ANIMALS
Three Menacing-Looking ‘Snakes’ Discovered Hiding in Tree – Surprising Twist Revealed
![Three Menacing-Looking 'Snakes' Discovered Hiding in Tree](http://beginandbegin.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Three-Menacing-Looking-Snakes-Discovered-Hiding-in-Tree-Surprising-Twist-Revealed01.jpg)
Our planet, Earth, is teeming with fascinating species and remarkable creatures. Observing the intricate interactions and adaptable behaviors of these organisms in their natural habitats, as they strive to survive and maintain the delicate balance of their ecosystems, is truly awe-inspiring.
So, when I came across pictures featuring three “angry snakes” hidden in a tree, my curiosity was instantly sparked. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I wasn’t the only one captivated by these enchanting photos.
Image source: Twitter / Rob
Just one snake spotted in a tree can be quite frightening, but when three of them gather closely, it has the power to send chills down anyone’s back. However, the attention-grabbing images don’t actually show snakes; they depict something entirely different and fascinating.
Image source: Twitter / Rob
The natural world is filled with an incredible variety of living beings, showcasing an immense diversity with countless species spread across every part of our planet. Each of these species has a special and crucial role within its own ecosystem. Moreover, nature is full of astonishing adaptations and survival tactics that animals and plants have developed over time. For example, some insects have evolved camouflage colors that allow them to blend perfectly into their environment, helping them avoid potential predators. On the other hand, certain creatures have developed the ability to produce toxic substances, serving as a defense mechanism against their enemies.
Image source: Twitter / Rob
The intriguing nature of our world became even more apparent when a collection of photos depicting three angry-looking “snakes” started circulating online. In 2021, a tweet from Rob Allam left internet users puzzled, as it appeared to capture three furious “serpents” hiding in a tree. However, it didn’t take long for people to uncover the hidden truth behind these pictures, uncovering a much more fascinating story than what was initially perceived.
As it turns out, the group of “snakes” is actually a captivating optical illusion created by a portion of wings from two different moth species called the Atlas moth.
Image source: Twitter / Rob
These incredible moths, originating from the forests of Asia, possess a fascinating ability to imitate the appearance of snakes. The Atlas moth, one of the largest species of Lepidoptera, showcases an impressive wingspan that can reach up to 9.4 inches, with wings spanning approximately 25 square inches in surface area. Interestingly, its body is notably smaller compared to its expansive wings, creating a striking contrast in size. Carl Linnaeus first documented this moth in 1758, recognizing it as one of the largest insects on Earth. Its name, inspired by Atlas, the Greek mythological Titan, honors its commanding size.
When the viral picture was posted on Twitter by user Rob, he included an explanation alongside it:
“Attacus Atlas, one of the largest butterflies in the world, has a short adult lifespan of only two weeks. During this stage, its primary objective is to lay eggs and protect them until they hatch, all the while disguising itself as a snake,” he wrote.
Attacus Atlas is one of the largest butterflies in the world and lives only for two weeks with one goal in their adult stage: lay eggs and defend them until they hatch while disguised as a snake pic.twitter.com/oc7u2H288X
— Rob (@thegallowboob) October 15, 2021
At first, many people on social media had a hard time believing that the creature in the picture was actually a moth. “That disguise is truly remarkable,” commented one user.
Another user was amazed and remarked, “How is the top one not a real snake? This moth would have a longer life if it didn’t resemble something I’d want to swat away with a broom.”
Despite what one might expect, Atlas moths are actually not strong or agile fliers. In order to conserve their energy, these moths prefer to rest during the daytime and become active flyers at night.
Image source: Wikipedia Commons / Alias 0591
As stated by the National History Museum, when the Atlas moth senses danger, it adopts a defensive tactic where it descends to the ground, twists its body, and flutters its wings deliberately, creating the illusion of a snake’s head. Normally, to witness the captivating presence of the Atlas moth up close, a visit to the tropical forests of Asia would be required. However, there have been documented sightings of Atlas moths in certain parts of Europe and the United States as well.
In 2012, an interesting occurrence took place in Ramsbottom, Greater Manchester, as reported by the BBC. A gigantic Atlas moth was found perched on a windowsill, capturing the curiosity of the family who stumbled upon it. At first, they mistakenly thought it was a bat, given its impressive size. It is believed that this extraordinary creature had probably escaped from a private collection. Sadly, the moth’s life was cut short shortly after its discovery.
A truly remarkable event took place when another Atlas moth was spotted and photographed in Bellevue, Washington, in July 2022, making headlines. This sighting was particularly significant as it marked the first documented encounter with this species in the United States. Adding to the intrigue, another Atlas moth was also found in Sweden in the same year, further fueling curiosity and fascination.
Image source: Wikipedia / Maghdp
When discussing the mesmerizing nature of these moths, Sven Spichiger, the entomologist in charge at the state Agriculture Department, described them as follows, “This is a ‘gee-whiz’ type of insect, because of its immense size.” He further emphasized, “Even if you aren’t actively searching for insects, this is the kind of creature that prompts people to whip out their phones and snap a photo—they are truly striking in appearance.”
Source: Majestic Animals
ANIMALS
Amazing Video of Unseen Ocean Creatures in the Ningaloo Canyons
![Amazing Video of Unseen Ocean Creatures in the Ningaloo Canyons](http://beginandbegin.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Amazing-Video-of-Unseen-Ocean-Creatures-in-the-Ningaloo-Canyons.jpg)
The Schmidt Ocean Institute recently explored the Ningaloo Canyons on the western coast of Australia using a robotic underwater vehicle called the ROV Sebastian. Check out the amazing video of what they discovered in the deep parts of the Indian Ocean.
More info: Youtube
ANIMALS
These Pics Are Art and the Artists Are Insects
![These Pics Are Art and the Artists Are Insects](http://beginandbegin.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/These-Pics-Are-Art-and-the-Artists-Are-Insects.jpg)
Flying insects move so quickly that they are hard to follow, but new technology and some smart ideas have helped Spanish photographer Xavi Bou do just that. After spending 10 years focusing on birds in flight for his Ornithographies project, he turned his attention to insects.
For Entomographies, he uses high-speed video footage taken by Adrian Smith, an insect expert at North Carolina State University, to study and record how insects move. Bou then picks multiple frames and combines them into single images that show the fast movements of one or more insects through space and time.
With Smith’s help, Bou has captured the aerial tricks of wasps, the jumps of leafhoppers, and the fluttering of butterflies in amazing detail. He hopes that by doing this, he can make people more aware of the decline in important insect populations around the world.
1. Zebra longwing
This butterfly, which is common in many areas of the Americas, really fits its name. It can fly very high with just a few flaps of its large wings.
Image source: nationalgeographic
2. Two-lined spittlebug
This insect, which comes from the eastern United States, is often seen as a pest because it likes to eat grass. Its springy back legs can make it jump into the air like a rocket.
Image source: nationalgeographic
3. Yellow-collared scape moth
Unlike most moths, this North American species flies during the day. Its shiny blue-black wings sparkle in the sunlight.
Image source: nationalgeographic
4. Ailanthus webworm moths
These tropical moths have spread farther north in the U.S. Because of their larval host, the invasive tree of heaven, they are now one of the most common backyard moths in the country.
Image source: nationalgeographic
5. Common stonefly
Mostly found in eastern North America, this insect starts its life as an underwater nymph in forested streams or rivers. Then it leaves the water, sheds its skin, and becomes an adult with wings.
Image source: nationalgeographic
6. Green lacewings
Eighty-seven species of this insect have been found in the U.S. and Canada. Since they eat a lot of unwanted plant pests like aphids and mites, they are often used to naturally control these pests.
Image source: nationalgeographic
7. Grapevine beetle
This insect, fittingly named, eats the leaves and fruit of grapevines, both wild and farmed, but it doesn’t do much damage to the plants. As a type of scarab beetle, it often flies in a curved path.
Image source: nationalgeographic
8. Oak treehopper and green treehopper
Treehoppers are known for their uniquely shaped pronotum, the part behind their head, which often looks like plant parts to hide from predators. They can jump well thanks to special muscles.
Image source: nationalgeographic
9. Banded orange
This brightly colored butterfly can be found from Mexico to Brazil. Before mating season, male butterflies look for mineral salts, sometimes even drinking salty fluids from the skin, eyes, and nostrils of other animals.
Image source: nationalgeographic
10. Sapho longwing
Longwings can live for 6 to 7 months, longer than most butterflies. This type, found from Mexico to Ecuador, has shiny blue wings, which is why it’s also called the Sapphire longwing.
Image source: nationalgeographic
ANIMALS
Eagle and Fox in an Epic Midair Battle Over a Rabbit, Were Captured by a Photographer
![Eagle and Fox in an Epic Midair Battle Over a Rabbit, Were Captured by a Photographer](http://beginandbegin.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Eagle-and-Fox-in-an-Epic-Midair-Battle-Over-a-Rabbit-Were-Captured-by-a-Photographer.jpg)
Wildlife photography often depends on the perfect combination of good timing and the right place.
That’s exactly what happened when Kevin Ebi, an experienced wildlife photographer, captured an incredible battle between a bald eagle and a red fox, both competing for a rabbit meal.
In a detailed blog post, Ebi shares the fascinating series of events that unfolded while he was photographing foxes in San Juan Island National Historical Park, located in Washington state.
Ebi noticed a lively group of eight fox kits as they began their hunting lessons. Suddenly, they spotted a rabbit, and a thrilling chase ensued. Eventually, one of the foxes emerged as the winner, proudly carrying the rabbit across the field.
Image source: Kevin Ebi
Ebi shares what happened at that moment: “As I followed the fox with my camera, a sudden bald eagle cry caught my attention. It was swiftly approaching, clearly aiming for the rabbit. I quickly focused on the fox, anticipating a quick turnover of events.”
To Ebi’s astonishment, instead of a quick surrender, the situation turned into a intense fight in the air.
The eagle used its power to lift the fox and rabbit high up in the sky. Even while airborne, the fox attempted to break free by swinging back and forth.
Image source: Kevin Ebi
Image source: Kevin Ebi
Image source: Kevin Ebi
In the end, the eagle moved the rabbit to its other claw, causing the fox to let go. The intense battle came to an end in less than 10 seconds.
Image source: Kevin Ebi
For those worried about the fox’s well-being after the fight, Ebi reassures that it was not injured. The fox swiftly bounced back from the encounter and resumed its playful behavior with the other young foxes, showing no visible wounds from the aerial clash.
Image source: Kevin Ebi
Image source: Kevin Ebi
Image source: Kevin Ebi
Image source: Kevin Ebi
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