The female mosquito is the one that bites. That's because she requires the proteins and amino acids present in the blood as the prenatal supplement for growing her eggs. Not because she hates you or something. But this endeavour is a risky one, often leading to brutal ends!
Their male counterparts, on the other hand, feed on flower nectar. Quite cute, isn't it?
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The prevalence of sexual cannibalism, a behaviour in which the female black widow spider eats the male (usually half the size) after mating, has inspired the common name "widow spiders". However, much of the documented evidence for sexual cannibalism has been observed in laboratory cages where the males could not escape.
Male black widow spiders tend to select their mates by determining if the female has eaten already to avoid being eaten themselves. They are able to tell if the female has fed by sensing chemicals in the web. (source: Wikipedia) House geckos (more commonly referred to as 'lizards') have been an integral part of most Indian households. Although heavily misunderstood and, in certain cases, thoroughly despised, they provide a great service by preying on insects.
In Bengal, it is believed that if a gecko (called "Tiktiki" in Bangla) says "tik tik tik" right after a statement is made, it means the statement is absolutely true, because the expression resembles "thik thik thik", which in Bangla means "right right right". As if a pandemic on land wasn’t enough, a recent discovery by a French NGO has brought into light acts of irresponsible medical waste disposal (COVID-19 waste, surgical masks, and latex gloves) along the sea-bed of the Mediterranean. I’m sure similar acts of sheer ignorance have happened in the other parts of the world. This action will not only damage the already-fragile marine ecosystem (more non-biodegradable products), but may also introduce the deadly virus in the seas. The consequences, needless to say, could be catastrophic! I guess we humans will never learn!
Anyway, wish you all a happy ‘World Environment Day’! Just another day at office for the honchos. Business-as-usual. With the human population locked inside, animals and birds are reappearing. And with vigour!!! They are getting adventurous and expressing themselves on the streets, sidewalks, canals, and maybe at our favourite tourist spots!!!
Recent sightings of Sambar deers, Gaurs (Indian Bison), and Leopards, among others, in different parts of India prompted us to develop this (Source: https://theprint.in/opinion/pov/animals-have-come-home-covid-19-lockdown-gives-control-back-into-natures-hands/395218/). I just hope none of the incredible actors get offended by this 🤐🤐🤐 Need of the hour: We Indians need to show a bit of discipline out there. Now of all times, at least!!! I mean, come on!!! There's a virus out there that works 24x7 and doesn't discriminate at all. Breaking lines to get to the front will only make its work easier!!!
Avian policing >>> Moral policing.
On a lighter note, what do you call a very poor joke by a bird ?? A pun-chee 😛😆😆 In these uncertain times, we all have to limit our urge to venture outside. At times, we do have to go out - be it for grocery, medicines, or essential supplies. Although we have been repeatedly advised to maintain social distancing, we must not remain blindfolded. There's no harm in extending a helping hand to someone in need, as long as the hygiene standards are met afterwards. You never know, a small gesture on your part may actually save someone's day or even life!!!
Amidst the chaos in the human world, there’s some good news from the animal kingdom. Unlike the news of Dolphins making a comeback into the Venice canals, this piece of news seems genuine.
Given the significant drop in human activities (tourists, fishing boats and trawlers, etc.) along the beaches of Odisha, Olive Ridley turtles have made a strong comeback this season!!! The unusual lock-down has provided a peaceful nesting time for this species in Gahiramatha and Rushikulya beaches. If reports are to be believed, around 70,000 turtles have showed up so far, and have laid over 60 million (6 crores) eggs. Usually, the beaches along the Indian coastline buzz with frantic human activities throughout the year. The influx and cacophony of tourists ensure that the exotic marine fauna is either driven away or found caught in the fishing nets. But this time, it’s the animal kingdom that seems to be on vacation mode. If anybody says tourism is down this quarter, tell him/her that “Nope, it’s just that the profile of tourists has changed”. For more details, visit: https://www.businessinsider.in/…/e…/articleshow/74822132.cms https://www.thehindu.com/…/coronavirus-…/article31166566.ece https://kalingatv.com/…/nesting-peaceful-for-turtles-in-od…/ As a believer in the recuperating power of nature, I was super-excited to hear about the emergence of Dolphins in the canals of Venice after decades, owing to the reduction in pollution levels post-lockdown. This breaking news spread like wildfire across the social media platforms. Such was its positive impact that I decided to have the story told from the point-of-view of two pigeons. This avian couple, not having seen Dolphins before, assumes that they are nothing but upgraded versions of Gondolas. The pigeons also unknowingly reveal that their sole purpose of existence is to crap, and crap a little more!!!
Alas, this entire episode turns out to be another fake news... However, given the noticeable reduction in human activities across the world (no tourism activities, work from home, fewer aeroplanes taking off, etc.), I believe it's only a matter of time before this 'fake' news actually becomes a reality. The incidence from Singapore, where otters have decided to leave the water and visit the Merlion, has kept my hopes floating. Keeping my fingers sanitised, and crossed!!! |
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