“Rearing up, each reveals its two-pronged penis.” Meet the creature that fences with an unusual body part

“Rearing up, each reveals its two-pronged penis.” Meet the creature that fences with an unusual body part

The ruffled flatworm Pseudobiceros bedfordi (also known as the Persian carpet flatworm or Bedford’s flatworm) can be hard to spot with the human eye as they make their way through the reefs of the Indo-West Pacific. But individuals can recognise other members of their own species through their distinctive patterns, which prevents cross-species mating – and for good reason, […]

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10 deadliest, most venomous spiders on the planet: Are these dangerous spiders as fearsome and lethal as their reputation?

10 deadliest, most venomous spiders on the planet: Are these dangerous spiders as fearsome and lethal as their reputation?

Spiders list among some of the most feared animals on earth, but is this reputation fair? It is true that some, including all on this list, can inflict a painful bite in the right conditions, but there are many myths surrounding venomous spiders and their perceived deadliness. Firstly, it is not the case that there are a […]

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Chinese court cases reveal most trafficked rhino horns come from Southern Africa

Chinese court cases reveal most trafficked rhino horns come from Southern Africa

Rhinoceroses, one of the largest groups of animals on the planet, are fighting a battle for survival because of a prized body part: their horn, which they use to defend territories, assert dominance and protect their young. But people use this keratinous horn as medicine, adornment and decoration. In traditional Chinese medicine, it’s believed to […]

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“This colossal, complex city – the size of 2 tennis courts with thousands of rooms, from classrooms to ventilation units – was built by millions of hard-working architects”

“This colossal, complex city – the size of 2 tennis courts with thousands of rooms, from classrooms to ventilation units – was built by millions of hard-working architects”

There are more than 14,000 species of ants known to science, though experts estimate there may be as many as 22,000 currently crawling through the undergrowth. At least 55 of these species belong to a group known as the leafcutter ants, which comprises three main genera: Atta, Acromyrmex, and Amoimyrmex. Contrary to popular belief, these ants don’t eat leaves. Instead, […]

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