The Scent of Water Spotlight 12.10.2019 Most mammals can’t smell underwater, but Eurasian otters may have a way of sniffing out prey even while swimming.
Snake Fake Spotlight 10.15.2019 For a plump caterpillar with no defensive body parts, masquerading as a deadly viper is an effective adaptation for survival in the Peruvian Amazon.
Strength in Numbers Spotlight 09.26.2019 A spirited game of tug-of-war is more than just a sweet moment among siblings—it’s a sign of an African wild dog pack with enough members to keep its pups both safe and well-fed.
Bobcat Manor Photo Essay 08.14.2019 Despite increasing hunting pressure, bobcats have proven themselves to be remarkably resilient in the face of human encroachment—and aren’t above raising their young in rural backyards.
Lens of Time: Jaw Jumpers Video 07.30.2019 Sometimes the best solution to a sticky situation is a quick escape, and few escapes are faster than a trap-jaw ant’s.
Sucker Deception Spotlight 07.30.2019 Mesmerizing bioluminescence is a rare trait—and a clever lure—for this deep-sea drifter.
Assume the Position Spotlight 05.29.2019 A master of disguise, this rainforest dweller doesn’t just wear the perfect outfit, it also performs the perfect imitation of a tree branch.
Deathly Beautiful Spotlight 04.18.2019 This picturesque battle between a blue dragon sea slug and a Portuguese man o’ war is a matter of life or death—for both parties.
Mighty Mom Spotlight 03.17.2019 One of the most attentive of all insect parents, this tiny treehopper fiercely defends her offspring until they’re fully grown, using her thorn-shaped headdress as both shield and intimidation tool.
Allure of the Flower Hat Spotlight 02.27.2019 What looks like a flamboyant fashion accessory is actually this jelly’s brilliant evolutionary strategy for attracting prey.
Mobile Home Spotlight 12.18.2018 This caterpillar combines next-level camouflage and shelter-building to disappear into one of the most vibrant and biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.
Spider House Rules Spotlight 11.06.2018 For these hunters, no right-sized target is off-limits—regardless of whether or not it has a backbone.
The Better to Bite You With Spotlight 10.23.2018 Finding—and defending—prime fruit-picking perches is no easy task in the rainforest, but toucans have a few tricks up their beaks.
Sounds of Survival Video 10.09.2018 A quest to record a quiet frog’s call may mean the difference between its survival and its extinction.
Lens of Time: The Art of Staying Stable Video 08.27.2018 A tiny copper cannonball is no match for this hawkmoth’s hovering prowess.
Double Fisted Spotlight 07.31.2018 Grabbing ahold with both claws, a crab defends itself—and steers the course of another species’ evolution.
Flashes of Brilliance Photo Essay 07.03.2018 In a display that rivals even the most dazzling of firework shows, millions of squid gather off the coast of Japan each spring to perform a sparkling spawning ritual.
Dine and Dash Spotlight 06.12.2018 For American pikas, the rush to store enough food for winter is becoming more hazardous—and climate change isn’t the only culprit.
Picture of Health Article 05.23.2018 Despite myriad threats, some coral reefs are thriving, or rebounding, suggesting it may be far too early to write the obituary for these critical ecosystems.
Lens of Time: Huddle Masters Video 04.24.2018 Emperor penguins just may be the best huddlers on Earth—and scientists are finally revealing the secrets to their success.
