Friday, November 18, 2011

Honey Badger and the Honey Guide Bird



These two animals both live in Southern Africa, and parts of India. The honey badger works well with other animals. Although it cannot "speak another language" like the portia jumping spider, this badger interacts with completely different species! The black capped honey guide bird and the honey badger depend on themselves to find their favourite food source - honey. The honey guide bird flaps around the head of the badger, until the badger follows the bird. The bird will lead the badger to a bee's hive, usually nestled in the rocks, where the badger can get to it. When the honey badger sees the hive, it rips it open, trying to get to the honey and grubs inside. The badger's skin is quite tough, and insensitive to bee stings, but the nose is unprotected. Whenever the badger gets stung on the nose, it hurts, but the honey is worth it! When the hive is ripped open all the way, there is plenty of honey for both the badger and the honey guide bird. It is amazing because without the bird, the badger would not find the honey. But without the badger, the bird would not get to the honey!

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Portia Jumping Spider




I was amazed by this jumping spider! This spider lives in Australia, and belongs to a certain family of over 5000 jumping spiders! However, this spider isn't as friendly as the average spider - it eats other spiders! It is amazingly intellingent for a spider. It can problem solve, and even learn 'different languages'. For example, it will go onto another spider's web and tug at the stands in the same way a trapped insect would. When the unfortunate spider comes to investigate, SNAP go the Portia's mandibles, and the spider's body is slowly turned into digestive juices. The Portia will ingest this grusome spider smoothie with delight. But the Portia has more tricks up it's sleeve. Sometimes it will mimmick the 'mating calls' of other spiders. It will tug on the other spider's web in the exact way a male spider of the same species would. When the female comes over, the Portia gets another smoothie. And if that doesn't work, the Portia can always drop down on it's own thread to within striking distance of the prey spider. All in all, this is one AMAZING and smart little spider!! P.S- here is a link to a great video of the spider! http://videos.howstuffworks.com/animals/fooled-by-nature-videos-playlist.htm#video-28357