Species of the week
Species of the week: birch polypore fungus
As part of National Fungus Day the British Mycological Society is asking people to take part in fungi spotting and let them know if you see the birch polypore. If you would like to hold an event as part of UK Fungus Day on the 12th October (part of Biology Week) please contact admin@britmycolsoc.info Piptoporus … Continue reading
In celebration of (tasty) grasshoppers
By Rebecca Nesbit, press officer at the Society of Biology, co-ordinator of the flying ant survey and BioArtAttack competition, and keen entomophagist. There is a lot to celebrate about insects, not just the services they provide for us, but the incredible feats they accomplish. As National Insect Week draws to a close, it is a … Continue reading
Species of the week: fly agaric
As part of National Fungus Day the British Mycological Society is asking people to take part in fungi spotting and let them know if you see a fly agaric. If you would like to hold an event as part of UK Fungus Day on the 12th October (part of Biology Week) please contact admin@britmycolsoc.info Amanita … Continue reading
So what IS the point of wasps?
Mark Leach, the Society of Biology’s membership marketing manager, has been wondering what wasps are actually for. As the summer (and hopefully the drier weather) approaches, this heralds the time of the year when wasps, ants and the children next door threaten the peace and tranquillity of British alfresco dining. But what are wasps actually … Continue reading
Vulture culture – the bald facts
Mark Leach, the Society of Biology’s membership marketing manager learns all about vultures. As is often the way of these things, (particularly when you work for the Society of Biology) a random office conversation got us talking about vultures. Always with an eye on my next project, Rebecca Nesbit pointed me towards the internet, with … Continue reading
Species of the week: Cane toad
The cane toad (Bufo marinus or Rhinella marina) is a large toad native to south and central America, which has had some pretty bad press. Its attempted use in pest control has led to populations being established around the world, often with serious consequences for native wildlife. It is also known as the giant toad, … Continue reading
Species of the week: the hedgehog
This autumn, thousands of hedgehogs will curl up and sleep through the winter blues, with the hope of emerging next March to see the blossom on trees and the return of life to the gardens, woodlands and fields. Hibernation, though, is a perilous practise and not to be taken lightly. Many hedgehogs will never wake … Continue reading
Species of the Week: The Malayan Tiger
In 2004, the Malayan Tiger, was welcomed as its own subspecies after careful consideration of genetics and measurements from the closely related subspecies Panthera tigris corbetti, the tigers of Singapore. The Malayan Tiger is exclusively found in the Malay Peninsula, and there are estimated to be approximately 500 in existence. Unfortunately, tiger numbers continue … Continue reading
The attack of the killer slugs!
Mark Leach is the membership marketing manager for the Society of Biology, as well as being amateur biologist in residence! Further to my initial amateur biologist blogs, as my turn on the blogging rota approached I asked my colleague Becky if she had any ideas on where I should focus my quest for knowledge. I … Continue reading
The attack of an army ant
Student Samantha Hodgson studies at the University of Gloucestershire, and is writing about the swarm raiding technique of army ants ahead of our 24 hour lecture on ants and bees, hosted by Professor Adam Hart. Army ants are unparalleled in the animal world when it comes to raid strategy. They are capable of capturing tens … Continue reading