Ecological Notes Web

What species resembles the egret orchid? The flowers are visited by hawk moths! And not only that, tiny insects called thrips also play an important role in pollination! What is the "Egret Orchid Legend"?

サギソウはやや湿った場所に生息する多年草で、園芸でも人気の種類ですが、残念ながら湿地生息地の減少や盗掘が原因で環境省レッドリストでは準絶滅危惧になっている種類でもあります。近縁種は多く、サギソウの名がつく種類も多いですが、鷺のように横に平た...

2022.06.07

plant

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

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

The rare spider Euphyllia japonica, which preys on its victims by spinning silk from its mouth, can be found in your home!

When you imagine a spider, how do you picture it producing silk? A common misconception is that it produces silk from its mouth. In reality, spiders have organs called "spinnerets" on their abdomen from which they produce silk. Spiders typically don't produce silk from their mouths...

2022.05.26

animal

The "Yamakawa World History Q&A" app is incredibly convenient because you can memorize anytime, anywhere! It's a new era of studying.

こんにちは、皆さんは書籍の「山川一問一答世界史」の全問収録されたアプリ「山川一問一答世界史」が存在することをご存知ですか？山川一問一答世界史開発元:Imagineer Co.,Ltd.¥610posted withアプリーチ最近私はこちらの...

2022.05.23

history

ワタリコウガイビルの日本国内記録と兵庫県の初記録を報告！（『Nature Study』掲載論文）

本記事では以下の雑誌にて公表した「兵庫県におけるワタリコウガイビルの記録」の報文の下書きを掲載します。引用方法：池田健一・池田篤弥. 2022. 兵庫県におけるワタリコウガイビルの記録. Nature Study 68(5): 6. ISS...

2022.05.10

animal

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