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Scorpions glow in ultraviolet light
Scorpions also glow under ultraviolet (UV) light. This otherworldly luminescence results from a substance in their exoskeleton called beta-carboline. When exposed to UV rays, they emit a bright blue-green light. Baby scorpions and recently molted ones exhibit this striking fluorescent trait.
The exact purpose of scorpion bioluminescence remains debated among experts. Some researchers suggest that the glow may protect them from the harmful UV radiation in sunlight. Field observations have also led scientists to believe that fluorescence could play a part in hunting, luring, or disorienting prey. Finally, the glow might also be a signal or identifier among scorpions.
Scorpions perform a special mating dance
During mating season, male scorpions first track down a suitable female by following the enticing chemical cues she leaves behind. Upon finding a prospective partner, the male works to pique her interest by performing various actions, such as waving his pincers or tail.
Known as the promenade ร deux (or dance for two), the ritual begins when the male takes hold of the female's pincers and guides her through an intricate choreography. Together, they perform mesmerizing movements, swaying back and forth or side to side in perfect unison.
This enthralling spectacle may last anywhere from mere minutes to several hours. Throughout the dance, the male diligently searches for the ideal surface to deposit his spermatophore, a sperm-filled capsule vital to their reproductive process.
Once he finds the perfect spot, he leads the female to the spermatophore, which she carefully retrieves using her genital opening. This crucial moment in their dance signals the fertilization of her eggs.
Scorpions are edible
If you travel to some regions of the world, you might be surprised to know they eat scorpions as a delicacy. Once these creatures die, you can eat them safely because their venom becomes harmless and inert upon death. Adventurous eaters should enjoy these animals' unique flavor and texture without the risk of being stung.
In some communities, scorpions are a valuable source of protein. Adults and children in remote areas hunt them. Today, scorpions have started to pop up in crowded city food scenes. Urbanites can easily find these exotic arachnids at street food stalls and local markets; they are usually deep-fried, grilled, skewered, and candied.
While dangerous, scorpions can also heal
Scorpion venom has two sides: it can harm and heal. For example, researchers have found that some of its components can selectively target cancer cells, offering promising leads for developing innovative cancer therapies7.
Moreover, the venom has demonstrated antimicrobial properties, opening avenues for new antibiotic discoveries. Some ingredients of scorpion venom can suppress the immune system. People with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis might benefit from this venom effect.
Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens)
The Downy Woodpeckers are the smallest woodpecker species, with a modest length range of 5.5 to 7.1 inches.
The feathers of these North American woodpeckers are soft, hence its name. Its wings have a black and white spotted pattern contrasting beautifully with its white belly and underparts. Males have red patches on their heads, while females do not have it.
Moreover, they are highly adaptable, thriving in urban and wild environments, such as deciduous forests, city parks, orchards, and states from Alaska to Florida.
The bird communicates by drumming on tree trunks to mark its territory or attract a mate.
Its diet consists mainly of insects and larvae, but it eats berries, acorns, and grains.
Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus)
The Hairy Woodpecker is a distinctive bird with black and white feathers that contrast with the greenery of North American forests. The males have a small red patch on the back of their heads.
It is larger than the Downy Woodpecker and has a long, dagger-shaped beak well-suited for clinging to tree trunks.
This species is adaptable to various habitats, including dense forests, open woodlands, parklands, and suburban areas, as long as there are trees.
This type of woodpecker feeds on various insects, including wood-boring beetles, ants, and caterpillars. Its long, barbed tongue allows it to extract insects hidden deep within tree trunks, which helps control pest populations.
Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a medium-sized bird in the forests, woodlands, parks, and residential areas of the eastern and central United States. It is easily noticeable due to its red-capped head that stretches from the bill to the nape, although the red belly is less noticeable.
The males have a larger red cap than the females, with only a small red patch on the nape. It also has bars on its back, which makes it a captivating sight in its natural habitat.
Red-bellied Woodpeckers emit a loud, rolling call during the breeding season. In addition to their unique appearance and calls, the bird has some notable habits, such as storing food in tree crevices for later use.
The species has adapted to human-dominated habitats, but habitat loss remains a significant threat to survival.
Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
The Pileated Woodpecker lives in North American forests. It is larger than the average woodpecker, as big as a crow.
The bird's fiery-red crest on its head sets it apart from other woodpeckers; the term 'Pileated' is derived from the Latin word 'pileatus,' which means 'capped.'
Both males and females possess this vibrant crest, but males have an additional red stripe on their cheeks, distinguishing them from females with black cheeks.
They create large, rectangular cavities in mature trees of forests and woodlands, though they prefer dead or dying trees since the wood is soft and easy to work. These cavities serve as a pantry and a nursery, storing food and nurturing new life.
The Pileated Woodpecker primarily feeds on insects, especially carpenter ants and wood-boring beetle larvae. They also consume fruits, nuts, and berries.
Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
The Northern Flicker is a unique bird that stands out from other members of the woodpecker family. Unlike many of its tree-dwelling counterparts, this type of woodpecker spends much of its time on the ground, searching for ants and beetles. Its beak, which is slightly curved and pointed, acts like a little shovel, helping it to unearth its prey.
The Northern Flicker's distinctive fluttering and gliding pattern creates a 'flickering' effect when in flight.
This bird lives in North America's woodlands, Central America's parks, and even some city edges in the Caribbean. Northern Flickers can thrive in diverse habitats and add a splash of color to their surroundings.
Its brown back with black bars and white rump patch are notable features, along with the yellow or red hues on the shafts of its feathers.
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker (Sphyrapicus varius)
The Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is a bird species found in deciduous and coniferous forests. It has a bright yellow belly and a black-and-white pattern on its wings and back. The males have a distinctive red throat and cap.
Moreover, due to its migratory pattern, the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is unique in the eastern North American woodpecker family. Its breeding grounds are in the far north, and it migrates southwards for the winter.
The bird observes sapsucking behavior and drills shallow holes in tree bark. These holes attract insects, which provide an additional food source for the bird.
This behavior also has ecological significance. The sap wells created by the bird serve as a food and hydration source for other bird species and insects, highlighting the interdependence of nature.
However, the bird's behavior can cause damage to fruit trees in orchards. Therefore, it is essential to find a balance between the bird's ecological role and its impact on human activities.
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