The Grey Heron

An Illustration by Ayushi Tiwari, Masters in History, Indira Gandhi National Open University. Credits: Ayushi Tiwari Often found browsing for fish near lakes and ponds or in wetlands, this long-legged bird is a notable member of the heron family. The grey heron (Ardea cinerea), unmistakable owing to its long neck, white crown, black shoulder patch,...

The Death’s-Head Hawkmoth

A Spooktober Special! By Pearl D'Souza, Illustration Class of 2024, Nottingham Trent University, UK. Credits: Pearl D'Souza Spooky season would be incomplete without bringing up our favourite adorable creature of gloom, the death's-head hawkmoth! This rebel of the moth world is one of its most feared members, and is traditionally considered to be an omen...

Anglerfish ‘Boo’logy

A Spooktober Special! By Himani Bhave, FYBSc, St. Xavier's College, Mumbai. Credits: Himani Bhave FYBSc *** The XZA Chronicle is accepting submissions for the event at blogxza@gmail.com! Submit your spookiest wildlife articles or artwork and get a chance to be featured on the blog. We will be posting shortlisted content from October 31 to November 7....

Zombie Ant

A Spooktober Special! By Fay Pereira, SYBSc, St. Xavier's College Mumbai. Credits: Fay Pereira SYBSc Ants infected by the parasitic fungus Ophiocordyceps camponoti-floridani are influenced to promote the growth and spread of the fungus through their behaviour. As seen in this comic strip, 'Zombie Ants' is another name for the ants infected by this fungus. It...