Spinning Tales About Hawks

Hawks are the most common birds of prey.  These raptors seize, carry, and kill prey with powerful feet tipped with sharp claws (talons). 

They prevail worldwide except Antarctica.  Various habitats are suitable:  deserts, open savannahs, woodlands, marshes, rainforests.  Exposed areas for hunting are preferable.  During migration, a kettle of hawks may cover 1,000 miles.

While pursuing mates, male hawks perform unique aerial displays.  Pairs construct nests high above the ground (except for a few ground-nesting hawks).  Nesting and hunting occur in the same territory yearly.  Females are larger and more pronounced in some species.  Many pairs are monogamous for life; when mates die, new ones are promptly replaced.

Red Shouldered Hawk - photo Charlie Corbeil

In the wild, survival is 13-20 years.  After 1900, deforestation decreased the red-shouldered hawk population.  Now, most common in this country is the red-tailed hawk.  This fairly non-aggressive raptor is harassed by such birds as crows and owls.  In Native American cultures, it is sacred, and its feathers are used in rituals.  Trained, it performs tasks for our armed forces.  

Other interesting hawks include the ferruginous hawk, the largest of its kind and often mistaken for an eagle.  This species can be trained for falconry (game hunting).  The rough-legged hawk is named for feathered legs down to the base of the toes—adaptation for warmth in the arctic home range.  The sharp-shinned hawk male is the smallest hawk in North America, similar to a jay in size.  It is a daring acrobatic flier.  

Broad Winged Hawk - photo Brett Pigon

Intelligent and skilled, hawks are opportunistic feeders; they are mostly diurnal and solitary.  Game may include birds, rabbits, and insects.  Carrion is also consumed.  Hunting skills are enhanced by flight speed and exceptional eyesight.  Eyes are positioned to cover 280 degrees.  Vision is eight times better than humans—presumably, some prey is spotted from two miles.  Color is distinguishable.  

Some hawks swoop upon prey from concealed perches.  Others spot game while soaring 100 feet in the air, then dive at 150 miles per hour in pursuit.  Pouncing upon victims, they grab them with mighty talons and keep on flying.  Understandably, hawks are feared because of fierce hunting skills and gruesome shredding of prey with hooked bills.

- photo Brett Pigon

While eating, a hawk covers food with its tail and wings:  mantling.  Nourishment is hurriedly swallowed and stored in its crop (in the throat area) for later processing, enabling it to prudently fly away.  The following day, fur or feathers are coughed up in a pellet. 

Actually, hawks can be essential or detrimental.  Some control rodents and insects which destroy crops, and some snatch poultry (chicken hawks).  Good or bad, these predators are breathtaking:  majestic wings gracefully gliding in the open sky.

Swallow-tailed Kites - photo Brett Pigon

Haiku by Hailey Scalia, 9            

  Soaring very high                                       

   Using sharp vision to hunt 

   Predator swoops down    

Kestral - photo Brett Pigon

     

Spinning Tales About Scorpions

Scorpions are arthropods—classified as arachnids.  They prevail worldwide except Antarctica.   Fossils, some revealed in coal and amber, suggest they existed around 430 million years.   Special features are molting exoskeletons, 8 legs, crab-like claws, and forward curled tails tipped with stingers which release neurotoxic venom.  Vibrations and sense of smell compensate for poor eyesight—even with up to 12 eyes.  Coloration provides camouflage and depends on where they live; it may include red, yellow, green, tan, brown, or black.  Some are white—as babies or after molting.  Adult length is less than l inch to over 8 inches.  Longevity usually spans 3-5 years.
During courtship, mates grasp pincers and dance.  Females are commonly larger.  Following live births, scorplings cling to mothers’ backs until molting.  Broods range from 2-100.  Females may eat their young to survive.
Loose soil and warm, dry climates are preferable, but habitats are adaptable:  deserts (common), rain forests, even the Himalayas.  In snowy areas, hibernation occurs.  Incredibly, researchers froze scorpions overnight, and, when thawed out the next day, they walked away. 
Extremely sensitive to light, they might take shelter during the day in sand, rocks, burrows, trees, or potted plants.  Thus, they avoid predators like birds and also retain crucial body moisture.  They may invade homes, especially under construction, since they squeeze through cracks as thin as credit cards.  They glow under ultraviolet light—beneficial to exterminators.
These opportunistic nocturnal predators relish insects.  Prey is crushed with pincers or paralyzed or killed with venom.  Digestive fluids liquefy prey before ingestion.  When food is scarce, scorpions can endure 6 to 12 months of starvation. 

Florida scorpon - photo Wildflorida.com

Among species, venom is unique.  Smaller species are often more toxic; larger species sometimes need only intimidate.  Newborns should not be underestimated.  To conserve venom, dosage is regulated according to victims; dry stings occur.  
Approximately 90 species inhabit the United States, chiefly in the Southwest.  Most dangerous in North America are the Arizona bark scorpions.  They are robust and can survive nuclear ground zero.  Though scorpions are customarily solitary, this species lives in packs.   Probably, the world’s deadliest are the fattail and the deathstalker scorpions of Africa and the Middle East and the Indian red scorpions.  Fortunately, Florida’s 3 species are considered minor pests.
Less than 5% of humans (particularly the young, elderly, and allergic) need treatment for stings delivered by threatened scorpions.  Stings are generally just painful—comparable to a wasp sting.  Fatalities are rare in this country. 
Scorpion venom is used in insecticides and vaccines.  In Pakistan, the venom of large black scorpions is worth thousands of dollars for medicinal research.  Ancient Chinese physicians used scorpion venom for drooping eyelids.  Helpful scorpions!

Spinning Tales About Spiders

Spiders, scorpions, mites, ticks, and harvestmen are arachnids, not insects.  They are arthropods:  invertebrates with molting exoskeletons (external skeletons), segmented bodies, and jointed limbs.   

Except in Antarctica, spiders exist worldwide.  They may dwell in houses, trees, or underground.  Significant features are eight legs, mostly four pairs of eyes, venomous fangs, and two body segments. 

Females sometimes eat their counterparts (males are usually smaller) before, during, and after mating.  To survive, some males choose mates weakened from molting.  Yet, it seems cannibalism is not typical—even with black widow spiders. 

Dozens to hundreds of eggs are laid in one or more silk sacs which are carried, dragged, or safeguarded in nests or webs.  Mothers generally feed and carry their offspring.  Females live longer; lifespan is up to two years.

Spiny-backed Orb Weaver - Charlie Corbeil

Silk is emitted from spinnerets (silk-spinning organs) for weaving webs which offer protection and trap nourishment.  Webs with sticky or fluffy silk ambush insects which may be numbed and wrapped in fine silk.  Non-sticky silk allows resident spiders to travel in certain web areas.  Silk threads provide safety lines to escape danger.  Spiderlings colonize by parachuting (flying) hundreds of miles on threads. 

Banana spider - Brett Pigon

These arachnids, are mostly solitary, but some species build communal webs—a four-acre web in a Baltimore building housed 107 million spiders.   Webs facilitate arachnid classification.  For example, the orb weaver builds the spiral web, and the sheet web spider forms a sheet.  At maturity, some males abandon web weaving to pursue mating.  Webs may be eaten for energy.  Some are rebuilt, repaired, or abandoned as cobwebs.  However, certain species do not utilize webs.

Banana spider and web - Brett Pigon

In 1973, Anita and Arabella, two spiders, participated in Skylab 3 mission.  The space webs produced were finer and not uniform in thickness as earth specimens.  During the mission, they died.  Their bodies are at the Smithsonian. 

Arachnophobia, fear of spiders (over 40,000 species), affects more women than men.  Although spiders bite when threatened, most have harmless small and weak fangs.  For instance, the female black widow has large venom glands, with venom more potent than a rattlesnake, but she needs a good grip to inflict serious harm—which is rare. 

Web in morning light - Brett Pigon

Did you know?  The tarantula is a fried delicacy in Cambodia.  The brown recluse, which damages tissue, is sparse in Florida but falsely blamed for insect bites.  The female bolas spider hunts by swinging a sticky silk globule (bola) a the end of a thread.  The spiny-backed orb-weaver, found in Florida’s orange groves, is most colorful.  The barn spider in Charlotte’s Web could write.

Research continues for spider venom in medicine and as non-polluting pesticides.  Studies of silk elasticity (greater than steel) may lead to artificial tendons.  Furthermore, spiders control pests.  Essential creatures!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      

Spinning Tales of the Nine-banded Armadillo

The armadillo (little armored one in Spanish) originated in South America.  The United States claims only the nine-banded armadillo—7-11 bands are possible.  These bands are joined by flexible skin.  The leathery armored shell consists of bony plates covered by scales.  The anteater and sloth are relatives.

During reproduction, a female can delay implantation for months if stressed or planning to colonize.  This mammal usually delivers Identical quadruplets.  Babies have soft shells—similar to human fingernails.  The adult weighs about 12 pounds.   Longevity spans 7-20 years.

In Florida, the armadillo is common because it seeks moist soil and warm climates—cold can be fatal.  However, increasing temperatures are promoting northward expansion.  Forests, grassland, or yards are suitable habitats. 

This solitary, primarily nocturnal animal is a lawn and agriculture pest.  It excavates several burrows with multiple entrances for shelter.  Such burrowing destroys gardens, especially plant roots.  It also exposes foundations and utility areas.  Filling and blocking tunnels sometimes discourage revisits.  It is also effective to avoid excessive irrigation and fertilization, since moist soil and luscious vegetation bring earthworms and insect larvae (armadillo candy) to the surface.  Scavenging, especially for insects, is facilitated by a long, sticky tongue, capable claws, and a keen sense of smell which substitutes for poor eyesight. 

Armadillo - photo Brett Pigon

 
Dens provide refuge from such animals as black bears and alligators.  The protective armor and fast, short legs also allow quick escapes into thorny patches.  It is a misconception that the nine-banded armadillo rolls up into a ball for defense—only the three-banded armadillo qualifies.   Realistically, the biggest threat is becoming roadkill.  Though its body is small enough for a car to pass over, it jumps high when startled and encounters the undercarriage of the vehicle.

Since the armadillo can hold its breath up to 6 minutes, it can walk on a river bottom for a short span.  To swim above water, it inflates its stomach for buoyancy. 

Low body temperature renders the armadillo susceptible to Hansen’s disease, leprosy.   Mangabey monkeys, rabbits, and mice can also contract leprosy systematically.  Yet, the event of a person acquiring leprosy by handling an armadillo or consuming the meat is extremely low.  (Never undercook the meat.)  During the Great Depression of 1929-39, many safely consumed the armadillo—flavored and textured like pork.  Sarcastically, it was labeled the Hoover hog after President Hoover was vilified for the economic collapse.   
 
Because of leprosy and a weak immune system, the armadillo is ideal for research—especially identical quadruplets.  As usual, some benefit is found in every creature.

Spinning Tales About Bobcats

Bobcats allegedly evolved from the Eurasian lynxes which crossed the Bering Land Bridge to North America around 2.6 million years ago.  They are prevalent in Florida. The name is derived from the bobbed (short) tail of around 5-6 inches, although a few reach 18 inches.  Coats are variations of tan, brown, or gray; spots and stripes enhance camouflage.  Florida also claims rare melanistic bobcats; subtle spots may adorn the black fur.  

Regularly, bobcats are mistaken for the shy, elusive, mostly spotless, golden-brown Florida panthers.  However, long, large tails distinguish panthers.  Moreover, males may weigh up to 150 pounds compared to 40 pounds for male bobcats—these sizable panthers prey on bobcats.  Still, panthers in the first year of life also have spots and are close enough in weight to be confused with big bobcats.

Bobcat - photo Charlie Corbeil

Habitats include forests, mountains, semi-deserts, hammock lands, and swamps.  These animals are territorial and largely solitary.  Ranges vary significantly, but areas of 5-6 square miles are common.  Overlapping occurs.  Because of land development, relocation to fragmented urban edges may shrink ranges to 1-2 square miles.  Such patchy habitats hinder roaming which decreases genetic diversity.

Each cat maintains one main den (natal den), frequently a cave or rock shelter; several auxiliary shelters are also utilized.  In Florida, saw palmetto patches and dense thickets provide choice dens.  Claw marks and scents define territories.  

Established home ranges are believed crucial for reproduction.  Gestation is around sixty days, typically producing two or three kittens yearly.  Second litters are possible.  Females are sole caregivers.  Kittens may become independent around eight months.  Lifespan seldom exceeds ten years.

Carnivorous and opportunistic, bobcats are cunning stalkers; they prey by chasing, pouncing, climbing, and swimming.  Sharp claws and needle-like teeth are lethal.   Fortunately, they rarely attack humans, but pets are vulnerable.  In Florida, food may include rabbits (favorites), abundant migrating birds, feral cats, small deer, and livestock.  Moreover, adult males consume other bobcat kittens when prey is scarce. 

Yet, huge dogs do chase bobcats up trees.  Also in pursuit are humans—Florida has a hunting season.

These wildcats are nocturnal but also wander at dusk, dawn, and daytime since they sleep only two to three hours at a time.  Due to declining space, they sometimes saunter through front or back yards.  Unsecured garbage cans are attractions.  Probably, a bobcat visited your yard if you discover clawless (due to retractable claws) four-toed tracks with direct register—hind prints on top of fore prints.  

Perchance, if you behold one of these graceful creatures, discreetly relish its elegance!

Haiku by Hailey Scalia, 8-year-old conservationist

    Bobcats:  Nocturnal     

Hunting, lurking, beautiful Neighborhood creatures!

              

Spinning Tales About Snakes

Apparently, snakes evolved from lizards.  Cold blooded, these reptiles are more evident in warm climates.  Many reproduce by laying eggs (soft and leathery).  However, in colder climates, where incubation may be compromised, live births occur.

Allegedly, humans fear snakes because they are conditioned through evolution to fear threats.  Actually, snakes avoid confrontation, but they injure when disturbed.  Though more species are nonvenomous, they still bite.  Venomous snakes use fangs to inject venom (saliva), often striking below the knee.  Fortunately, defensive dry bites (no venom released) are common, since snakes intend to subdue prey and not humans.

In this country, annual estimates reveal 7,000-8,000 venomous snake bites on humans, resulting in as few as 5 fatalities because exceptional treatment is available.  Comparatively, car-deer accidents cause around 200 fatalities—habitat fragmentation forces deer into traffic.

Florida has about 44 snake species, and 6 are venomous:  copperhead, cottonmouth, coral, and three rattlesnakes—diamondback, canebrake, and pygmy.  In addition, beware of released or escaped pythons (constrictors) invading the Everglades.  

Pygmy Rattler visits back porch - photo Brett Pigon

Rattlesnakes cause more deaths.  They warn with a hiss, coil, or rattle.  However, if stepped on, they strike immediately.  Coral snakes are sometimes handled when mistaken for colorful nonvenomous mimics; displayed is red, yellow, and black banding, but red on yellow will kill a fellow.  Furthermore, coral snakes have round pupils and not elliptical (slit) pupils like most venomous snakes. 

Venomous coral snake - yellow on black - photo Brett Pigon

Prey for snakes includes rodents (especially around farms), insects, and other snakes.  Milk snakes seek rodents and not cows.  Pythons may consume deer.

Milk snake, coral imitator - black on yellow - photo Brett Pigon

Snakes prey efficiently:  legless bodies quietly slither (boas and pythons, primitive reptiles, display claw-like remnants of hind limbs); because snakes have no outer ears, jawbones transmit vibration to inner ears; forked tongues flick to pick up scent; a pit viper senses the heat of prey with a pit between the eyes and nostrils.

  

To subdue, these carnivores grip by their teeth, inject venom, or squeeze.  They do not chew food.  Prey, often larger than predators, is swallowed whole, usually headfirst, and alive or dead.  Expandable jaws

allow mouths to open wide to swallow.  Throats, stomachs, and intestines also stretch.

Periodically, snakes shed their skins which have silky, not slimy, scales.  Transparent scales which protect eyes are also shed.  (Eyes are seemingly hypnotic without eyelids.)  Molting involves rubbing heads against hard or rough objects until peeling occurs.  Eventually, snakes crawl out of old skins which turn inside out in the process.

Undeniably, these creatures are beneficial.  They control pests, and their venom helps blood-clotting disorders and may help stop cancer.  So, prudently walk away from snakes.  Or live in Antarctica where there are none!

Spinning Tales About Honeybees

Honeybees are essential commercial crop pollinators.  They are worth billions to the global economy.

Hollow tree beehive - photo Brett Pigon

These insects develop an organized social colony accommodating a queen (elongated body), worker bees (multi-tasking females), and drones (males).  A beehive with an internal honeycomb provides nesting for some species; it is sometimes located in a rock crevice or hollow tree.  The honeycomb consists of hexagonal cells constructed from beeswax, from the stomachs of worker bees.  These cells contain the ongoing brood:  eggs, larvae, and pupae. During summer, possibly 80,000 bees complete the colony.  

Other shelters are exposed aerial nests.  Also, a beekeeper might provide an artificial hive—beekeeping is even depicted in stone-age cave paintings.   

From a larva selected by worker bees, the queen bee matures.  This larva is fed exclusively on royal jelly from worker bees—otherwise, the queen develops as a worker.  A virgin queen may fly more than once to a drone congregation area to mate for life with multiple drones from other colonies; drones have huge eyes to perceive her.  She stores millions of sperms.  During her lifetime, she may lay 1 million eggs; she controls the sex of offspring.  Obviously busy reproducing, the queen bee is maintained by worker bees.  Her scent (pheromone) regulates hive behavior. 

Honeybees ready to swarm - photo Brett Pigon

Woodpecker nest beehive - photo Brett Pigon

During winter, for warmth, worker bees cluster around the queen—drones are ejected.  Usually, in springtime, especially when overcrowding occurs, the current queen prime swarms with many bees to establish a new colony.  After swarms may follow.  The former colony sustains with a new queen.  Queens survive 2-8 years; worker bees and drones survive weeks or months. 

Honeybee on Florida native Rusty Lyonia - by Brett Pigon

Pollination occurs when worker bees seek nectar (later processed into honey) and pollen—nourishment stored in honeycomb cells.  Dance communicates food sources.  A single worker bee produces 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey per lifetime.  When foraging, bees intoxicated by ingesting fermented nectar or ripe fruit become aggressive, have flying accidents, or cannot find their hives—similar to humans.

How about stings?  Queens may sting especially rival queens without dying.  Worker bees sting and die.  Drones have no stingers but die after mating.  The sensationalized Africanized honeybees (killer bees) do not deliver a more potent sting, but they defend relentlessly in greater numbers.

Wild or kept, honeybees are in alarming decline:  colony collapse disorder.  Bees never return home—possibly disoriented.  Plausible causes are pesticides, breeders causing lack of genetic diversity, radiation from cell phones and communication towers, and genetically modified crops (less nutritious pollen).  Are honeybees canaries in the coal mine?

Undeniably, honeybees are indispensable.  For example, bone wax, made of beeswax, controls

bleeding during surgery.  90% of our cherries depend on honeybee pollination.  And honey, besides potential health benefits, is savory—ask any bear.