Ants are the most species-rich family among social insects, with more than 15,000 species worldwide. They originated around 140 to 168 million years ago but didn’t rise to ecological dominance until 66 million years ago, when an asteroid ended the age of dinosaurs. Scientists now know exactly what allowed ants to triumph after this mass […]
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“When they use these spines, they puncture them really deeply into their attacker. They can deliver venom into the wound”
In a new study, researchers compared the features of 30 different stingray spines to find out why some break off while others remain sturdy Scientists have gained a fascinating insight into how stingrays‘ iconic spines differ across species and the trade-off between different features. “Stingray spines are highly modified scales,” says Emily Poulin, a PhD candidate […]
“Within its beautiful softly fluttering fins are a dozen spines able to deliver a dose of powerful venom.” 10 prettiest, sparkliest sea animals on the planet…
The ocean is teeming with life and animals, many of which are so captivating and colourful they look like tiny, exquisite jewels. We take a closer look at this watery world and explore some of the smaller enchanting sea creatures that call the ocean their home. Prettiest sea creatures Japanese firefly squid Few scientific […]
“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, […]
Congo Basin nations roll out community payments for forest care
Congo Basin countries have announced the launch of a payments for environmental services, or PES, initiative at the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil, intended to encourage practices favorable to forest protection and restoration. The financial mechanism, announced Nov. 18 and supported by the Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI), transfers direct payments via a mobile […]
Kenya accuses 4 men of trying to smuggle thousands of ants, as authorities note “shift in trafficking trends”
Nairobi, Kenya — Two Belgian teenagers were charged Tuesday with wildlife piracy after they were found with thousands of ants packed in test tubes in what Kenyan authorities said was part of a trend in trafficking smaller and lesser known species. Lornoy David and Seppe Lodewijckx, two 19-year-olds who were arrested on April 5 with […]
Would you trust an ant to amputate your limb? Science is showing they are skilled surgeons
An insect bites off another insect’s leg. Is this predatory behaviour, aggression, defence, competition or something else? In the case of carpenter ants, it’s for the good of the amputee and to the benefit of the colony. A July 2024 study found carpenter ants carry out lifesaving amputations on their colony siblings. Image © Waffa/Shutterstock […]
Why Microscopic Organisms Rule Evolutionary History
It’s easy to be captivated by the giants—the towering dinosaurs, massive mammals, and colossal pterosaurs. Yet, if we zoom in, quite literally, we’ll find that the true champions of evolution are the tiny organisms, often overlooked but incredibly resilient and ancient. Picture this: the Earth, freshly cooled, about 3.8 billion years ago. It’s a world […]