Scivillage.com Casual Discussion Science Forum

FYI:" There is an oft-told story about the biologist JBS Haldane. Sitting with a group of theologians over dinner he was asked what his studies of the natural world had led him to conclude about God. After a pause, Haldane replied “He has an inordinate fondness for beetles”.

He knew what he was talking about. About 1 out of every 4 creatures on our planet is a beetle. The reason you don't see them all the time is because they like to burrow into stuff like rotting wood/vegetation, dung, and dead flesh.

"...scientists have described about 400,000 species of beetles so far. There are many more beetles we don’t know about yet. Altogether, there are probably between 1 million and 2 million beetle species.
Right now, beetles make up 40% of all described insects. They’re 25% of all known life on Earth."

Generally speaking frogs are the kings of eaters. If they can fit it in their mouth they will swallow it. In this case Mr. Frog bit off more than he can chew. The bug in his mouth is a bombardier beetle, which squirts a scalding juice at 212 F!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bbiw2uNXr7o

Meet the Jewel Beetle — nature’s answer to engineered perfection. With wings that shimmer like molten sapphire and a body crafted in metallic blues and blacks, this beetle doesn’t just survive — it stuns.

What you’re seeing here might be from the genus Chrysochroa or Sternocera, known for their armor-like elytra that don’t just look good — they reflect heat, scatter light, and can even be used in jewelry after death. Yes, they’re that prized.

But the real magic? Its wings. Those exaggerated, blade-like extensions aren’t just for flight — they confuse predators, mimic leaves, and shimmer like obsidian in the sun.

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Peacock spider...

https://www.facebook.com/reel/681883871325515
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It looks like a hummingbird… but it’s not even close.

Perched delicately on a human fingertip is the Hummingbird Hawk-Moth (Macroglossum stellatarum), a marvel of mimicry in motion. With clear wings, a hovering flight style, and a blur of movement, it fools even the sharpest eye into thinking it’s a bird sipping nectar.

But this is an insect — a moth with the heart of a jet.

Its long proboscis acts like a straw, reaching deep into flowers. Its wings beat so fast you can hear them buzz. And despite its delicate frame, this creature is a long-distance flyer, capable of migrating across continents.

Evolution didn’t just give it beauty. It gave it camouflage, efficiency, and surprise.

? Fun fact: This moth can remember flower locations and feeding times — just like bees and birds — showing remarkable spatial memory for an insect.

Spiny devil bug...

The Picasso Bug, which releases noxious fumes to deter predators.

The Rove Beetle...

https://www.facebook.com/watch?v=1590720061890308