Cephalopodantism

Tentacular Spactacular vol. 6 - CUTTLEFISH

We take a turn with the Cephalopods once more. The most intelligent group invertebrates, these molluscs are easily recognized by their multiple tentacles. This group of the Cephalopods, the Cuttlefish (order Sepiidae)is not as well known as their relatives the squid and octopus. They are predatory on smaller sea creatures, squirt ink, and only live (at most) for 2 years. Here's a gallery of some of my favorite. Enjoy!

Sepia officionalis












FLAMBOYANT CUTTLEFISH (Metasepia pfefferi)












PAJAMA SQUID (Sepioloidea lineolata)... really a cuttlefish!






OTHERS


Sepia latimanus


Sepia latimanus



Sepia pharaonis


Sepia apama


Sepia apama


Sepia apama

LAND PLANARIANS (suborder TERRICOLA) for WOLF

You may have noticed, that I'm fond of slimy creatures. Here we have a group of oft overlooked slimy bastards...the Terrestrial Flatworms or Land Planarians. They are in the Phylum Platyhelminthes, along with Aquatic Planaria, Tapeworms, and flukes. The Terricola live in moist and humid environs around the world, as they dry out rather easily. They feed mostly on other small invertebrates, like Earthworms and snails. One of their more endearing qualities is the habit of exuding mucous to stay moist and on which they glide, as well as aiding in capture and digestion of prey. Some of the tropical species of Land Planarians can be fairly gaudy, as we'll see in the photos below. So, lets check out a collection of our slithery friends that lack an anus, a circulatory system, a respiratory system, a skeleton, and facial hair. Enjoy.






Geoplana burmeisteri


Geoplana ladislavi


Polycladus gayi










Bipalium sp., introduced into Europe and the U.S.
from China and SE Asia through potted plants


Bipalium kewense, introduced from China
now considered a pest as it preys on
native Earthworm species.


Bipalium sp. feeding on an Earthworm

A GALLERY OF CATERPILLARS

i find it interesting that some butterflies spend more time as juveniles (caterpillars) than they do as adults. adult being the reproductive phase of life. eating machines waiting to become something else entirely. imagine changing that much, going into your sleeping bag and emerging as a... rhino, or something.


QUEEN BUTTERFLY


MONARCH


CLOUDLESS SULPHUR


GULF FRITILLARY


PINK STRIPED OAKWORM


ANISE SWALLOWTAIL


BLACK SWALLOWTAIL


GIANT SWALLOWTAIL


SPICEBUSH SWALLOWTAIL


PIPEVINE SWALLOWTAIL


POLYDAMUS SWALLOWTAIL



MILKWEED TUSSOCKMOTH

A COLLECTION OF ARACHNIDS FOR LUKA

because i and a friend have been obsessing over spiders recently. i thought i'd dedicate a post on some of my favorite ARACHNIDS (a group in which spiders are included), but take a look at some non spider arachnids. is it all the appendages? i'm not sure. maybe it's the deliberative manner that draws us in. check it out.

oh yeah, what to notice about all Arachnids:

* 2 Body segments - the CEPHALOTHORAX (front) and the ABDOMEN (Back)
* 8 Legs
* 2 Chelicera (for food acquisition) usually up front
* 2 Pedipalps, extra arm like appendages
* Never wings, nor antennae

Enjoy!

AMBLYPIGID
"Tail-less Whip Scorpion"











tropical and subtropical predators, nocturnal, non venomous (no fangs - they have those big claws instead)


SOLFUGIDS (Solpugids)
"Sun Spider" "Camel Spider" "Wind Scorpion"











usually found in warm and arid climates, nocturnal, predatory, NOT VENOMOUS


RICINULEI
"Hooded Tick Spiders"











live in damp conditions, no eyes, cover head area with a hood like structure, only 60 species world wide, the 1st 2 pics are of a species found in GHANA in 2006


UROPYGID
"Whip Scorpion" "Vinegaroon"









no venom, the spray a vinegar smelling acid mixture when bothered from their "whip tail", predatory, tropical and subtropical

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