Plants and Animals

Pythons (particularly the Amethystine Morelia amethistina) are well equipped with facial heat-receptor pits. They hunt nocturnally and are able to detect minute temperature changes from direct absorption of optical radiation through the thin pit … [Read more...] about Amethystine Pythons and Spectacled Monarchs

Any day now, the rainforests of the Daintree will resound of the arrival of the Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher Tanysiptera sylvia. They are very punctual, arriving in the last week of October, first week of November, each year. The males … [Read more...] about Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher

This Eurasian Tawny Owl (Strix aluco) fell into a chimney, that is why it's all black with soot. Note, the closed eyes, this is actually a sign of distress in owls. The owl was cleaned and later released. The species is resident in Europe and … [Read more...] about A ‘Sooty’ Tawny Owl: A Note from Ann Novek

The outer-wing coverings (tegmina) of the Snub-nosed Katydid (Mastigaphoides sp.) are remarkably leaf-like, even to the extent of the centrally prominent vein and subordinate branches. They blend splendidly within rainforest foliage and are found … [Read more...] about Mimicry & the Snub-nosed Katydid

Orphaned baby hedgehogs need feeding by hand every two hours day and night for the first two weeks of their life. Then every four hours for the next two weeks until they can lap on their own. They are fed with a milk substitute, called Espilac (a … [Read more...] about Orphaned Baby Hedgehogs: A Note from Ann Novek

If this spectacular moth had a common name it would almost certainly be the Night Citrus Swallowtail. Previously known as Nyctalemon patroclus, it has since been re-affirmed as the formerly identified Lyssa macleayi. The compound eyes of many … [Read more...] about Lyssa macleayi