Tardigrades are exceptionally resilient animals. They can endure extreme temperatures ranging from -272.8 °C to 150 °C for 15 minutes, as well as low and high atmospheric pressures, ranging from 200 to 280 hPa to 7,500 MPa. Additionally, they can withstand ionizing radiation and X-rays up to around 5000 Gy, high doses of ultraviolet radiation…

Honey bees perform a dance to invite other bees from the same colony for grooming. This behavior can help them get rid of harmful parasites. Art and fact by Nicole Rodrigues, Instagram & Twitter @n3rodrigues [Edited by Nicole Rodrigues] Reference: Siefert, P., Buling, N., & Grünewald, B. (2021). Honey bee behaviours within the hive: Insights…

Scarus psittacus, commonly known as parrotfish, is named for its parrot-like beak, which it uses to bite off chunks of coral that it crushes and digests. Most of the sediment found on white sandy beaches is parrotfish poop. Art and fact by Darien Satterfield, Instagram & Twitter & Tiktok @DiverDarien  [Edited by Nicole Rodrigues] References:…

To consume hard-shelled food such as mussels or clams, sea otters utilize rocks as tools to break them open. They have specific rocks that they repeatedly use for this purpose. Art and fact by Kristina Leslie, Instagram @tinaleslie_ [Edited by Nicole Rodrigues] Reference: Haslam, M., Fujii, J., Espinosa, S., Mayer, K., Ralls, K., Tinker, M….

Tiger beetles are known for being both ferocious predators and extremely fast runners, capable of reaching speeds of up to 9 km/h (5.6 mph; 2.5 m/s). They run so fast that they can’t visually process the world around them while in motion, relying instead on their antennae to avoid collisions. Consequently, most tiger beetles hunt…

Cats don’t just socialize with each other because they live near each other; they have preferences for who they hang out with. Cats are more likely to be friendly towards members of their own family, so if you’re thinking of adopting cats, consider getting siblings! Art and fact by Mia Karlsson, Instagram @picklesandwitch [Edited by…

Amblygobius phalaena, known as the Sleeper Banded Goby, is notable for its habit of rearranging rocks and sand to construct burrows as nests. These fish mate monogamously and males tend to the eggs in the burrow nests. Art and fact by Darien Satterfield, Instagram & Twitter & Tiktok  @DiverDarien [Edited by Nicole Rodrigues] Reference: Takegaki,…

Some bumble bee species are able to inhabit extremely cold environments, with their distribution stretching far north into the Arctic Circle. Vector art and fact by Danielle Rutkowski, Bluesky @daniellerutkowski.bsky.social & Twitter @DanielleRutkow. Screen printed on sticker vinyl and color by Dino Sbardellati, @phagebeelicious.bsky.social [Edited by Nicole Rodrigues] Reference: Burns, C. T., et al. (2022,…

The California mantis shrimp, despite its name, isn’t a true shrimp. Using their antennal scale, it communicates with other mantis shrimp. Art and fact by @Squidtoons [Edited by Nicole Rodrigues] Reference: Burrows, M. The mechanics and neural control of the prey capture strike in the mantid shrimps Squilla and Hemisquilla . Z. Vergl. Physiol. 62, 361–381 (1969). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00299261

Stratiomyidae is a family of flies that exhibits incredible diversity in shape, size, and color, including numerous species that mimic wasps. Art and fact by Allen Chew, Instagram & Twitter @toldentops [Edited by Nicole Rodrigues] References: Tree of Life Web Project. (2008). Stratiomyidae. Soldier flies. Version 29 September 2008 (under construction). Retrieved from http://tolweb.org/Stratiomyidae/10444/2008.09.29 in…