Tag Archives: birds

Heteropteryx dilatata: The Massive “Jungle Nymph” of Southeast Asia

From the dense, humid rainforests of the Malay Peninsula and surrounding islands of Southeast Asia comes Heteropteryx dilatata, popularly known as the Jungle Nymph, Malayan Jungle Nymph, or Giant Malaysian Stick Insect. This monumental stick insect is revered for its incredible size, striking appearance, and remarkable camouflage, making it one of the largest and most sought-after species in the entomology hobby.

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Pamphobeteus nigricolor: The Magnificent “Giant Blue Bloom Tarantula”

From the lush, cloud-kissed mountains and humid rainforests of South America, primarily in Peru and Ecuador, comes Pamphobeteus nigricolor, popularly known as the Giant Blue Bloom Tarantula. This impressive terrestrial tarantula is highly sought after by collectors for its monumental size, robust build, and the stunning sexual dimorphism where males display a breathtaking iridescent purple and blue coloration.


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Beyond the Net: A Butterfly Guide

Jeffrey Glassberg’s “Butterflies through Binoculars: The East” is a highly acclaimed field guide that has become a staple for butterfly enthusiasts in eastern North America. Published in 1999, this book revolutionized butterfly identification, emphasizing the use of binoculars for observation and extensively using photographs of living butterflies. Here’s a detailed review:

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The Rosy Maple Moth: A Vision in Pink and Yellow

Gracing the deciduous forests of eastern North America with its whimsical charm is the rosy maple moth, scientifically known as Dryocampa rubicunda. This small to medium-sized silk moth is instantly recognizable for its delightful coloration, a vibrant blend of rosy pink and sunny yellow that seems almost too charming to be real. Its fuzzy body and delicate wings make it a captivating and beloved member of the moth world.  

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VELVET ANTS OF NORTH AMERICA by Kevin Williams, Aaron D. Pan, and Joseph S. Wilson

Velvet Ants of North America,” by Princeton University Press, is a beautiful photographic guide to the species of the wasp family Mutillidae found in the United States and Canada. Featuring hundreds of full-color photos, it covers nearly 460 species – representing more than nine percent of all velvet ant species, which number in the thousands worldwide – providing comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of this spectacular group of insects. This one-of-a-kind guide serves as an invaluable reference for naturalists, scientific researchers, museum specialists, and outdoor enthusiasts.

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