Anatomy of Bombardier beetle
Anatomy of Bombardier beetle focussed on the glands that produce the explosive chemicals. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).
Bombardier beetle Pheropsophus species
Bombardier beetle Pheropsophus species shown emitting high temperature explosive substance to deter predators. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).
Stenocara Fog or Handstand beetle
Stenocara Fog or Handstand beetle. Beetle is shown in its typical 45 degree position, facing incoming wind and fog to collect water vapour on the bumps of its elytra. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).
Spine cross section of hedgehog
Spine cross section from a hedgehog Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).
Hedgehog Ericaceus europaeus
European Hedgehog Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).
Soldier Termite
Soldier Termite, generic image of this isopteran Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).
Cross section of Termite mound
Cross section diagram showing cooling air pathways through the termite mound Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).
Termite mound
Termite mound from near the equator Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).
Woodpecker skull
Woodpecker skull with hyoid structure and tongue Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).
Polar bear Ursus maritimus with hair close up
Polar bear with detail of the skin and fur, and SEM scale detail of guard hairs. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).
Snow flea Springtail Hypogastrura harveyi
Hexapod Snow flea Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).
Atlantic cod Gadus morhua
Atlantic cod Gadus morhua with curved tail Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).
Trapdoor jaw ant Odontomachus bauri head
Trapdoor jaw ant Odontomachus bauri head showing mandibles with trigger hairs From “30 Animsl that made us Smarter” by Patrick Aryee (BBC Books)
Wild Cherry Blossom Prunus avium
Sprig of blossom of the wild cherry with early emergent leaves
Gecko foot anatomy
Gecko foot anatomy showing branched setae under magnification. This microscopic branching is what makes gecko feet so sticky. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Aryee (BBC Books).
Mosquito mouthparts
Mosquito mouthparts diagram featuring an Anopholes female mosquito. These mouthparts allow the mosquito to break skin, and access blood without disturbing the host. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)
Wood ant nest
Wood ant nest. This nest belongs to the Southern red wood ant, Formica rufa. Wood ant nests do differ between species, although it can be hard to tell them apart.
Tardigrade
Tardigrade Hypsibius dujardini. These aquatic microscopic animals are almost bomb proof, and certainly are some of the toughest animals on planet Earth. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books)
Blue mussels Mytilus edulis
Blue mussels Mytilus edulis with byssal threads on wooden piling. Illustration includes barnacles and limpets, and some bladder wrack seaweed. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).
Web stabilimentum diagram
Web stabilimentum showing cruciate type, in the web of the orb spider Silver agriope Agriope argentata. Illustration from “30 Animals that made us smarter” by Patrick Ayree (BBC Books).
Nest and budded smaller nest of wood ant
Nest and budded smaller nest of wood ant. This budding often happens with wood ant species.
Mating Formica rufa Southern Red wood ant queen and male
Mating during nuptial flight Formica rufa Southern Red wood ant queen and male
Narrow headed ant Formica exsecta
Worker caste of the Narrow headed ant Formica exsecta. This species have curved backs to their heads.
Slender ant Leptothorax acervorum
Slender ant Leptothorax acervorum worker. This ant is only 3mm, and although similar to the Shining Guest ant, has a darker and less smooth head.