Highlights from Monsoon Beauty 2024
Meet this dancing - Loxocephala decora, from the family Eurybrachidae, [^3] also affectionately known as the “squathoppers” or the “fashion-forward leaf dancers.” These charming little creatures are like the hipsters of the insect world, flaunting their funky, leaf-like outfits with a confidence that says, “I’m not just a bug; I’m a trendsetter.” They’re masters of disguise, blending into their leafy surroundings like chameleons at a green-themed party.
With their quirky shapes and sizes, they might look like they’ve stepped straight out of a sci-fi movie set. But don’t let their eccentric fashion fool you—they’re all about serious plant-hopping business. They use their unique looks to blend into the foliage, making them nature’s very own stealth mode experts. So next time you see a small leaf fragment fluttering for no apparent reason, it might just be one of these whimsical squathoppers showing off its latest ensemble!
- Observed by @drnamgyal04
- Location : Damthang, Sikkim, India
- Date : 14, July 2024
- Identified : Self Id'ed while earlier observations of this rare species were identified by True Bug expert @wongun
Dr Namgyal shares these lovely pictures and description : As we stopped for tea at this hamlet I spotted this beauty moving around on the floor as though dancing, some steps forward, then some steps sideways and back again!
Truly, a being of beauty is a joy forever, especially for all of us who can vicariously enjoy this almost phantasmic being."
Squathoppers on Inaturalist
Whats in a Name ?
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Loxocephala: From Greek loxos (oblique) and kephale (head), referring to the species' distinctive head shape.
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decora: From Latin decorus, meaning "beautiful" or "adorned," highlighting its attractive appearance.
The family Squathoppers, scientifically known as Eurybrachidae, gets its name from Greek:
So, Eurybrachidae basically means "wide-armed family," which hints at the broad and unique shape of these plant hoppers’ forelimbs or wings.
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Do read the note on range and population at the end.[^1]
- Do also read the note on First Records also towards the end. [^2]
These fantastic photos, of a Paradoxical Keeled Millipede, by @anil_kumar_verma show that the millipedes are not just ordinary / everyday creatures but are also worthy of a high-fashion photoshoot — proving that even the most overlooked creatures have their glamorous side when given the right spotlight and a bit of observer TLC.
Paradoxical keeled millipedes[^4] are named for their unusual anatomy. While most millipedes have rounded bodies, these creatures have flattened bodies with prominent keels along their sides. This unexpected combination of features led to their paradoxical name.
Millipedes [^5] are elongated, segmented arthropods often mistaken for their more aggressive cousins, the centipedes. Unlike centipedes—who, with one pair of legs per segment, a tail, and antennae, are basically the tiny terrors of the undergrowth—millipedes are harmless, slow-moving decomposers. Millipedes, part of the class Diplopoda, have two pairs of legs per segment, no tail, very short antennae, and typically sport rounded bodies. However, in the case of Paradoxosomatidae (keeled millipedes), their bodies are more angular and ridged—hence, the "paradox" of millipedes!
Anil Kumar Verma has this to about the observation :
"I usually overlook these commonly seen creatures, but this was the first time I observed their feeding behavior. Some were feeding on moss growing over a concrete structure, which caught my attention. I managed to capture this moment—notice how they are feeding with their heads down in both pictures."
Ecological Functions:
Millipedes are nature's janitors, breaking down dead plant material, improving soil fertility, and keeping forests from drowning in decomposing leaves.
Fun Fact:
When threatened, some millipedes curl into a tight coil and even release cyanide as a defense mechanism. So while they’re mostly peaceful recyclers, they’ve still got a few tricks up their many-legged sleeves!
Millipedes' cyanide defense is like their way of saying, "Back off or get a taste of my toxic attitude!" Evolution gave them this chemical arsenal to keep predators at bay and ensure they stay on the menu for leaf litter rather than the local wildlife.
Whats in a Name ?
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Paradoxosomatidae: Derived from Greek "paradoxos" (unexpected) and "soma" (body), referring to the millipede's unique body structure.
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Keeled Millipedes: The term "keeled" refers to the distinct ridges along their body segments.
Millipedes (Class Diplopoda) on Inaturalist
Connect with Anil Kumar Verma on Social Media:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anil_kumar_verma_72/
🌐 Facebook: Anil Kumar Verma
🐦 X: @verma_a_k"
- What's large, what's hairy -- no not the yeti.
- It's a tarantula, a creepy-crawly cutie.
- With fangs and venom, it's quite a sight to see.
Ah, the Tarantula — the rockstar of the spider world! It's the spider everyone knows by name but rarely sees, kind of like the elusive celebrity who dodges paparazzi. In reality, these eight-legged divas are far less common than you'd think. But when they do show up, they bring their A-game.
Now, let's get one thing straight: Tarantulas are not your average spider. Nope, these guys are in a league of their own. Their fangs face downwards, unlike true spiders whose fangs face each other in a menacing pincer-style. Tarantulas also breathe through two sets of book lungs (think of them as a spider's version of internal gills), whereas most common spiders only get one. Double the lungs, double the drama!
The Poecilotheria regalis [^6], a.k.a. the "Royal Beast," is an arboreal tarantula that even amateur collectors drool over. With its fractal-like body pattern and bright color patches on its front legs for an epic threat display, it’s the Tarantula equivalent of wearing neon socks to a swordfight.
Oh, and speaking of movies, remember the "Home Alone" tarantula? Tarantulas as pets—because why not have a fuzzy little arachnid chilling in your living room? Fun fact: Tarantula’s name is derived from the Italian town Taranto, a place that could also be the heritage site for Quentin Tarantino. If there’s anyone likely to use tarantulas in a plot twist, it’s him.
Despite their scary rep, no tarantula has ever caused a fatality, though their venom can pack a painful punch. They’re speedy and prefer to run, but corner them, and you might end up with a nasty fang wound—not to mention a chance for infection if you skip the band-aid!
Globally, there are about 1,100 species of Tarantulas, though India has a more modest count around 59 species as per the Checklist of Indian Spiders.
Tarantulas may be popular pets, but over-collection for trade is threatening their survival, with some species—including the flashy Poecilotheria regalis—landing on the IUCN Red List. As with most wild-caught creatures, leaving them in their natural habitat is the best way to ensure they stick around.
In the moonlit embrace of Phansad forest, @vinewalker (Neel Shah) recounts his spellbinding encounter with a tarantula.
"During a night walk in the Phansad forest, I came across this stunning ornamental tarantula clinging to a tree. Its intricate black and white markings were mesmerizing, blending seamlessly with the bark. Seeing it up close, I was struck by its grace and the quiet power it exuded. This encounter reminded me of the incredible, hidden beauty that thrives in the forest after dark."
Phansad is located in Raigarh District, Maharashtra, India
Vinewalker's (Neel Shah's) social media accounts
Whats in a Name ?
The name Poecilotheria regalis comes from the Greek words for "spotted" (poikilos) and "wild beast" (therion), while Regalis refers to "royal" both of which combine to into generally epic titles.
Tarantula's on Inaturalist
And stay updated with India's Nature and Monsoon Beauty
References and Footnotes :
[^1]: Note on numbers, range & distribution: Please be aware that iNaturalist contains only the records contributed by its users, so the range maps and population data provided are partial and may not fully represent the entire species distribution. Other researchers and scientists may also publish their records on different platforms.
[^2]: What Are "First Records" on iNaturalist?
iNaturalist is a dynamic platform where citizen scientists can document and share observations of biodiversity. While many common species have likely already been recorded, as the user base grows and more areas are explored, observers frequently contribute "first records" for specific locations, ranging from district and state levels to even national firsts. Although these species may have been documented on other platforms or in scientific literature, iNaturalist offers a distinct advantage: its records are easily accessible and often come with high-quality photographs, making them valuable for researchers, conservationists, and enthusiasts alike.
[^3]: Wikipedia contributors. (2024, April 29). Eurybrachidae. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 18:51, September 8, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Eurybrachidae&oldid=1221343113
[^4]: Wikipedia contributors. (2024, July 8). Millipede. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 15:45, September 8, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Millipede&oldid=1233388102
[^5]: Wikipedia contributors. (2022, June 25). Paradoxosomatidae. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 15:52, September 8, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Paradoxosomatidae&oldid=1094908142
[^6]: Wikipedia contributors. (2024, April 14). Poecilotheria regalis. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 14:43, September 8, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Poecilotheria_regalis&oldid=1218882726
