10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Cicadas

What do cicadas eat? Where do cicadas live? While these are both questions that often pop up in everyday conversation, their answers might surprise you, especially if you thought you already knew the answer! Cicadas are fascinating insects that live worldwide (even in places you wouldn’t expect them to), and as it turns out, there are some cicada facts that most people don’t know about. Here are 10 of those facts that you may not have known before reading this article!

1) The origin of cicada

The cicada is a member of a huge family of insects, which includes grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids. There are more than 2,400 known species of the cicada! The origin of their name (from Greek roots) means sleeper or waker because they spend most of their life cycle in subterranean nymphal stages. This stage can last up to 17 years underground before emerging as adults.

2) The truth about their lifecycle

Because cicadas spend most of their lives underground as larvae, they are often confused with insects that go through a similar life cycle, such as beetles and grubs. But while beetles undergo complete metamorphosis—meaning they emerge from their eggs as entirely different creatures than their parents (e.g., a ladybug)—cicada larvae are not so different when they emerge: They still look like giant bugs, but now with wings and flying abilities.

3) How to avoid getting sick from them

If you live in an area where cicadas make their noisy presence known, it’s a good idea to know how to stay healthy around them. While some cicada species are simply an annoyance and pose no risk, others can spread harmful diseases that can easily become life-threatening. Here are 10 facts about these insects that will keep you safe.

4) Some facts about cicadas that would blow your mind

*If you think it’s hot now in Summer, just imagine what it’d be like if a cicada lands on your shoulder and starts singing! *Cicadas don’t produce any noise themselves. They make a noise by rubbing their wings. *Did you know that when female cicadas are ready to mate, they let out a special call? Males hear them and come for calling duels. The winner of the duel gets to mate with her. *The male cicada doesn’t live long after mating—only 2–6 weeks. Females can lay up to 200 eggs and live between two and six years more—just enough time for all of their offspring to emerge from underground as adults too!

5) How much do they eat each year?

Cicadas can eat about 1/5 of their body weight each day during their life cycle. The lifespan of a cicada is short; they only spend six weeks in one stage of life before moving on to another. But in the meantime, they are doing damage to trees and other plants — which is why you may sometimes see trees with large tubes near their trunks when it is time for the new generation of the cicada to grow.

6) How long are they underground?

The nymphs will remain underground, feeding off of tree roots and sap until they become adults. This is when they begin to see sunlight again, climb out of their burrows and crawl up onto a nearby tree or tall bush. They shed their exoskeleton and emerge as adults with new wings ready to live above ground. To go from nymph to adult takes roughly a year, but some species can take nearly two decades!

7) Where else are they found besides US & Australia?

Although they’re most common in North America and Australia, cicadas can be found in parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America. Some can even be found as far north as southern Canada! If you live in one of these areas or are just feeling lucky, you might spot a few cicada shells—or even find a living specimen! In North America you’ll see 2 to 3 species per year; there are over 100 different species worldwide.

8) Their sizes, colors, and sounds

They vary in size from about one-tenth of an inch to three inches in length. They can be a variety of colors, from red, brown, and black to green, yellow, orange, and blue. Their bodies can be black or brown with patterns on them. Some cicadas make buzzing sounds; others have no sound at all. And some have color patterns that look like eyespots or even smiley faces!

9) What spiritual meanings do they have?

Spiritual meanings aside, there are some interesting facts about cicadas: for example, did you know that cicada mating calls can be heard from miles away? If you live in a region that experiences such choruses during late spring or early summer, perhaps you’ve marveled at just how loud and long these calls can get.

10) Interesting facts about tropical, temperate, and desert cicadas

1. There are over 2000 species of cicada but in North America, there are only 3 (periodical, annual, and dog-day). 2. Tropical cicadas start their life cycle underground as nymphs then emerge as adults when they reach adulthood they live on average two to four weeks and die after reproducing. 3. Temperate cicadas spend most of their lives living underground for 13 or 17 years before emerging from below ground as an adult; once above ground, these insects live for about 4–6 weeks. 4. Desert cicada spends at least 13 years living underground before emerging underground in adulthood; once above ground, these insects live about 6-8 days before they die.

10 Unbelievable Facts about Falcons

Falcons are one of the most beautiful and popular birds of prey (Birds of Prey) in the world, along with eagles, hawks, and vultures. They are beloved by bird enthusiasts, admired by falconers, and feared by small animals everywhere. Falcons can fly as fast as 200 mph, soar at elevations up to 10 miles above sea level, dive at speeds up to 150 mph, and can catch birds in mid-flight on their very first try; but how much do you know about these incredible creatures?

1) Powerful Birds

Falcons are among the fastest birds in their natural habitat, thanks to their powerful wings and body weight. The Peregrine Falcon, for example, is capable of diving at speeds up to 200 miles per hour (320 kilometers per hour). Additionally, they’re also capable of flying upward of 100 miles per hour (160 kilometers per hour). Falcons can also glide up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) without flapping their wings at all.

2) The Beauty of a Falcon

Falcon is a bird of prey that usually hunts at dawn or dusk. A falcon has very powerful and sharp claws and beaks to catch its prey. Falcon’s eye vision is eight times stronger than humans, it helps them to find their prey in dark places. The fastest speed of any raptor (bird of prey) belongs to Peregrine Falcon, which is diving speed can reach up to 200 miles per hour!

3) Fastest Animal in the World

Most people know that eagles and hawks are powerful, but most do not realize how fast these flying creatures can move. That’s because falcons can fly at speeds above 200 mph, making them one of nature’s fastest animals. A falcon can swoop down upon a bird or rodent almost before its prey realizes what’s going on. Falcons were originally trained to hunt birds and other small game.

4) Birds of Prey

Falcons and hawks are birds of prey, but they aren’t interchangeable. Falcons belong to a different genus than hawks and eagles—they’re diurnal raptors, meaning they hunt in daylight, while hawks and eagles are nocturnal raptors. Falcons also kill with their beaks rather than their talons. Still confused? Here are 10 unbelievable facts about these fascinating falcons.

5) One name, many species

One of many birds in which different species are known by one name, falcons come in a variety of sizes and colors. Falcons’ aerodynamic design makes them some of nature’s fastest flyers, reaching speeds up to 200 miles per hour as they chase their prey. Falcons belong to a family of birds called raptors (from Latin raptor, robber), which is comprised of eagles, hawks, and other birds that primarily hunt for food by snatching it from other animals.

6) Fierce Protection

Falcons are designed for speed, and they’re natural hunters. A falcon will often catch its prey in mid-air, but it can also swoop down to snatch its target off a branch or even an earthbound animal. Their talons are strong enough to keep their target from wriggling free until they can deliver it to their nestlings.

7) Symbolism of Falcon

The falcon is a very popular bird in a variety of different cultures. It is often associated with masculinity, bravery, and even royalty. Because of its strength and independence, it’s been an inspiration for many books, films, video games, and other forms of art over time.

8) Game birds and hawks

Falcons are found on every continent except Antarctica. There are more than 40 species of falcons and many subspecies, with wingspans ranging from 15 inches to 6 feet. Their speed is lightning-quick; a Peregrine Falcon can fly at speeds of up to 200 miles per hour! The Peregrine Falcon is believed to be an effective predator of songbirds, while small mammals may be taken as prey by larger falcons.

9) Different types of falcons

The falcon family includes more than 40 species, ranging from small to large, widespread to very rare. Some of them are very different in size and hunting style—so much so that it’s hard to believe they’re related at all. Here’s a quick look at some of these beautiful birds.

10) How To Keep Falcons As Pets

Falcons can make beautiful pets but they require a lot of time and care. Keep reading to learn how to keep Falcons as pets. Falcon Info Falcons are carnivorous birds that live in all parts of the world except for Antarctica. There are more than 40 species of falcons, which vary in size from 4 inches to 30 inches long. The smallest falcon is only 4 inches long while some weigh up to 9 pounds! Falcons are different from hawks because they have longer wings, which makes them better at soaring in air currents without flapping their wings too much. Falcon Speed One thing that makes Falcons so impressive is their speed - falcons have been clocked at over 200 miles per hour when diving for prey! Falcons belong to an ancient group of birds called diurnal raptors (birds who hunt during daylight hours). Falcons are very good hunters and often use surprise attacks or tactics like swooping down on prey from above. The Falcon Diet Falcons feed on small mammals such as mice, rats, rabbits, squirrels, and other birds such as ducks or geese. Some species also eat reptiles such as snakes or lizards.

Teal Bird Facts

The Common Teal is one of the smallest and most abundant waterfowl species in the world, and it can be found across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Despite its name, the Common Teal isn’t common everywhere; this migratory bird prefers open water and semi-open country with some scattered trees or shrubs to perch in during the non-breeding season. When breeding begins in early spring, males establish territories on shallow ponds or lakeshores, where they perform courtship displays as they try to attract a mate.

What does the name teal mean?

One of three species of ducks is known as dabbling ducks. They are medium-sized, have brightly colored bills, and are often found in small groups or pairs. Their numbers include green, blue, and a very rare white teal. Teal feeds mainly on aquatic plants but they will eat insects when they are present in abundance. The female builds a nest made from grasses and down under bushes near water bodies. The male courts her by jumping up and down while displaying his wings to catch her attention. Once she has laid eggs, both parents incubate them for about 30 days before hatching occurs at night when there is no risk of predators attacking them.

Where can you see teals?

You can see winter teals in water storage, stone holes, and floodplains. The American crested teal breeds across North America. In North America, there are three races, each named for a different subspecies of Northern Shoveler: Anas acuta acuta (Atlantic or eastern teal), A. a. carolinensis (Carolina or southern teal), and A. a. crecca (western or blue-winged teal). They sometimes hybridize with other dabbling ducks such as mallards, canvasbacks, gadwall, and northern shovelers (Mowbray 1987). Teals typically breed once per year but may re-nest if their first clutch is lost.

What kind of habitats do teals prefer?

Teals prefer freshwater habitats with plentiful vegetation. Both dabbling and diving species forage in shallow water, grazing on aquatic plants and mollusks. Dabbling teals usually have a large range of movement during the breeding season; diving teals are more sedentary, though some will travel to different marshes at different times of the year. 

Teals and their young look similar to each other.: A group of ducks is called a flock or raft. A group of geese is called a gaggle or skein. A group of swans is called a bevy or wedge, except for when they're flying — then it's an arrow! :) Ducks tend to be smaller than geese but larger than swans. Ducks have flat bills that allow them to feed underwater, while geese and swans have long bills that help them filter food from the water above land or ice.

How are teals different from other waterfowl?

Teals are pretty, little dabbling ducks that can be easily spotted in winter on reservoirs, gravel pits, and flooded meadows. Teals are small (weighing between two and four pounds), they have short tails, tiny bills, and bright yellow eyes. Teals often dive underwater to feast on mollusks and insects. They also snatch up bits of plant matter as they swim. While teals are very active in their feeding habits, they like to perch on floating vegetation such as plants or logs to rest for a few minutes before taking off again for more food or water. Male teal ducks have a striking metallic blue coloring; females have gray-brown plumage with green and brown speckles.

What do they eat?

Teal are dabbling ducks which means they can both dive and tip up to feed. Since they live in a variety of habitats, their diets will vary based on what is most abundant in that area. In farmland ponds and lakes, teal will eat mostly seeds and leaves. On streams, rivers, and lakes in forested areas, their diet consists of aquatic plants including duckweed. In ocean habitats, teal will consume crustaceans such as amphipods.

Where do they spend their time when they’re not feeding?

When they’re not feeding, many species of dabbling ducks like to rest in flooded fields and meadows. These dabbler ducks are also known as puddle ducks and are named for their preference to spend their time near small bodies of water, although they can often be found on golf courses and other areas that contain shallow puddles. Teal birds tend to favor these types of habitats because it gives them easy access to fish when they go out hunting. When wetlands dry up in summer, a lot of these birds will move into farmlands or grasslands where there is plenty of prey for them to feed on.

What is unique about their eggs?

Teal bird’s eggs are pale blue and spotted with reddish-brown or lavender. Each egg has a single small, white spot. Incubation time is about 28 days, which is similar to that of other dabbling ducks. The downy hatchlings are precocial and able to swim immediately upon hatching. They grow quickly and can fly in 45–50 days. Females will lay their first clutch of eggs at one year old; males will not breed until they are two years old. The oldest recorded teal was 10 years and 6 months old!

How long do they live?

Most species of teal are migratory, breeding in Alaska and northern Canada. They spend winters in southern states such as Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. However, during migration they can be spotted almost anywhere, there is water. The oldest known wild mallard was about 14 years old when it was shot by a hunter.

10 Fun Facts about Chameleons

You’ve probably heard of the common chameleon, also known as Chamaeleo Vulgaris or the veiled chameleon, even if you’ve never seen one in person before. These fascinating lizards have adapted to be able to blend into their environment and change color accordingly, making them pretty cool pets for some people. Here are 10 fun facts about common chameleons that you might not know!

1) They’re old – very old

Since there are numerous species of chameleon, it’s difficult to say exactly how old they are. Experts believe that chameleons first appeared somewhere between 70 and 80 million years ago during a period called The Cretaceous.

2) They are abundant in nature

There are approximately 150 species of chameleon in nature, each with its distinct appearance and color patterns. There is no such thing as a typical chameleon, which means that if you see one on your hike through the woods, it will probably be a pretty rare sighting. The Panther Chameleon is often seen in wildlife sanctuaries and wildlife stores in North America, while the Veiled Chameleons are rare.

3) The smallest species measure about 4 inches in length

Smaller chameleon species are under 4 inches long. Examples include Panther chameleons and Veiled chameleons. These tiny lizard pets make fantastic starter pets for children or people who aren’t sure if they want to dedicate a lot of time and energy to caring for an exotic pet. They can also be kept in smaller spaces than other chameleon species, making them ideal for apartment dwellers or people with limited space in their homes.

4) Chameleons belong to their own family

Chamaeleonidae. The Panther chameleon, a medium-sized type of chameleon, can be found in Madagascar. Their distinct color changes come from pigment cells that sit on top of a layer of crystals; as light hits these cells and changes their physical properties, they shift to reveal different colors. Due to their unique features, and because they are not endangered or threatened, we can responsibly choose to own them as pets.

5) They can change colors rapidly

The colors that they can change to may be affected by their mood, however, some of them can quickly change colors so they can camouflage themselves. For a chameleon to remain in one color, they have to remain still. If they move, it will cause their body and other elements around them (such as leaves) to catch different lights and reflect different colors, thus causing different tones of one color.

6) They can detect movement high up in the treetops

Chameleons are some of nature’s most agile creatures. They can climb any surface they want, which is why they’re often seen up in trees. But did you know that chameleons also have a third set of eyes on their upper head? These eyes aren’t used for seeing as our two main eyes are; rather, these sets of eyes help them focus when jumping from tree to tree or trying to grab bugs in mid-air.

7) There are more than 185 species of chameleon on earth.

The chameleon is a type of lizard that can live in many different places. They are known for changing color and doing so to fit in with their surroundings. Some types of chameleon live in trees and have long tongues so they can catch insects. But others live in bushes where they will quickly hide when it rains because they don’t like getting wet.

8) Their tongues are highly specialized to catch prey

The chameleon’s tongue is twice as long as its body and is composed of muscles, blood vessels, and connective tissue. When not in use, it can grow back inside of their bodies. If a chameleon attacks prey bigger than itself, it will be injured in doing so. Don’t believe it?

9) Their tail is used as a storehouse for water, helping them survive in arid regions

Unlike many lizards, chameleons can’t get water from their food because they eat insects and spiders, which don’t have much water in them. So a chameleon will often tuck its tail into plants or debris while it rests to absorb moisture, then swing its tail out later for quick gulps.

10) When they open their mouths, you can see their tongue darting back and forth, searching for insects.

The tongue is a prehensile appendage that can be used to catch prey, for grooming, and even to cover their eyes in self-defense. The chameleon’s tongue is also super sticky which gives them an extra grip when capturing prey. Chameleons can extend their tongues up to half of their body length! That would mean your pet chameleon could have a tongue over 9 inches long! Impressive right?

8 Interesting Python Facts You Probably Didn't Know

Python and pythons are nonvenomous snakes found in many tropical forests throughout the world. They’re commonly thought of as constrictors, although they only rarely kill their prey by coiling around it and squeezing it to death, unlike boas and vipers. In addition to being famous for swallowing huge prey items like small deer or pigs whole, pythons also have other fascinating facts about them that most people don’t know about. Here are 8 interesting python facts you probably didn’t know!

10 things you didn’t know about pythons

1. Pythons are very powerful, but their power is nothing compared to a python-eating snake (the king cobra). 2. Although they look intimidating, pythons aren’t poisonous. 3. It takes between two and five weeks for a baby python to be born - that's pretty quick! 4. Although they only eat small animals like rabbits, rats, or birds when young, adult pythons are capable of taking down an antelope or other large animal - although that wouldn't be easy! 5. The biggest known python was found in Florida in 2014; it was 17 feet long and weighed 170 lbs! 6.

Pythons kill other snakes

The king cobra is one of three species of snake known to attack and kill pythons. The reticulated python, which can grow up to 20 feet in length, tends to be hunted by Indian pythons, which can grow up to 23 feet in length. When threatened by predators such as eagles or other large mammals, the anaconda surrounds its prey and hardens to its death. Python facts reveal that some snakes are immune to their venom; whereas others die very quickly from it.

Pythons are not venomous, but they can bite

Because pythons are constrictors, not venomous snakes, they do not need to be able to inject their victims with poison. Even so, many species of python have a mouthful of teeth that can rip through animal flesh. Some even have sharp enough teeth to penetrate human skin! To make sure you don’t get bit by a python, don’t try to handle one yourself. If you’re in a situation where you need to remove one from your property, hire an experienced snake handler, and don’t try to catch it yourself. Getting bitten by a poisonous snake is painful and often fatal; getting bitten by any kind of python can cause complications due to bacterial infections.

Pythons are quite aggressive, especially when hungry

Pythons are a species of constrictor snake and have been known to take down prey much larger than themselves. There are several videos of old anaconda landing, and then eating, large animals such as deer or deer. And while there is no evidence that they would be able to tackle full-grown human beings, they could certainly kill a child. They are also one of few non-venomous snakes in existence who can kill with their bite!

Pythons like to swim

Pythons live in coastal regions, near rivers and lakes. Their flexibility lets them swim easily, and they can stay underwater for as long as 15 minutes. When hunting for fish or ducks, they catch their prey and drown before eating it. Despite their name, pythons are not constrictors—they don’t squeeze their prey to death before swallowing it whole. (That's a trait of boas.) Instead, snakes that catch large prey generally use a different method: coil around it and hold on until it dies from suffocation or lack of oxygen. Then, if a python is big enough to do so comfortably (and not just a hatchling), it swallows its prey whole.

Pythons like to climb trees

If there’s one animal you don’t want to run into in an African jungle, it’s a python. They can grow up to 23 feet long and kill their prey by coiling around them and squeezing until they suffocate. But, contrary to popular belief, pythons are not poisonous; rather, they subdue their victims by using their strength and size as weapons. Unlike other snakes that grit their food with their teeth to eat quickly during the journey, pythons like to enjoy a full-length lunch before digesting more time in their stomachs.

A python won’t eat as much as it can

The Burmese python is one of the five largest snakes in the world. It can grow as long as 20 feet and weigh 200 pounds. Although it can swallow prey that is equal to half its size, a python won’t eat more than it can handle. When not hunting, they barely move and will go weeks without eating at all. They usually consume smaller creatures such as frogs or birds but sometimes they will even eat other pythons! What do you think: Do pythons kill humans?

The biggest snake ever found was an African rock python.

The African rock python is one of three subspecies of African rock python, and according to Guinness World Records, it’s also home to the largest snake ever found. The 18-foot-long snake was killed in September 2011 by Jamie Steuber, a trainee ranger at Kruger National Park in South Africa. As well as being bigger than any other known snake on record, it weighed more than 550 pounds. These giant snakes can reach lengths up to 25 feet long and weigh over 450 pounds. Despite its terrifying appearance, however, there have been no reported attacks on humans by these reptiles. There are only a few documented cases where humans have even been attacked at all!

What You Should Know About Woodpecker

Woodpeckers are some of the most fascinating birds out there, and we have plenty of interesting facts about them! To answer the questions you’ve always wanted to know about woodpeckers, here are the top 7 things you should know about woodpeckers

The main types of woodpeckers

There are three main types of woodpeckers in North America: yellow-skinned sapsuckers, northern flickers, and downy woodpeckers. Yellow-bellied sapsuckers and northern flickers primarily eat tree sap, while downy woodpeckers eat insects such as ants. Other common species include hairy, red-headed, and Lewis’s woodpeckers. Woodpecker birds play an important role in our ecosystem by pollinating trees and keeping insect populations in check. That being said, they also tend to be pests that take a toll on certain trees; some people even opt to have them trapped or killed because of their destructive nature. Woodpeckers lay between 4-and 12 eggs in each clutch. Their young hatch after 12 days of incubation. After hatching, the chicks stay close to their parents until they can fly and leave the nest. Chicks usually fledge around 2 months old.

The functions of the pecking

The two main functions of pecking are to remove large, dead pieces of wood and to excavate new holes for roosting or nesting. In many species of woodpecker, both sexes participate in excavating nesting and roosting cavities. Like many other species that construct nests on trees, however, some woodpeckers exhibit polyandry—some males build no nest and others only provide food to their mates and offspring. The male red-headed woodpecker (Melanerpes erythrocephalus) does not provide; after mating, the female assumes the primary responsibility of feeding it so that it can spend time raising its young on its own. Woodpeckers tend to nest in holes in dead trees or sometimes live in cavities under tree roots. They build nests using sticks, moss, leaves, grasses, bark, and feathers.

Woodpecker anatomy

Woodpeckers’ stiff tail feathers (known as drums) help them brace themselves on trees. That allows them to carve out tunnels and lay claim to acorns, which they store in little holes they drill in tree trunks. It's thought that vibrations from their drums also give male woodpeckers a way to attract females. All of these traits make woodpecker birds great tools for protecting trees; though sometimes property owners complain when one of these wily creatures eats away at their house! Fortunately, woodpecker facts can help you deal with any bird-related issues you encounter.

Interesting facts about woodpeckers

Some woodpeckers—notably male sapsuckers and red-bellied woodpeckers—perch atop trees and tap their bills against trees to attract mates. These males sometimes strike a resonant, vibrant note that sounds like a long roll on a snare drum. The endangered Kirtland’s warbler spends winters in northern Mexico and summers nesting in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ontario. These small birds are insectivores that use extremely long tongues to feed on insects inside tree cavities; they’re so adept at it that many scientists believe Kirtland’s warblers evolved from insects specialized for foraging on tree sap. Woodpeckers are birds that have evolved over millions of years to use forest habitats. They use their powerful beaks to drill into trees and extract insects from crevices inside the bark.

Types of Woodpeckers

There are three types of woodpeckers:

a) Picidae (woodpeckers): These include the downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, and great spotted woodpecker.

b) Peculiar: This includes the red-cockaded woodpecker and ivory-bill woodpecker.

c) Tyrannidae (tyrant flycatchers): This includes the pileated woodpecker and golden-collared kingfisher. The downy woodpecker is a type of bird that has black, white, and red colors on its body. It is a very common type of bird in North America. The downy has a small beak that it uses to peck into trees to get insects to eat. The hairy woodpecker has black feathers with white spots on its body. It also has a red crest on top of its head and it is not very common in North America. The great spotted woodpecker is an extremely large bird with black wings, white stripes across its back, white spots on its body, and yellow eyes! They are usually found in Europe or Asia but can sometimes be found here in North America as well!

Fun Facts about Woodpeckers

All species of woodpeckers are classified as Genus Pic, meaning Latin. There are about 20 different types of woodpeckers in North America, each with a unique appearance and behavior. Of these, four types are most common: Red-headed Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, and Hairy/Downy Woodpecker. The Red-headed Woodpecker is often seen in backyards; they like to eat insects and grubs on trees close to homes. They will also nest on tree trunks if available. Their redhead can be seen easily when they turn it upside down while drumming or feeding their young.

Which Kind is Your Favorite?

When it comes to birds, people usually aren’t shy about sharing which are their favorites. There are probably a few different kinds that show up on everyone’s list, but there is one bird that I think just might be everyone’s favorite: The woodpecker. From their beak to their tail feathers, these little guys make quite an impression on us with their colorful displays and vivacious personalities. And while they may not appear like it at first glance, woodpeckers can teach us a lot about ourselves as human beings.