Hesse, a state in the heart of Germany, is characterized by a diverse biocultural landscape. From the wooded low mountain ranges like the Taunus and the Vogelsberg to the fertile valleys along the Rhine, Hesse offers a wide range of habitats for a variety of plant and animal species. The flora is marked by deciduous and coniferous trees in the forests, as well as typical Central European plants such as beeches, oaks, and chestnuts. The fauna includes a variety of species, including deer, wild boar, foxes, badgers, and various bird species like woodpeckers and owls. The people of Hesse have developed a close relationship with nature over the centuries, reflected in traditions such as the preservation of orchards and the protection of nature reserves. Despite challenges from land use, urbanization, and climate change, the protection and preservation of this biocultural diversity remain crucial for the future of Hesse and the well-being of its residents.
It's a big big world for a tiny baby lizard, less than two centimeters tall. 🥺
Native to the Bahamas and Cuba, this iguanian species has widely been introduced to other places like the United States, Mexico and Taiwan. Their eggs often travel via the soil of plant pots. Like other anole, it can change color. In this case from brown to black. The coloration depends on their mood and activity. Brown anole are very communicative in visual ways.
Little stinker in its fourth instar. Two moults remain until adulthood. It's a very common European species. You can find them from North Africa across Europe to Central Asia. It prefers to live on deciduous trees (linden, alder), bushes, nettles and thistles. I found this one below a linden tree. In German we call them Grüne Stinkwanze (green stink bug). My friends from North America have a very similar bug with that name (Chinavia hilaris). But they differ much in color in their larval stage and have a few small differences as adults. Both species are member of the Pentatomidae family, generally called shield bugs or stink bugs. They have in common that they release a pungent defensive spray when threatened, disturbed or crrrrushhhhed.💚
This cute member of the Psychodidae family can reach a length of 3-5 millimeters. It only lives about 12 days as an adult. If it doesn't slurp water or flower nectar, it just hangs on some walls or trees.✌️
It's distribution is worldwide in tropical and temperate areas. The origin of their distribution is unknown.
Their larvae live in aquatic environments and take about 18 days to turn into a pupa, which develops into an adult after 5 days.
Because of their fine water-repellent hairs, adults and larvae are difficult to drown and are not affected by contact with most water-borne toxins. They can also handle very high temperatures.
My first attempt at making something artistic out of resin. A lot has gone wrong, but the result is ok. It's my left hand that I made a negative imprint of with dentist silicone. The rest is by accident, because the imprint was not perfect and partially leaky. So the resin itself became creative. 😅
It's a present for someone who is going through tough times.
Details:
This post is part of the artistic performance The Happening on Instagram.
Yesterday, on a rainy summer night, somewhere between kindergarten and cemetery, I met these two friends.😁
The snail is a garden snail (Cornu aspersum). A globally invasive species originally native to the Mediterranean region. It used to be assigned to the Roman snail, but represents a genus of its own. Like the Roman snail, this species is also bred as a food snail. Even to a greater extent than the Roman snail.🐌
The isopod is a common striped woodlouse (Philoscia muscorum). A very widespread species of woodlice in Europe. Because it can run exceptionally fast, it is called the fast woodlouse.💨
Both species have a beautiful eel line.❤️
Looks like the snail is the big boss (Jabba) and the isopod is his nimble sidekick who tells him the latest news from the neighborhood.🤣