#weird nature

[lichenaday]

Toniniopsis aromatica (syn. Toninia aromatica)

Fun fact that I found about this lichen on a sketchy FB post that may be fake since I cannot find a source for this info: Despite what the name T. aromatica might lead you to believe, it doesn't have a noticeable smell, but got it's name because it was sent to the dude who described it, Sir James Edward Smith, in a perfumed envelope. It's just stupid enough that I want to believe it. This squamulose (scale-like) lichen grows on soil, rock, brick, and shingles, often associated with/parasitizing other lichens. In humid environments, it has green, white-flecked squamules and swollen, black apothecia, but in drier environments, it has gray squamules and shriveled, pruinose apothecia. T. aromatica has a couple of look-alike species including T. verrucarioides, T. mesoidea, and T. fusispora , because lichens like to make my life difficult. Makes me wish it did have a distinct smell . . .

images: source | source | source

info: source | source | source | source

[rosieandthemoon]

[jenfoundabug]

Dasymutilla vestita, a species of velvet ant, in southern New Mexico, US. Despite their name, velvet ants are actually wasps. The females, like the one in this picture, don't have wings and can inflict an extremely painful sting. However, they're non aggressive and will only sting in self defense. Males have wings and cannot sting.

[knuppitalism-with-ue]

Another sketch brought to you by #paleostream

Polymerichthys, one of the weirdest extinct fish that I know, note the central, forward curving row of teeth on the palate for example.

[kvetch19]

x

[katiajewelbox]

Meet the real life “Bulbasaur”! That Pokemon is famous for being a dinosuar-like animal with a flowering green plant that grows on its back and provides energy. It sounds like pure fantasy, but there is actually an animal that has a similar lifestyle...

“There are several species of sea slugs that have evolved to look like leaves. One example is the Elysia chlorotica, also known as the eastern emerald elysia or the "solar-powered sea slug". This species of sea slug is found along the east coast of North America and is known for its bright green color and leaf-like appearance, which allows it to blend in with the surrounding seaweed. In addition to its leaf-like appearance, the Elysia chlorotica has the unique ability to steal genes from the algae it consumes, allowing it to photosynthesize and use solar energy to survive. This makes it one of the few animals on Earth that is capable of harnessing the power of the sun to meet its energy needs - it can go without eating for 9 months because it can photosynthesize just like a plant while basking in the sun!”

(Source: The Organic Consumers’ Association of Australia Linked In page) #biodiversity #nature #wildlife #naturephotography #macro #conservation #birds #naturelovers #biodiversit #wildlifephotography #climatechange #environment #sustainability #photography #biology #biodiversidad #animals #insects #ecology #insect #bird #biodiversidade #flowers #macrophotography #naturaleza #forest #perfection #earth #science #wildlifeconservation

[nokia3650]

★

[darksaphire2002]

[alwayssacred]

[bugtoot]

[lichenaday]

Scytinium turgidum

When I see people tag my lichen posts with #plant, I have to admit, a part of me dies inside. Because like, cyanolichens like S. turgidum have to plants parts. This guy is composed of an ascomycete fungi and a cyanobacteria -- no plants involved whatsoever. This jelly lichen grows on calcareous rock often inundated with runoff. It has shiny red-black to blackish-olive lobes which are wrinkled and thin when dry, thick and gelatinous when wet. The upper surface is covered in granular isidia, and often brownish-red apothecia. S. turgidum has a Nostoc photobiont.

images: source

info: source | source

[rosieandthemoon]

falling out of place

[giftshopofcuriosities]

The World’s Record black sea bass caught by Edward Llewellen. It weighed 425 lbs. He brought it in alone in 1903. This record fish was surpassed in 1968 by a 563-pound giant sea bass caught by James McAdam, Jr.

read about it here

[crystalinecat]

Look at this! I found a tree with this large growth-like tumor while walking in the woods at a local nature preserve. Does anyone know what this is? Why it happens?

I was thinking it would possibly be a chaga mushroom, being the size of an infant, hanging off the tree. But I wasn’t sure! Let me know in the comments!

[katiajewelbox]

What is this curious object in my hand? With its scale-like pattern, it looks like a dragon's egg but it is actually the fruit of the Cherimoya Tree (Annona cherimola). The Cherimoya fruit is also called a "custard apple". It was a complex flavour similar to pear, custard, pineapple, and mild mango blended together. The inner part of the fruit is silky smooth surrounded by flesh textured like an Asian pear.

The Cherimoya name comes from the Quechua word for "cold seeds" and the plant has been cultivated in the Andes and Central America since prehistoric times. The Cherimoya fruit appears in the exquisite ceramic art of the Moche people from over 2000 years ago. The fruit is still very popular in Peru and Chile, where it is used as ice cream flavouring and in other desserts.

The Cherimoya tree is difficult to cultivate outside its native range due to the lack of natural pollinators and the delicate fruits are challenging to ship. Only recently has this fruit become available in Europe. This fruit is packed with antioxidants, vitamin B, and fibre as well as a potentially harmful toxin called annonacin which can cause nervous system damage. The toxin is concentrated in the seeds and skin, so as long as you avoid eating those part the fruit is safe.

Just don't wait for it to hatch into a dragon!

[nokia3650]

★