生態学 | Page 3 | Ecological Notes Web

What are the differences between plantain, broadleaf plantain, budded plantain, and psyllium? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! How do they become stronger when stepped on?

オオバコ・ヘラオオバコ・ツボミオオバコはいずれもオオバコ科オオバコ属に含まれ、路傍に極めて普通に生える多年草です。踏み固められた地面を好んでおり、「踏み跡植物」の一種として知られています。これらは混同されますが葉と花序の形に注目すれば比較的...

2025.03.17

plant

What's the difference between catmint and catnip? How does it differ from mint? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why does it intoxicate cats? And is it actually a mosquito repellent?!

Catmint and catnip belong to the genus Nepeta in the Lamiaceae family and are perennial plants widely cultivated in Japan as herbs or for ornamental purposes. While their large corolla with a protruding upper lip is a distinctive feature, their most notable characteristic is the "silver vine reaction" that intoxicates felines...

2025.03.13

plant

What are the differences between daphne and pepper tree? What are the differences between lilac, white jasmine, gardenia, and rhododendron? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Why did the fragrance of flowers evolve?

Daphne odora and pepper trees both belong to the genus Daphne in the family Thymelaeaceae, and share the characteristics of wrinkled, distorted leaves and fragrant flowers. While they may appear similar, Daphne odora is only cultivated, while pepper trees only grow wild, and morphologically they also differ...

2025.02.26

plant

What are the differences between Menamomi, Komenamomi, and Onamomi? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! The mucus-secreting bracts are for sticking to animals!?

Both *Menamomi* and *Komenamomi* belong to the genus *Menamomi* in the Asteraceae family. Their most distinctive features are their small, yellow ray florets and the presence of stalked glandular hairs on their involucral bracts. While not particularly common, both species grow in open areas, and *Menamomi* in particular was historically used by the Japanese as a fermented food. However...

2025.02.25

plant

シラカンバ（シラカバ）・ダケカンバ・ウダイカンバの違いは？似た種類の見分け方を解説

シラカンバ（シラカバ）・ダケカンバ・ウダイカンバはいずれもカバノキ科カバノキ属に含まれ、寒い地域や高山では身近な落葉高木です。葉の側脈が直線的で並行に並び、細かい鋸歯があるの共通点で、日本人・アイヌの間で様々な用途で広く利用されてきましたが...

2025.01.14

plant

What is the role of the strangely enlarged final legs of the Centipede species? Could they be a secret weapon for aggressively defending against predators?!

The term "female centipedes" refers to a group of centipedes belonging to the genus *Scylla* in the family Scolopendridae, order Scolopendromorpha. These centipedes are burrowing and rarely seen by the average person, but their most striking feature is their strangely enlarged final gait. While there have been various theories regarding the function of this final gait,...

2024.11.26

animal

トワダオオカは綺麗なだけでなく「蚊を食べる蚊」だった！？生息環境も何もかも特殊な蚊の謎に迫る

皆さんは蚊といえば、いずれも血を吸う仲間で夏になるととても鬱陶しいと感じる存在かもしれません。しかし、日本には血を全く吸わない蚊が知られています。トワダオオカは成虫では血を吸わず無害で、日本で一番大きくとても美しい見た目をしており、それだけ...

2024.08.26

animal

カギバラアリは「虫の卵」だけを食べる蟻だった！？「鉤」状のお腹の謎に迫る！

皆さんはアリと聴くと「黒くて地表を這い回る虫」というイメージを持つかもしれません。しかし実は地中にはたくさんの知られていないアリの種類が存在し、中でもカギバラアリ類やダルマアリ類は腹部が鉤状になるという極めて特殊な形をしています。見た目が面...

2024.08.25

animal

What's the difference between Angelica acutiloba and Angelica gigas? We'll explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is the purple color of the flowers due to wasps?!

Both Angelica dahurica and Angelica pubescens belong to the Angelica genus of the Apiaceae family. They are medium to large perennial herbs with thick stems and broad leaves, and are similar in that their leaflets are large and rounded. However, upon closer observation, there are differences in their leaves, flowers, and fruits. However, since there are many species in the Angelica genus, careful distinction is necessary...

2024.06.10

plant