The grove snail (Cepaea nemoralis) and the garden banded snail (Cepaea hortensis) are like siblings sharing a home in nature. They inhabit similar habitats and have a wide variety of shell colors and patterns. Although the grove snail generally grows larger, it is the color of the lip of its shell (edge ​​of the shell opening) that sets it apart from its relatives. While the garden banded snail has a light lip in most cases, the lip of the grove snail is usually dark colored. They are a very common sight in Europe, and can vary greatly in appearance from region to region.

"Survival of the fittest" is often misunderstood. It was originally meant to imply that the most well-adapted species prevail, not necessarily the "fittest" species. This means that the success of certain traits is not solely dependent on the efficiency of those traits. Rather, it is a complex interplay of environmental conditions, competition, pests, and much more. The success of a trait can largely depend on luck, such as favorable conditions for its spread within a stable population or its extinction due to an event. The fragility of populations is evident in the many species currently facing extinction—evolutionary marvels that suddenly disappear. Traits may take millions of years to develop or may never emerge again. When applied to humans, this is an important realization as it undermines race theories and eugenicist ideologies. The sole basis of these dehumanizing ideologies is a perceived superiority easily refuted by evolutionary insights. There is no basis for considering any physical traits as inferior. However, there is a good reason why this argument is rarely heard: a discussion about the value of human life is incompatible with insights from ethical philosophy. Human dignity is inviolable, and every individual determines their own worth. A discussion about the value of human traits or peculiarities should not even be entertained, as such a discussion is inherently undignified. Unfortunately, there are increasingly societal concepts that garner support with antiquated and dehumanizing views. It is important to employ reason and humanity to oppose such developments.

Happy Pi Day!

Pi is a mathematical constant that describes the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. The circle is often associated with perfection. Natural processes and structures are often characterized by irregularities and variations, even if they approximate a circular pattern. Idealized perfection, as defined in geometry, is rarely or not at all found in natural phenomena.

This is my 777th post! Like the number 7, the circle is often regarded as a symbol of completeness, perfection, and infinity, as it endlessly revolves around itself, without beginning or end. However, in contrast, Pi, an irrational number with an infinite decimal representation, remains inaccessible despite all efforts.

This irony underscores the tension between the ideal of completion and the reality of inaccessibility, offering insights into the nature of humanity and the universe.

In attempting to draw a circle, however, constantly deviating slightly from perfection, a spiral may emerge.

This consideration leads to a deeper understanding of the relationship between the circle, representing perfection and completion - and the spiral, often associated with growth, change, and evolution.

The spiral resulting from this attempt serves as a visual representation of human striving for perfection and completion, yet it also reminds me of the beauty of the natural and authentic, which often manifests in imperfection. Often hindered by errors, imperfections, or external influences.

Metaphorically, it expresses the infinite process of self-improvement and growth, while striving for perfection and grappling with the realities and challenges of life. Progress often occurs not linearly, but in waves or cycles.

In this sense, the emergence of a spiral from the attempt to draw a circle reminds me that perfection is a continuous process of self-unfolding and growth, driven by the pursuit of perfection and the acceptance of imperfection.

What's my state of mind? 🫣
Hopefully the last selfie with this hat.
Even though I have to shave my ears again, I'm looking forward to sunshine and rainbows and moths in my fur.*

🦋🌈🦋🦥🌴🦋🌞

*Metaphorical moths.
Sloths live in symbiosis with sloth moths.
That tingles!✨️🥰

You should also appreciate a slo-mo symbiosis. 🫠🕰

🤍

Bask in the golden glow of a summer sunset, casting its warm hues over a lush rye field, with the majestic silhouette of the Altkönig "Old King" looming in the distance 🫠❤️‍🔥

September heatwave 🌡️🔥🌊🌞

The beginning of autumn was only pretended.
Now it's back to ice cream and tropical nights.

In contrast to most other tachinid flies, the larvae of the bug fly (Phasia hemiptera) do not parasitize on caterpillars but on stink bugs.

The male is easily identified by the wings with iridescent blue-black spots.

Beautiful! 🥰

The time for cozy blankets has arrived - Welcome to autumn!
✨🦔🍂🌦️✨

When it's unbearably hot, the best thing to do is go into the forest and cool off by the stream. 💦🥰🌲🌳 And it's even better if you can watch fallow deer (Dama dama) playing.😊

😎🌞