Chilean tinamou

The Chilean tinamou ("Nothoprocta perdicaria") is a type of tinamou commonly found in high altitude shrubland in subtropical regions of central Chile.
Taxonomy.
All tinamous are from the family Tinamidae, and in the larger scheme are also ratites. Unlike other ratites, tinamou can fly, although in general, they are not strong fliers. All ratites evolved from prehistoric flying birds, and tinamou are the closest living relative of these birds. "Crypturellus" is formed from three Latin or Greek words. "kruptos" meaning covered or hidden, "oura" meaning tail, and "ellus" meaning diminutive. Therefore, "Crypturellus" means small hidden tail.
Subspecies.
The Chilean tinamou has two subspecies as follows:
Distribution and habitat.
The Chilean tinamou can be found in the high altitude shrubland at altitude. This species is native to all of Chile except southern Los Lagos, Tarapacá, Antofagasta, Aisén, and Magallanes y Antarctica Chilena. This tinamou can also be found in arid mountain forests in association with such trees as "Acacia caven", "Porlieria chilensis" and the endangered "Jubaea chilensis". It has been introduced to Easter Island.
Description.
The Chilean tinamou is approximately in length. It is almost tail-less and is stocky in shape. It has a bill that is curved and similar to the California quail. It has thick, short, pale, yellowish legs. It generally walks upright and has "short tail and tail coverts drooping behind legs." The pattern on its upper body looks striped, but is more complex in detail. It has a buffy face with a dark eyeline that is drooping and a small strip on its cheek, with a lighter colored crown. Its neck is brown and its lower neck has dark spots. It has a complex patterns that streak on the side of the chest, which is grey. The Chilean tinamou, just south of the Maule Region, has a brownish chest instead of a grey chest and more and reddish brown stripes on its upperbody and buttocks. For both regions, it has large wings that cover the body when on ground, and when flying the wings appear large and reddish brown underneath. The wings are also rounded.
It has a loud stride whistle that sounds double-syllabled and sounds like ""sweee weee"." When under stress, it releases a lowering series of whistles that sounds like "swee wee wee wee" along with fast-paced wing sounds.
Behavior.
The females lay 10-12 glossy eggs in a scrape. The male incubates the eggs and raises the chicks. The eggs are covered with feathers when left unattended. Incubation is around 21 days. The chicks are buff with dark stripes, and run soon after hatching and fly when half-grown. Later in life blue or gray spots may appear.
Conservation.
The IUCN classifies the Chilean tinamou as Least Concern, with an occurrence range of .


Elattoneura leucostigma

Elattoneura leucostigma is a species of damselfly in the family Platycnemididae known commonly as the smoky-winged threadtail. It is endemic to Sri Lanka, where it is known from only one location. It has not been found in any recent surveys, and it is thought that it may have become extinct. It was known from streams in dense forest habitat, and the area has undergone habitat destruction and pollution of local waterways.


Longitarsus zangherii

Longitarsus zangherii is a species of beetle in the subfamily Galerucinae that can be found in Romagna, Italy.


Muellerina idrisovi


Leptobrachium hendricksoni

Leptobrachium hendricksoni (common names: Thai spadefoot toad, bright yellow-eyed crawl frog, spotted litter frog) is a species of amphibian in the family Megophryidae. It is found in Malay Peninsula (Southern Thailand and Peninsular Malaysia), Sarawak (Borneo), and Sumatra (Indonesia). Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland forests, rivers, freshwater marshes, and nearby plantations and heavily degraded former forests. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Male "Leptobrachium hendricksoni" grow to snout-vent length of and females to .


Asaphocrita pallae

Asaphocrita pallae is a moth in the family Blastobasidae that is endemic to Costa Rica.


Bothrops ammodytoides

Bothrops ammodytoides is a venomous pit viper species endemic to Argentina. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Description.
This species has a stocky build and grows to an average total length of 45–75 cm (18-30 inches), but is capable reaching almost 1 m (39 inches) in total length. The rostral scale is elongated vertically and the snout is upturned, similar to the hog-nosed pitvipers of the genus "Porthidium".
Dorsally, it is pale brown, with a series of large squarish dark brown spots or crossbars which are edged with black. On some specimens these markings alternate to form a zigzag stripe. There is a dark streak behind the eye. Ventrally, it is yellowish with brown dots.
The very strongly keeled dorsal scales are arranged in 23 or 25 rows at midbody. Ventrals 149-160; anal plate entire; subcaudals 30-38, divided.
The dorsal surface of the head is covered by small, imbricate, keeled scales. The large supraoculars are separated by 8 or 9 rows of these small scales. Two rows of scales separate the eye from the upper labials. Upper labials 9 or 10, the 2nd separated from the loreal pit, the 3rd and 4th largest. The temporal scales are keeled.
Common name.
In Argentina is known as "Yarará ñata" (Spanish for "short-nosed yarará"), making reference to its characteristic snout.
Geographic range.
Found only in Argentina in the provinces of Buenos Aires, Catamarca, Córdoba, Chubut, La Pampa, La Rioja, Mendoza, Neuquén, Río Negro, San Juan, San Luis, Santa Cruz and Tucumán. The vertical distribution ranges from sea level to at least altitude. The type locality was first listed as "northern Argentina" and later emended to "province of Mendoza" Campbell and Lamar (1989).
The geographic range of "Bothrops ammodytoides" extends to 47° S Latitude, which may make it the world's southernmost snake.
Habitat.
Prefers dry regions, occurring in temperate to subtropical savannas and steppes. Found mostly in sandy, rocky areas, including coastal dunes, steep riverbanks and salt flats. Around the upper limits of its altitude range it can occasionally be found in broadleaf evergreen forest.


Black-browed bushtit

The black-browed bushtit or black-browed tit ("Aegithalos bonvaloti") is a species of bird in the family Aegithalidae. It is found in mid-southern China and sporadically in Myanmar. Its natural habitats are boreal forests and temperate forests. It was formerly considered conspecific with the rufous-fronted tit ("A. iouschistos") of the central and eastern Himalayas but is now often regarded as a separate species. Sometimes the subspecies "A. b. sharpei" (Burmese tit) of western Burma is also treated as a species.
It is a small, long-tailed bird, long. It has grey upperparts, rufous breast and flanks and a white belly. The head is buff with a broad black mask, white forehead and a white bib, speckled black in the centre. The Burmese Tit has white rather than buff on the head, a dark breastband and a buff belly.


List of ants of Andorra

Seventy-five ant species have been recorded in Andorra, a small landlocked country located in the heart of the Pyrenees and bordered by Spain and France. The country covers an area of approximately . The ant fauna of Andorra is mostly dominated by Central European species (some are typical cold climate specialists); however species belonging to the Mediterranean ant fauna are also found. This can be explained by the particular geographic situation of Andorra which is characterized by a high mountain Mediterranean climate.
With 75 species recorded, the ant fauna of Andorra can be considered as highly diverse, especially considering the size of the country. The species are distributed across 21 genera belonging to 4 subfamilies (Dolichoderinae, Formicinae, Myrmicinae, Ponerinae). The most speciose subfamily was Myrmicinae and the most speciose genus was "Formica" with 36 and 14 species respectively. The number of ant species collected represents more than one third of the number of species found in France (213) species and about a quarter of the total number of species recorded in the Iberian Peninsula (299 species). When considered at the scale of the Pyrenees, Andorra contains about 88% of the ant species recorded in these mountains above an altitude of 1,000 m (about 85 species).
This checklist is based on Bernadou "et al." (2013), who notes that the total number of species could actually be somewhat higher. Very few parasitic species are recorded and they could probably be found with a higher sampling effort, and based on what is known from the ant fauna of France and Spain, some genera can be expected to be richer (e.g. "Temnothorax", "Camponotus").


Chalcides montanus

The Atlas Mountain skink ("Chalcides montanus") is a species of skink endemic to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. It was originally described as "Chalcides ocellatus" ssp. "montanus".


Brown-marbled grouper

The brown-marbled grouper or tiger grouper ("Epinephelus fuscoguttatus") is a benthic marine fish which belongs to the family Serranidae or also known as the groupers.
Description.
"Epinephelus fuscoguttatus" is a medium-sized fish which grows up to 120 cm, but the average size mostly observed is 50 cm. Its body has a stocky and robust aspect, is compressed laterally and has a sharp profile for the head. The mouth is big and has a superior position with many small teeth and canine in front. The background coloration is pale yellowish-brown with many irregular in size and shape dark brown or Grey blotches. The body is also covered with many small dark brown spots. All the fins are large and round.
The brown-marbled grouper can be easily confused with its close relative "Epinephelus polyphekadion". The differences are more obvious on adults specimen. The distinctive characters of the brown-marbled grouper are: a small black saddle on the top of caudal peduncle, when observed on the side a notch above the eyes and the front head is clearly visible, its body is quite thick from the front of the dorsal fin to the bottom of the fish below the pectoral fins.
Distribution and habitat.
It is widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical waters of the Indo-Pacific, from eastern coasts of Africa to the oceanic islands of the centre of the Pacific Ocean, Red Sea included. However, it is absent from the Persian Gulf, Hawaii and French Polynesia.
Like many of the groupers, the brown-marbled grouper lives in rich clear waters close to coral or rocky reefs, lagoons and external slopes from the surface until depth.
Feeding.
The brown-marbled grouper is carnivorous and its diet consists mainly in fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods, it is an ambush predator.
Behavior.
This grouper is solitary, sedentary, it defends a well defined territory, benthic and has an nocturnal which can be maximal at sunrise and/or at sunset.
It has a quite long life span for a fish, it can expect to live until at least 40 years old.
It is protogynous hermaphrodite, which means the female can evolved to male during its life.
Protection.
The brown-marbled grouper is listed "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species since 2004.
Because of its size and hardiness, this species has a height commercial interest for the live food fish trade.
However, its biological characteristics make this species particularly vulnerable to over-fishing.
Especially during mating periods at specific times and places, the brown-marbled grouper forms spawning aggregations which are easy and attractive targets for fishermen.
The quite long life span of this grouper and its poor population density in reefs in the wild result in a weak and slow population regeneration capacity.
Furthermore, brown-marbled groupers are greatly threatened by the trend of fishermen to target large fish. That concerns especially males so if the sex ratio between males and females is falling, it will affect the fertilization capacity of the species.
It will have the same result on over-fishing females breeders that are highly fertile and would not be able to actively contributing to maintain the proportion of young in the population.
Brown-marbled groupers can be cultured by hatcheries but these installations are still getting fishes straight from the wild. This method has also a negative effect on the global population because all the groupers catch in any size category are kept and grown until they reach market size.
One fact helps to preserve a bit the brown-marbled groupers in some geographic areas and it is the ciguatera which affects its flesh.
Over the last few years, some protective measures or/and sustainable fishing methods have been taken by many states where spawning aggregation are known like in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Malaysia, Solomon Islands and Palau.


Phyllocnistis bourquini

Phyllocnistis bourquini is a moth of the family Gracillariidae, known from Argentina. The hostplant for the species is "Tessaria integrifolia".


Eupholidoptera megastyla

Eupholidoptera megastyla or Greek marbled bush-cricket is a species of 'katydids crickets' belonging to the family Tettigoniidae subfamily Tettigoniinae.
Distribution and habitat.
The Greek marbled bush-cricket is endemic to Greece, where it is widespread across the mainland including the Peloponnesus, Ionian and western Aegean islands. They can be encountered in and around bushes and shrubs, from sea level up to high altitudes in the mountains.


Daurian jackdaw

The Daurian jackdaw ("Coloeus dauuricus") is a bird in the crow family, Corvidae, native to eastern Asia. It is closely related to the western jackdaw. The name derives from the Dauria region of eastern Russia.
Description.
At in length, the Daurian jackdaw is about the same size as or slightly smaller than the western jackdaw, with the same proportions and identical habits. The principal difference lies in the plumage; many but not all adults have large areas of creamy white on the lower parts extending up around the neck as a broad collar. The head, throat, wings, and tail are glossy black and the ear coverts are grizzled grey. Darker adults and young birds resemble western jackdaws, though Daurian jackdaws have black irises, unlike the distinctive grey-white irises of the Eurasian jackdaw. The only other pied corvid species inhabiting the same region is the Chinese collared crow ("Corvus torquatus") but as this is a much larger bird (about the same size or slightly larger than the carrion crow) confusion is unlikely to occur.
Distribution and habitat.
The Daurian jackdaw ranges from the southern part of eastern Siberia, south to Mongolia and throughout much of China. In the north of its range it migrates further south during the winter. It is a scarce winter visitor to Korea, a rare annual winter visitor to Japan, and a vagrant to Taiwan. There are a few records from Western Europe. It inhabits open woodland, river valleys, and open hills and mountains.
Behaviour.
It is a sociable species often found in association with rooks.
Feeding.
The food is similar to that of the western jackdaw and includes cultivated grains, insects, berries, eggs, carrion, and faeces.
Breeding.
The species will nest in trees where suitable cavities cannot be found, though tree hollows, rock openings and ruined buildings are still favoured. The eggs are similar to those of the western jackdaw.


Wren-like rushbird

The wren-like rushbird ("Phleocryptes melanops") is a species of bird in the family Furnariidae. It is monotypic within the genus Phleocryptes. It is found in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. Its natural habitat is swamps.


Delectosaurus

Delectosaurus is a genus of dicynodont from Late Permian (Changhsingian) of Russia.


Rhinella fernandezae

Rhinella fernandezae is a species of toad in the family Bufonidae that is found in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, subtropical or tropical seasonally wet or flooded lowland grassland, intermittent freshwater marshes, coastal freshwater lagoons, arable land, pastureland, plantations, and seasonally flooded agricultural land.


Eptatretus polytrema

Eptatretus polytrema, the fourteen-gill hagfish or Chilean hagfish, is a demersal and non-migratory hagfish of the genus "Eptatretus". It is found in muddy and rocky bottoms of the southeastern area of the Pacific Ocean near the coast of Chile between Coquimbo and Puerto Montt, at depths between 10 and 350 m. This hagfish can reach a length of 93 cm.
It is only known from a few specimens and has not been recorded since 1988.


Hylesia nigricans

Hylesia nigricans is a species of Lepidoptera of the family Saturniidae. It is a nocturnal moth endemic to Argentina and Brazil. It can be found mainly in the north and center of Argentina and the south of Brazil, due to climatic factors which favor its reproduction. The species was first described by Carlos Berg in 1875.
The female adult can reach an average wingspan of 45 mm. Its larvae have an average length of 40 to 45 mm, with black and yellow bodies covered by urticating hairs which, upon contact with skin, produce irritation, causing an extended dermatitis. The larvae are known in Spanish as gata peluda (hairy cat) or bicho quemador (burning bug). The adult is a dark-colored moth - which is where its name comes from - with the back of its abdomen covered by smooth golden hairs.
It possesses a voracious appetite, attacking fruit bearing, ornamental and forest plants. It was declared a national plague in Argentina in 1911.
There exists a range of chemical products aimed at controlling their development.
Life cycle.
The eggs are laid in overlapping layers of up to 900, protected by a yellow cocoon built by the female using her secretions and abdominal hairs. During the spring (October to December), 200 to 740 of these eggs hatch.
Once the larvae are born, they slither in large groups along tree trunks, branches and leaves, usually causing vast defoliation.
Before pupation, the larva gathers leaves and adheres them together with its bodily secretions to form a cocoon, situated either on a plant or among the leaves on the ground. It remains immobile in its pupal state during the winter.


Mastigoproctus giganteus

Mastigoproctus giganteus, the giant whip scorpion, also called the giant vinegaroon or grampus, is a species of whip scorpions in the family Thelyphonidae.
Description.
This species can grow to be long, excluding the tail. They have six legs used for movement, two long antenniform front legs that they use to feel around for prey and detect vibrations, and two large pedipalps modified into claws that they use to crush their prey. They have a long, thin, whip-like tail, the origin of the common name whipscorpion. From the base of this tail they can spray a substance composed of 85% acetic acid in order to defend themselves. Acetic acid is the main component of vinegar, so the spray smells strongly of vinegar, leading to the common name "vinegarroon".
"Mastigoproctus giganteus" have eight eyes: two in a pair on the front of the head and three on each side of the head. These eyes are very weak, so "Mastigoproctus giganteus" navigates mostly by feeling with its long front legs, tail, and pedipalps.
It lives in the southern US and in Mexico. "Mastigoproctus giganteus" preys on various insects, worms, and slugs. It is an efficient predator that feeds on a variety of Arthropods, primarily insects such as cockroaches and crickets, as well as millipedes and other arachnids. It has even been recorded feeding on small frogs and toads. It uses its large pedipalps to hold prey, while the chelicerae tear and bite the prey.
As pets.
This species is sold in the exotic animal trade as pets.


List of butterflies of Iran

This is a list of butterflies of Iran. About 484 species are known from Iran.


Delias pratti

Delias pratti is a species of butterfly in the family Pieridae. The type was described by George Hamilton Kenrick in 1909. It is found in Papua New Guinea, the type location is the Foja Mountains.
The wingspan is about 50 mm. The forewings and hindwings are black, the forewings are without markings and the hindwings have an inner white area between the cell and inner margin and between the base and outer margin to vein four.


Ptychadena trinodis

Ptychadena trinodis is a species of frog in the family Ptychadenidae. Its common name is Dakar grassland frog. It is widely distributed in West and Middle Africa, and following the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), occurs in Benin, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo. Further, records are missing from Guinea-Bissau, Burkina Faso, Niger, South Sudan, and Sudan, but it is presumed to be present in these countries too.
Description.
"Ptychadena trinodis" is a relatively large frog with a pointed head. Males measure and females in snout–vent length. Males have paired lateral vocal sacs. The tympanum is large and distinct. There are three pairs of continuous dorsal ridges that start at the level of the eyes, and a shorter, median pair. The hind legs are sturdy and of moderate length. The inner metatarsal tubercle is massive, almost as long as the shortest toe. The colouration is generally brownish or grayish, with black or dark brown spots present on dorsal ridges, flanks, and the dorsum.
Habitat, ecology, and conservation.
Its natural habitats are both dry and humid savannas, with a preference for the former. Breeding takes place in very small, temporary ponds and seems to commence at once when the rainy season starts and may continue through the rainy season. The eggs hatch to tadpoles in a day and metamorphose in three weeks.
"Ptychadena trinodis" has a patchy distribution and a low population density. In northern Benin, however, it was found to be common after the first rains of the season. It is an adaptable species that is not facing any significant threats. It also occurs in many protected areas, including the Garamba National Park; the IUCN has assessed "Ptychadena trinodis" as of "Least Concern".


Anomiopus laetus

Anomiopus laetus is a species of true dung beetle that is endemic to Brazil, and is known from Amazonas, Pará and Acre states. It may be a myrmecophile.


Cyrtodesmus lobatus

Cyrtodesmus lobatus is a species of millipede in the family Cyrtodesmidae that is endemic to San Vito, Costa Rica, where it was found on April 19, 1972.
Description.
The species female is long and wide. The body have strong convex of the dorsum. Their lateral keels are flaring from the third segment and middle of the body and ending on the sides of metazonides. The surface is the same for all segments that don't have setae or spicules, but is coated everywhere else with organic matter, which is quite thin on tubercles of the apex part. Species head have thick, oblique, and short ridges on the interantennal parts, while they themselves are dark coloured, with a deeply narrow but separated channel. The spaces between those parts are swollen in front. It also has a free and raised squared corner, which is located next to the antenna.


Polypedates mutus

Polypedates mutus (common names: northern treefrog, Burmese whipping frog, and vocal sacless treefrog) is a species of frog in the family Rhacophoridae. It is found in southern and southwestern China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. However, it may actually represent two different species. It is not known which one of these is the "true" "Polypedates mutus" as specimens from the type locality in northern Myanmar have not been analysed. Its natural habitats are forests and the surrounding areas. It breeds in standing water (e.g., pools, ponds, marshes, and paddy fields). It is suffering from habitat loss.


Scincella capitanea

Scincella capitanea, the large ground skink, is a species of skink endemic to Nepal.


Red-headed bullfinch

The red-headed bullfinch ("Pyrrhula erythrocephala") is a species of finch in the family Fringillidae, found all across the Himalayas and adjacent highlands. It is found in Bhutan, northern India, Nepal and adjacent southern Tibet. Its natural habitat is temperate forests.
Taxonomy.
The taxonomy was described in 2001 by Arnaiz-Villena et al. All birds belonging to the genus "Pyrrhula" have a common ancestor: "Pinicola enucleator".


Xenophidion schaeferi

Xenophidion schaeferi, also known commonly as the Malayan spinejaw snake or Schäfer's spiny-jawed snake, is a species of snake in the monotypic family Xenophidiidae. The species is endemic to Malaysia.
Etymology.
The specific name, "schaeferi" is in honor of German herpetologist Christian Schäfer who collected the holotype.
Geographic range.
"X. schaeferi" is found in the Malaysian state of Selangor, in western Peninsular Malaysia.
Habitat.
The preferred natural habitat of "X. schaeferi" is forest.
Reproduction.
"X. schaeferi" is oviparous.
DNA sequence divergence of sibling species.
In the genus "Xenophidion", there is one sister species, "X. acanthognathus". Molecular analyses of a new specimen of "X. acanthognathus" reveal that it only differs from the holotype of "X. schaeferi" by a minimum sequence divergence of 0.27%.


Coleophora cadella

Coleophora calandrella is a moth of the family Coleophoridae that is endemic to Kazakhstan.


Gloydius shedaoensis

Gloydius shedaoensis is a venomous pitviper species found only on Shedao Island in China. Although very small, this island is home to an extraordinarily large population of these snakes. No subspecies are currently recognized.
Description.
Adults grow to an average snout-vent length (SVL) of 65–70 cm (25.6-27.6 inches). Scalation includes 23 rows of dorsal scales at midbody, an average of 157 ventral scales, and an average of 41 paired subcaudal scales. Also, the second supralabial scale is low and does not form the anterior margin of the heat-sensing loreal
pit. The color pattern consists of a grayish brown ground color overlaid with a series of dark brown X-shaped markings. A postocular stripe is present that is very narrow and very dark in color.
Geographic range.
This snake is found only on Shedao Island off the coast of Liaotung in northeastern China. The type locality given is "Shedao (Snake Island), situated about [27.6 statute miles] from and to the north-west of Lüshun (Port Arthur), Liaoning Province, altitude below 215 m [705 feet]" (China).
Shedao Island lies 7 nautical miles (about 13 km or 8.1 statute miles) from the nearest mainland and has an area of 0.63 km² (156 acres), or 0.73 km² (180 acres). However, despite its small size, the population density of these snakes on the island has long been known to be extremely high. Koba (1938) estimated that, on the southeastern part of the island, there was about one snake for every square meter (10.8 sq ft), while Huang (1984) calculated that there were about 9,100-11,500 snakes on the island during the spring and fall of 1982 when the snakes were active.
Feeding.
The diet consists of small passerine birds of various species. These birds migrate to and from their breeding grounds in Siberia and visit the island in May and September. The snakes prey on the birds during these months and are inactive for the rest of the year.
Prey is ambushed either on the ground or from tree branches, the snake waiting with the anterior portion of its body in a concertina shape. Researchers have found specimens in this position, already containing two or three freshly ingested birds. Larger snakes on the ground also scavenge birds that have been struck and killed by other snakes too small to eat them.


Black-throated mango

The black-throated mango ("Anthracothorax nigricollis") is a hummingbird species native to South America and Trinidad and Tobago.
Description.
It is 10.2 cm long and weighs 7.2g. The longish black bill is slightly decurved. The tail in both sexes has dark central feathers, the outer tail being wine-red tipped with black.
The male has glossy bright green upperparts. His throat and chest are matt black, bordered with blue-green. The flanks are bright green, and the black of the chest tapers onto the belly.
The female black-throated mango has bronze-green upperparts and white underparts with a black central stripe. Immature birds show some grey or buff feather tips on the head and wings, and have brown around the eyes.
The call of the black-throated mango is a high-pitched "tsiuck", and the song is a buzzing "hsl-hsl-hsl-hsl-hsl-hsl-hsl".
It is very similar to the closely related green-breasted mango. Although the male black-throated mango has more extensive black on the underparts, this and other plumage differences are not always easy to confirm in the field because the birds appear all-black. The females of the two species can be almost inseparable, although the black-throated lacks the more extensively coppery upperpart of its relative.
Distribution and ecology.
It breeds from Panama south to northeastern Bolivia, southern Brazil and northern Argentina. It is also common on both Trinidad and Tobago. It is a local or seasonal migrant, with some birds moving up to 1000 miles, although its movements are not well understood.
It inhabits open country, gardens and cultivation. Though it will adapt to human activity, it seems less of a generalist than for example the gilded sapphire ("Hylocharis chrysura") or the sapphire-spangled emerald ("Amazilia lactea").
The food of this species is nectar, often taken from the flowers of large trees. This hummingbird is also notably insectivorous, often hovering in open areas to catch flying insects. It appears to be somewhat picky regarding favorite foodplants and often does not visit ornamental plants popular with many other hummingbirds, such as "Erythrina speciosa" or "Stifftia chrysantha"; certain ornamental Bignoniaceae like the fountain tree ("Spathodea campanulata") seem more to this bird's liking. While feeding, it has been observed to dominate over a glittering-bellied emerald ("Chlorostilbon lucidus") and to be displaced by a gilded hummingbird, both considerably smaller species.
The black-throated mango's breeding season lasts almost year-round in most of its range. It builds a tiny cup nest on a high, thin, and usually bare branch. For this it uses fluff like seed down, cladding the outside with lichen. Nests are maybe 35–40 mm wide and 25–30 mm tall on the outside and some 25 mm wide and 10–15 mm deep inside. The two all-white eggs measure c.15 by 9.5 mm. They are incubated by the female for 16 or 17 days, and fledging takes another 24.
At a black-throated mango nest in Cuyabeno Faunistic Reserve, Ecuador, it was noted that the tree was beset with "Pseudomyrmex" stinging ants. This was also noted at a green-breasted mango nest on San Andrés Island in the Colombian Caribbean. It is likely that the ants would deter predators, but it is not known whether the birds deliberately select such trees for nesting.


Golden poison frog

The golden poison frog ("Phyllobates terribilis"), also known as the golden frog, golden poison arrow frog, or golden dart frog, is a poison dart frog endemic to the Pacific coast of Colombia. The optimal habitat of "P. terribilis" is the rainforest with high rain rates (5 m or more per year), altitudes from sea level to 200 m elevation, temperatures of at least 26 °C, and relative humidity of 80–90%. In the wild, "P. terribilis" is largely solitary and territorial; however, captive "P. terribilis" specimens can live in much larger groups. They may appear innocuous due to their small size and bright color, but wild frogs are lethally toxic.
Distribution and habitat.
The golden poison frog is endemic to humid forests of the Pacific coast of Colombia in the Cauca and Valle del Cauca Departments in the Chocó Rainforest. Its range is less than 5,000 square km. Destruction of the rain forests has limited habitat size and put "P. terribilis" on international endangered species lists. It is only known from primary forest. The eggs are laid on the ground; the males transport the tadpoles to permanent pools.
Description.
"P. terribilis" is the largest species of poison dart frog, and can reach a size of 55 mm as adults, with females typically being larger than males. Like all poison dart frogs, the adults are brightly colored, but they lack the dark spots present in many other dendrobatids. The frog's colour pattern is aposematic (which is a warning coloration to warn predators of its toxicity). The frog has tiny adhesive disks on its toes, which aid climbing of plants. It also has a bone plate in the lower jaw, which gives it the appearance of having teeth, a distinctive feature not observed in the other species of "Phyllobates". The frog is normally diurnal. "P. terribilis" occurs in three different color varieties or morphs:
Mint green.
The largest morph of "P. terribilis" exists in the La Brea area of Colombia, and is the most common form seen in captivity. The name "mint green" is actually rather misleading, as the frogs of this morph can be metallic green, pale green, or white.
Yellow.
The yellow morph is the reason it has the common name golden poison dart frog. Yellow "P. terribilis" specimens are found in Quebrada Guangui, Colombia. These frogs can be pale yellow to deep, golden yellow in color. A frog sold under the name "gold terribilis" was once believed to be a deeper yellow "P. terribilis". However, genetic tests have proven these frogs to be uniform-colored morphs of "Phyllobates bicolor."
Orange.
While not as common as the other two morphs, orange examples of "P. terribilis" exist in Colombia, as well. They tend to be a metallic orange or yellow-orange in color, with varying intensity.
Poison.
The golden poison frog's skin is densely coated in an alkaloid toxin, one of a number of poisons common to dart frogs (batrachotoxins). This poison prevents its victim's nerves from transmitting impulses, leaving the muscles in an inactive state of contraction, which can lead to heart failure or fibrillation. Alkaloid batrachotoxins can be stored by frogs for years after the frog is deprived of a food-based source, and such toxins do not readily deteriorate, even when transferred to another surface.
The golden poison frog is not venomous, but poisonous: venomous animals have a delivery method for the toxin, such as fangs or spines, while poisonous animals and plants do not have a delivery method and rely on transference of the toxin, typically by, but not limited to, ingestion. Like most poison dart frogs, "P. terribilis" uses poison only as a self-defense mechanism and not for killing prey.
The average dose carried will vary between locations, and consequent local diet, but the average wild "P. terribilis" is generally estimated to contain about one milligram of poison, enough to kill about 10,000 mice. Most researchers agree this dose is enough to kill between 10 and 20 humans, which correlates to up to two African bull elephants. Smaller doses like 0.1 µg result in seizures, salivation, muscle contractions, dyspnoea and death in mice, the subcutaneous LD50 is 0.2 µg / kg, although low doses such as 0.01 µg / kg and 0.02 µg / kg have been shown to be lethal. Myers " et al." estimate that the lethal dose for humans is between 2.0 and 7.5 µg. This is roughly 15,000 humans per gram.
This extraordinarily lethal poison is very rare. "Batrachotoxin" is only found in three poisonous frogs from Colombia (genus "Phyllobates"), a few birds from Papua New Guinea, and four Papuan beetles of the genus "Choresine" in the family Melyridae; "C. pulchra", "C. semiopaca", "C. rugiceps" and "C. sp. A". Other related toxins, histrionicotoxin and pumiliotoxin, are found in frog species from the genus "Dendrobates".
The golden poison frog, like most other poisonous frogs, stores its poison in skin glands. Due to their poison, the frogs are deterrent to predators; "P. terribilis" poison probably kills any predator, except for one snake species, "Liophis epinephelus". This snake may be resistant to the frog's poison, but is not immune (Myers & Daly, 1978).
The poisonous frogs and birds themselves are perhaps the only creatures to be immune to this poison. Batrachotoxin attacks the sodium channels of nerve cells, but the frog has special sodium channels the poison cannot harm.
Since easily purchased foods are not rich in the alkaloids required to produce batrachotoxins, captive frogs do not produce toxins and they eventually lose their toxicity in captivity. In fact, many hobbyists and herpetologists have reported that most dart frogs will not consume ants at all in captivity, though ants constitute the larger portion of their diets in the wild, likely due to the unavailability of the natural prey species of ants to captive frog keepers. Though all poison frogs lose their toxicity when deprived of certain foods, and captive-bred golden poison frogs are born harmless, a wild-caught poison frog can retain alkaloids for years. It is not clear which prey species supplies the potent alkaloid that gives golden poison frogs their exceptionally high levels of toxicity, or whether the frogs modify another available toxin to produce a more efficient variant, as do some of the frogs from the genus "Dendrobates".
Thus, the high toxicity of "P. terribilis" appears to be due to the consumption of small insects or other arthropods, and one of these may truly be the most poisonous creature on Earth. Scientists have suggested the crucial insect may be a small beetle from the family Melyridae. At least one species of these beetles produces the same toxin found in "P. terribilis". Their relatives in Colombian rainforests could be the source of the batrachotoxins found in the highly toxic "Phyllobates" frogs of that region.
Feeding.
The main natural sources of food of "P. terribilis" are the ants in the genera "Brachymyrmex" and "Paratrechina", but many kinds of insects and other small invertebrates can be eaten, specifically termites and beetles, which can easily be found on the rainforest floor. This frog is considered the most voracious of the dendrobatids.
In captivity, the frog is fed with "Drosophila" fruit flies, cochineals, crickets (Gryllidae), the larvae of various insects, and other small, live, invertebrate foods. An adult frog can eat food items much larger in relation to its size than most other dendrobatids. Tadpoles feed on algae, mosquito larvae, and other edible material that may be present in their environment. Unlike other "Phyllobates" species, "P. terribilis" tadpoles are somewhat versatile feeders.
Use by indigenous people.
"P. terribilis" is a very important frog to the local indigenous cultures, such as the Choco Emberá people in Panama's rainforest. The frog is the main source of the poison in the darts used by the natives to hunt their food.
The Emberá people carefully expose the frog to the heat of a fire, and the frog exudes small amounts of poisonous fluid. The tips of arrows and darts are soaked in the fluid, and remain deadly for two years or longer.
Behavior.
"P. terribilis" is considered to be one of the most intelligent anurans. Like all poison dart frogs, captives can recognize human caregivers after exposure of a few weeks. They are also extremely successful tongue hunters, using their long, adhesive tongues to catch food, and almost never miss a strike. This success at tongue-hunting implies better brainpower and sensory perception than some other frogs.
Golden poison frogs are social animals. Wild specimens typically live in groups of four to seven (average six); captive frogs can be kept in groups of 10 or even 15, although groups that rise past that number are extremely susceptible to aggression and disease. Like all poison dart frogs, they are rarely aggressive towards members of their own species; however, occasional minor squabbles may occur between members of the group. Being immune to their own poison, golden poison frogs interact constantly with each other. They communicate not only with their calls, but also with gestures. Push-up movements are a sign of dominance, while lowered heads seem to signal submission.
Like all members of the genera "Phyllobates", "Dendrobates", and "Ranitomeya", family groups of golden poison dart frogs assemble into large breeding gatherings once or twice per year. While peaceful towards others of their species at other times, the male frogs can be formidably aggressive while competing for a breeding space. Females will remain fairly calm throughout this ordeal. Courtship for the golden poison frog is similar to that of the green and black poison dart frog. Its call consists of a rapid series of high-pitched squeaks. Golden poison frogs are notable for demonstrating tactile courtship during reproduction, each partner stroking its mate's head, back, flanks, and cloacal areas prior to egg deposition. The eggs are fertilized externally.
"P. terribilis" frogs are dedicated parents. The golden poison frogs lay their eggs on the ground, hidden beneath leaf litter. Once the tadpoles emerge from their eggs, they stick themselves to the mucus on the backs of their parents. The adult frogs carry their young into the canopy, depositing them in the pools of water that accumulate in the centre of bromeliads and water-filled tree holes. The tadpoles feed on algae and mosquito larvae in their nursery. After metamorphosis is complete, parent frogs lead the froglets to an existing group.
Captive care.
Like the other poison dart frogs, "P. terribilis" is harmless when raised away from its natural food source. They are a popular rainforest vivarium subject, and are somewhat easier to feed than some other dart frogs. Larger species of fruit flies, small crickets, waxworms, small mealworms, termites, and phoenix worms can be used if supplemented with calcium and other minerals. The temperature should be in the low to mid 20s (°C)/ 70s (°F). They are sensitive to high heat and suffer from a condition called "wasting syndrome" if overheated for too long. They require high humidity, as they come from one of the world's most humid rainforests.
The Cali Zoo has a captive population of over 50 individuals. They are fed with crickets and share a habitat with several species of Colombian tree frogs.


Australobius palnis

Australobius palnis is a species of centipedes in the family Lithobiidae. It is known only from Sri Lanka.


Luteostriata abundans

Luteostriata abundans is a species of Brazilian land planarian in the subfamily Geoplaninae. It is a common species in human-disturbed areas in Brazil's southernmost state, Rio Grande do Sul.
Description.
"Luteostriata abundans" is a small to medium-sized land planarian with an elongate body and parallel margins. The largest specimens have a length of about 60 millimeters or more. The dorsum has a yellow tinge, varying from cream to dark yellow or light brown and is marked by seven longitudinal dark brown to black stripes. The ventral side is cream.
The numerous eyes are very small and hardly visible to the naked eye. They are distributed marginally on the first millimeters of the body and posteriorly become dorsal, covering the two most external stripes on each side. The eyes that cover the stripes are surrounded by halos, zones without pigmentation, which may be perceived as small clear dots.
Distribution.
"Luteostriata abundans" is found in human-disturbed areas and borders of semi-deciduous and deciduous seasonal forests in the region surrounding the Porto Alegre Metropolitan Area, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Diet.
In the laboratory, the diet of "L. abundans" includes exclusively woodlice, which seem to constitute the main or only prey of most species in the genus "Luteostriata".
"Luteostriata abundans" captures the prey by the use of quick muscular movements and adhesive secretions. As soon as the planarian touches the prey, it coils around it and starts to secrete mucus. The planarian then glides over the prey to bring it to the level of the mouth and everts the pharynx, piercing the woodlouse between its segments and beginning the ingestion of its contents.


Lithium (wasp)

The genus Lithium is a group of four described species of aphid wasps, occurring from Mali to Turkey


List of birds of Andorra

This is a list of the bird species recorded in Andorra. The avifauna of Andorra include a total of 161 species, of which 1 have been introduced by humans and 9 are rare or accidental.
This list's taxonomic treatment (designation and sequence of orders, families and species) and nomenclature (common and scientific names) follow the conventions of "The Clements Checklist of Birds of the World", 6th edition. The family accounts at the beginning of each heading reflect this taxonomy, as do the species counts found in each family account. Introduced and accidental species are included in the total counts for Andorra.
The following tags have been used to highlight several categories. Not all species fall into one of these categories. Those that do not are commonly occurring native species.
Grebes.
Order: PodicipediformesFamily: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. There are 20 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Andorra.
Cormorants.
Order: SuliformesFamily: Phalacrocoracidae
Phalacrocoracidae is a family of medium to large coastal, fish-eating seabirds that includes cormorants and shags. Plumage colouration varies, with the majority having mainly dark plumage, some species being black-and-white and a few being colourful.
Herons, egrets, and bitterns.
Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the bitterns, herons, and egrets. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more wary. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills.
Storks.
Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked, wading birds with long, stout bills. Storks are mute, but bill-clattering is an important mode of communication at the nest. Their nests can be large and may be reused for many years. Many species are migratory. There are 19 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Andorra.
Ducks, geese and swans.
Order: AnseriformesFamily: Anatidae
Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, flattened bills, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to an oily coating.
Osprey.
Order: AccipitriformesFamily: Pandionidae
The family Pandionidae contains only one species, the osprey. The osprey is a medium-large raptor which is a specialist fish-eater with a worldwide distribution.
Hawks, eagles, and kites.
Order: AccipitriformesFamily: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers and Old World vultures. These birds have powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons and keen eyesight.
Caracaras and falcons.
Order: FalconiformesFamily: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey. They differ from hawks, eagles and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons.
Pheasants, grouse, and allies.
Order: GalliformesFamily: Phasianidae
The Phasianidae are a family of terrestrial birds. In general, they are plump (although they vary in size) and have broad, relatively short wings.
Cranes.
Order: GruiformesFamily: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". There are 15 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Andorra.
Plovers and lapwings.
Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water.
Sandpipers and allies.
Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Variation in length of legs and bills enables multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. There are 2 species which have been recorded in Andorra.
Gulls, terns, and skimmers.
Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds, the gulls, terns, and skimmers. They are typically grey or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. There is 1 species which occurs in Andorra.
Pigeons and doves.
Order: ColumbiformesFamily: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. There are 308 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Andorra.
Cuckoos and anis.
Order: CuculiformesFamily: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails and strong legs. There are 138 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Andorra.
Barn owls.
Order: StrigiformesFamily: Tytonidae
Barn owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. There are 16 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Andorra.
Typical owls.
Order: StrigiformesFamily: Strigidae
The typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk.
Nightjars.
Order: CaprimulgiformesFamily: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is camouflaged to resemble bark or leaves.
Swifts.
Order: CaprimulgiformesFamily: Apodidae
Swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang.
Kingfishers.
Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs and stubby tails. There are 93 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Andorra.
Bee-eaters.
Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Meropidae
The bee-eaters are a group of near passerine birds in the family Meropidae. Most species are found in Africa but others occur in southern Europe, Madagascar, Australia and New Guinea. They are characterised by richly coloured plumage, slender bodies and usually elongated central tail feathers. All are colourful and have long downturned bills and pointed wings, which give them a swallow-like appearance when seen from afar. There are 26 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Andorra.
Typical rollers.
Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Coraciidae
Rollers resemble crows in size and build, but are more closely related to the kingfishers and bee-eaters. They share the colourful appearance of those groups with blues and browns predominating. The two inner front toes are connected, but the outer toe is not. There are 12 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Andorra.
Hoopoes.
Order: BucerotiformesFamily: Upupidae
Hoopoes have black, white and orangey-pink colouring with a large erectile crest on their head. There are 2 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Andorra.
Woodpeckers and allies.
Order: PiciformesFamily: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks.
Larks.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. There are 91 species worldwide and 4 species which occur in Andorra.
Swallows.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base.
Wagtails and pipits.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws and pipits. They are slender, ground feeding insectivores of open country.
Kinglets.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Regulidae
The kinglets, also called crests, are a small group of birds often included in the Old World warblers, but frequently given family status because they also resemble the titmice. There are 7 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Andorra.
Dippers.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Cinclidae
Dippers are a group of perching birds whose habitat includes aquatic environments in the Americas, Europe and Asia. They are named for their bobbing or dipping movements. There are 5 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Andorra.
Wrens.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Troglodytidae
The wrens are mainly small and inconspicuous except for their loud songs. These birds have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous.
Accentors.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Prunellidae
The accentors are in the only bird family, Prunellidae, which is completely endemic to the Palearctic. They are small, fairly drab species superficially similar to sparrows. There are 13 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Andorra.
Thrushes and allies.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs.
Acrocephalid warblers.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Acrocephalidae
Phylloscopid warblers.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Phylloscopidae
Sylviid warblers, parrotbills, and allies.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Sylviidae
The family Sylviidae is a group of small insectivorous passerine birds. They mainly occur as breeding species, as the common name implies, in Europe, Asia and, to a lesser extent, Africa. Most are of generally undistinguished appearance, but many have distinctive songs.
Old World flycatchers.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Muscicapidae
Old World flycatchers are a large group of small passerine birds native to the Old World. They are mainly small arboreal insectivores. The appearance of these birds is highly varied, but they mostly have weak songs and harsh calls.
Long-tailed tits.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Aegithalidae
Long-tailed tits are a group of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They make woven bag nests in trees. Most eat a mixed diet which includes insects. There are 9 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Andorra.
Chickadees and titmice.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Paridae
The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. There are 59 species worldwide and 5 species which occur in Andorra.
Nuthatches.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Sittidae
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails and powerful bills and feet. There are 24 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Andorra.
Wallcreeper.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Tichodromidae
The wallcreeper is a small bird related to the nuthatch family, which has stunning crimson, grey and black plumage.
Treecreepers.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Certhiidae
Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees. There are 6 species worldwide and 2 species which occur in Andorra.
Old World orioles.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Oriolidae
The Old World orioles are colourful passerine birds. They are not related to the New World orioles. There are 29 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Andorra.
Shrikes.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Laniidae
Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A typical shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. There are 4 species which occur in Andorra.
Crows, jays, ravens and magpies.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. There are 120 species worldwide and 8 species which occur in Andorra.
Starlings.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country. They eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen. There are 125 species worldwide and 1 species which occurs in Andorra.
Old World buntings.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Emberizidae
The emberizids are a large family of passerine birds. They are seed-eating birds with distinctively shaped bills. Many emberizid species have distinctive head patterns.
Finches, euphonias, and allies.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well.
Old World sparrows.
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Passeridae
Old World sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small, plump, brown or grey birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects.


Salmo macedonicus

Salmo macedonicus is a species of fish in the family Salmonidae. It is found only in rivers in the upper Vardar river basin in North Macedonia. It is threatened by habitat loss.
The taxonomic status of this fish is controversial.


Ramo Grande

The Ramo Grande is a breed of cattle from the island of Terceira in the Portuguese archipelago of the Azores. It received its name from the northern part of the island, a plain called Ramo Grande, in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, where they continue to breed the best examples of this large format cattle species.
Description.
The species has its origin in the early cattle brought by the first settlers to the island, in the 15th century, from Portugal and Flanders. The early varieties introduced onto the islands included Alentejan, Mirandese, Minhotan and Algarvian, which quickly adapted to the conditions over the following centuries. The breed was historically used in agricultural work and transport, in addition to as a source of meat and milk.
Before the early 1970s it was dominant cattle breed on the island of Terceira and surrounding islands, until it was superseded by dairy or beef cattle breeds. With the dissemination of mechanized agricultural production, the cattle lost much of its traditional functions as a beast-of-burden, but were raised as examples of the breed for ethnographic purposes (such as ethnographic processions, where the animals pulled traditional carts). The introduction of foreign dairy breeds produced higher volumes and quality of milk, resulting in less demand for the hearty breed, which could not compete with the more productive species (such as the Holstein-Friese).
By the late 20th century, farmers were more interested in protecting or preserving the breed, with the establishment of a 1996 technical specification for the pure breed. With the establishment of a registered endemic breed, there was a resurging interest in the preservation of the Azorean breed, especially in locations within the archipelago where common dairy/meat cattle could not survive. By 1996 there were 227 registered examples, and by 2004 there were 546 registered animals in the "Livro de Adultos do Registo Zootécnico".
Characteristics.
The Ramo Grande breed is characterized by a large well-formed head, little forelock and slightly prominent frontal protuberance, with a convex profile. The curved horns extend back, sideways before curving forward towards their points, that end vertically. Its main body is marked by a large trunk and less developed rear, connected by a slightly arched quarter. Its long joints and hind quarters end a resistant hoves. Its coat is a reddish-brown matte that is more or less intense in specific areas.
Extension.
The breed's natural habitat is the northeast corner of the island of Terceira along a fertile plain, designated "Ramo Grande". Yet, this cattle breed is popular in most of the archipelago of the Azores.


Central Mexican broad-clawed shrew

The Central Mexican broad-clawed shrew (Cryptotis alticola ) is a species of mammal in the family Soricidae. It is found in the highlands above 2000 m in the Mexican states of Colima, Hidalgo, Jalisco, Michoacán, Mexico, and Puebla, Morelos, and in the Mexican Federal District
Type locality: Mexico, Volcán Popocatépetl, 11,500 ft. (3505 m).


Indolestes divisus

Indolestes divisus, is a species of damselfly in the family Lestidae. It is endemic to Sri Lanka.


Melon barb

The melon barb ("Haludaria fasciata") is a common species of cyprinid fish that is endemic to rivers in Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu in the Western Ghats of South India. They live in a tropical climate in water that typically has a pH of 6.0—6.5, a water hardness of around 5 dGH, and a temperature range of . This species can also be found in the aquarium trade.
The melon barb is an open water, substrate egg-scatterer, and adults do not guard the eggs. It grows to a length of .


American smooth flounder

The American smooth flounder ("Pleuronectes putnami") is a flatfish of the family Pleuronectidae. It is a demersal fish that inhabits shallow inshore salt and brackish waters at depths of up to . Its native habitat is the temperate waters of the northwestern Atlantic, from Ungava Bay in Quebec, Canada to Rhode Island, United States. It can grow up to in length.
Description.
The American smooth flounder is a right-eyed flatfish, resembling the winter flounder in shape and appearance. Its upper side, including the fins, ranges in colour from dark grey to brown or almost black, and may be either uniform or mottled with darker patches of the same colour; its underside is white. Females are smooth on both sides of the body, whilst males are rough on the upper side.
Range and habitat.
The American smooth flounder inhabits the shallow salt and brackish arctic-boreal waters of the northwestern Atlantic, living inshore on the soft mud bottoms of estuaries, river mouths and sheltered bays. Its range stretches along the Canada–US coast from Quebec through Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts to Rhode Island.
Diet.
The diet of the American smooth flounder consists mainly of zoobenthos invertebrates such as crustaceans, molluscs and marine worms.


Bison antiquus

Bison antiquus, the antique or ancient bison, is an extinct species of bison that lived in Late Pleistocene North America until around 10,000 years ago. It was one of the most common large herbivores on the North American continent during the late Pleistocene, and is a direct ancestor of the living American bison along with "Bison occidentalis".
Biology.
During the later Pleistocene epoch, between 240,000 and 220,000 years ago, steppe wisent ("B. priscus") migrated from Siberia into Alaska across the Bering Land Bridge. "Bison priscus" lived throughout North America from Alaska to southern Mexico throughout the remainder of the Pleistocene. In western North America, "B. priscus" evolved into long-horned bison, "B. latifrons", which then evolved into "B. antiquus". The larger "B. latifrons" appears to have disappeared by about 22,000 years ago likely because of evolutionary process to adapt into the new continent including increasing in population size. After the extinction of "B. latifrons", "B. antiquus" became increasingly abundant in parts of midcontinent North America from 18,000 until about 10,000 years ago, after which the species appears to have given rise to the living species, "B. bison". "B. antiquus" is the most commonly recovered large mammalian herbivore from the La Brea tar pits.
"B. antiquus" was taller, had larger bones and horns, and was 15-25% larger overall than modern bison. It reached up to 2.27 m (7.5 ft) tall, 4.6 m (15 ft) long, and a weight of 1,588 kg (3500 lb). From tip to tip, the horns of "B. antiquus" measured about 3 ft (nearly 1 m).
One of the best educational sites to view "in situ" semifossilized skeletons of over 500 individuals of "B. antiquus" is the Hudson-Meng archeological site operated by the U.S. Forest Service, northwest of Crawford, Nebraska. A number of paleo-Indian spear and projectile points have been recovered in conjunction with the animal skeletons at the site, which is dated around 9,700 to 10,000 years ago. The reason for the "die-off" of so many animals in one compact location is still in conjecture; some professionals argue it was the result of a very successful paleo-Indian hunt, while others feel the herd died as a result of some dramatic natural event, to be later scavenged by humans. Individuals of "B. antiquus" of both sexes and a typical range of ages have been found at the site.
According to internationally renowned archaeologist George Carr Frison, "B. occidentalis" and "B. antiquus" both survived the Late Pleistocene period, between about 12,000 and 11,000 years ago, dominated by glaciation (the Wisconsin glaciation in North America), when many other megafauna became extinct. After the extinction of most of the North American megafauna, Native Americans of the Plains and Rocky Mountains depended largely on bison as their major food source. Frison noted, "[the] oldest, well-documented bison kills by pedestrian human hunters in North America date to about 11,000 years ago." "B. antiquus" fossils were found in Washington State in recent years, with apparent fracture patterns on bones consistent with stone tools as opposed to carnivorous activity.


List of crustaceans of the Indiana Dunes

Indiana Dunes National Park is a National Park Service unit on the shore of Lake Michigan in Indiana, United States. A BioBlitz took place there on May 15 and 16, 2009. A first attempt was made to create a list of crustaceans present in the Lakeshore area. Further research is required to document all that may be present.
Branchiopoda.
Cladocera, water fleas
Maxillopoda.
Copepods


Mongolicosa songi

Mongolicosa songi is a species of wolf spider found in Xinjiang, China and adjacent areas of Mongolia.
This is a dirty-brown coloured spider up to 7.4 mm in length with few distinguishing markings apart from a faint heart-shaped mark on the abdomen. Its closest known relative is "M. gobiensis", from which it can be distinguished only by details of the genitalia.


Menemerus nigli

Menemerus nigli is a jumping spider found in Asia.


Aulocera padma

Aulocera padma, the great satyr, is a brown (Satyrinae) butterfly that ranges across the Himalayas to Assam, northern Burma and western China.
Range.
The butterfly is found in the Himalayas from Shingarh, (Zhob, Safed Koh, Kurram, Gilgit, Chitral, India (Kumaon, Bhutan, Sikkim and Chumbi Valleys) eastwards across to Abor valley, north Myanmar, west China and southeast Tibet .
Status.
In 1932, William Harry Evans reported that the species was not rare from Chitral to Sikkim, rare in the eastern extremity of its range and rare and very rare westwards. Mark Alexander Wynter-Blyth said that it was very abundant in the Himalayas and Assam.
Description.
The great satyr is 70 to 98 mm in wingspan. Dark brown above. With a white band across both wings. The upper hindwing is of even width throughout. It has a chequered fringe and a dark apical spot or ocellus on the forewing. The under hindwing is dark.
Habits.
The great satyr has a powerful graceful flight and is easily recognised on the wing. It is found in all kinds of terrain above and prefers open areas especially on ridges and hilltops above :
Reproduction.
The great satyr has two broods (unlike the others of its genus). The first brood appears from the end of April to the onset of the rainy season and is very common. The scarce second brood flies after the monsoon. The larva feeds on Gramineae.


Holcocera aclydis

Holcocera aclydis is a moth in the family Blastobasidae which is endemic to Costa Rica.


Atya scabra

Atya scabra is a species of freshwater shrimp in the family Atyidae. "Atya scabra" can reach a length of about in males, while females are generally smaller, reaching about . It lives on rocky bottoms in rivers connected to the Atlantic Ocean. The species is widespread from Mexico to Brazil, Jamaica, Hispaniola, and Puerto Rico. In Africa, it occurs from Liberia to Angola, the Cape Verde Islands and the islands of the Gulf of Guinea.
The species is commonly used as bait in commercial fishing, mostly in the northern regions of Brazil. To maintain stable populations, a no-take period from May to August and a minimum take length of 70 mm have been proposed.


Leninia

Leninia is an extinct genus of basal ophthalmosaurine ichthyosaur known from the late Early Cretaceous (lower Aptian stage) of western Russia. "Leninia" was first named by Valentin Fischer, Maxim S. Arkhangelsky, Gleb N. Uspensky, Ilya M. Stenshin and Pascal Godefroit in 2013 and the type species is Leninia stellans. It was named for Vladimir Lenin, one of the leaders of the Communist Revolution in Russia, as the museum it is currently housed in is also named for him.
The specimen was discovered in 2012, on the banks of the river Volga near the town of Kriushi in a limestone nodule. There are several other fossils from the same time period near it, including ammonites, lamellibranchs and fish remains. Only part of the skull was found.
Features.
The skull is incomplete, and without any teeth. it is partially crushed transversely, and nothing further forward than the naris remains, with what seems to be a fairly clean break. It is not known whether this was due to orogeny and rock action or to the ichthyosaur's death. The specimen is around long, which suggests the skull was between long overall.
Unusually, the posterior process of the maxilla extends as far back as the orbit, and about halfway along it, possibly even projecting into the orbit at points. The maxillary dental groove is extremely shallow, only deep. The lacrimal-nasal contact is elongated, so that the lacrimal, rather than the prefrontal, forms the posterior edge of the naris. The anterior process and shaft of the jugal are unusually narrow, but the posterior plate is well-developed and extends as high as the middle of the orbit.
The postorbital is small compared to the orbit, with a large dorsal orbital rim extending out from the top of the bone. The quadratojugal seems more robust than that of other ophthalmosaurines, but has a thin anterior surface which articulates with the postorbital. There is a concave area which a ligament would connect to the quadrate process.
The squamosal is present but incomplete. However, it is possible to tell the shape by the marks where it would have articulated with other bones. Above the naris, the nasal bone forms a conspicuous lateral 'wing'. There is no clear evidence for a foramen near the prefrontal-nasal facet.
The prefrontal forms a thick anterior process which has grown over the nasal, unlike in other ophthalmosaurids. Its suture with the lacrimal bone is straight. The frontals are roughly triangular and have the 'internasal' foramen between them (not between the nasals). They have long posterior processes which suture with the forked processes of the parietals in a star shape, hence the specific name "stellans". The postfrontal contacts the nasal over a short distance, and as in "Ophthalmosaurus," has no Y-shaped anterior process. Uniquely, the postfrontal does not border the supratemporal fenestra, but still forms a long process in contact with the supratemporal.
The parietals touch the anteriomedial process of the supratemporals, another autapomorphy. This anteromedial process also blocks the postfrontal from bordering the supratemporal fenestra. The parietals are crushed against one another, but there is no evidence of a crest.
The supratemporal is more extensive than in most ophthalmosaurines, but is separated from the postorbital by the postfontal and squamosal bones. Both pterygoids are present but cannot really be seen, and are distorted.
The basioccipital is not perfectly preserved, but the extracondylar area is reduced and concave. The occipital condyle is bulbous, but the floor of the foramen magnum is not well preserved enough to be a diagnostic feature.
The occipital head of the stapes is largely expanded, with a large hyoid process, but the quadrate head is missing. The quadrate is roughly ear-shaped, with an occipital lamella.
Only the posterior end of the lower jaw is preserved, and this lacks any distinctive features, such as teeth. The surangular fossa is present but extremely reduced, and the angular is well exposed laterally. These features, however, are not diagnostic or autapomorphies.
Both sclerotic rings are preserved, but the left one is much less distorted. It is composed of 14 trapezoidal plates, with crenulations on the internal edge. The sclerotic aperture is only 11.03% of the orbital area, suggesting that the specimen was fully grown. (All of this section is citing )
Evolutionary importance.
"Leninia" is one of the latest-living ophthalmosaurines, and also one of the most basal. Despite this, it still had the very large sclerotic ring and aperture, suggesting that this was one of the most basal characteristics of ophthalmosaurines and that they were all deep-diving, remaining conservative in this ecological niche during the entire time period that they existed. The absolute size of "Leninia's" sclerotic ring is among the largest known in ichthyosaurs, with only "Baptanodon" ("'Ophthalmosaurus natans')" and the giant "Temnodontosaurus" exceeding it. As all the ophthalmosaurines had this kind of structure, and were more similar in eye structure than the platypterygines, this suggests that they did not diversify in the same way that the platypterygines did but stayed similar as deep divers, possibly as they were so specialised for deep diving that they were outcompeted in other niches.
Phylogeny.
Cladogram based in the phylogenetic analysis of Fischer "et. al"., 2013:


Binni

The binni ("Mesopotamichthys sharpeyi") is a species of cyprinid fish endemic to the Tigris–Euphrates Basin in the Middle East. This fish mostly inhabits lakes and marshes, especially in densely vegetated places where it also lays its eggs, but periodically it moves into rivers. This barbel is the only member in its genus, but was included in the "wastebasket genus" "Barbus" by earlier authors. It has declined in recent times due to habitat loss and overfishing.
The binni is an elongate fish but deep-bodied for a barbel. It is overall brownish–golden with a lighter belly and darker fins. It can reach up to in total length, and in weight. The sexes are similar, but females reach a larger size. The sex ratio tend to be skewed with more males than females. Maturity is reaches when two to four years old, and the species can reach an age of up to nine years. It feeds almost entirely on plants, ranging from phytoplankton and algae to higher plants. Although remains of tiny animals have been found in their stomach, these are probably ingested by mistake when feeding on plants.
Known in the local Iraqi Arabic dialect as "binni" or "bunni", this fish is valued highly by the Marsh Arabs. Their fishermen traditionally employ an unusual technique of spearfishing from a line of boats or poison-fishing with flour or dung laced with toxic "Digitalis" or "Datura"; until recently net-fishing was mostly restricted to the Berbera tribe and held in low esteem. Since the 1960s however, large-scale fisheries have also been developed; once of prime importance throughout Iraq, the marshland fish stocks presumably declined notably following the draining of the Mesopotamian Marshes.
Umm al Binni lake in Maysan Governorate, Iraq, was named after this species. Now mostly dried-up following the draining of the Central Marshes, its name attests to the former abundance of this fish and possible use as spawning ground ("Umm" is Arabic for "mother", but does not necessarily imply procreation). The lake is of interest as a possible impact crater mentioned in the Epic of Gilgamesh.


Gastromyzon cranbrooki

Gastromyzon cranbrooki is a species of ray-finned fish in the genus "Gastromyzon".


Austral negrito

The austral negrito or Patagonian negrito ("Lessonia rufa") is a species of bird in the family Tyrannidae. It breeds in Argentina and Chile, migrating north as far as Bolivia, southern Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It is a vagrant to the Falkland Islands and the South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands territory. It has also been seen in the South Shetland Islands. Its natural habitats are freshwater lakes and saline marshes. It is primarily insectivorous but can eat algae. It hunts in grassland environments with short grass. It perches and moves throughout foliage such as shrubs in order to find prey.


Micropterix lambesiella

Micropterix lambesiella is a species of moth belonging to the family Micropterigidae. It was described by Viette in 1949. It is known from north-eastern Algeria.
The wingspan is 4.2-4.5 mm.


Adelophryne mucronatus

Adelophryne mucronatus is a species of frog in the family Eleutherodactylidae. It is endemic to the coastal areas of the Bahia state in eastern Brazil; it is known from the municipalities of Itacaré, Ilhéus, and Una. The specific name "mucronatus" is derived from Latin and means "pointed", referring to the pointed fingers tips of this frog.
Description.
Adult males measure and adult females in snout–vent length. The snout is rounded. The tympanum is small but distinct, including a complete annulus. The canthus rostralis is indistinct. The fingers have no webbing nor discs, but they have pointed tips. The toes have no webbing but have pointed tips; toes III and IV bear discs. Skin is smooth with scattered small granules. The dorsal coloration varies from reddish brown (with or without dark brown spots) to homogeneous bluish gray. There may be irregular dark patches, inter-orbital lines, or a mid-dorsal Y-like pattern. The iris is reddish brown to yellowish brown.
Behavior.
When approached, adult frogs exhibit a mouth-gaping behavior: the frog keeps it mouth open for about 15 seconds. This is interpreted as a defensive behavior. A specimen was observed feeding on ants using its tongue; this is in agreement with stomach content observations in other "Adelophryne".
The male advertisement call consists of a single note lasting about 30 milliseconds. The dominant frequency is 5300 Hz. Calling males were observed from February to September, but greatest activity was from June onward. Females were found with few (2 or 3) but large eggs in their ovaries.
Habitat and conservation.
"Adelophryne mucronatus" occurs in shaded areas of primary and disturbed forests at elevations of above sea level. It lives under dense leaf litter. Males call between late afternoon and midnight from the ground beneath fallen, wet leaves, or from beneath leaves of terrestrial bromeliads.
The species is known from three localities. While it also occurs in disturbed forests, it is more abundant and the breeding season is longer in pristine ones. It is threatened by deforestation.


Tytthoscincus ishaki

Tytthoscincus ishaki, the Tioman Island forest skink, is a species of skink. It is endemic to Tioman Island in Malaysia.


Semisulcospira libertina

Semisulcospira libertina is a species of freshwater snail with an operculum, an aquatic gastropod mollusk in the family Semisulcospiridae. Widespread in east Asia, it lives in China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. In some countries it is harvested as a food source. It is medically important as a vector of clonorchiasis, paragonimiasis, metagonimiasis and others.
Taxonomy.
The type specimens were collected by American scientist William Stimpson during the North Pacific Exploring and Surveying Expedition (1853–1856). This species was originally described under the name "Melania libertina" by American malacologist Augustus Addison Gould in 1859. The specific name "libertina" is from Latin language and means a "freedwoman". "Semisulcospira libertina" is the type species of the genus "Semisulcospira" by subsequent designation.
Kuroda (1963) and Habe (1965) considered "S libertina" a synonym of "Semisulcospira bensoni".
The ""S. libertina" species complex" consist of three species: "S. libertina", "S. reiniana" and "S. kurodai", according to Davis (1969). Placement of "S. kurodai" within this species complex was confirmed by Oniwa and Kimura in 1986.
Distribution.
This species occurs in:
The type locality was listed as "Simoda and Ousima" by Gould in 1859, that means two localities: Shimoda City in Honshu and Amami Ōshima in Ryukyu Islands. Davis (1979) identified the presumed type locality Inozawa River, Inozawa Section, Shimoda City, Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka Prefecture, Honshu. (Site 1 in Figure 4.)
Miura et al. (2013) studied mitochondrial haplotypes of "Semisulcospira libertina" from Korea and from Japan. Mixed haplotypes in Korea suggest long-distance palaeo-migration across the Korea Strait from Japan to Korea.
Shells of "Semisulcospira libertina" were also found in the Nojiri-ko Formation at the Lake Nojiri in Central Japan from the age of 27,000 years BP.
Description.
The shell has 4–6 whorls, while the apex of the shell is usually eroded. The spire is long. The aperture is continuous and the apertural lip is simple. Umbilicus is closed. The shell of "Semisulcospira libertina" is very variable. There are seven or more (up to 12) basal cords (spiral sculptures at the base of the body whorl). There are sometimes transverse ribs present on the shell sculpture: 12–18 ribs per penultimate whorl. Periostracum is smooth. The color of the shell is usually light yellow, but it can be light brown very rarely. The spire is darker yellowish-brown. Number of shells is banded with purple brown spiral bands, either with one band, two bands, or three bands.
The average width of the shell of "Semisulcospira libertina" is – . The average height of the shell is – in Japan.
In Korea, the average width of the shell of "Semisulcospira libertina" is 12.55–19.37 mm. The average height of the shell is 6.44–9.20 mm. The average total wet weight is 0.24–0.86 g. The average weight of the shell is 0.16–0.62 g. The average weight of the meat is 0.09–0.39 g.
The extrema dimensions were measured in another locality in Korea: The total wet weight ranges from 0.30 g (shell height 9.87 mm) to 1.55 g (shell height 22.57 mm).
Mineral composition of the shell of this species is as follows: 52.9% CaO, 0.77% SiO2, 0.36% Na2O, 0.06% Al2O3, 0.05% Fe2O3, 0.01% MgO and 0.01% P2O5. There is 45.44% of citrulline of free amino acids (amino acids in blood).
Nelson Annandale depicted the operculum and radula of this species in 1924. Ko "et al." (2001) described the radula of this species in detail. The shape of the operculum is ovate and the profile of the shape of the operculum is flat. Coiling of the operculum is paucispiral. Nucleus of the operculum is eccentric.
Cephalic tentacles are short (approximately the same size as the length of the snout).
The reproductive system in a male has the following parts: testis, vas deferens, the spermatophore organ. There is no penis. The reproductive system in a female has the following parts: ovary, the pallial oviduct, the spermatophore bursa, the seminal receptacle and the brood pouch.
The diploid chromosome number of "Semisulcospira libertina" is 2n=36. The complete mitochondrial genome of "Semisulcospira libertina" is known since 2015. Its length is 15,432 bp. It was the first mitochondrial genome resolved within the whole superfamily Cerithioidea.
"Semisulcospira reiniana" is very similar species: its embryos are larger and embryos are with ribs, adult shells are more slender, 2n=40.
Ecology.
Habitat.
Habitats of "Semisulcospira libertina" include pools, slow flowing rivers, drainage ditches, rice paddies, streams. Kim (1970) studied the habitat of "Semisulcospira libertina" in Korea. The water temperature is 1.3–22.5 °C.
The pollution tolerance value is 3 (on scale 0–10; 0 is the best water quality, 10 is the worst water quality).
High concentration of cadmium may affect behavior of this species.
Feeding habits.
"Semisulcospira libertina" is polyphagous species and a grazer. It feeds mainly on phytoplankton and detritus. Chemoautotrophic bacteria are probable food source of "Semisulcospira libertina", because δ13C and δ34S values were lower than in other invertebrates on the site.
There are 0.032 mg/g of carotenoids in the body of "Semisulcospira libertina" (shell exclude). Carotenoids composition include: β-Carotene 45%, lutein 13%, zeaxanthin 12%, canthaxanthin 6.5%, (3S,3'S)-astaxanthin 6.5%, (3S)-adonirubin, echinenone 3%, α-Carotene 2%, (3S,3'R)-adonixanthin 1%, fritschiellaxanthin 0.5%, traces of diatoxanthin, fucoxanthin, fucoxanthinol, and other carotenoids 4.5%. Beta-carotene is probably originated from green algae and from cyanobacteria. Lutein is from green algae. Zeaxanthin is from cyanobacteria. Other non-trace carotenoids are probably their oxidative metabolites.
Life cycle.
"Semisulcospira libertina" is gonochoristic, which means that each individual animal is distinctly male or female. "Semisulcospira libertina" is ovoviviparous. The whole larval development occur in the brood pouch of the female. Egg develops into the trochophore, preveliger, veliger, and to the juvenile. There is much of yolk in the embryo. The development from the egg to the veliger lasts 17 days in the temperature 25 ℃. The full development lasts about 8 months in winter and about 2 months in summer. Embryos are without ribs on the shell, but they usually have 1–2 spiral cords. The color of embryo is brown, sometimes yellow.
The female has over 80 small embryos in its brood pouch. Average number of embryos is 58–124 embryos in July. Average number of embryos is 222–570 embryos in November. A single female will usually gave birth to about 607–858 during one year. Recorded maximum was 1535 newborn snails in one year.
Female gave birth to newborn snails in temperature from 12 ℃ to 24 ℃. Birth of snails occur mainly in two periods: in March–May and in September–October. Newborn snails have a width of the shell 0.60–0.99 mm (maximum 1.22 mm). The height of a shell of a newborn snail is up to 1.73 mm. The shell of newborn snails has 2.0–3.5 whorls. The life span is about 2 years.
Parasites.
Parasites of "Semisulcospira libertina" include the following flukes. Some of them are medically important:
Shinagawa et al. (2001) studied the metabolism and activity of "Semisulcospira libertina" infected by trematodes.
Bacteria "Neorickettsia risticii" was detected in cercaria from "Semisulcospira libertina" in Korea.
Predators.
Predators of "Semisulcospira libertina" include fireflies, such as aquatic larvae of firefly "Luciola cruciata".
Human use.
Culinary.
Japan.
This species is used in Japanese cuisine.
Korea.
In Korean cuisine, "daseulgi-guk" () is a type of "guk" (soup) made with "Semisulcospira libertina".
Medicinal.
Korea.
This species is used as medicinal species in traditional medicine practices on gastrointestinal disorders in Korea. Juice, panbroiled, powder, and simmer from the whole "Semisulcospira libertina" is used for cure of gastroenteric trouble in Jirisan National Park, Korea. Simmer from the whole "Semisulcospira libertina" is used for cure of indigestion in Jirisan National Park. "Semisulcospira libertina" is also used as clear soup with flour dumplings, infusion, juice, soup or as simmer for cure liver-related ailments in traditional medicine in the Southern Regions of Korea.
The non-intentional exposure to shell powder from this species caused the first reported silicosis of such origin in 2012.


Nebria atlantica

Nebria atlantica is a species of ground beetle in the Nebriinae subfamily that is endemic to Morocco.


Craugastor laticeps

Craugastor laticeps (common name: broad-headed rainfrog, and many variations) is a species of frog in the family Craugastoridae.
It is found in Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and southern Mexico.
"Craugastor laticeps" occurs in leaf-litter in lowland and premontane tropical forest. It tolerates moderate habitat alteration and can be found in cacao and coffee plantations. There are some threats to this species due to habitat loss.
Reproduction.
"Craugastor laticeps" might be unique among craugastorid frogs (which normally have direct development): one observation suggests that the species is ovoviviparous, ovipositing eggs with fully developed young almost ready to hatch. The female frog in question was in snout–vent length and laid 44 eggs, and the hatching or newly hatched froglets were about in snout–vent length.


Laminacauda expers

Laminacauda expers is a species of sheet weaver found in Peru. It was described by Millidge in 1991.


List of reptiles of Cyprus

There are several species of reptiles in Cyprus including
venomous and non-venomous snakes, lizards and turtles.
Lizards.
Family: Agamidae
Family: Chamaeleontida
Family: Gekkonidae
Family: Lacertidae
Family: Scincidae
Snakes.
Family: Colubridae
Family: Typhlopidae
Family: Viperidae
Turtles.
Family: Cheloniidae
Family: Geoemydidae


Thakhek gecko

The Thakhek gecko ("Gekko thakhekensis") is a species of gecko. It is endemic to Laos.


Cnemidophorus ruatanus

Cnemidophorus ruatanus is a species of teiid lizard found in Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Belize.


Polycyrtus vierecki

Polycyrtus vierecki is a species of wasp in the subfamily Gelinae. It is found in Peru.


Homonota darwinii

Homonota darwinii, also known as Darwin's marked gecko or prickly gecko, is a species of gecko. It is endemic to Argentina.


Acrossocheilus wuyiensis

Acrossocheilus wuyiensis is a species of cyprinid fish in the genus "Acrossocheilus". It is endemic to China, where it is found in Fujian. It has a maximum length of about .


Gastrotheca christiani

Gastrotheca christiani is a species of frog in the family Hemiphractidae.
It is endemic to Argentina.
Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and rocky areas.
It is threatened by habitat loss.


Potamotrygon schuhmacheri

Potamotrygon schuhmacheri, the Parana river stingray, is a species of fish in the family Potamotrygonidae. It is found in the Paraná and Paraguay River basins in Argentina, Paraguay, and possibly Brazil. Its natural habitat is rivers. It is threatened by habitat loss.


Leptolalax tamdil

Leptolalax tamdil is an anuran amphibian belonging to the family Megophryidae. It is so far reported only from Tam Dil lake, Mizoram, India. It is a small frog, but medium-sized among "Leptolalax" species; the male measuring 32.3 mm, and female 31.8 mm. The species is diagnosed with unique features such as eyelids with tubercles, distinct tympanum and supratympanic folds, undilated toe tips with dermal fringes, long hind limbs, and distinct color patches.


Leptolalax hamidi

Leptolalax hamidi is a frog species in the family Megophryidae. It is endemic to Borneo, where it can be found both in western Sarawak, Malaysia, and Kalimantan, Indonesia. Its natural habitats are tropical moist lowland hilly forests and rivers. It is threatened by habitat loss (logging).
Description.
Among "Leptolalax", "Leptolalax hamidi" is among the larger species: male measure in snout-vent length and females in SVL. It has a slender head and body. Its back, including on top of snout, is clearly marked with discrete blotches; chest and abdomen are without large dark markings.


Inape semuncus

Inape semuncus is a species of moth of the family Tortricidae and is endemic to Peru.


Rapala varuna

Rapala varuna, the indigo flash, is a species of lycaenid or blue butterfly found in the Indomalayan realm and the Australasian realm.


Black-tailed marmoset

The black-tailed marmoset ("Mico melanurus") is a species of New World monkey from central South America, where ranging from the south-central Amazon in Brazil, south through the Pantanal and eastern Bolivia, to the Chaco in far northern Paraguay. It is the southernmost member of the genus "Mico" and the only where most of its range is outside the Amazon.
The black-tailed marmoset is dark brown with paler foreparts and a black tail. Unlike most of its relatives, it has a striking white or yellow-white stripe that extends down its thigh. Its ears are naked, flesh-colored and stand out from the fur. They reach a size of 18 to 28 cm and weigh from 300 to 400 g.
Black-tailed marmosets are diurnal and arboreal, using their claws to climb trees. Originally rain forest inhabitants, plantations have caused them to expanded them their range. They spend the night in tree hollows or in very close vegetation. They live together in small groups and mark their territory with scent glands, driving out intruders by shouting or by facial expressions, including lowered brows and guarded lips.
The diet of the black-tailed marmoset predominantly consists of tree sap. To a lesser extent, they also eat bird eggs, fruits, insects, and small vertebrates.
After a 145-day gestation period, the female bears two (or rarely three) offspring. As is the case for many callitrichines, the father and the other group members take part with the raising of the offspring. Within six months the young are weaned, with full maturity coming at about two years of age.


Melinaea mneme

Melinaea mneme is a species of butterfly of the family Nymphalidae first described by Carl Linnaeus in 1763. It is found in South America.


Diopsiulus ceylonicus

Diopsiulus ceylonicus, is a species of millipede in the family Stemmiulidae. It is endemic to Sri Lanka.


Aplastodiscus leucopygius

Aplastodiscus leucopygius is a species of frog in the family Hylidae, endemic to Brazil. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, rivers, intermittent freshwater marshes, plantations, rural gardens, heavily degraded former forests, and irrigated land.
Description.
"A. leucopygius" is a medium-sized frog growing to a length of about . The snout is rounded, and a single vocal sac is on the throat. The iris is golden, tinged with orange around the edge, and the tympanum is clearly visible. The fingers and toes have large discs on the tips to help the frog retain grip when climbing. The dorsal surface of this frog is smooth and green, with a scattering of white spots, while the ventral surface is granular and cream-coloured with white flecks. The skin above the vent is ornamented by a short, white ridge.
Distribution.
"A. leucopygius" is an arboreal species and is endemic to the mountains near the south-eastern coast of Brazil at altitudes of above sea level. It is mainly found in forested areas near streams or temporary pools.
Reproduction.
Breeding takes place in the rainy season between December and February. The male calls from trees close to a body of water to attract a female. Often, several males near each other form a chorus. On the arrival, a female selects a male in an elaborate courtship ritual. This ends with the inspection by the female of an underground nesting chamber already prepared in a wet, muddy place by the male. If this is approved, mating takes place, and a raft of eggs is laid inside it. The developing tadpoles remain in the nest until washed out by flooding, after which they continue their development in shallow streams.
Status.
"A. leucopygius" is listed as being of Least Concern in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is a common species within its wide range and the population seems stable. It is adaptable in that, in addition to its native forest habitat, it is found in clearings, forest edges, plantations, and gardens.


Clinidium mexicanum

Clinidium mexicanum is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Rhysodinae. It was described by Chevrolat in 1873.