Creature Feature: Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

At first glance, the inky black depths of the ocean seem inhospitable and unwelcoming. The crushing weight of the waters above coupled with the undeniably freezing temperatures seem to serve as an unconquerable obstacle to large forms of life. However, there’s a cetacean species that thrives in these depths. With their ghostly pale faces braving…

The Species That Spook Us: Ogre-faced, Net-casting Spider

The ogre-faced, net-casting spider (Deinopis spinosa) has a terrifying name and what has been described as a “circadian Jekyll and Hyde” lifestyle [1]. They hide during the day, appearing as mere deformities in their home palm trees. As night rolls around, they become fierce predators. Unlike many spiders that build large webs and prey on…

The Species That Spook Us: House Centipede

Too many legs. It’s just got too many legs. The house centipede – a collection of long, bushy limbs on a striped brown body – is scampering across my floor with a velocity and visage that makes my neck hair stand on end. My eyes dart to the closest object to me – the biology…

Creature Feature Miniseries: The Species That Spook Us

Mini-feature 1: American Crow As night approaches and the sky grows dim, an eerie feeling always creeps over unsuspecting passersby. From the treeline they’re being watched by dozens of eyes, illuminated by the dim glow of street lamps. Draw too near and they’re sent into a frenzy and hundreds of American Crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos) escape…

Creature Feature: Coyote

Coyotes (Canis latrans) are one of North America’s most iconic tricksters. Their species name, which means “barking dog” in Latin, might come from their nighttime vocalizing. They’ve had a powerful influence on Native American folklore and mythology, even earning the title of “God’s dog” [1]. Native American tales highlight the morals of coyote tricksters, imparting…