raising a hand above her head, dust-like particles rain down and block the enemy's vision.
■ Moth Light Invasion!
Both arms are extended sideways and a bright light shines from her tiara, blinding the enemy
Taboo
N/A
Other Abilities:
N/A
Items
Armor: N/A
Technology: N/A
Other: N/A
Story
Setting: 1992 Khartoum, Sudan
Summary: Mera Empire starts attacking and Kekoa must remind Bernadette of who she is and what she must do.
i’ve had a little side project about giving everyone in the life series symbols. the rules are as follows: first place are celestial bodies (planets, moons, or occasionally constellations), second place are plants, and third place are rocks/minerals. last place are fungi, and everyone in between is an animal.
this post will have the full lists of all the symbols, but check out the original posts for the explanations.
Full list, with code names, Personas, their elemnts, mask designs, and all out attack quotes
Gira - Monarch
Arthur, Almighty King of British Mythology
Ultimate Persona: Ra, Egyptian King of the Gods
Third Tier: Amun Ra, Almighty fusion of Ra and Amun as Kings of Egypt
Element: Fire and Physical
Red Royal Domino Mask
Behold the might of kings!
Yanma - President
Vladamir, President of the Soviet Union
Ultimate Persona: Illnarien, Finish God of Blacksmiths
Third Tier: Ukko, Finnish King of the Gods
Element: Electric and Nuclear
Dark Blue High Tech Mask
And that’s why I’m the best!
Himeno - Majesty
Victoria, Queen of England
Ultimate Persona: Eir, Norse Goddess of Healing
Element: Bless and Healing
Golden Carnival Mask
You were nothing to me
Kaguragi - Lord
Ieyasu, First Ruler of Japan
Ultimate Persona: Daikokuten, Japanese God of Agriculture
Third Tier: Minakanushi, Creator Japanese God.
Element: Psy and Ailments
Black Demon Ninja Mask
I’ll do whatever it takes
Rita - Sovereign
Catherine, Queen of Russia
Ultimate Persona: Morana, Slavic Goddess of Winter
Third Tier: Perun, Slavic God King of Justice
Element: Ice and Debuffs
Purple Butterfly Mask
Guilty
Jeremy - Prophet
David, Prophet King of Jerusalem
Ultimate Persona: Anasi, African Spider God of Knowledge
Third Tier: Baiame, African Creator Deity
Element: Curse and Buffs
White Half Mask
Your story’s over
Racules - Crimson
Leonidas, King of Sparta
Ultimate Persona: Huehuecoyotl, Aztec God of Deception
Third Tier: Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec King God of War
Element: Wind and Almighty
Red and Silver Demonic Mask
This is for our future
Suzume - Sparrow
Uriko-hime, Japanese Fairy Tale Princess
Ultimate Persona: Jingwei, Chinese Bird Goddess
Third Tier Persona: Xiwangmu, Chinese Mother Goddess
Element: Navigator
Brown Kitsune Bird Mask
And that’s how it’s done!
Okay so when I read Crimson my first thought was "damn CPU Kerfuffle?" I simply cannot get rid of the brainrot
But other than that these are really good picks! I appreciate the kings all using royal titles for their codenames. I assume Hymeno originally went for "Queen" then Joker had to tell her it was taken
I'm imagining Kuwagon vibing in Gira's heart and then Arthur suddenly appears and its like "WHOMST THE FUCK???"