An Australian horsefly has been named after celebrity singer, Beyonce, thanks to the golden hairs on its back end. The Scaptia Beyonceae is largely regarded as a pest, but is known to pollinate many plants. It can be found in Queensland. Strangely, the fly was first discovered in 1981 -- the same year Beyonce was born.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
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Showing posts with label insects. Show all posts
Showing posts with label insects. Show all posts
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Thursday, June 30, 2011
The Water Boatman Sings with Its Wang
Scientists have determined that the tiny water boatman insect (Micronecta scholtzi) is the loudest animal on earth -- and it makes its ultra-loud noise with its penis!
The water boatman, measuring a mere 2mm or so, makes its noise by stridulation -- which simply means rubbing one body part against another to create a sound. In the case of the tiny water boatman, the noise is made by rubbing its penis against its ridged abdomen. The sound measures in at a whopping 78.9dB, which is approximately as loud as a passing freight train! While the stridulation of the water boatman is audible to human ears, 99% of the sound is lost in the transference from water to air, as the water boatman spends its time underwater.
Most of the loudest animals are also the largest, including the blue whale and the elephant, but when the water boatman's body size is taken into account, it is the loudest creature on the planet.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
The water boatman, measuring a mere 2mm or so, makes its noise by stridulation -- which simply means rubbing one body part against another to create a sound. In the case of the tiny water boatman, the noise is made by rubbing its penis against its ridged abdomen. The sound measures in at a whopping 78.9dB, which is approximately as loud as a passing freight train! While the stridulation of the water boatman is audible to human ears, 99% of the sound is lost in the transference from water to air, as the water boatman spends its time underwater.
Most of the loudest animals are also the largest, including the blue whale and the elephant, but when the water boatman's body size is taken into account, it is the loudest creature on the planet.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
Operation Spiderman Nabs Criminal
37-year-old German nationalist, Sven Koppler, admitted to mailing hundreds of spiders to undercover agents in a sting dubbed "Operation Spiderman." The spiders, which included tarantulas and species protected by international treaties, were mailed to both US and Mexican agents from Germany, but they say Koppler has mailed countless spiders to buyers around the world and received at least $300,000 for his crimes.
Koppler was arrested in Los Angeles when he arrived to meet an associate. He faces a possible 20-year prison sentence when he faces a judge in April.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Koppler was arrested in Los Angeles when he arrived to meet an associate. He faces a possible 20-year prison sentence when he faces a judge in April.
© C Harris Lynn, 2011
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Creepers Kill German Man, Eat His Corpse
30-year-old Mark Voegel did not bring visitors to his apartment because he kept a large collection of insects and lizards, many of which were very aggressive and highly poisonous. When the heating elements on the container holding his "pet" black widow spider exploded, releasing it and its termite prey, the spider bit Voegel, killing him.
When authorities arrive, they described a scene like that from "a horror movie." Voegel's body was stretched over his couch, in the process of being eaten by the 200+ insects and lizards he kept inside. Lizards ripped chunks of flesh from his corpse, which bird-eating insects then carried into their nests. Spiders, termites, and various insects crawled from the victim's mouth and nose, and termites had devoured far more than his flesh. His body was found only after neighbors complained of the smell.
Experts say most of the creatures in Voegel's apartment would never have been allowed in a residential home.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
When authorities arrive, they described a scene like that from "a horror movie." Voegel's body was stretched over his couch, in the process of being eaten by the 200+ insects and lizards he kept inside. Lizards ripped chunks of flesh from his corpse, which bird-eating insects then carried into their nests. Spiders, termites, and various insects crawled from the victim's mouth and nose, and termites had devoured far more than his flesh. His body was found only after neighbors complained of the smell.
Experts say most of the creatures in Voegel's apartment would never have been allowed in a residential home.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Locust Pizza
In response to locust swarms which have clouded the region, one Australian pizza owner has made lemonade of... he's made a locust pizza! While the mayor of the region is credited for the idea, he admits he has not tried one of the locust pizzas, but says it's because he figures they taste "like anchovies," which he doesn't like, either. He reports that at least one of the locals has tried the pizza, though did not say what the local thought of it.
Australia's northern Victoria is facing the worst locust swarms it has seen in 30 years.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Australia's northern Victoria is facing the worst locust swarms it has seen in 30 years.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Swarm of Bees Kills Colorado Man
An 81-year old man who was mowing the yard of an abandoned house near his home was attacked by possibly "Africanized" bees. He suffered multiple stings, but emergency workers say he likely died from bee stings to his head and upper torso.
A team of experts was sent to the abandoned property, charged with the removal of the bees.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
A team of experts was sent to the abandoned property, charged with the removal of the bees.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Friday, September 19, 2008
Quick Bits of Oddity
As I say so often, just because there are no new posts does not mean I am not working. I work everyday -- every day -- whether or not I actually post anything. Usually, this consists of surfing around, reading and researching different subjects and articles.
I realize there haven't been as many in-depth articles lately, and that is because I have simply lacked the time. Much of what I have been bringing you are mere rewrites and coverage of articles that interest me, or that I hope will interest you. Writing a full article is exactly what it is: it is no different from writing a piece for submission, writing an essay for school, writing a report for work, etc. It takes several days, even weeks, and lots of research, editing, rewrites, and so forth. With everything else on my plate right now, I haven't had the time for that.
Rest assured, more are on the way and several are already up (check the archives) -- but, for now, there are none immediately planned.
Anyway, I was going through the bookmarks and noticed a ton of stories I never got around to. Many of them are several days, or even weeks, old -- so you may already have heard about them. It occurred to me that, with everything else going on, it might be best to link to them and let you check them out on your own. An OddBlog Rundown, if you will.
And so, without further ado:
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
I realize there haven't been as many in-depth articles lately, and that is because I have simply lacked the time. Much of what I have been bringing you are mere rewrites and coverage of articles that interest me, or that I hope will interest you. Writing a full article is exactly what it is: it is no different from writing a piece for submission, writing an essay for school, writing a report for work, etc. It takes several days, even weeks, and lots of research, editing, rewrites, and so forth. With everything else on my plate right now, I haven't had the time for that.
Rest assured, more are on the way and several are already up (check the archives) -- but, for now, there are none immediately planned.
Anyway, I was going through the bookmarks and noticed a ton of stories I never got around to. Many of them are several days, or even weeks, old -- so you may already have heard about them. It occurred to me that, with everything else going on, it might be best to link to them and let you check them out on your own. An OddBlog Rundown, if you will.
And so, without further ado:
- Pope condemns frog statue - because with all the other shit going on, that's what most concerns God.
- Intact mammoth skull uncovered - an actual mammoth's skull, not a giant skull... well, I mean it is giant, but... just read it.
- Buddha statue found in Bamiyan - hey, the demolitions crew missed one!
- The white priestess of black magic - too many double-entendres here.
- New species of insect found on eBay - and you thought there were just a bunch of rats and asses!
- Hearing visions
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
FLEA INFESTATION
Anyone have any hints, tips, or tricks on how to rid your home of fleas?
Thanks.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
Thanks.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Australian Exterminator Survives on Termites
An Australian pest control expert became lost in the Outback without food or water and ironically survived on a diet of termites.
52-year old Theo Rosmulder was prospecting with his metal detector when he became separated from his group. He feared he would never be found, but managed to survive the harsh night. The next day, he found a termite's nest and knocked the top off of it. He survived by feasting on the insects, which he says "don't taste too bad."
A small group of Aborigines found Mr. Rosmulder Tuesday.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
52-year old Theo Rosmulder was prospecting with his metal detector when he became separated from his group. He feared he would never be found, but managed to survive the harsh night. The next day, he found a termite's nest and knocked the top off of it. He survived by feasting on the insects, which he says "don't taste too bad."
A small group of Aborigines found Mr. Rosmulder Tuesday.
© C Harris Lynn, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Ants' Berry Red Behinds
Scientists were in Central and South America, studying a species of ant that is capable of short mid-air flights when they discovered something they had not expected: a parasite that causes the ants' behinds to turn into plump, bright red, "berries."
This is the first known discovery of a parasite that mimics fruit. Presumably, it tricks foraging birds into eating the bothersome insects. However, initial research indicates that the parasite is most likely spread by the birds' feces, meaning the parasite may actually have some kind of symbiotic relationship with the birds, making the insects easier to detect. The reports do not indicate whether or not ants are (intentionally) a part of the birds' diet, but it's just a theory.
You can see a photo gallery of transformed ants by visiting National Geographic.
This is the first known discovery of a parasite that mimics fruit. Presumably, it tricks foraging birds into eating the bothersome insects. However, initial research indicates that the parasite is most likely spread by the birds' feces, meaning the parasite may actually have some kind of symbiotic relationship with the birds, making the insects easier to detect. The reports do not indicate whether or not ants are (intentionally) a part of the birds' diet, but it's just a theory.
You can see a photo gallery of transformed ants by visiting National Geographic.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
This One Time, the World Had Huge Crabs
Now this is what The OddBlog is all about... kinda.
European scientists claim to have found the claw of a prehistoric 8' sea crab! The claw is nearly 400 million years old and was found in a Prum, German quarry. It has been named Jaekelopterus rhenaniae. The size tells scientists arachnids and insects (and similar creatures) were larger than even they once thought. The largest modern scorpion is only 30cm.; the claw measures 46 cm!
Researchers theorize higher oxygen levels in the atmosphere may have led to the gigantic size of these and similar invertebrates, such as cockroaches. The larger specimen would likely have been killed-off first by predators, as they are easier to spot. While many would have lived entirely on land, others, like this one, would have led an aquatic or semi-aquatic life.
Scientists think Jaekelopterus rhenaniae lived in swamps, ponds, and similar environs.
European scientists claim to have found the claw of a prehistoric 8' sea crab! The claw is nearly 400 million years old and was found in a Prum, German quarry. It has been named Jaekelopterus rhenaniae. The size tells scientists arachnids and insects (and similar creatures) were larger than even they once thought. The largest modern scorpion is only 30cm.; the claw measures 46 cm!
Researchers theorize higher oxygen levels in the atmosphere may have led to the gigantic size of these and similar invertebrates, such as cockroaches. The larger specimen would likely have been killed-off first by predators, as they are easier to spot. While many would have lived entirely on land, others, like this one, would have led an aquatic or semi-aquatic life.
Scientists think Jaekelopterus rhenaniae lived in swamps, ponds, and similar environs.
Saturday, September 8, 2007
The Bees' Disease
I know I said I was going to be working a lot on other projects today and wasn't sure if I could get anything out to you, but I wanted to take a moment to let you know that researchers believe they may have discovered the reason for the honeybee decline this year and it is most likely a virus known as the Israeli Acute Paralysis Virus (IAPV).
While the honeybee population decline can be traced back up to 20 years, this past year was the worst on record for commercial operations in the US. In the last three years, 50-90% of all commercial bee colonies in the States have been affected by Colony Collapse Disorder, or CCD. IAPV turned up regularly in most of the colonies so affected.
Honeybee colonies are important for pollination and are shipped around the country for this procedure. They are particularly necessary to the almond industry in California, where most of the world's almond crops are grown. It is an industry worth nearly $2.5 billion annually.
While IAPV is not positively the culprit in CCD, many do believe it is a primary factor involved - whether causative or indicative of something else. They do say that theories involving cellphones, environmental waste, and other hippy-rific type-stuff can be safely discounted at this point. Still, many believe CCD to be caused by several factors.
While the honeybee population decline can be traced back up to 20 years, this past year was the worst on record for commercial operations in the US. In the last three years, 50-90% of all commercial bee colonies in the States have been affected by Colony Collapse Disorder, or CCD. IAPV turned up regularly in most of the colonies so affected.
Honeybee colonies are important for pollination and are shipped around the country for this procedure. They are particularly necessary to the almond industry in California, where most of the world's almond crops are grown. It is an industry worth nearly $2.5 billion annually.
While IAPV is not positively the culprit in CCD, many do believe it is a primary factor involved - whether causative or indicative of something else. They do say that theories involving cellphones, environmental waste, and other hippy-rific type-stuff can be safely discounted at this point. Still, many believe CCD to be caused by several factors.
Monday, June 11, 2007
One-in-a-Million Find
6 year-old Nicholas Wagner had just learned about blue-eyed cicadas in kindergarten the day he came home and told his mother that he was going out in their backyard to find one. Most cicadas have red eyes; only one in a million has blue eyes, but they do exist.
After "a long time," the boy came in and told his mom he had in fact found a blue-eyed cicada!
While the find is rare, it is not unheard of. The genetic mutation which causes the blue eye color is found in about one of every million cicadas, as mentioned, but as expert Gene Kritsky says, there are hundreds of millions of cicadas.
After "a long time," the boy came in and told his mom he had in fact found a blue-eyed cicada!
While the find is rare, it is not unheard of. The genetic mutation which causes the blue eye color is found in about one of every million cicadas, as mentioned, but as expert Gene Kritsky says, there are hundreds of millions of cicadas.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Genetically Modified Mosquitoes to Fight Malaria
Scientists have been working on a strain of genetically-modified mosquitoes in the US. After nine generations, up to 70% of the mosquitoes have survived feeding on Malaria-infected mice. Scientists hope to release these new mosquitoes into the wild so they will take over the population. The mosquitoes laid more eggs and had a higher survival rate.
Africa has up to 90% of all Malaria-related deaths. A child dies of Malaria in Africa every 30 seconds. I had no idea! Poor Africa has the most disease-related deaths of any country, do they not? AIDS, Malaria - a lot of diseases that are largely preventable and hardly even present in most of the rest of the world. I understand that it is a poor country, but some may not realize that Africa has a history of denying help from other countries and resisting change.
Africa has up to 90% of all Malaria-related deaths. A child dies of Malaria in Africa every 30 seconds. I had no idea! Poor Africa has the most disease-related deaths of any country, do they not? AIDS, Malaria - a lot of diseases that are largely preventable and hardly even present in most of the rest of the world. I understand that it is a poor country, but some may not realize that Africa has a history of denying help from other countries and resisting change.
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