Spooky organisms

Giant hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) and manchineel (Hippomane mancinella) for their toxins!

Black witch moth (Ascalapha odorata)… a big black moth with a spooky name! Some fascinating and spooky folklore to go with them too if you look into it. I had the pleasure of seeing them in Morelos.

I’m sure most people find parasitism to be at least a little spooky. Zombie ant fungus (Ophiocordyceps unilateralis), the green-banded broodsac (Leucochloridium paradoxum), and tarantula hawks (Tribe Pepsini) have attracted significant attention and notoriety for their unique behavior.

There are definitely more I can’t recall right now as I’m a bit sleepy. Might have to make a second post later!

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Those nighttime shrieks made by the barn owl can be pretty spooky.

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Completely forgot about this one but it’s an absolute great in terms of spooky animals… very gross.

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