NotWorththeBreath

are more genetically compatible than These

This

And this

Are more distantly related from one another than you and I are from a lungfish

are genetically closer than these

these

are genetically closer than these

these

are more genetically similar than these

Smaller than a ladybug

Found everywhere but most people never notice them

Can change instantly from its gold colors to completely black or brown to confuse predators

Strong feet and domed shell allow it to hold tightly to a leaf when attacked by ants, who can’t get a grip on it.

The larvae collect their own poop on the end of their tails and swing it at predators to deter them.

In some species the mother and her babies form this defensive arrangement together, with the poop clubs out and mom’s armored body protecting their heads:

ahh i actually havent ! at first i thought you were actually talking about a CATERPILLAR that looks like a snake, and said cocoon on accident (specifically the caterpillar of the hemeroplanes triptolemus, or snake-mimic hawk moth)

but it TURNS OUT theres a species of butterfly that takes it way further, to the point where all the other caterpillars are like “is this really fuckin necessary”

its the chrysalis of the daring-owl butterfly ! a species thats found in trinidad and spends a good portion of its young adult life trying to convince other things that its not actually completely helpless

LOOK at the detail thats gone into this though- i cant even imagine the journey  this look mustve taken, with lightly less-snakelike chrysalises being eaten over time again and again until youve got something with definable eyes and scales

apparently if disturbed theyll also rock violently back and forth, furthering the idea that this is a very dangerous pitviper with the tiniest body imaginable

the adult butterflies are much less exciting but honestly they dont need to be with a history like that a+ bug

A female and male Crested Kingfisher (Megaceryle lugubris) at Asahikawa city in Hokkaido, Japan.