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An illustrated, ever-growing encyclopedia of animals — their habitats, behaviours, and place in the natural world.
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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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Polar RegionsArctic
Cold, frozen landscapes around the North Pole with specialized wildlife adapted to extreme cold.
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Meet the Aardwolf
Aardwolf
Proteles cristataThe aardwolf is a small, insectivorous mammal native to Eastern and Southern Africa. Despite its hyena-like appearance, it primarily feeds on termites, consuming up to 300,000 in a single night using its long, sticky tongue. Aardwolves are nocturnal and solitary, spending the day in burrows and foraging at night. Unlik…
- Classification
- Mammal
- Habitat
- Open savannas and grasslands
- Diet
- Insectivore
- Conservation
- Least Concern
- Lifespan
- 8–10 years in the wild
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From the journal
Wildlife research, conservation news, and the stories behind the species.
Wildlife Science InsightsSep 3, 2025
Climate Survival Instincts: How Animals Sense—and Prepare For—Extreme Weather
From storms to heatwaves, animals have evolved remarkable ways to sense and survive extreme weather. Explore the science behind their instincts and preparations—and what humans can learn from them.
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Animal HighlightsJul 5, 2025
From Heatwaves to Hurricanes: How Wildlife Is Adapting to a Changing Climate
Explore how wildlife around the world is responding to climate change, from shifting migration patterns to innovative survival strategies. Learn about the resilience—and vulnerability—of iconic species, backed by the latest research.
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Through Animal EyesJun 19, 2025
Through Animal Eyes: Why Dogs Shed Emotional Tears When Reunited With Their Owners
Recent scientific studies reveal that dogs can shed emotional tears of joy when reunited with their owners. This article explores the latest research, real-life tearful reunions, and the evolutionary roots of canine empathy, offering a new perspective on the emotional worlds of our loyal companions.
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