classification

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animal

The spines on the spiny grasshopper, which inhabits wetlands, are actually a defense mechanism to protect itself from frogs! A rational defense strategy combined with feigning death!

Are you familiar with the grasshopper known as the spiny grasshopper? It's a relatively common creature in Honshu, especially in rice paddies. Surprisingly, this species has been found to protect itself from predation by frogs through a combination of two mechanisms: spines on its body and a behavior called feigning death...
2022.06.02
animal
plant

What are the differences between Impatiens textorii, Impatiens noli-tangere, and Balsam? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! While the flowers are supposed to be exclusively for bumblebees, many other insects also sneak onto them! The competition between Impatiens textorii and Impatiens noli-tangere was fierce!

Impatiens textorii, Impatiens noli-tangere, and Balsam are three species with boat-shaped flowers. At first glance, all three flowers look similar, and Impatiens textorii and Impatiens noli-tangere are particularly alike, as they sometimes inhabit the same wetlands. However, they can be distinguished by carefully observing the overall hairs and the color and shape of the flowers. Also, just looking at the leaves...
2022.05.29
plant
plant

What are the differences between sunflowers, dwarf sunflowers, and white sunflowers? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar varieties! Is it a myth that sunflowers face the sun? Why are they the national flowers of Russia and Ukraine?

Sunflowers are said to face the sun, giving them a cheerful and bright image, and they are now very familiar plants in Japan. Originally from North America, there are many species, but the types of sunflowers found in Japan are limited, mostly consisting of the common sunflower, dwarf sunflower, and dusty sunflower. Humans and sunflowers...
2022.05.10
plant
plant

What are the differences between *Broussonetia papyrifera* and *Broussonetia kozoa*? Do *Broussonetia papyrifera* flowers burst open? What is the history of *Broussonetia papyrifera*? Are its fruits edible?

Both *Broussonetia papyrifera* and *Broussonetia erythrorhizon* have been used as paper since ancient times, and *Broussonetia papyrifera* can still be found in familiar green spaces today. However, some literature suggests that the distinction between these two species is not very clear, and they have historically been confused with each other. However...
2022.05.04
plant
plant

What are the differences between *Lithospermum erythrorhizon* and *Lithospermum erythrorhizon*? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Do the flowers have a secret that allows them to be pollinated even in the shade?

While *Lithospermum erythrorhizon* and *Lithospermum erythrorhizon* have similar names and may be confused, there is a significant difference: *Lithospermum erythrorhizon* is a native species, while *Lithospermum erythrorhizon* is a cultivated variety. The shape of the leaves and flowers are also distinctly different. *Lithospermum erythrorhizon*...
2022.04.27
plant
plant

What species resembles the Bletilla striata (purple orchid)? Recent research has revealed that the flowers not only deceive bees, but also utilize male bees for courtship!

Bletilla striata is a perennial plant naturally distributed from Honshu to Okinawa in Japan, but wild specimens are classified as near-threatened. On the other hand, it's also a popular ornamental plant, and can be seen in almost every town. While it was once thought that the wild population in Japan consisted of escaped cultivated plants, it is now believed that the wild population is...
2022.04.26
plant
animal

Research has revealed that "intraguild predation" occurs universally between spiders and wasps, potentially contributing to ecosystem stability! [Press Release]

In the "Ecological Information" section, at the request of the lead author, Mr. Daisuke Noguchi, I assisted with the introduction, discussion, and literature review on a paid basis. This research revealed that intraguild predation between spiders and wasps occurs universally, and that there is a possibility of "symmetrical intraguild predation" between spiders and wasps...
2022.03.31
animalecosystem
plant

What are the differences between *Neolitsea sericea* and *Quercus acuta*? We'll explain how to distinguish between these similar species! What are their uses? Does the difference in flower color affect their ecology?

Both *Neolitsea sericea* and *Quercus acuta* are evergreen trees belonging to the *Neolitsea* genus that are naturally distributed in Japan. Therefore, you may often see them in the wild, but their leaves are very similar in shape, which can lead to confusion. However, you can reliably distinguish them by examining the whiteness of the underside of the leaves and the color of their fruits...
2022.03.19
plant
plant

What are the differences between Viola higoensis and Viola enzanensis? Both species skillfully utilize "open flowers" and "closed flowers" depending on the environment!

Viola higoensis and Viola enzanensis are members of the Viola genus that inhabit relatively natural areas. They differ significantly from other Viola species in their finely divided leaves, but their flower shapes are almost identical, making them somewhat difficult to distinguish. Morphologically, Viola higoensis has leaves divided into five lobes...
2022.02.25
plant
plant

Why is black tea preferred over green tea in the UK? Are flies the only ones that visit tea plant flowers?

Tea plants contain essential nutrients like catechins and caffeine, making them an indispensable beverage in Japan, enjoyed both at home and on the go. As you may know, its origin lies in China, and it's a species not native to Japan. However, even in China, wild varieties haven't been confirmed, which is puzzling...
2022.02.21
plant
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