Luthadel By Ricky Ho

“Chironomid larvae are opportunistic omnivores (they can eat pretty much anything that can be eaten) but they are also classified by their main feeding modes; collector-gatherers, collector-filterers, scrapers, shredders, engulfers and piercers. Of course, one species can fit in multiple feeding strategies!

These larvae play an important role in aquatic ecosystems since they're a major food source for fish, frogs, birds and semi-aquatic mammals. They also are litter decomposers, rock cleaners and are important for nutrient recycling. Chironomid larvae are also very sensitive to polluants such as pesticides and are thus used as bio indicators of freshwater quality!”

New Toy

(repost because I wanted to fix something)

Coelogyne lawrenceana is an orchid native to Vietnam.

Little page flipper

(Reposted to fix some small details)

Stemonitopsis gracilis by Eric Cho

Platismatia lacunosa 

Crinkled rag lichen

Why is she so shape? I don't know. One of the many perplexing mysteries of the lichen kingdom.

images: source

Y'all, I just won €400 in a Science Slam competition that is going toward my research, and I want to thank all of you for being my audience for the last few years. Without this space where I can practice my science communication and my bad lichen jokes, I wouldn't have done nearly as well. Much love to you!

See me here looking extremely uncomfortable to be perceived by others