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Scarlet caterpillar club
Cordyceps militaris
The scarlet caterpillar club is a striking parasitic fungus known for its vivid orange-red, club-shaped fruiting bodies. It primarily infects the pupae or larvae of moths and butterflies, emerging from the host’s body as a slender, cylindrical stalk. Native to temperate regions, it is most often found in leaf litter, moss, or rotting wood in forests. Its unusual life cycle and bright coloration make it a fascinating subject for mycologists and nature enthusiasts alike.
Violet Oil Beetle
Meloe violaceus
The Violet Oil Beetle is a striking invertebrate known for its metallic blue-violet coloration and unusually large, soft body. Found across Europe and parts of western Asia, this beetle is most often seen in spring, wandering meadows and woodland edges. Notably, its larvae are parasitic, relying on solitary bees for part of their development. The adult beetle exudes a toxic oily substance called cantharidin as a defense mechanism, which can cause skin irritation in humans. Their presence is often an indicator of healthy, undisturbed habitats.
Pearly Nautilus
Nautilus pompilius
The pearly nautilus is a distinctive marine mollusk known for its beautifully spiraled, chambered shell with a pearlescent inner layer. This ancient cephalopod inhabits the deep slopes of coral reefs in the Indo-Pacific region. Unlike its octopus and squid relatives, the pearly nautilus has numerous small tentacles and lacks ink sacs. It uses jet propulsion to move through the water and relies on its buoyant shell to maintain position at various ocean depths.
European Earwig
Forficula auricularia
The European earwig is a small, elongated insect known for its distinctive forceps-like pincers at the end of its abdomen. It is typically brown with lighter legs and measures about 12–15 mm in length. This species is nocturnal and spends the day hiding in moist, dark crevices, emerging at night to feed on a variety of organic material. European earwigs are highly adaptable and can be found in gardens, forests, and urban areas across Europe and in many introduced regions worldwide.
Goblin Spider
Oonopidae
Goblin spiders are tiny arachnids belonging to the family Oonopidae, commonly found in leaf litter and under stones in forests and other humid environments. Measuring only 1 to 3 millimeters in length, these spiders are often overlooked due to their minute size and cryptic habits. They are renowned for their unusual body shapes, six eyes (as opposed to the typical eight in most spiders), and sometimes translucent or brightly colored abdomens. Goblin spiders are effective hunters, preying on small insects and other tiny arthropods, and many species display unique behaviors such as building silk retreats rather than traditional webs.
Fairy Shrimp
Branchinecta lynchi
The fairy shrimp is a small, delicate freshwater crustacean found primarily in vernal pools and temporary ponds. They have elongated bodies, large stalked eyes, and swim gracefully upside down with the aid of their 11 pairs of leaf-like legs. Fairy shrimp are highly adapted to ephemeral environments, completing their entire lifecycle in just a few weeks before their pools dry up. Their eggs can survive extreme drought and remain dormant for years until favorable conditions return, ensuring the species' ongoing survival.
Pom-pom Crab
Lybia tessellata
The Pom-pom Crab, also known as the Boxer Crab, is a small and distinctive crustacean found in tropical Indo-Pacific coral reefs. It is renowned for carrying small sea anemones in its claws, which resemble tiny pom-poms and are used both for defense and for gathering food. The crab’s body is usually cream or beige with dark brown or black mosaic patterns, and it has long, slender legs. Despite its delicate appearance and small size, the Pom-pom Crab is a resourceful species that forms a mutualistic relationship with its anemone partners. Its secretive and nocturnal nature means it is more often observed at night, hiding among rocks and coral crevices.
Gossamer Worm
Tomopteris helgolandica
The Gossamer Worm is a delicate and transparent marine polychaete worm found in the open ocean. Its ribbon-like body is almost entirely see-through, with graceful lateral appendages that enable it to glide effortlessly through the water. This worm is bioluminescent, producing a striking yellow light when disturbed, which is rare among marine invertebrates. Gossamer Worms are adapted to life in the midwater zones, where they prey on smaller zooplankton using their agile bodies and bristle-like parapodia.
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Meet the African Barbet
African Barbet
Lybius spp.Barbets are plump, colorful birds found throughout tropical regions of Africa and Asia, known for their stout bills and bristle-fringed faces. Members of the family Lybiidae, African barbets are particularly noted for their bright plumage, which often includes striking reds, yellows, and greens. They primarily inhabit…
- Classification
- Bird
- Habitat
- Woodlands and forests
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Conservation
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 6-10 years
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From the journal
Wildlife research, conservation news, and the stories behind the species.
Wildlife Science InsightsJun 15, 2026
Masters of Disguise: The Science of Animal Camouflage
Camouflage is far more than just blending in. From the Arctic fox's seasonal coat to an octopus that rewrites its own skin, discover the six scientific strategies animals use to vanish in plain sight — illustrated by real species from the Creature Atlas encyclopedia.
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Wildlife Science InsightsJun 14, 2026
Citizen Science for Wildlife: How Your Smartphone Can Save Endangered Species
This article explores how everyday people can become wildlife heroes by participating in citizen science using their smartphones. Discover the power of community-driven conservation, learn about recent research and real-world success stories, and find out how you can help protect endangered species right now.
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Animal HighlightsMay 26, 2026
Primates Up Close: Our Closest Relatives in the Animal Kingdom
Clever, social, and strikingly familiar, primates share more with us than almost any other animals. From great apes to tiny lemurs, meet the family we belong to.
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