Life, Death, and Taxonomy

“…and today we’re talking about a dessert demon. But more on that later.”

Finding a solid food source is a top priority in the red dust of the Australian outback. But one thorny little devil has developed an appetite for the dessert’s spicy buffet. Not all creatures can stomach one of nature’s most common prey animals–but this little armored lizard can sit back and let the snacks come to him in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.

“…and today we’re talking about a bug that dances by the light of the moon. But more on that later.”

It’s time to dive into the dark, daring, and downright dazzling world of the Bogong moth! This unassuming little night-flyer might look like a dusty brown speck, but it’s got a secret superpower that’ll make you rethink everything you know about moths. A tiny, winged wanderer, weaving through the Australian night, chasing celestial clues like a cosmic cowboy on a midnight cattle drive. This moth’s got more navigational know-how than your average bug, and it’s ready to go a wild ride through the skies. So, grab your telescope and join us as we unravel the mystery of the Bogong moth here in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.

“…today we’re talking about a whale that’s here today and here tomorrow. More on that later.”

Description

• Looks like a massive, stocky submarine
• Dark gray to black smooth, rubbery skin, often with white patches on the chin and tail
• Largest mouth of any animal, with a curved jawline that can extend as a massive 13’ frown
• No dorsal fin, unlike most whales, giving it a sleek, humpback-like profile
• Massive, triangular skull that can break through Arctic ice
• Thick blubber layer, up to 20 inches in some spots

“…and today we’re talking about a sea creature that does not have a beak. More on that later.” 

Description

They have a robust, cigar-shaped body, a short, stubby beak, and a slightly curved mouth resembling a goose’s beak. 

Their coloration varies from dark gray to reddish-brown, often with a lighter head and white scars or patches, especially in males, from social interactions or cookie-cutter shark bites.

A small dorsal fin set far back, a sloping forehead, and a single pair of throat grooves. Males have two small, conical teeth at the tip of the lower jaw, which remain hidden in females.

“…and today we’re talking about a sneaky spider. But more on that later.”

A cunning hunter weaves deceit in silken threads. Her artistry captures the eye, and it also snares her prey. But that’s not the only purpose for this cyclonic masquerade. It also hypnotizes hungry guests that would make a meal out of this patient little host. But the Cyclosa spider teaches careful observers an important lesson: Not everything is as it appears in Life, Death, and Taxonomy. 

“…and today we’re talking about a creature that has a good grip despite how wet it is.”

“…and today we’re talking about a moth that is marked for death. But more on that later.”

If you’re wandering the forests of East Asia at night, you may encounter a creature that bears an ill omen. Black cats, ravens, owls– people around the world believe some animals are a sign that death is around the corner. But the Greater Death’s Head Hawkmoth would send a chill up the spine of even the least superstitious explorer. Why would any animal sport the image of a ghostly skull in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.

“…and today we’re talking about the world’s tiniest mammal. But more on that now.”

The smallest of sky-dwellers won’t win any contests of strength or speed, but hunting at night requires more precision than power. A sound in the forest will echo through the dark in a million directions, but a small source can create the right pitch to create pinpoint sonar. The bumblebee bat is as humble in it’s size as it is in it’s name but it has just the right fit to thrive in life, death and taxonomy.

“And today we’re talking about frogsicle.”

Description of the Frog

• Appearance: This frog gets its name from two inguinal poison glands on its lower back that resemble eyes, creating a “four-eyed” effect. These glands are part of a defensive posture where the frog lowers its head and raises its rear to appear larger and deter predators by mimicking a larger animal’s face.
  
• Coloration: It has variable coloration, typically featuring a marbled pattern of gray, brown, black, green, or small yellow spots.