Plants and Animals

Lichen Spiders (Pandercetes gracilis) blend superbly with the surface characteristics of their tree. They remain strategically hidden from predatory birds and simultaneously well-positioned to ambush unsuspecting insects. Poorly disguised … [Read more...] about Lichen Spiders

Introducing the Spiny-legged Rainforest Katydid (Phricta spinosa), known colloquially as the wait-a-while cricket. It is a cryptic rainforest species with a lichen-like camouflaged colour pattern. It can grow to about 100 mm in body length. It is … [Read more...] about Wait-a-while Cricket

Such is the expressed concern of National Tree Day founder John Dee. However, it is unclear whether the electrified plantation of 120 new seedlings will ensure the survival of the species from the ravages of changing climate. Perhaps some comfort … [Read more...] about Wollemi Pines Under Threat of Global Warming?

The President of the Republic, Palais de l'Elysée, Paris, France. Mr. President, In a letter dated April 25 last to the officers of the Société Protectrice des Animaux (SPA) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Mr. Alain Auvé, … [Read more...] about Plea for Seal Hunt to Continue: A Letter from Quebec to Paris

Introducing another inhabitant of the Daintree rainforest, the Ogre-faced or Net-casting Spider Deinopsis subrufa is cryptically discrete in shades of brown and grey, but once detected is recognizable by its enormous posterior median eyes and 40mm … [Read more...] about The Ogre-faced or Net-casting Spider

The US Navy used dolphins in the Gulf War. Dolphins were used to help protect the United States' 7th Fleet during the Vietnam War. Dolphins have been used by NATO to detect mines and shells in the Baltic Sea and off Norway. The Russians also have … [Read more...] about Dolphins in the Anti-terror War: A Note from Ann Novek