Close Encounters of the Small Kind
Yuwaraj Gurjar takes photography to the usually ignored lesser fauna to show us the micro in the macro. A butterfly covered in dew drops Location: Yeoor, Sanjay Gandhi National Park Camera details: Nikon D70s, Tamron 180macro, 1/60, f14, ISO 200 Butterflies are cold-blooded insects,
Molting in insects : Fresh skin every time
Molting, or the process of shedding old and degenerated skin for a new one in insects and animals, is a way of regeneration. All insects have segmented bodies made up of many small sections. Insects have three major body divisions,
Assassins of the Insect kingdom
Whenever we hear the term ‘Robber Fly’, the first thing that come to our mind’s eye is a femme fatale or a vampiric version of the insectivora family, who sucks out the life-force of other insects, and sometimes from their
The Assassins of Insect kingdom
In this section, Saevus brings to you short stories of life from the undergrowth. These often escape our attention but they can be of immense importance in the natural world. Predators lurk in every nook and corner in the undergrowth. Most
Drosera : Amazing insect eating plant
An Arachnopus belonging to the Droseraceae family, the Drosera indica is an insectivore found in the tropics. The Drosera indica is one of the carnivorous plants found in tropical regions worldwide. The nomenclature of the plant originates from the Greek, droseros
Malabar Pit Viper
The Malabar pit viper, also know as rock viper, is a master of camouflage. It is venomous and deadly in its precision when striking its prey. These nocturnal reptiles are found on ground rocks and trees near streams in South-western
Ant and Blue Caterpillar
A tale of ants and aphids… or maybe, of the free childcare services provided by ants to the blue caterpillars. Ants are important, highly effective and even specialized predators of many other insect species. But at the same time, a complex
Monsoon Time – Mushroom Time
Toadstools and gnomes can be found in quite a few fairy tales and folktales across the world. While some can be edible or have medicinal properties, most of the wild mushrooms found are harmful for human consumption if ingested… July /
Centipede : Crawling in the night
Creepy crawlies or intelligent species, whichever way you look, the multi-legged wonders are hard-working terrestrial creatures. Centipedes and millipedes are not insects but are more closely related to lobsters, crayfish and shrimp. However, unlike their marine cousins, millipedes and centipedes are
Living in disguise – to survive or to prey
Some insects and animals use camouflage as an effective way to protect themselves from natural enemies. Camouflage works for prey as well as predators, both sides in the battle for survival. Often we miss noticing an insect/reptile even after carefully