June 19, 2016

Happy Father's Day!

Did you know that that you can eat chocolate covered locusts? In 2013, Israel was attacked by a locust invasion. However the people found a creative way to tackle the problem...eating the pests! (Locusts are considered kosher.) The insects can be fried or covered in chocolate. Not a bad idea considering all the protein you can get.

June 17, 2016

Did you know leeches can attack you even when you're on land? The tiger leech is a large terrestrial leech that can be found on bushes up to one meter above the ground. They can release their grip from plants and land on other animals, including humans. Its mouth is located on the anterior sucker. It is shaped so that the slits form a Y. Beyond those slits are sharp teeth and you can bet that those bites hurt. Oh! Don't forget the anticoagulants that prevent your blood from clotting.

June 16, 2016

Did you know that despite its size, the devil's flower mantis is actually a shy insect? The devil's flower mantis is one of the largest praying mantis species. It wards off predators but using a deimatic display in which it raises its body, points out its front legs, and shows off its colors. Because of its size and beautiful appearance, some people want to have it as a pet. If stressed (which happens easily to this little guy), the insect will panic, run within its enclosure, and bump into things. It will even show off its deimatic display. Such behavior isn't common for the devil's flower mantis. In nature it prefers to be still most of the time and generally waits for prey to come by.

June 5, 2016

Did you know that agave tequila is not only good for making tequila, but for the making of escamole as well? Escamole is a dish made from ant larvae and pupa. They are harvested from the tequila plant's roots. But be careful, the ants are known to be aggressive (which apparently adds more thrill to the harvest). The larvae are usually pan fried in butter and spices, and served in tacos and omelets. They are light in color, look like corn kernels, and have a nutty taste.

June 4, 2016

Did you know that there are grapes in the sea? Sea grapes (海ぶどう) are actually a type of green algae that is served in the Japan (specifically Okinawa), Philippines, and Malaysia. The leaves are more like little bubbles. So biting into them releases bursts of saltiness along with a nice crunch. In Japan, this sensation is called puchi-puchi. Sea grapes are usually served with soy sauce and vinegar.

June 2, 2016

Did you know that there is a mockingbird that eats sea lion placenta? Like the vampire finch, the Española mockingbird also feeds on blood. In fact, it eats just about anything it can get its beak on. Fruits, insects, eggs, lizards, and other birds...sea lion placenta... These guys have also been seen landing near human camps to eat their food and peck at their water bottles. A lot of guts for a tiny bird...

June 1, 2016

Did you know that there are vampire birds too? The vampire finch is a small bird found on the Galapagos Islands. Because of the dry climate and lack of freshwater, the birds have resorted to drinking the blood of larger birds. They peck at base of the tail feathers of their host until blood is drawn. In addition to blood, the vampire finch also feeds on other birds' eggs. Just roll them off a cliff and...CRACK! Snack time!