#Natural History

[rebeccathenaturalist]

Okay, so The Everyday Naturalist is up on the Ten Speed Press and Penguin/Random House's websites (and various other public places), so I can FINALLY show you the cover!!! I have been saying for months that this book is going to be absolutely beautiful (in addition to informative!), and now you get a good taste of that. Ricardo Macia Lalinde is an incredibly skilled artist whose natural history studies will grace not only the cover but the interior of the book; I feel incredibly fortunate to have his work included in this project.

Here's a bit more about the book itself: "If you’ve ever consulted a field guide to identify a new bird at your feeder, you know the process isn’t as easy as it sounds. In fact, it seems like you have to know a lot about that mystery bird to even figure out where to start.

"The Everyday Naturalist fills in the gaps by explaining what traits to pay attention to when encountering a new species; how and when to use field guides, apps, and other resources; what to do if you get stuck; and more. Rather than focusing on one region or continent, these skills and tools are designed to help you classify nature anywhere you are—whether on familiar territory, traveling, or in a new home."

The book has officially gone to press with a release date of June 17, 2025. Which means in half a year we can all have physical copies in hand! I haven't yet been able to talk to the marketing folks at the publisher to find out whether I can personally take preorders for signed copies, but I'll keep you posted--in the meantime you can preorder at the bookstore of your choice, online or brick and mortar.

[mariolanzas]

¨ANTEDILUVIAN¨ gifs

Antediluvian is a short animated film in commemorative homage to Classic Paleoart and the earliest Paleontologists. Exactly 200 years ago was the first dinosaur formally described.

Full short film now available at Youtube/MarioLanzas.

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Youtube channel

Instagram

Prints and more paleomerch

[fandolion]

Incredible artist Julia Stoess makes these giant 100:1 insect models, I have never seen something more beautiful !

Definition of mastering your craft, they are PERFECT

[samimarkart]

go grandpa

[amnhnyc]

Peek-a-boo! Have you ever seen the granulate shellback crab (Hypoconcha arcuata)? Growing about 0.6 in (1.4 cm) long, this unusual-looking crustacean inhabits coastlines along parts of the western Atlantic, with a range that includes parts of the United States, Mexico, and Brazil. Unlike hermit crabs—which hide inside their chosen shells—this critter uses its posterior legs to secure shells onto its back, often shouldering pieces larger than its own body, as a defense against foes.

Photo: Austin Smith, CC BY 4.0, iNaturalist

[sombertide-0]

day 21, spinosaurus, inspired by those pictures of crocodilians with reflective eyes :3

[lichenaday]

Roccella phycopsis

Litmus

So you've probably heard of a litmus test. Ever wondered what that is? Well a litmus test is a chemical test used to figure out if substance is acidic or basic, and litmus (from Old Norse meaning "moss used for dying,") is derived from lichens!!! It is unclear exactly which Roccella lichens were originally used to make litmus (people weren't so careful about species ID back in the day, ya know?), but R. phycopsis is among the original litmus lichens. This fruticose lichen has terete, erect branches which grow in small tufts out of a basal holdfast attached to costal rock, cliffs, walls, and shrubs. It is pale gray-brown, and has bulging or spikey soralia producing white soredia. The basal holdfast has a characteristic orange or ochre medulla (internal layer of fungal hyphae). R. phycopsis is rather rare, likely due in part to overharvesting for its use as a source for purple dye stretching back to the Roman empire! And inevitably due to the destruction of suitable costal habitat. So yeah, I hope y'all learned something new today, and the next time someone mentions a "litmus test," interrupt whatever they are saying in order to share this fun fact, and encourage them to conserve costal habitats for the preservation of these special little guys.

images: source

info: source | source | source | source

[da-real-god]

[yourcrazygirlokris]

After much consideration, it has become apparent that the original image is slightly outdated due to the discovery of a new species and advancements in technology to research cellular life. Therefore, we have determined this new species, the space niche, is an offshoot of the transitional and aquatic niches. It is suspected this is due to the similar facial structure and anatomy of the aquatic niche, as well as the adaptation to combat shown in the evolution from the transitional forme to the underground niche, as well as the agility and dexterity capabilities shown in the former. As for the shared ancestor, shared similarities have been found between it and it’s offshoots, as well as having the capability of life that can adapt to new environments.

[alexriesart]

One of a series of explorations into natural history art; a painting of a coconut crab I painted some time ago!

[katarinanavane]

Three new dollhouse curio cabinets! I didn't make the cabinets themselves but just found and arranged the contents.

[wobblyworks]

A Coelophysis pair enjoying the early morning hours

[beauty-funny-trippy]

"The Eye of the Earth" (Cetina River Spring), Croatia

Ground water seeps into the deep, vast system of caves that supply the spring with a constant source of fresh water, where it flows out from the Eye of the Earth, like tears, into the Cetina River.

[mttllo]

[samimarkart]

new bandanas are now in my shop! the printing on these is super sharp and crisp and i love the overlock edge. I am super super happy with these, please check them out if you have a chance. I am slowly trying to increase the countries I ship to and now offer shipping for canada and australia so if you’ve been waiting to get something from me now might be your chance!

find them here (and check out my stickers too!!)