Life, Death, and Taxonomy

“And today we’re talking about a sphinx with a fascinating riddle. But more on that later.” What happens to the very hungry caterpillar in the last pages of the book? “He stayed inside for more than t...

“…and today we’re talking about a sea rug that expresses deep sorrow and wretchedness, but more on that later.” The 70s and your average coral reef have one thing in common: shag carpets are a b...

“…today we’re talking about a toothy torpedo. But more on that later.” The leopard seal is a terrifying arctic predator. With a mouth full of teeth and a long jaw built for coming, it looks as m...

“…and today we’re talking about a bird that knows your schedule. But not really.”  The combination of a velociraptor and an HR manager somehow produced a pretty elegant bird with a mean lef...

“…and today we’re talking about a creature that can walk forward and why that’s interesting. But more on that later.” Two cohorts meet on a beach, marching forward to meet one another head on… b...

“…and today we’re talking about a blistering bug in the blistering heat of summer. More on that later.” Some creatures kick in your front door. Others pick the lock, raid the fridge, and somehow...

“…and today we’re talking about a tiny brain with big thoughts. But more on that later.” The regal jumping spider has those signature big round eyes that make this arthropod kind of cute… but if...

“… and today we’re talking about a demolition ant. But more on that later.” Out in the desert lives a tiny tan troublemaker that treats civil engineering like psychological warfare. These little...

“…and today we’re talking about a bug that sounds like a power tool… but more on that later.” Early on a Saturday morning is no time to start hearing machinery going in the neighborhood… but wha...

“…and today we’re talking about a sophisticated chemist. But more on that later.” In moonlit meadows and forest edges, there lurks a patient puppeteer. While most predators settle for catching d...

“…and today we’re talking about a bumbling beetle, but more on that later.” A bee is a brilliant bug… essential to the natural order. Plants propagate with the help of these fuzzy friends… not j...

“…and today we’re talking about a fuzzy little creep. But more on that later.” Out in the rocky woodland alleys of East Africa lurks a rodent that ain’t nothin but a heartache. The African crest...

“…and today we’re talking about a stinky turt. But more on that later.” A turtle is designed for defense… A tiny tank swimming around a river with an armored body that’s hardened against hungry ...

“…and today we’re talking about a pileated pile driver. But more on that later.” Somewhere deep in the forest, a feathered jackhammer slaves away to fill all the trees with holes. The pileated w...

“…and now we’re talking to high quality bird brains. But more on that later.” What does the crow know?  Accounts, it does not grow.  Seeds, it does not sow.  But knowing it will s...

“…and today we’re talking about a bug that is a scientific instrument… but more on that later.” In the sticky stillness of a summer night, a tiny troubadour tunes up in the trees. This pale, una...

“…and today we’re talking about a frog with a funny name that we’re going to be mature about! But more on that eminently.” A special frog lives at the bottom of a lake on top of the world… Lake ...

“..and today we’re talking about a fat baby sea bird. But more on that later.” Out on the icy oceans of the Arctic, the Northern Fulmar floats above the waves—calm, collected, and carrying a concealed...

“…and today we’re talking about a Lazerus noodle. But more on that later.” The worst thing that can happen to a species is extinction. The balance of life and death tips towards oblivion… a corn...

“…and today we’re talking about a bug adoption. But more on that later.” The insect world is a terrifying one. It’s a bug-eat-bug world out there. Some deal with it by being bigger, faster, stro...

“…and today we’re talking about danger from above. But more on that later.” In the African rainforest lives the King of Trees, gliding along the canopy, seeking prey in his sky domain. His crown...

“…and today we’re talking about an insect that doesn’t stay in its lane. But more on that later.” Squirming the soil of a windswept island, lurks a many-legged menace with a taste that…raises ey...

“…and today we’re talking about a bug that is a real jokester. But more on that now.”  Suggestion from Rowan via email The harlequin cockroach is a little like the bus boy at an underground spea...

“…and today we’re talking about a friendly sky rat. But more on that later.” Picture a dusk-drenched desert sky where the horizon starts to move. A clear evening gives way to a tornado. But it’s...

“…and today we’re talking about a cool Canadian cat. But more on that later.” As iron sharpens iron, so does one man sharpen another. A friend can show you the way to a better you… but sometimes...

“…and today we’re talking about a fish that would shoot a guy in the back. But more on that later.” Lurking in the low-lit lounge of the Pacific lies the spotted ratfish, this silvery weirdo ski...

“…and today we’re talking about insistent incisors. But more on that later.” A black rat finds a brick stack that blocks his way back to a food sack that helps his rat pack get a good snack. The...

“…and today we’re talking about the worst thing about wasp prison. But more on that later.” Slender, shiny, and carrying the emotional energy of a horror movie villain, the Dementor Wasp floats ...

“…and today we’re talking about an animal so cool, they named an X-man after it.” It takes a tenacious heart to survive in the Yukon and other high latitude places. Food is a reward for the brav...

“…and today we’re talking about a screaming sensation. But more on that later.” In the open meadows, the humble goat grazes and stares into the middle distance, contemplating its place in the un...

“…and today we’re asking hoo is this bug? But more on that later.” In nature, mimicry allows some creatures to ride the coat tails of others. You get the aura–the vibe of a dangerous, pois...

“…and today we’re talking about a familiar feathered friend. But more on that now.” In the quiet just before dawn, when everything feels briefly held in place, one animal steps in and breaks it ...

“And today we’re talking about a tiny creature that looks like a penguin but isn’t. More on that later.” A bird with a funny name sits upon a dock post of a frigid Atlantic wharf, waiting for friends ...

“….and today we’re talking about a tiny, little farmer. But more on that later.” (Messor Ibericus) Measure Up Welcome to the beloved Measure Up segment. The official listener’s favorite part of ...

“…and today we’re talking about little bird blue, but more on that later.” As seasons change, so do many animals. New coats, sloughed skin, fresh molts–even humans don’t wear white after l...

“…and today we’re talking about a high fly star that’s not Taylor or D’andre… But more on that later. High above the Alps, where even eagles take snack breaks, there’s a bird that laughs in the ...

“…and today we’re talking about fish with an identity crisis. But more on that later.” Is it a snake? An eel? A buzz saw? The frilled shark is none of those things, and yet it’s something of all...

“…and today we’re talking about the savannah’s secret dangerous megafauna. But more on that later.” Species: Syncerus caffer, also known as Cape buffalo, savanna buffalo, or forest buffalo, depe...

“…and today we’re talking about a globe trotting bug. But more on that later.” A simple insect lives a glover trotter’s life. No dry season will do in this bug’s life–rainfall is needed near rou...

“…and today we’re talking about a starfish that the jester stole. But more on that later.” Dive into the dazzling depths of the ocean, where a spiky sovereign slinks silently across coral castle...

“…and today we’re talking about a monkey that pays for long distance. But more on that later.” Description Tiny primate, about the size of a large squirrel compared to other tamarins Soft, silky...

“…and today we’re talking about a little big creature. But more on that later.” Description Appearance: Compact body with a blunt, shark-like head, small lower jaw, and grayish skin that may app...

“…and today we’re talking about a dessert demon. But more on that later.” Finding a solid food source is a top priority in the red dust of the Australian outback. But one thorny little devil has...

“…and today we’re talking about a bug that dances by the light of the moon. But more on that later.” It’s time to dive into the dark, daring, and downright dazzling world of the Bogong moth! Thi...

“…today we’re talking about a whale that’s here today and here tomorrow. More on that later.” Description Looks like a massive, stocky submarine Dark gray to black smooth, rubbery skin, often wi...

“…and today we’re talking about a sea creature that does not have a beak. More on that later.”  Description They have a robust, cigar-shaped body, a short, stubby beak, and a slightly curve...

“…and today we’re talking about a sneaky spider. But more on that later.” A cunning hunter weaves deceit in silken threads. Her artistry captures the eye, and it also snares her prey. But that’s...

“…and today we’re talking about a creature that has a good grip despite how wet it is.” Description Slender body with a long tail, short limbs, and distinctive square-shaped toe tips containing ...

“…and today we’re talking about a moth that is marked for death. But more on that later.” If you’re wandering the forests of East Asia at night, you may encounter a creature that bears an ill om...

“…and today we’re talking about the world’s tiniest mammal. But more on that now.” The smallest of sky-dwellers won’t win any contests of strength or speed, but hunting at night requires more pr...