Earwig, (order Dermaptera), any of approximately 1,800 species of insects that are characterized by large membranous hindwings that lie hidden under short, leathery forewings. The name earwig is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word meaning “ear creature,” probably because of a widespread ancient superstition that earwigs crawl into the ears of sleeping people. The earwig varies from 5 to 50 mm (0.2 to 2 inches) in length and is flat, slender, and dark-coloured. It has a shiny outer covering and simple biting mouthparts, and it undergoes incomplete metamorphosis (i.e., egg, nymph, and adult stages). This nocturnal insect is usually herbivorous. Several species can fire a foul-smelling liquid, formed in abdominal glands and probably protective in function, for distances up to 10 cm (4 inches).
Username: Admin Published on 2025-01-14 09:29:54 ID NUMBER: 128929
Earwig, (order Dermaptera), any of approximately 1,800 species of insects that are characterized by large membranous hindwings that lie hidden under short, leathery forewings. The name earwig is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word meaning “ear creature,” probably because of a widespread ancient superstition that earwigs crawl into the ears of sleeping people. The earwig varies from 5 to 50 mm (0.2 to 2 inches) in length and is flat, slender, and dark-coloured. It has a shiny outer covering and simple biting mouthparts, and it undergoes incomplete metamorphosis (i.e., egg, nymph, and adult stages). This nocturnal insect is usually herbivorous. Several species can fire a foul-smelling liquid, formed in abdominal glands and probably protective in function, for distances up to 10 cm (4 inches).
The earwig has a pair of horny forceps-like tail filaments, or pincers (cerci), at the posterior end of the abdomen, with those of the male being larger and of a different shape than those of the female. It has been suggested that the pincers may function in defense, in catching insects and holding them while eating, in helping to fold the hindwings under the forewings, or during courtship fights for possession of a female. When alarmed or aggressive the earwig carries the cerci over its body in a scorpion-like manner. In some species, earwig females exhibit maternal care, defending and feeding the newly hatched immatures.
Earwig, (order Dermaptera), any of approximately 1,800 species of insects that are characterized by large membranous hindwings that lie hidden under short, leathery forewings. The name earwig is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word meaning “ear creature,” probably because of a widespread ancient superstition that earwigs crawl into the ears of sleeping people. The earwig varies from 5 to 50 mm (0.2 to 2 inches) in length and is flat, slender, and dark-coloured. It has a shiny outer covering and simple biting mouthparts, and it undergoes incomplete metamorphosis (i.e., egg, nymph, and adult stages). This nocturnal insect is usually herbivorous. Several species can fire a foul-smelling liquid, formed in abdominal glands and probably protective in function, for distances up to 10 cm (4 inches).
Earwig, (order Dermaptera), any of approximately 1,800 species of insects that are characterized by large membranous hindwings that lie hidden under short, leathery forewings. The name earwig is derived from the Anglo-Saxon word meaning “ear creature,” probably because of a widespread ancient superstition that earwigs crawl into the ears of sleeping people. The earwig varies from 5 to 50 mm (0.2 to 2 inches) in length and is flat, slender, and dark-coloured. It has a shiny outer covering and simple biting mouthparts, and it undergoes incomplete metamorphosis (i.e., egg, nymph, and adult stages). This nocturnal insect is usually herbivorous. Several species can fire a foul-smelling liquid, formed in abdominal glands and probably protective in function, for distances up to 10 cm (4 inches).
The common goldeneye is called so (quite obviously) because of its strikingly amber eye that is accentuated by its glistening green-black (male) or brown head (female). This medium-sized duck is a bit smaller than a mallard at approximately 18 inches in length and weighing one to two pounds. From an aerial perspective, adult males are all black with a black head and back, but nearly all white on the sides with a notable white circle on their cheeks. Adult females have an entirely brown head with grayish brown body plumage. Fun fact: The eyes of the common goldeneye change drastically over its adolescence, from dark purple to blue to greenish blue to pale green, then finally to bright amber yellow when they reach adulthood.
Common octopuses are widespread in tropical, subtropical, and temperate waters worldwide. They are also the most studied octopus species. Notably, they span 1 to 3 feet long, including arms. This is short compared to giant octopuses living under the deep sea.
Aside from their intelligence, their camouflage expertise is extraordinary, adapting color, skin texture, and posture seamlessly according to the substrate. Dive deeper into these types of marine mollusks by checking our list of octopus facts and types of octopus.
The Common Hippopotamus, or the River Hippopotamus, dominates the African landscape, ruling sub-Saharan Africa's lakes, rivers, and mangrove swamps.
A male hippo can reach 3,260 lb. Despite its massive size, it is surprisingly fast, reaching up to 22 miles per hour on land on short distances.
One of its most distinctive characteristics is the secretion of "blood sweat," which acts as a natural sunscreen and antibacterial agent.
Male hippos reach maturity at 7.5 years old, while cows are 5 to 6 years old. After an eight-month gestation period, a female hippo isolates herself from the group. It gives birth to one calf on land or in shallow water.
Interestingly, calves fold their ears and close their nostrils as they nurse on female hippos underwater. Moreover, this nocturnal herbivore can consume around 80 pounds of grass overnight. Adults have no known natural predators, but lions, hyenas, and crocodiles endanger young hippos.
Despite their formidable size, Common Hippos are not sociable. While they form groups, they do so primarily for protection rather than companionship.
The hippos are a vulnerable species, facing a population decline due to poaching and civil unrest1. Elephant ivory substitutes, such as hippo teeth, heighten demand in illegal markets. Conservation efforts are vital, yielding slight improvements in protected areas.
Here are five subspecies of the common hippo with differences in their skulls and geographic ranges
The Common Wood Pigeon is a dove species in Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia. It has a soft grey body, pinkish breast, and white neck patch. Likewise, it has adapted to various habitats, feeding on seeds, crops, fruits, and invertebrates.
The Common Ground Dove is a small bird in the southern United States, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. It is adaptable and resilient, often found in open landscapes like grasslands, farmlands, and scrublands.
The bird's feathers blend pink and gray, allowing it to blend in with the sandy soil. Male doves have a pink chest and a bluish crown, while females have a more subdued color palette.
The Common Ground Doves prefer to scavenge for seeds, grains, and small insects on the ground, and their gentle cooing often rings out.
The Common House Gecko is a nocturnal Southeast Asian reptile. These geckos have semi-transparent skin; their internal organs are visible through their skin. Their size ranges from 4 to 6 inches, with males slightly larger than females.
These nocturnals communicate with chirps and clicks. They are also not picky eaters, feeding on insects, small invertebrates, their shed skin, and unfertilized eggs. They help balance the ecosystem by checking mosquitoes, spiders, and other unwanted bugs.
The Southern River Otter inhabits the rivers, lakes, and coastal marine habitats in Chile and Argentina. They have an elongated body reaching up to 3.8 feet and 22 pounds.
Their diet is varied, from fish to crustaceans and mollusks. However, they also prey on small birds and mammals when the opportunity arises.
The Common Yellow Hornet, also called the Sandhills Hornet or the Aerial Yellowjacket, is a native species found across North America. It sports a black body with thin yellow bands and yellow legs.
This type of yellowjacket eats grasshoppers, spiders, flies, and ladybugs. Since they nest above trees, they are mostly targeted by birds and other wasps. However, they can spray venoms out of their stings to defend themselves.
At 3.5 cm, the adult common cockchafer is the United Kingdom’s largest scarab beetle. The rusty brown beetle is also called the May bug because it tends to emerge from its underground home around May.
There are a few stories about how the common cockchafer got its name. One explanation says the word “cock” means familiar, and “chafer” means gnawing beetle. Another explanation says cockchafer is Old English for "big beetle."
Yet another account suggests that the word cock in Old English referred to large size, while chafer meant gnawing insect. Therefore, the cockchafer got its name from its size and tendency to chew leaves and flowers vigorously.
