Male spiny leaf insect, Extatosoma tiaratum. James O’Hanlon, Author providedJames O'Hanlon, University of New England The key to a stick insect’s survival may be allowing their eggs to be eaten and excreted by birds, according to new Japanese research. Phasmatodea – more commonly known as stick insects – were so named because they genuinely look … Continue reading Insects that look like sticks, behave like fruit, and move like seeds
Dr Jambone’s Guide to OceanView Bliss (feat. the Jaz)
There comes a time in every sensory ecologists life when the sudden desire to measure spectral reflectance arises. In such fits of whimsy it oft becomes necessary to use a particular program to quench thine spectral thirsts; OceanView (Ocean Optics). After downloading said program, paying the not insignificant licence fee and downloading spectrophotometer drivers, finally … Continue reading Dr Jambone’s Guide to OceanView Bliss (feat. the Jaz)
Strange things for science
It is a strange life, that of a scientist. Each individual must find their own niche to specialise in meaning that no two scientists’ daily work lives are the same. One day you can be standing in front of a lecture hall filled with 200 people, the next you could be setting up camp under … Continue reading Strange things for science
Ram Jam’s Quick-Start Guide to Embracing the Jaz!
Anyone who is anyone knows that portable spectrometers are the shizzle! The Ocean Optics Jaz is a must have for any colour scientist and works great as a desktop spectrometer or your friend in the field for measuring light wavelengths. The only problem is once you take this shiny little black box out of its packaging most people have … Continue reading Ram Jam’s Quick-Start Guide to Embracing the Jaz!
Orchid mantis footage
Here is some extra footage of the orchid mantis catching prey mid air. Enjoy! Next time I will have to get my hands on a high speed camera!
Stick insects using ants as dispersal agents
This summer Anthony Stanton, a student at Macquarie University, will be conducting a research project on egg dispersal in stick insects. The eggs of certain stick insects appear to be attractive to ants and often end up being collected and taken into the ants nests. Why ants do this is not clear, however this research … Continue reading Stick insects using ants as dispersal agents
Orchid mantis lures pollinators as prey
For the first time the orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus) has been shown to deceptively lure pollinators as prey. Check out this research in the American Naturalist available now online ahead of print.
