Episode 243 – Orchid Mantis: Flower Power

“…and today we’re talking about a bug that engages in more aggressive mimicry than a middle schooler repeating everything you’re saying. But more on that later.”

The year was 1879. James Hingsley was an Australian journalist who returned from his voyage to Indonesia with a strange tale on his lips. He claimed that the northern islands were populated with an evil flower that captured insects and devoured them whole. Is this a lie? A trick? An evil curse? Or a little shop of horrors plant? By no means! It’s just the work of one devout little insect known as the orchid mantis. But sometimes blending in means standing out here in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.

Episode 242 – Roadrunner: Running Hot

“…And today we’re talking about a bird who is a runner, she’s a track star. But more on that later.”

There are a few paths you can go down in the animal kingdom that are tried and true. Strength and power are great, but only if you can catch what you’re after. The roadrunner is famously hard to catch, just ask a coyote. But when you’re a high-performance athlete in a hot climate, it’s important to keep a cool head. Beating the heat is essential, when you’re trying to run the race of survival in Life, Death, and Taxonomy. 

Episode 241 – Basilisk Lizard: Walk on Water

“…and today we’re talking about a little king that is named after the king of kings. But more on that later.”

We usually use the term “walk on water” to refer to someone above reproach. But when we say that the aggressive and belligerent basilisk lizard walks on water, we don’t mean that it can do no wrong. Getting away from enemies as a little lizard can be tough, but not if you’ve got a miracle or two up your sleeve. But it’s all about staying ahead of the danger in style here in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.

Episode 240 – Mariana Snailfish: Good Under Pressure

“…and today we’re talking about a hole in the bottom of the sea. More on that later.”

When you’re under a lot of pressure, you may get a headache. But you’ve never been under as much pressure as the Mariana snailfish. Most things at the bottom of the ocean are invertebrates. They live the squishy life. But our friends the snailfish is boney, and they need some interesting genes to survive in the deepest parts of the ocean. It just goes to show that those who thrive under pressure are right for the job in Life, Death, and Taxonomy. 

Episode 239 – Driver Ant: Snitches are Stitches

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

When you’re out in the wilds of the African bushland, you need to get creative when it comes to emergency wound care. One species of ant has a bite so powerful, it can be used to stave off infection. The true villain of Indiana Jones 4, the driver ant is truly a mini muncher with mighty medicinal mandibles. But having the jaws of life permanently attached to your face is a great way to survive as an ant here in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.

Episode 238 – Lanternfish: The Sea Wall

“…today we’re talking about this little fish of mine. But more on that later.”

When twilight comes, it’s time to light your lantern. But sometimes human technology isn’t enough to get past nature’s barriers. That was the case when early sonar came up against the lanternfish, which congregates in the millions. This tiny mesopelagic creature bioluminates the twilight zone, following the gray haze up and down with the turning of the earth. But following the light is one way to find food in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.  

Episode 237 – Japanese Macaque: Pink Parka People

“…and today we’re talking about petite pink primates in plush parkas. But more on that later.”

In the highlands of Japan, one tufty monkey likes to season its food, play in the snow, and waylay unsuspecting people in its free time. It uses all of its simian smarts to quickly learn new behaviors and then use them against their human interlopers. But being a pink-faced eskimo in a cold climate means you need to use every means at your disposal to survive here in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.

Episode 236 – Hammerhead Flatworm: I Will Survive

“…and today we’re talking about a flat slimy menace that will not go gently into the night. But more on that later.”

Have you ever felt that you just don’t fit in. Struggling to make connections with a social group can be difficult, but what if you’re clashing with an entire ecosystem. Such is the plight of an invasive species. The hammerhead flatworm comes from lands far off, but it may be making a home in your backyard, eating something that you might take for granted. But sometimes the most resilient creatures overstay their welcome in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.

Episode 235 – Blue Manakin: Featherloose

“…and today we’re talking about a Casanova with a posse. But more on that later.”

If John Travolta has taught us anything, it’s that the ladies can’t resist a man who can dance. Well, at least that’s true for one species of colorful bird known as the blue manakin. But there are tons of birds out there that dance to get attention, what makes this guy so special? It all comes down to rehearsing with your crew here in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.

Episode 234 – Barking Deer: Barking Up the Wrong Tree

“…and today we’re talking about a deer whose bark is worse than its bite. But more on that later.”

The forests of India are beautiful places to forage for nutritious greenery. Though the fantastic foliage looks tasty, it may be concealing a predator that’s equally appetized by you. If you’re a deer that’s detected a dastardly ne’er-do-well, what can you do to protect yourself? Such is the plight of the Indian Muntjac. But sometimes a borrowed tactic is the right one for the job in Life, Death, and Taxonomy.