nature’s mockery

Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus), family Varanidae, Zambia

Behold the pocket-sized western pygmy possum! (Cercartetus concinnus). One of the world’s smallest possums, this species typically weighs just 0.5 oz (14 g)—the size of an AA battery. This dainty marsupial is a nectarivore, meaning that its diet consists primarily of plant nectar. It inhabits treetops in forests throughout parts of Australia, using its long prehensile tail like a fifth limb as it moves from branch to branch.

Eva Auld Watson (1888-1948)

Ahh! The wrinkle-faced bat (Centurio senex) might look alarming, but fear not: This critter is a frugivore, meaning fruit is on the menu… not blood. Found in Central and South America, this bat prefers to suck the juices from overripe fruits like mangos and soft bananas. Scientists think that the deep folds or “wrinkles” on this bat’s face help channel extra juice to its mouth while it feeds! This small species only grows up to 2.76 in (7 cm) long. Males, who typically have more folds than females, also have scent glands in their “wrinkles.”