“…and today we’re talking about something you probably haven’t ever heard of. But more on that later.”
You may think the age of exploration is over. Human beings have seen everything there is to see–at least on land right? But what if you knew there was an animal so rare that people didn’t think it was real for years. It must be because it’s endangered… you might say. But no… the Large-Billed Reed Warbler is a bird with a healthy population size. Yet it’s known as the least known bird in the world. Some birds just prefer staying off the grid in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.
“…and today we’re talking about an animal that sounds more sinister than it is. Bot more on that later.”
Step into the insect world where everything is weird and brutal…including courtship. Imagine a tinyl Casanova what brings the snacks to the party. If you’ve ever thought dating apps were transactional, wait until you hear about this suave insect’s approach to romance. In the world of love, loyalty, and legwork, few can outdo the hangingfly here in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.
Ah, the ocean. It’s full of mysteries, marvels, and creatures that look like they were designed during a fever dream directed by HR Gieger. Among them swims a gelatinous giant with flowing, fibrous tentacles that seem to stretch into infinity. Meet the lion’s mane jellyfish, a giant egg yolk that can ruin your day with its spicy spaghetti. But when you’re an unthinking mass of stinging cells, you need to cast a wide net to find food here in LDT.
“…and today we’re talking about a humble stead that once had a grand rider. But more on that later.”
Few animals gain widespread cultural significance in the human world. But a creature known for stubbornness, hardiness, and humility, also once shared its manger on a very important birthday. Today, it’s name is proclaimed with the words, “see, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.” But humility often hides a hidden value in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.
“…and today we’re talking about a bird that make a great gift if you can get them a-swimming. But more on that later.”
Nothing makes the Lords a-leap and the Ladies dance like the regal mute swan. But royal veneration and beautiful snow white feathers doesn’t change the fact they are wild animals, ready to defend the small piece of pond they’ve carved out for themselves. Even though they are the picture of nature’s beauty, a swan still needs to guard the lake with ferocity in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.
“…and today we’re talking about how when a red belly rises it means blood has been spilled this night. But more on that later.”
Description of the Red-Bellied Piranha
The red-bellied piranha is a small to medium-sized fish, well-known for its striking appearance and infamous reputation. Here’s a more detailed description:
Color: Their most distinctive feature is their red belly, which is more pronounced in males and during the breeding season. The rest of their body is usually gray to silvery, with some speckling.
Shape: They have a rounded, laterally compressed body, giving them a somewhat disc-like appearance when viewed from the side.
Fins: Their fins are generally clear or slightly reddish, with a prominent adipose fin between the dorsal fin and the tail.
Teeth: They have sharp, triangular teeth designed for tearing flesh, which contributes to their fearsome reputation.
Eyes: Red-bellied piranhas have large, slightly bulging eyes that give them excellent vision, vital for detecting prey and predators.
Measure Up
Welcome to the beloved Measure Up segment. A part of the show! The part of the show when we present the animal’s size and dimension in relatable terms through a quiz that’s fun for the whole family. It’s also the part of the show that’s introduced by you when you send in audio of yourself saying, singing, or chittering the words Measure Up into ldtaxonomy at gmail dot com. We don’t have a new Measure Up intro!
Length
6-10 inches (15-25 cm)
5 go into Michael Jordan’s vertical leap
3 go into the Stratocaster Michael Jackson played on the album “HIStory”
1,575 go into Michael Johnson’s record setting event in 1999.
Weight
3.9 kg (8 lb 10 oz)
39,000 peas
9,800 green beans
18 zucchini
Fast Facts About the Red-Bellied Piranha
Diet: Despite their fearsome reputation, red-bellied piranhas are primarily scavengers. They eat a variety of food, including fish, insects, crustaceans, and plant matter.
Social Behavior: Red-bellied piranhas are schooling fish and often travel in groups. This behavior helps them protect against predators and increases their efficiency in finding food.
Habitat: They are native to the freshwater rivers and lakes of South America, including the Amazon Basin.
Communication: Red-bellied piranhas communicate using a variety of sounds, including barks, grunts, and clicks. These sounds can indicate aggression, stress, or other social interactions.
Reproduction: During breeding, males develop a more intense red coloration. They build nests in the substrate where females lay their eggs. Both parents guard the eggs until they hatch.
Lifespan: In the wild, red-bellied piranhas can live for about 10 years, while in captivity, they can live even longer with proper care.
“…and today we’re talking about a pumpkin spiced tic tac toad. But more on that later.”
If attacking you would be automatically deadly to your enemies, you might lead a charmed life–free from worry. Such an easy going atmosphere might make you grow complacent. Things that were once important to survival become optional. And why bother when you’re a tiny, clumsy, and brightly colored frog like the pumpkin toadlet. But when you’ve found something that works, you might as well take it easy for the rest of your Life, Death, and Taxonomy.
“…and today we’re talking about another disgusting deep sea creature. But more on that later.”
Deep in the dark recesses of the ocean, where the sun’s rays are only a memory, lurks a creature with an interesting talent. It’s a fish with a flash, a beast with a beacon, a predator with a peculiar penchant for pearlescence. While most of its neighbors blend seamlessly into the ink-black backdrop, this one lights up the scene—though not in a way you’d expect. It’s a little dangerous, a little dazzling, but unmistakably unique in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.
“…and today we’re talking about something that I’ve sworn we’ve done before but I guess we haven’t. But more on that later.”
Deep in the inky abyss where sunlight dares not shine, lurks a creature that’s equal parts nightmarish and misunderstood—like that hipster kid from high school who just listens to bands you’ve never heard of. The vampire squid, with its shadowy cloak and otherworldly glow, has perfected the art of staying spooky. But beneath its Dracula cape lies a trick that might just turn your world upside down. It’s all about staying alive and staying scary here in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.
