Articles written by John Blatchford
All 257 articles written by John Blatchford
Category: Zoology (general)
One species of hyrax is often seen by pilgrims seeking baptism in the Jordan. more...
Demoiselle Cranes and the Himalayas: Birdwatch in Cyprus or at Kheechan in Winter
Category: Zoology (general)
The Demoiselle Crane is thriving worldwide, with a total population of well over 200,000, but there are very few left in Europe. more...
Category: Zoology (general)
Whale-watchers need to be in the right place at the right time to see humpbacks. more...
Freelance Article Writing for Profit and Fun: Sharing Expertise and Knowledge on the Internet
Category: Freelance Writing (general)
Anyone can now write online, the problem is attracting readers. more...
Isopod Parasite Eats Fish Tongue: Causes Little Harm but Replaces Organ
Category: Zoology (general)
A rare tongue-eating parasite has been found in UK waters. more...
Coralline Algae Cement Coral Rubble: Reef Systems Vulnerable if Algae Die
Category: Zoology (general)
The fate of coral reefs will be decided long before they are wiped out by atmospheric changes. more...
Category: Zoology (general)
Captive bred amphibians have little genetic diversity, and they might well carry fungal disease. more...
African Pest Cricket Squirts Blood: Offensive Chemicals Deter Predators but Encourage Cannibalism
Category: Zoology (general)
Ejecting blood and body fluids has been shown to effectively deter predatory lizards. more...
Category: Zoology (general)
Recent research suggests that two of Darwin's ideas about the way new species evolve need to be expanded. more...
Category: Zoology (general)
All flowers attract insects, but native wildflowers will bring those best adapted to pollinate. more...
New Monkey Species Threatened by Man: Mura's Saddleback Tamarin and Kipunji Suffering Habitat Loss
Category: Zoology (general)
New species are discovered regularly, often when their environment is already in danger. Saving them can save their habitats and entire ecosystems. more...
Earthworms Spread by Human Activity: Worms Improve Soil Fertility but Invasive Species do Damage
Category: Zoology (general)
Each earthworm species is adapted to its natural environment and can cause problems when it is introduced elsewhere. more...
Ageing and Immortality: Life-spans of Animals
Category: Zoology (general)
There is large variation in the length of time each species can live, and one strange creature might even be immortal. more...
Category: Zoology (general)
Animals are adapted to their environment at every stage. Some do it by gradual modification, others by making drastic changes. more...
Small Sand Dwellers and Filter Feeders: Eight Unusual Animal Phyla Recognised by Specialists
Category: Zoology (general)
Filter feeders strain food from water, and many small animals live in sand and scrape food from the grains. more...
Animal Symmetry: Why Some Animals are Long and Thin or Round
Category: Zoology (general)
Animal shapes have evolved to fit the way of feeding. more...
Holiday Boat Hire on Canal Lateral de la Garonne: Relaxing Travel on a French Waterway
Category: Boating & Sailing (general)
The 'Canal du Midi' is very well known, but the 'Canal Lateral de la Garonne' in the West is less frequented. more...
Slugs, Snails and Squids: Molluscs are Related to Annelids
Category: Zoology (general)
Animals with shells are found in every ocean. more...
Molecular Studies of Junk DNA and Taxonomy: Non Coding DNA Clarifies Animal Relationships
Category: Zoology (general)
Molecular studies, in this case of the junk DNA in animal cells, can show how long ago animals shared a common ancestor. more...
Crabs, Flies and Spiders: Arthropod Classification and Evolutionary Relationships
Category: Zoology (general)
Bugs with legs show enormous diversity, and there are literally millions of different species. more...
Onychophora as Missing Links: Velvet Worms, Water Bears, and Arthropods are Closely Related
Category: Zoology (general)
Onychophorans were once thought to be related to annelids, but modern research puts them and the arthropods closer to nematodes. more...
Modern Scientific Animal Classification: Tree of Life Idea Groups Animals in Phyla
Category: Zoology (general)
Ancestors adapt through time and give rise to new, related, species. more...
Category: Zoology (general)
One kind of fish gave rise to all four-legged animals. more...
Loricifera Meiofaunal Marine Animals: Brush-heads Inhabit Seaside Sand and Gravel
Category: Zoology (general)
One of five animal phyla found exclusively in marine sediments. more...
The Simplest Animal on the Planet: Structure and Genomics of the Phylum Placozoa
Category: Zoology (general)
An animal without complex structures defies taxonomists. more...
Category: Marine Conservation
Conserving the habitat of a flagship species benefits the whole ecosystem. more...
Octopus Biology: Fishing and Cooking Intelligent Invertebrates
Category: Marine Life
Most Greek Islands have locally caught octopus on the menu. more...
Arcachon Oyster Problems in France: Disease and Pollution Damage Oyster Production in France
Category: Marine Biology
Tributyltin antifoulants, oil spills and disease affect Oyster Culture at Arcachon. more...
Venice Italy Mose Project and the Lagoon: Steel Barriers will Alter Lagoon Environment and Pollute
Category: Marine Conservation
Choose between architecture and marine life. Save the city or preserve the lagoon - a difficult choice for the Venetians. more...
Bioluminescence: Marine Organisms Glow for Protection Predation and Communication
Category: Marine Biology
Fishing, hiding and signalling are some of the uses of lights at sea. more...
Atlantic Walrus Benefits from Global Warming: Climate Change Improves Walrus Feeding Grounds
Category: Marine Life
As Arctic glaciers retreat the Atlantic Walrus Population is Recovering. more...
Galapagos Marine Iguana: Charles Darwin Evolution Theory and Big Idea Exhibition in London
Category: Marine Life
These 'clumsy lizards' disgusted Darwin at first, but they are a good example of an island species adapting to its environment. more...
How to Wrap a Christmas Present: Wrapping Rectangular Objects or Gifts in Boxes
Category: Seniors/Grandparents (general)
Step-by-step instructions for wrapping Christmas, Birthday or Anniversary presents in boxes. more...
How to Rehome a Hedgehog: British Hedgehogs Suffer on Roads and in Tidy Gardens
Category: Wildlife Preservation (general)
Road traffic, pesticides, and over-tidy gardening habits are making life difficult for hedgehogs in the UK, so consider rehoming a rescued one. more...
How to Remove Ticks Safely: Rid Dogs and Humans of Ticks by Using Tweezers and Pulling Firmly
Category: Health Field (general)
Ticks feed on many mammals and are widespread in the countryside. more...
Bowie Seamount: Canadian Protected Marine Area
Category: Marine Conservation
Oceanic and coastal marine species live around a mountaintop 25 metres below the surface of the sea. more...
Category: Scientific Research Methods
Shimomura, Chalfie and Tsien invented a technique that has revolutionised the study of biology. more...
Category: Marine Conservation
Whales face many man-made problems. more...
Shrimps, Prawns and Mangroves: Shrimp Farming can lead to Habitat Destruction
Category: Marine Conservation
Mangrove swamps in estuaries are cleared to provide lagoons to raise shrimps. more...
Wild Atlantic Salmon Stocks Declining: Fish Farms are Causing Depletion of Wild Fish Stocks
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
Crowded condition of farmed fish encourages parasitic sea lice. more...
Atlantic Cod Populations: North Sea Cod and English Fish and Chips
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
Cod is a fish with a good taste and dense white flesh that is very suitable for deep-frying. more...
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
Eel life-cycle, fisheries and farming have been hit by a parasitic worm that was accidentally introduced. more...
Shark Electric Sense: Ampullae of Lorenzini Electroreceptors Detect Electromagnetic Fields
Category: Marine Biology
Sharks have all the usual vertebrate senses, plus one or two that are rather more unusual. more...
Traditional French Fishing Method: Gironde Estuary Opposite Medoc Wine-producing Part of Gironde
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
Large square nets are lowered into the water from platforms on stilts in the Estuary. more...
Shark Cage-diving: Great White Close-up Encounters
Category: Marine Life
Some people will choose to go into the water to be attacked by huge sharks. more...
Aquatic Ape Theories: Human Evolution on the African Savannah or Coast
Category: Zoology (general)
Many anatomical differences exist between modern humans and modern apes. When and why did these changes come about? more...
Digital Camera Binoculars: Close Focus Instant Replay Video for Watching Whales
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
Advice about purchasing digital camera binoculars for whale watching. more...
Lizards in France: Common French Species, One Legless
Category: Lizards
There are seven types of lizard that might be seen on a holiday in France. more...
Botanical Beach Vancouver Island: Juan de Fuca Provincial Park British Columbia
Category: Marine Habitats
Three unusual animals to be found in protected rock pools in Canada. more...
Binocular Microscopes: Observe Zooplankton with a Low Power Stereomicroscope
Category: Marine Biology
Planktonic animals are too small to see clearly unless a lens or microscope is used. more...
Become a Whale Expert: Read, Watch and Surf the Web
Category: Marine Biology
Amateur naturalists can become proficient in their chosen field. Here are some ways to learn more about whales. more...
Philip Henry Gosse: Collectable Rare Victorian Aquarium and Seashore Books
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
Some of Gosse's books contain beautiful hand-coloured plates and, while these are beautiful, modern publications and the internet are needed for up-to-date information. more...
Marine Field Guides: Outdoor Books to Identify Seaside Plants and Animals
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
How to choose the right field guide, and how then to purchase it. more...
Presents for Whale Watchers: Binoculars, Telescopes, Hydrophones and Books
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
Advice about buying whale watching equipment as presents for other people. more...
Pilot Whales: Cheetahs of the Deep Hunt Squid in High Speed Chases
Category: Marine Life
Pilot Whale are known to swim very fast underwater. They actively pursue squid, and their unique hunting strategy is very successful. more...
Scuba Diving and Underwater Photos: Coral Reef Ecotourism Underwater Photography and Conservation
Category: Marine Conservation
Holidays taking pictures of coral reefs and the animals that live on them can help with marine conservation. more...
Whale Brain and Intelligence: Behaviour Song Communication Suggest Complex Thinking
Category: Marine Life
Some whale species seem to communicate and learn from others. This suggests that they might be more clever than we suspect. more...
East Pacific Gray Whales: Atlantic Population Extinct, Asian Critically Endangered
Category: Marine Life
Now that they are rarely hunted Gray Whales have become curious about humans and will often approach whale watchers. more...
Pacific Grunt Sculpin: A Fish Suitable for the Aquarium and the Pacific Rim Biotope Tank
Category: Marine Life
Coldwater marine tanks could house an interesting fish alongside beautiful anemones and cup corals. more...
Whalers Logbooks: Preserve Useful Whale Distribution and Population Information
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
Antique ships' logs contain valuable details of past conditions at sea. more...
Collecting Cone Shells: Beautiful Coral Reef Predators with Powerful Venom
Category: Marine Conservation
The toxins produced by some of the cones can be more than painful; they can be lethal. more...
Collecting Cowry Shells: Conservation Issues for Collectors of Cowries
Category: Marine Conservation
Responsible shell collecting might cause little harm, but thoughtlessness can damage precious habitats. more...
Scrimshaw Work from Whaling Days: Antique Decorated Whale Teeth and Walrus Tusks
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
In the past whalers often scratched designs onto the teeth of Sperm Whales. Modern scrimshanders now use a variety of other materials to continue this tradition. more...
Antarctic Krill Feed Giant Whales: Short Food Chains Allow Efficient Feeding
Category: Marine Life
Krill lock up a lot of carbon dioxide, but are themselves suffering from the effects of global warming. more...
White Whales: Belugas and Narwhals Fish Arctic Waters
Category: Marine Life
Two related species are adapted to a life among the northern ice floes. more...
Humpback Whales: Catching Fish Using Bubble-Nets
Category: Marine Life
Fishing co-operatively and singing long complex songs which change over time. more...
Killer Whales: Intelligent Hunters with Complex Social Lives
Category: Marine Life
Family groups often stay together for life, and different groups have developed their own cultures. more...
Open Ocean: Biotope Tanks for Marine Plankton
Category: Marine Habitats
Plants and animals from the pelagic zone could be included in a marine biotope system. more...
Mangroves and Seagrasses: Reef Fish and Corals are part of a Complex Ecosystem
Category: Marine Habitats
Aquarists can help research into the conditions necessary for healthy mangrove and seagrass development. This could help preserve coral reefs. more...
Sandy Beaches: Animals Burrow in Sand to Avoid Wave Action
Category: Marine Habitats
Beachcombing is an environmentally friendly way of collecting shells. more...
Marine Insects: Ocean Striders Skate Over Tropical Seas
Category: Marine Life
Several types of insect live on the sea shore, but only five species are truly marine. more...
The Deep: Large Sharks Swim around Visitors in Hull Aquarium
Category: Marine Biology
East Yorkshire has the world's only submariun, housed in an iconic building. more...
London Aquarium: Tourist Information about Visiting Westminster and The City
Category: Marine Biology
Start with 'The Eye' then explore the attractions, after visiting the aquarium! more...
Jellyfish Kill Salmon: Swarm of Mauve Stingers Destroys Salmon Farm
Category: Marine Biology
A dense pack of jellyfish drifted into salmon cages and killed the fish. more...
Rocky Shore Transects: Marine Biology Field Work on the Rocky Sea Shore
Category: Marine Biology
Students often carry out transects to look objectively at the phenomenon of zonation. more...
Hydrothermal Vent Bacteria: Specialist Animals Survive High Temperatures around Black Smokers
Category: Marine Habitats
Very hot water rushes up from the seabed carrying toxic chemicals, but animals are found there! more...
Sea Life: Marine Animals and Plants Inhabit Most of the Earth
Category: Marine Biology
Sea area is much larger than the land surface, but in addition we need to consider the volume of the oceans. more...
Morris Minor: British Classic Car Easy to Restore
Category: Auto Tech & Repair (general)
Well over one million Morris Minors were made and new spare parts are still available. more...
Winkle Zonation Basics: Periwinkle Identification and Zonation on Rocky Shores
Category: Marine Biology
Four species of periwinkle show clear zonation on the rocky shores of Britain and they are often studied on marine biology fieldcourses. more...
Bivalve Digging: Bivalve Molluscs Filter Food Using Siphons and Dig into Mud and Sand
Category: Marine Biology
The Bivalve foot rhythmically probes the sand to make it liquid, then inserts it, forms an anchor and pulls the shell down out of harm's way. more...
Penguins: Marine Birds of the Southern Hemisphere
Category: Marine Life
Penguins evolved away from land predators and are all flightless. more...
Horsehair Snakes: Gordian or Horsehair Worm Larvae Parasitise Arthropods
Category: Zoology (general)
Crickets infected with Horsehair Worms are forced to commit suicide by drowning so that the adult parasite can reproduce. more...
Barnacles: Permanently Attached and Parasitic Cirripedes
Category: Zoology (general)
Some barnacles burrow into the shells of molluscs and dead coral, others are fully parasitic - but most live on the sea shore. more...
The Sea Shore: Rocky Shores Provide Several Habitats
Category: Marine Habitats
Some animals live on the rocks, some underneath, and a few even live inside them. more...
Marine Plant Life: Phytoplankton Feed Most Marine Animals
Category: Marine Life
Coastal plants are often large, but the most important plant food in the sea is microscopic. more...
Marine Animal Life: Echinoderms Coelenterates Sponges Vertebrates and Other Phyla
Category: Marine Life
Sea animals come in many shapes and sizes, most of them unfamiliar. more...
Pet Insects: People Buy and Sell Invertebrates
Category: Other Insects
Children sometimes keep insects as pets, but choosing the right ones can be difficult. more...
Praying Mantis: Introduced Species Beneficial State Insect of Connecticut
Category: Other Insects
An unusual pet with strange cannibalistic mating habits. more...
Habitat Destruction: Agriculture Causes Environmental Problems
Category: Biology (general)
Efficient farming can damage the environment in a number of ways, but we are becoming aware of some of the problems we have caused. Maybe we can do better in the future? more...
Sex and Genetics: Mixing Genes Might Explain Sex
Category: Biology (general)
Some animals have males and females, some are hermaphrodite, and some have no sex at all. more...
Stick Insects: Males Not Needed for Reproduction
Category: Other Insects
The Laboratory Stick Insect has unusual reproductive behaviour. more...
Artisans in France: Renovating French Property
Category: Home Renovation/Repair (general)
Second homes in France are popular with the British, but working with old buildings requires local knowledge. more...
The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail: State Butterfly of Five American States
Category: Other Insects
Some adult females of this species mimic the poisonous Pipevine Swallowtail, but the caterpillars rely on their camouflage and smelly secretions for survival. more...
Monarch Butterfly: Migrates Annually from Canada to Mexico
Category: Other Insects
The poisonous caterpillars and adult butterflies have distinctive warning colouration to deter predators. more...
Saddleback or Packsaddle Caterpillar: A Stinging Slug Caterpillar with Warning Colouration
Category: Other Insects
Found in many parts of America in later summer and fall. more...
European Crayfish: Endangered by Introduced American Disease and American Crayfish
Category: Other Invertebrates
The 'Noble Crayfish' is being replaced by less worthy American species. more...
European Carpenter Bee: Bores Holes in Timber and Pollinates Flowers
Category: Other Insects
Many Carpenter Bees carry Mites in special pouches, and this relationship is not yet fully understood. more...
Vulture Bees: Three Species of Bee Eat Rotting Flesh
Category: Other Insects
How does the habit of eating dead animals evolve in a group of insects that feed on plant products? more...
Honeybees and Monoculture: Single Crop Plants cover Large Areas and often Many Bees are needed
Category: Insects/Spiders (general)
Our reliance on the Western Honeybee to pollinate many food crops inevitably exposes the bees to predators, diseases and our own attempts to control other insects. more...
Cane Beetles: Eat Sugar Cane Leaves and Roots
Category: Other Insects
Beetle pests are difficult to poison without damaging other insects, and Biological Control can lead to unexpected problems. more...
Colony Collapse Disorder: Hives of Honeybees Die Without Apparent Cause
Category: Freshwater Fish (general)
This is a worldwide problem, particularly bad in America, where honeybee colonies are dying off at an alarming rate. more...
Freshwater Pollution: Animals as Indicators of Pollution.
Category: Freshwater Fish (general)
Many invertebrates live in freshwater, and those that live in streams can be used to indicate water quality. more...
The Lanternfly: a remarkable bug featuring in the ‘Amazing Rare Things’ exhibition.
Category: Other Insects
A crocodile-head, a pair of big eyes, a nasty taste and maybe flashing lights - the Lanternfly seems well able to deter predators! more...
The Giant Triton: is a favourite of shell-collectors.
Category: Marine Life
Giant Tritons eat Crown-of-thorns Starfish which in turn eat Corals. Shell-collecting is therefore contributing to the worldwide destruction of Coral Reefs. more...
Earwigs: Harmless insects that sometimes eat flowers
Category: Other Insects
Earwigs have pincers that can do humans no damage and they do not lay eggs in your ears! more...
Earthworms: useful soil improvers, but a problem in the wrong habitat.
Category: Other Invertebrates
Worms left in the wild after fishing trips are harming rare native woodland plants around the Great Lakes. more...
Woodlouse behaviour: woodlice or Sow Bugs show kinetic behaviour.
Category: Other Invertebrates
Help with identifying British woodlice, and why they are usually found huddled together in damp crevices. more...
Evolution: Species Change over time
Category: Biology (general)
Creatures either adapt to their environment or become extinct. So called 'ancient' types of animal have been doing this successfully for as long as the 'modern' ones. more...
Disease Vectors: Invertebrate Animals can Infect Humans
Category: Biology (general)
Many invertebrates can carry micro-organisms that cause diseases, but there are several ways of looking at this. more...
Big Ideas of Evolution: Evolution, Genetics and Ecology underpin Modern Biology
Category: Biology (general)
Understanding life on earth is only possible if we can avoid anthropomorphism and see things as they really are. more...
Reef Aquarium: keeping corals and clownfish in aquaria.
Category: Marine Biology
Reef Tanks and Nano Reefs are used by hobbyists to keep living corals, fish and invertebrates in their natural surroundings. more...
Cleaner Shrimp: cleaner shrimps remove parasites from many reef fish.
Category: Marine Life
The Pacific Cleaner Shrimp makes a good addition to the tropical marine aquarium. more...
School for Young Tigers: how things might seem from a mosquito’s point of view
Category: Pet Care (general)
This article is a 'tongue-in-cheek' look at how the USA might appear to an invasive species such as the Tiger Mosquito. more...
Cat Fleas: Dogs, cats and children can be affected
Category: Other Insects
Cat Fleas also live on dogs and humans, sometimes causing skin reactions and transmitting diseases more...
Mealworms: not worms at all, but young beetles.
Category: Other Insects
Three species of mealworm are used to feed a variety of pets and wild birds, and it is easy to breed your own. more...
Ticks and Lyme disease: an arachnid which can carry a nasty bacterium and infect humans.
Category: Pet Care (general)
Ticks are second only to mosquitoes as carriers of human disease. more...
The Hoopoe: a beautiful bird with many literary connections.
Category: Wild Birds
The Hoopoe is mentioned in many ancient texts and considered to bring good luck in some cultures. more...
Harmless French Snakes: how to identify non-venomous French snakes.
Category: Reptiles & Amphibians (general)
If the pupil is round then the snake is not poisonous, but that does not mean that it will not bite you! more...
The Mud Dauber Wasp: she will remove large spiders from your house.
Category: Other Insects
The harmless 'Black and Yellow' will build a small nest in your house and then catch large spiders. more...
Martens in France: the Pine Marten and the Stone Marten.
Category: Mammals (general)
Martens are members of the Weasel family, beautiful, but deadly predators. more...
Antarctic Silverfish: a fish that has overcome environmental and evolutionary problems.
Category: Marine Life
The ancestors of the Antarctic Silverfish left them with no haemoglobin and no swim-bladder, but they have solved these two problems and now float in the freezing waters more...
Killer Bees: dangerous ‘Africanised’ bees are now established in the U.S.
Category: Other Insects
Accidental release of 26 African Queen Bees in Brazil has produced a dangerous hybrid bee that is moving steadily north into the U.S. more...
Stingless Bees: are very important pollinators and many species are threatened.
Category: Other Insects
Most stingless bees are fully 'wild', but some species are kept by beekeepers in tropical and semi-tropical regions, particularly of Central America. more...
The ‘Harlequin’: a large ladybird which has recently arrived in the UK.
Category: Other Insects
The Harlequin ladybird was deliberately introduced into America and has recently been discovered in the UK. In both places it is harming the native species. more...
Fish&insect articles: help me write the sort of articles you want to see.
Category: Freshwater Fish (general)
I explain my choice of article topics so far, and ask readers to let me know what they would like me to write about in the future. more...
Hummingbird Hawkmoth: an insect that looks like a bird.
Category: Other Insects
A really beautiful hawk moth that flies by day, hovers like a bird and regularly migrates. Not a threatened species, but well-worth encouraging! more...
Red Admiral: an 'admirable' butterfly that migrates!
Category: Other Insects
The Red Admiral butterfly can be found in North America and Northern Europe in summer, but it has usually migrated up from the south. Plant some flowers to attract them. more...
Grayling: The Lady of the Stream
Category: Freshwater Fish (general)
Grayling are a game-fish that can be caught throughout the winter. If you want to extend your fly-fishing season have a go! more...
Mattanza: The ritual of killing Tuna in Sicily.
Category: Marine Biology
Bluefin tuna are caught each year in Sicily in the 'Mattanza'. Tuna biology, fishing and problems for sharks and dolphins are mentioned. more...
Polar Bear Moves from Edinburgh Zoo to Highlands: Mercedes Quits Zoo for Kingussie Wildlife Park
Category: Zoology (general)
Britain's only captive Polar Bear leaves the zoo for a luxury four-acre enclosure. more...
Monarch Butterfly in Mexico and California: Visit Butterfly Sanctuaries in a Winter Break
Category: Zoology (general)
Combine tourism with a wildlife adventure or two. more...
Komodo Dragon Threatened by Habitat Loss: Few Breeding Females in Small Population
Category: Zoology (general)
Komodo Dragons are impressive top predators. Their future is uncertain. more...
Head Lice, Body Louse, Pubic Crab Louse, & Nits: Human Parasites of Hair and Clothing
Category: Zoology (general)
Most mammals have lice associated with their hair. more...
Tundra Caribou in Global Warming Crisis: Arctic Animals Including Reindeer Face Bleak Future
Category: Zoology (general)
Warmer weather is destroying the tundra ecosystem. more...
Category: Zoology (general)
Atmospheric carbon dioxide levels must be reduced immediately. more...
Category: Zoology (general)
Axolotls are curious salamanders that never grow up. They are bred for the pet trade and scientific research, but are almost extinct in the wild. more...
Category: Zoology (general)
Air meets water at a microscopically thin jelly-like layer that is important for climate change models. more...
Wild Birds Eat Garden Pests: Attract Them With Seed Mix or Fat Cake
Category: Zoology (general)
Aphids and other insects can damage garden plants, but their natural predators can easily be enlisted to control them organically. more...
Palouse Giant Earthworm: Endangered Tumbler Compost Bin of the Prairies
Category: Zoology (general)
Spitting worm suffering habitat loss and competition from invasive species. more...
Proboscis Monkey as Mangrove Flagship Species: Big-nosed Primate Endangered by Habitat Loss
Category: Zoology (general)
Mangroves are important in their own right, but also essential for many other species and ecosystems. more...
Insect Identification Restores Large Blue to UK: One Red Ant Species Needed for Butterfly Success
Category: Zoology (general)
Save the ant's habitat and the butterfly can thrive once again. more...
Human Evolution Since Modern Man: Larger Populations Evolve Technology Faster
Category: Zoology (general)
Human cultures have evolved much more quickly than seems biologically possible. more...
Blind Fish Evolve in Caves: Eyes are Useless in Permanent Dark
Category: Zoology (general)
Many different animal species can be found isolated in deep dark caves. There are snails, salamanders, shrimps and fish. more...
Snapping Shrimps and Sponges: Colonial Shrimps Shelter in Sponges
Category: Zoology (general)
The shrimps are safely housed inside the sponge and defend their host in return. more...
Starfish and Sea Urchins: Echinoderm Structure and How Different Groups Evolved
Category: Zoology (general)
All echinoderms are clearly related, but exactly how the five types came about is not clear. more...
Jellyfish, Box Jellies and Corals: Coelenterate Cnidarians and Ctenophores
Category: Zoology (general)
Molecular studies show similar creatures are unrelated. more...
Ecdysozoans are Arthropod Allies: Tardigrades, Onychophorans,and Other Phyla are Related
Category: Zoology (general)
Modern molecular studies link eight animal phyla. more...
Worms Feeding on Dead Whales: Other Annelids Eating Oil and Methane
Category: Zoology (general)
Strange feeding habits, and even stranger reproductive strategies are found among the annelids. more...
Category: Zoology (general)
One nematode has been exhaustively researched and helps with the understanding of important processes, but the family tree remains uncertain. more...
Water Bears Survive Outer Space: Tardigrades Revived After Days in Vacuum
Category: Zoology (general)
Water Bears were known to be able to cope with extremes of heat, cold, and desiccation - but 2007 saw them return alive from space. more...
Mesozoan Orthonectids and Rhombozoans: Simple Animals or Confusing Mixtures of DNA
Category: Zoology (general)
These small creatures could have descended from either simplified animals or complex protozoans - but new research suggests that they might be a mixture of both. more...
Category: Zoology (general)
Symbion was first found on scampi, but is now known to live on other lobsters as well. more...
Twitter Mania: Social Networking is Coming of Age
Category: Computer Software (general)
Ideas and useful information can rapidly reach huge audiences. more...
Spearguns and Powerboats Harm Reef Biodiversity: Trophy Hunting for Specimen Fish Alters Ecosystems
Category: Marine Conservation
As communities become richer they can hunt for large reef fish more efficiently. more...
Slocum Electric Gliders: Electric and Thermal Gliders Join Alace Floats Monitoring Oceans
Category: Oceanography
Several autonomous robots are now wandering the oceans gathering data. more...
Category: Marine Conservation
Heating and lighting a tank require energy, and collecting fish from coral reefs causes damage. more...
Category: Marine Conservation
Marine antifouling paints harm the environment. more...
Ocean Life History: Sea Creatures Suffered Mass Extinctions
Category: Marine Biology
Early life became complex and eventually fish evolved, later giving way to the marine reptiles, then to the marine mammals as the 'highest' life-forms. more...
Oceans June 2009: Year of Science Covers Conservation and Ocean Environments
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
The Coalition on the Public Understanding of Science (COPUS) has declared 2009 to be the 'Year of Science'. more...
Seahorse Males Give Birth: Wild and Aquarium Seahorses are Delicate Creatures
Category: Marine Life
Seahorse habitats are under threat, and peculiarities of their life-style make them particularly vulnerable to interference. more...
Humpback Whale Intelligence: Mission at Stellwagen Suggests Scientists Communicate With Whales
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
A new novel by Donald Angell is set off Cape Cod and revolves around experiments in communicating with whales. more...
How to Teach a Baby to Sign: Singing and Signing Helps Pre-speech Children Communicate
Category: Infants & Toddlers (general)
Using sign language alongside speech helps babies and young children express themselves early. more...
Category: Marine Habitats
First survey the shore, and then identify the dominant species present. more...
Category: Geography (general)
Early in the twentieth century there was a successful whaling enterprise based in the Outer Hebrides. more...
French Dormice: Three Species of Dormouse That can be Seen in France
Category: Mammals (general)
Dormice are attractive small rodents that seem to sleep a lot. more...
Category: Marine Life
Penguins are well adapted to their life at sea. more...
Sturgeon Stocks Declining Rapidly: Pollution and Overfishing Severely Damaging Beluga Sturgeon
Category: Marine Conservation
Russian caviar commands very high prices, and the most famous sturgeon of all is now endangered. more...
Salmon Fly Fishing and Poaching: Sport Fishermen and Poachers Catch Wild Salmon Returning to Spawn
Category: Fly Fishing
Sporting estates in Scotland often find there is a conflict between bailiffs and local crofters. more...
Whitstable Native Oysters: An Ancient Oyster Fishery that Fed the Poor of London
Category: Marine Habitats
The Thames estuary produced vast numbers of oysters that could be rapidly transported to Billingsgate Fish Market in London. more...
Thames Eel Fishery: Traditional London Food Once Easily Caught Locally
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
Jellied Eels were once a staple food of the poor in the East End of London. more...
Olive Sea Snake: Large Dangerous Coral Reef Reptile
Category: Marine Life
Fifteen species of sea snake live on Australia's Great Barrier Reef, and Aipysurus laevis is commonly encountered by divers. more...
Manta Rays: Swim with Huge Peaceful Plankton-eaters
Category: Marine Life
Mantas are docile filter feeders that seem to enjoy interacting with humans. more...
Stingray Tail Carries Weapon: Poison Barb of Bull Ray Killed Steve Irwin
Category: Marine Life
When threatened, if there is no room to escape, Stingrays lash out with their tails. more...
Large Plankton-eating Sharks: Huge Fish Filter Small Animals from Surface Waters
Category: Marine Life
The biggest fish in the world feed on very small animal plankton, just as enormous whales survive on krill. more...
Newts and Salamanders of Southern France: Terrestrial and Aquatic French Amphibians with Tails
Category: Reptiles & Amphibians (general)
Four newts and salamanders are found in the South of France, with another seven species restricted to other parts of France and Corsica. more...
Marine Reptiles: Sea Living Snakes, Iguanas, Crocodiles, Turtles
Category: Marine Life
There is an amazing variety of living and extinct reptiles of the sea. Ogopogo and the Loch Ness Monster might even exist! more...
Vancouver Island Marine Biology: Pacific Rim National Park, Long Beach, Botanical Bay, Nanaimo
Category: Marine Biology
Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve has locations of outstanding interest for naturalists keen on the sea and coastal habitats. more...
Folding Magnifying Glasses: Low Power Hand Held Magnifier Reveals Details of Plants and Animals
Category: Marine Biology
A small low power hand lens should be carried by every amateur naturalist. They are not expensive and reveal a wealth of detail. more...
Become a Sea Shore Expert: Find and Identify Seaside Plants and Animals
Category: Marine Biology
A holiday by the sea gives the opportunity to become an expert on the fascinating creatures that live between the tides. more...
Become a Marine Biologist: Study and Conserve Whales and Their Environment
Category: Marine Biology
It is possible to become involved in Marine Biology in a number of different capacities. Academics require technicians, and amateurs can play a role. more...
Amateur Plankton Nets: Capture Marine Planktonic Organisms to Watch or Photograph Swimming
Category: Marine Life
Suitable specifications for an amateur marine plankton net require that the shape and mesh size are carefully considered. more...
Whale Watching Binoculars: Waterproof Aspheric Wide Angle Shockproof Bins
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
Using binoculars on a boat makes specifications important. Here are a some of the things you should consider before a purchase. more...
Flying Fish: Escape Predators by Gliding Flight
Category: Marine Life
Feeding on plankton near the surface exposes Flying Fish to dangerous predators from below. They solve this problem by flying away. more...
Coral Reef Cleaner Fish: Pacific Ocean Wrasse Dances to Attract Clients
Category: Marine Life
Many large species come to line up at cleaning stations where small specialists remove parasites. more...
Whale Evolution and Classification: Characteristic Shared Between Cetacean Species
Category: Marine Life
How are whales related to one-another, and how intelligent is the group as a whole? more...
Whale Identification: Whales Recognise One Another - Humans Identify Species, Individuals
Category: Marine Life
Whale watchers like to know which species they are looking at, and it is nice to be able to recognise individual whales. more...
Vancouver Island Whale Watching: British Columbia Boats Watch Migratory Whales
Category: Marine Conservation
The experience of seeing huge animals in their natural environment increases public awareness of marine conservation issues. more...
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
Intertidal species of different oceans exhibiting similar adaptations to their environment and resembling one-another superficially. more...
Collecting Olive Shells: Sand Burrowing Molluscan Predators
Category: Marine Conservation
Olives live on sandy beaches and can easily be collected by beachcombing. Distribution data is scientifically useful. more...
Collecting Mollusc Shells: Killing Cleaning Preserving Storing and Displaying
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
Amateur conchologists can build up collections without harming the environment. more...
Whale Echo-location and Song: Toothed Whales Use Sonar and Communicate
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
Some of the loudest animal noises are used by whales to find food and to keep in touch over long distances. more...
Whales and Humans: Once Useful Whale Products have been Replaced by Modern Materials
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
Public opinion has turned against commercial whaling, and keeping them in captivity is being called into question. more...
The Largest Whale: Blue Whales Eat Small Planktonic Animals
Category: Marine Life
This enormous whale was hunted to the brink of extinction, and there are still fears for its future. more...
Sperm Whales: Dive Like Submarines to Catch Giant Squid
Category: Marine Life
Spermaceti in the enormous head helps diving, and squid beaks cause ambergris production. more...
Right Whales: Marine Mammals Endangered by Whaling
Category: Marine Life
Hunting has brought the Right Whales close to extinction, their slow movements made them an easy target. more...
Copepods: Marine Crustaceans that Eat Phytoplankton and Feed Fish
Category: Marine Life
Small pelagic invertebrates are near the base of many food chains. more...
'The Coral Triangle' and Biotoping: Wakatobi is a Marine Natinal Park South of Wallace’s Line
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
Biotopers are urged to model their reef tank systems on habitats near Hoga Island. more...
Biotopes and Habitats: Marine Aquarium Hobbyists Research Biotope Tanks
Category: Marine Biology & Oceanography (general)
Reef aquaria benefit from the natural filtering offered by refugia. more...
Darwin's Studies: Charles Darwin Circumnavigation Geology and Natural History
Category: Zoology (general)
Fortunately Captain Fitzroy chose Darwin to accompany him on his long voyage. more...
The Cook Islands: Polynesian Atolls named after Captain James Cook
Category: Marine Biology
Fishing, whale-watching and diving allow visitors to experience unspoilt marine environments. They will also help the local economy. more...
Visiting Yorkshire: York, Whitby and The North York Moors
Category: England Travel
Great Ayton is a good place to start exploring England's north-east coast before venturing into Scotland. more...
Marine Aquarium in Venice: New Venetian Museum of Natural History
Category: Marine Biology
An ancient building is being restored to house the new aquarium. more...
Kite Diagrams: Marine Field Course Shore Survey Results
Category: Marine Biology
How to display information from transects of the rocky seashore. more...
Present Ideas for Naturalists: Encourage Biological Enthusiasm with Christmas and Birthday Gifts
Category: Marine Biology
Give a budding marine biologist a suitable present. more...
Oceanography: Marine Biology Chemistry Physics Geology and Engineering
Category: Marine Biology
Oceanographers study many aspects of the sea and there are many careers in the field. more...
Christmas or Birthday Present Idea: Hobbits Gave Mathoms to Close Friends and Relatives
Category: Seniors/Grandparents (general)
The charming habit of giving something of little monetary value but packed with memories to a loved one. more...
Risso’s Dolphin and Pelorus Jack: Grampus griseus Eats Squid and Bears Their Scars
Category: Marine Life
Pelorus Jack was a famous dolphin who escorted ships through dangerous passages. more...
Seasonal Shellfish Ideas: Christmas Menus for Oysters and Lobsters
Category: Marine Life
Holidays are often taken near the sea and shellfish dishes are usually on the menu. more...
Sea Otters: Kelp Management Specialists Hunted to the Edge of Extinction
Category: Marine Life
Important for maintaining their own habitat and very well adapted for their life there. more...
Sea Spiders: Pycnogonids are Predatory Marine Arthropods
Category: Marine Life
Sea Spiders suck the body fluids from their prey and digest them in their legs. more...
Seaweed Zonation: Brown Seaweeds of Rocky Shores are Adapted to their own Zone
Category: Marine Biology
The genus Fucus contains three species which illustrate the phenomenon of zonation on the sea shore. more...
Dolphin Conservation: Overfishing Pollution and Military Sonar Harm Cetaceans
Category: Marine Conservation
International cooperation is necessary to save whales. more...
Ocean Currents: Nutrients Upwelling from the Deep Enrich Coastal Waters
Category: Marine Biology
Seawater moves around the globe modifying climates and sustaining fisheries. more...
Coral Bleaching: Global Warming of the Sea Damages Coral Reefs
Category: Marine Biology
Various stress factors can cause corals to lose their algae which destroys the habitat. more...
Marine Mammals: Dolphins Porpoises Whales Dugongs and Seals
Category: Marine Life
Three groups of mammals have lived in the oceans for millions of years. more...
Invertebrate Classification: Articles Showing Typical Characteristics of Some Invertebrate Phyla
Category: Biology (general)
Specific examples of some of the most familiar invertebrate groups. more...
Fish and Insect Themes: Articles Explaining Major Biological Issues
Category: Freshwater Fish (general)
Topics of biological interest and concern are explained, with links to four articles which expand on these themes and lead on to additional information. more...
Animal Senses: Sight Smell Taste and Touch as well as Other Senses
Category: Biology (general)
Information about the environment can be detected in many ways. Electro-magnetic waves, chemicals in the air or water, vibrations, and even magnetic and electric fields more...
Migration: Environmental Changes Affect Migratory Behaviour
Category: Biology (general)
Species become migratory when it gives them adaptive benefits. The genetic basis of migration means that it is slow to respond to environmental changes. more...
Slugs: Black Slugs can be Garden Pests or Natural Recyclers
Category: Other Invertebrates
Black Slugs will eat cat and dog faeces, and the Banana Slug has the largest penis in the world! more...
Garden Snails: Hermaphrodites Who Spear Their Partners During Courtship
Category: Other Invertebrates
Deliberately introduced into Britain and America for eating, but now agricultural pests. more...
American State Insects: The Top Three State Insects are Honeybee Monarch and Ladybug
Category: Other Insects
There is no American National Insect, although The Monarch Butterfly has been considered by Congress. more...
Mole Crickets: Soil Burrowing Insects with Front Legs modified for Digging
Category: Other Insects
From the front the Mole Cricket looks very much like a small mole, with digging legs shaped like a mole's paws. more...
Wildlife in the French Pyrenees: Visit the Cirque de Troumousse in Southwestern France near Gedre
Category: France Travel
The Cirque provides easy walking in the high mountains where you can see rare and beautiful plants and animals including Isard, Marmot and exotic Gentian flowers. more...
Sea Lice Affect Wild Salmon: In both Scotland and Canada Parasites Harm Salmon and Sea Trout
Category: Marine Biology
Fish Farms in Estuaries give Parasitic Copepods to Wild Fish as they Migrate. more...
Allis Shad: Needs Clean Cool Water to Spawn
Category: Marine Life
Alosa alosa might be disappearing from the river Garonne in France. more...
Fly Exhibition in Paris: Paintings by Eugene Seguy and Information about Flies
Category: Insects/Spiders (general)
Eugene Seguy (1890 - 1985) founded the 'Diptera' section of the museum and was also an accomplished designer and 'peintre miniaturiste'. more...
Honeybee Crisis and Biodiversity: Colony Collapse Disorder might save Endangered Bees
Category: Other Insects
Flowering plants rely heavily on bees for their survival via pollination, and many bee species are endangered. An overview of the current honeybee colony crisis. more...
Rosemary Beetle: an Insect Pest that destroys Rosemary and Lavender Herbs
Category: Other Insects
The Rosemary Beetle has arrived in England more...
Asian Hornet in France: Another Problem for Honeybees?
Category: Other Insects
Vespa velutina was accidentally introduced into South-West France in 2005 and entomologists are carefully watching its progress. more...
Evolution and the Peppered Moth: Misleading Textbook Example
Category: Biology (general)
Natural Selection is illustrated in textbooks by the case of the Peppered Moth and changes due to industrial pollution. There are problems with this! more...
Insect Traps: pitcher-plants catch insects, not protect them.
Category: Insects/Spiders (general)
The naturalist Mark Catesby thought that the 'pitchers' of the pitcher-plant provided safe housing for insects. more...
Greenhouse Thrips: very small insects that can damage plants.
Category: Other Insects
One of the Fairyflies and some species of predatory Thrips might be useful as agents of 'Biological Control' for the Greenhouse Thrips. more...
Cochineal: a blood-red dye from the red blood of an insect!
Category: Other Insects
Carmine is widely used as a food colourant and in the production of cosmetics. more...
Horse Chestnut Leaf Miner and Conkers: Introduced Asian Moth Damaging Horse-chestnut Trees.
Category: Other Insects
Conkers have their uses and the Horse Chestnut tree is a European favourite. The Horse-chestnut leaf miner is a threat which might worry arachnophobes! more...
Cowries: Collected for their Beauty.
Category: Marine Life
Cowries have shells that inspire collectors, but the living animal is equally interesting. more...
Anthropomorphism: Looking at the world through Human Eyes
Category: Biology (general)
We often assume that animals share the world as we see it - theirs is much more mysterious. more...
Human Effects: Habitat Destruction and Invasive Species speed Extinctions
Category: Biology (general)
Human behaviour affects the planet in many ways, some intentional and others accidental. more...
Mantis Shrimp: an interesting crustacean to keep in a Reef Tank.
Category: Marine Life
Amazing vision, a powerful punch and incredibly beautiful - but not for the 'community' aquarium. more...
Coral Reefs: the oldest and most diverse habitat on earth.
Category: Marine Habitats
Coral Reefs and a quarter of the world's fish species are seriously endangered by man's activities. more...
Tiger Mosquito: an invasive mosquito species with frightening potential.
Category: Other Insects
Asian Tiger Mosquitoes might soon be spreading Dengue Fever and Equine Encephalitis across the USA. more...
Blue Tits: a favourite bird in Britain.
Category: Wild Birds
Blue Tits live near humans, steal their milk and eat their greenfly. more...
Blood-suckers: many invertebrates and some vertebrates suck blood.
Category: Other Invertebrates
Feeding on the blood of another animal is a way of life found in many groups of animals, and it is one way of passing diseases to humans, their livestock and their pets. more...
Ticks and dogs: two ticks that can affect dogs.
Category: Pet Care (general)
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia and Ehrlichiosis can infect tick species which often attach themselves to dogs. more...
Animal Classification: how many different types of animal are there in the world?
Category: Pet Care (general)
Taxonomy is the science of animal classification and of working out what is related to what. How does Suite101 categorise the millions of species that exist? more...
Walking in Mediterranean France: the ‘garrigue’ and ‘maquis’ of Southern France.
Category: W Europe Travel (general)
Many plants in Southern France have special adaptations to deal with the climate and there is a wealth of animal life. more...
Venomous French Snakes: two you might want to avoid!
Category: Reptiles & Amphibians (general)
How to recognise the two species of poisonous snake that you could meet in France. more...
The Red Squirrel: is found throughout Europe, but becoming rare in the UK.
Category: Mammals (general)
The introduction of the Grey Squirrel into Europe has pushed the Red Squirrel south towards warmer regions. more...
French Toads and Frogs: How to identify the common species.
Category: Reptiles & Amphibians (general)
French toads can be identified easily, but frog identification is almost impossible for the layman. more...
Bumblebees: are suffering as a result of modern agricultural practices.
Category: Other Insects
Many species of bumblebee are endangered, and since they are among the most important pollinators of many plants, this is a serious problem. more...
Honeybees: are essential pollinators and give us honey.
Category: Other Insects
Honeybees are threatened in a number of ways. They are essential pollinators of our crops and we should be concerned about their problems more...
Bees in General: pollinators and producers of honey.
Category: Other Insects
Bees are truly social insects of immense value to humans as pollinators. Many species are severely threatened. more...
Muskies: large sport-fish of the pike family. Fun to fish, and good to eat!
Category: Freshwater Fish (general)
Esox masquinogy is one of the two species of true pike found in Canada and North America. They are fresh-water ambush predators, and a favourite of sport-fishermen. more...
Coelacanths: Two Living Species of Latimeria and their Evolution.
Category: Marine Life
The coelacanth was found to be 'alive and well' in 1938 after millions of years of hiding, but is he really a 'living fossil'? more...
Kissing Bugs: nasty little insects that bite your lips.
Category: Other Insects
All Kissing Bugs feed on blood, and those that prefer human blood can carry a serious disease. Charles Darwin's debilitating illness was probably caused by one. more...
The ‘Humming Toadfish’: a very ugly fish that sings and can flash in the dark.
Category: Marine Life
The 'Humming Toadfish' or 'California Canary Fish' is an ugly type of 'Midshipman Fish' with redeeming features. He can sing at night and flash lights under his head. more...
Silverfish and Firebrats: ancient insects who knew the dinosaurs.
Category: Other Insects
Silverfish are silver, but not fish! They are primitive wingless insects often found in the home. Like their relatives (Firebrats) they are harmless. more...
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