Life, Death, and Taxonomy

Life, Death, and Taxonomy

By: Life, Death, and Taxonomy

Language: en

Categories: Science, Natural, Education, Nature

Learn about all things animalia in this family friendly podcast. Each week Joe and Carlos dive deep into nature to find animals that have at least one amazing talent they use to survive. Gather up some animal knowledge and crazy nature facts to drop on your friends at parties with each new episode of Life, Death, and Taxonomy.

Episodes

Episode 402 – Rooster: Earplugs
Jan 10, 2026

“…and today we’re talking about a familiar feathered friend. But more on that now.” In the quiet just before dawn, when everything feels briefly held in place, one animal steps in and breaks it like a neighbor who thinks that revving his mufflerless engine at 5 am is what the kids on fleek think is […]

Duration: 00:00:00
Episode 401 – Puffin: Join In to Fit In
Jan 03, 2026

“And today we’re talking about a tiny creature that looks like a penguin but isn’t. More on that later.” A bird with a funny name sits upon a dock post of a frigid Atlantic wharf, waiting for friends to arrive for the busy mating season. With a beak the color of sunset, these seabirds squawk […]

Duration: 00:37:47
Episode 400 – Iberian Harvester Ant: Little Farmer
Dec 29, 2025

“….and today we’re talking about a tiny, little farmer. But more on that later.” (Messor Ibericus) Measure Up Welcome to the beloved Measure Up segment. The official listener’s favorite part of the show! The part of the show when we present the animal’s size and dimension in relatable terms through a quiz that’s fun for […]

Duration: 00:37:17
Episode 399 – Little Blue Penguin: Catastrophic Molt
Dec 27, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about little bird blue, but more on that later.” As seasons change, so do many animals. New coats, sloughed skin, fresh molts–even humans don’t wear white after labor day. For most, it’s a gradual process that can be a challenge, but makes way for growth. For some, it can be dangerous, […]

Duration: 00:36:38
Episode 398 – Alpine Swift: Nonstep Nonsense
Dec 13, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a high fly star that’s not Taylor or D’andre… But more on that later. High above the Alps, where even eagles take snack breaks, there’s a bird that laughs in the face of gravity, sleep schedules, and layovers. It’s a feathered jet stream, a sky-soaring insomniac that treats “touching grass” […]

Duration: 00:40:27
Episode 397- Frilled Shark: Trident Bite
Dec 06, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about fish with an identity crisis. But more on that later.” Is it a snake? An eel? A buzz saw? The frilled shark is none of those things, and yet it’s something of all three. This creepy looking ocean creature appears to have blunt pearly whites from a distance, but a […]

Duration: 00:40:51
Episode 396 – African Buffalo: Seen and Herd
Dec 01, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about the savannah’s secret dangerous megafauna. But more on that later.” Species: Syncerus caffer, also known as Cape buffalo, savanna buffalo, or forest buffalo, depending on the subspecies. Description Build: Stocky and muscular with a broad chest, short neck, and sturdy legs built for endurance. Coat: Short, coarse hair ranging from […]

Duration: 00:44:12
Episode 395 – Globe Skimmer: Bug Flight
Nov 22, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a globe trotting bug. But more on that later.” A simple insect lives a glover trotter’s life. No dry season will do in this bug’s life–rainfall is needed near round to maintain a healthy life cycle. So, chasing storms all over the Indian ocean is the bold strategy the globe […]

Duration: 00:30:03
Episode 394 – Crown of Thorns Starfish: Chemical Bromance
Nov 08, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a starfish that the jester stole. But more on that later.” Dive into the dazzling depths of the ocean, where a spiky sovereign slinks silently across coral castles, whispering secrets through an invisible ink of proteins. This prickly predator, a veritable porcupine of the sea, rules the reefs with a […]

Duration: 00:40:46
Episode 393 – Emperor Tamarin: Long Distance Charge
Nov 01, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a monkey that pays for long distance. But more on that later.” Description Tiny primate, about the size of a large squirrel compared to other tamarins Soft, silky fur in a mix of gray, black, and brownish hues Distinctive long, white mustache that droops like a hipster’s finest facial hair […]

Duration: 00:34:28
Episode 392 – Dwarf Sperm Whale: Little Big Creature
Oct 25, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a little big creature. But more on that later.” Description Appearance: Compact body with a blunt, shark-like head, small lower jaw, and grayish skin that may appear wrinkled, especially in older individuals. They have a dorsal fin, smaller than that of the pygmy sperm whale, and a distinctive white or […]

Duration: 00:34:42
Episode 391- Thorny Devil: Ant Snacks
Oct 11, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a dessert demon. But more on that later.” Finding a solid food source is a top priority in the red dust of the Australian outback. But one thorny little devil has developed an appetite for the dessert’s spicy buffet. Not all creatures can stomach one of nature’s most common prey […]

Duration: 00:42:23
Episode 390 – Bogong Moth: The Stars Remind Us that the Past Is Real
Oct 04, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a bug that dances by the light of the moon. But more on that later.” It’s time to dive into the dark, daring, and downright dazzling world of the Bogong moth! This unassuming little night-flyer might look like a dusty brown speck, but it’s got a secret superpower that’ll make […]

Duration: 00:30:33
Episode 389 – Bowhead Whale Notes: Boat Noggin
Sep 27, 2025

“…today we’re talking about a whale that’s here today and here tomorrow. More on that later.” Description Looks like a massive, stocky submarine Dark gray to black smooth, rubbery skin, often with white patches on the chin and tail Largest mouth of any animal, with a curved jawline that can extend as a massive 13’ […]

Duration: 00:37:49
Episode 388- Cuvier’s Beaked Whale: Goose Whale
Sep 20, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a sea creature that does not have a beak. More on that later.”  Description They have a robust, cigar-shaped body, a short, stubby beak, and a slightly curved mouth resembling a goose’s beak.  Their coloration varies from dark gray to reddish-brown, often with a lighter head and white scars or […]

Duration: 00:35:19
Episode 387 – Cyclosa Spider: The Decoy Weaver
Sep 13, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a sneaky spider. But more on that later.” A cunning hunter weaves deceit in silken threads. Her artistry captures the eye, and it also snares her prey. But that’s not the only purpose for this cyclonic masquerade. It also hypnotizes hungry guests that would make a meal out of this […]

Duration: 00:31:17
Episode 386- Wandering Salamander: Ramblin’ Man
Sep 06, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a creature that has a good grip despite how wet it is.” Description Slender body with a long tail, short limbs, and distinctive square-shaped toe tips containing large blood sinuses, which aid in climbing and gripping surfaces. Coloration varies but is typically dark brown, gray, or black with a mottled […]

Duration: 00:32:52
Episode 385 – Death’s Head Hawkmoth: Bad Omens
Aug 23, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a moth that is marked for death. But more on that later.” If you’re wandering the forests of East Asia at night, you may encounter a creature that bears an ill omen. Black cats, ravens, owls– people around the world believe some animals are a sign that death is around […]

Duration: 00:32:04
Episode 384 – Bumblebee Bat: Tiny Bullseye
Aug 16, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about the world’s tiniest mammal. But more on that now.” The smallest of sky-dwellers won’t win any contests of strength or speed, but hunting at night requires more precision than power. A sound in the forest will echo through the dark in a million directions, but a small source can create […]

Duration: 00:30:01
Episode 383 – Marbled Four-Eyed Frog: Frogsicle
Aug 10, 2025

“And today we’re talking about frogsicle.” Description of the Frog Appearance: This frog gets its name from two inguinal poison glands on its lower back that resemble eyes, creating a “four-eyed” effect. These glands are part of a defensive posture where the frog lowers its head and raises its rear to appear larger and deter […]

Duration: 00:32:53
Episode 382 – Venus Girdle: Bioluminescent Ribbons
Jul 28, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a a creature that looks like a float on Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade.” Dive into the deep, where the ocean weaves its wildest wonders. A creature slinks through the sea like a ghostly ribbon, glimmering with an eerie glow. This aquatic apparition dances in the dark, a silent symphony […]

Duration: 00:31:46
Episode 381 – Sheep: Herbalist
Jul 19, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about the most famous fluffy animal around.” Looking to nature to find the cures for aches and ills seems like a uniquely human trait. But many animals use the elements to take care of their ailments. You may not realize, but there’s one farmiliar friend that’s extremely good at recognizing medicines […]

Duration: 00:44:39
Episode 380 – Black Musselcracker: A Man for Some Season
Jul 12, 2025

“…And today we’re telling about a creature that sounds likes a bad thing to call someone.” Beneath the briny blue of South Africa’s coastal waters lurks a creature with a schnoz so prominent it could co-star with the proboscis monkey in a muppet movie. The black musselcracker, a reef-roaming, shell-smashing singleton, chomps through crustaceans like […]

Duration: 00:31:00
Episode 379 – Spicebush Caterpillar: The Snake is a Lie
Jul 05, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a creature that sounds like a brand of expensive tea.” The unblinking eyes of the spicebush caterpillar stare into the face of danger. Subterfuge is a great tool, but maintaining a ruse requires showmanship and commitment to a role. If a hungry predator sees past their sly facade, this caterpillar’s […]

Duration: 00:35:45
Episode 378 – Sea Pig: Tiptoeing Through the Abyss
Jun 28, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about an animal with a name that sounds like a AAA baseball team.” Deep in the dark, desolate depths of the ocean, where the sun don;’t shine and the pressure is crushing, there slinks a squishy, sausage-shaped sensation. This waddler of the abyss trundles through the muck with an extremely bizarre […]

Duration: 00:39:15
Episode 377 – Planarian Flatworm: Talkin About Regeneration
Jun 11, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a flat character. But more on that later.” Everyone likes a comeback kid. Clutching victory from the jaws of defeat. But what the Black Planarian Flatworm does is way beyond a come from behind win. This pond citizen has a regenerative ability so extraordinary that it would give a thinking […]

Duration: 00:40:45
Episode 376 – Velvet Worm: Glue Gun
May 31, 2025

“And today were talking about something that’s not real velvet but it is a real worm. It is actual worm. It lives like a worm.” A wanderer in the undergrowth, glides along the leaf litter, searching for prey to tuck into the cradle of decay. This plush creature hides a secret silk used to knit […]

Duration: 00:37:12
Episode 375 – Spotted Garden Eel: The Grassy Goal
May 24, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about another, more different spotted noodle. But more on that later.” Slithering silently in the sandy shallows, the garden eel sways like a living blade of seagrass, rooted yet restless in the ocean’s endless ebb. Picture a creature that’s half snake, half shrub, playing peek-a-boo with the tides while pretending to […]

Duration: 00:30:32
Episode 374 – Proboscis Monkey: Slaparazzi
May 17, 2025

Picture a primate with a penchant for plunging.The proboscis monkey, with its pendulous schnozz and a physique built for aquatic acrobatics, is the rainforest’s resident daredevil. This long-nosed leaper doesn’t just swing through the mangroves; it hurls itself into the drink with the grace of a 10-year old at the Y, making a splash that […]

Duration: 00:40:12
Episode 373 – Pink-Fairy Armadillo: Sand
May 10, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about an armadillo that’s having wicked dreams of leaving Tennessee. But more on that later.”  A rose-hued sprite is found on the Argentine plains. This fae surfs the rippling waves of xeric sands, past the islands of desert scrub. A pointed nose cuts a channel through the substrate, while paddle claws […]

Duration: 00:31:15
Episode 372 – Common Genet: Rhino Ride Sharing
Apr 26, 2025

Picture a sneaky, slinky shadow darting through the African savanna, a nocturnal ninja with a knack for nabbing prime real estate on the move. This crafty critter isn’t just scampering through the grass—it’s catching rides on the biggest beasts around, like a furry freeloader hitching a lift on a living tank. With a face like […]

Duration: 00:41:29
Episode 371 – Dire Wolf: Un-Extincted?
Apr 26, 2025

“..and today we’re talking about a pup from the past but more on that later.” When a species is long forgotten underneath ancient permafrost, things start to look dire. But new scientific efforts are tapping into long forgotten DNA to build a bridge to the past. The question is, are we able to see the […]

Duration: 00:53:18
Episode 370 – Moorland Hawker Dragonfly: Drop Dead Gorgeous
Apr 16, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a Tom Sawyer bug. But more on that later.”  Some guys just can’t take the hint. For Moorland Hawker Dragonfly females, this can be a bit more than a simple inconvenience. When the suitors come knocking, this lady doesn’t just dodge the drama—she takes it to a whole new level. […]

Duration: 00:38:19
Episode 369 – Smooth Box Crab: Toolkit
Apr 08, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a smooth operator. But more on that later.” In the strange underwater world of the reef, many creatures develop weapons of war to fight off enemies. But one crab has entered the ocean’s arms race with a refined approach. The smooth box crab has a pair of pinchers specialized for […]

Duration: 00:30:50
Episode 368 – African Dwarf Crocodile: Orange You Glad I Said Savannah?
Mar 30, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a petite predator– relatively speaking. But more on that later.” Slithering through the shadows of swampy secrecy, the African dwarf crocodile is a pint-sized predator with a penchant for peculiarity. This crafty critter lurks in the murky margins of rivers and wetlands, a miniature menace shrouded in mystery. Some whisper […]

Duration: 00:39:22
Episode 367 – Gold-Mouth Sea Squirt: Roam No More
Mar 22, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about an active kid that grows into a lazy adult. But more on that later.” A tiny tadpole freely glides along ocean currents, going where it wills, seeking its thrills. The ocean is its oyster. But when a larva is on an adventure, it dreams of home, and when it’s home, […]

Duration: 00:40:45
Episode 366 – Polar Bear: Marathon Mammal
Mar 12, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about the original member of a group that likes to go swimming in the winter in Coney Island.” The Arctic is an unforgiving place—cold, desolate, and covered in ice as far as the eye can see. It’s a freezing wasteland where only the toughest survive, and no one does it quite […]

Duration: 04:39:21
Episode 365 – Clownfish: Reef Witherspoon
Mar 05, 2025

“… and today we’re talking about a funny little fish. But more on that later.” They say the enemy of my enemy is my friend, but that might mean putting up with some prickly traits to band together against a common foe. The clown fish makes an alliance that requires a thick skin. But what […]

Duration: 00:31:56
Episode 364 – Tiger Shark: Swim Shady
Feb 22, 2025

“..and today we’re talking about something that jealousy took two of the coolest animals for its name.” If you’ve ever found yourself watching a toddler shove random objects into their mouth, you’ve witnessed a fraction of the chaos that is the tiger shark. With an appetite as indiscriminate as a black hole and the curiosity […]

Duration: 00:34:45
BONUS – Water Anole REDUX
Feb 22, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about little swimmers. And not the aquatic diaper brand.” Let’s dive right into the cool, calm, and collected world of a lizard that’s not afraid to get its scales wet. Most reptiles avoid water like it’s hot lava, but not this daredevil. Imagine a scuba diver, a magician, and a survivalist […]

Duration: 00:37:58
Episode 363 – Red Wood Ants: Clean Builder
Feb 17, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about something that’s sticky. What is it?!” Mold, grime, and disease are plagues that the human world does it’s best to keep at bay. But animals have to worry about these things too – even ants. The Red wood ant has found a true multi-purpose cleaner that they use to keep […]

Duration: 00:32:25
Episode 362 – Capybara: A Rodent of Unusual Size
Feb 05, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about a rodent of unusual size.” In the verdant wetlands of South America the world’s largest rodent lives a serene, communal life. The capybara’s day is spent basking in the early morning sun or submerged in cool, refreshing water, their eyes above the surface, watching for signs of predators. But these […]

Duration: 00:45:27
Episode 361 – Peacock Flounder: Pile Drive Pancake
Jan 30, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about an NBC branded fish. But more on that later.” Flat and fabulous, the peacock flounder is the Picasso of the seafloor. But beneath its cool, camouflaged exterior lies a wild anatomical twist that would make even the most seasoned contortionist wince. You thought you looked different as a kid, the […]

Duration: 00:37:42
Episode 360 – Reed Warbler: The Least Known Bird
Jan 23, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about something you probably haven’t ever heard of. But more on that later.” You may think the age of exploration is over. Human beings have seen everything there is to see–at least on land right? But what if you knew there was an animal so rare that people didn’t think it […]

Duration: 00:33:22
Episode 359 – Black-Tipped Hanging Fly
Jan 15, 2025

“…and today we’re talking about an animal that sounds more sinister than it is. Bot more on that later.” Step into the insect world where everything is weird and brutal…including courtship. Imagine a tinyl Casanova what brings the snacks to the party. If you’ve ever thought dating apps were transactional, wait until you hear about […]

Duration: 00:38:36
Episode 358 – Lion’s Mane Jellyfish: Peril of the Bell
Jan 07, 2025

Ah, the ocean. It’s full of mysteries, marvels, and creatures that look like they were designed during a fever dream directed by HR Gieger. Among them swims a gelatinous giant with flowing, fibrous tentacles that seem to stretch into infinity. Meet the lion’s mane jellyfish, a giant egg yolk that can ruin your day with […]

Duration: 00:30:00
Episode 357- Wild African Donkey: From Desserts to Mangers
Dec 26, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a humble stead that once had a grand rider. But more on that later.” Few animals gain widespread cultural significance in the human world. But a creature known for stubbornness, hardiness, and humility, also once shared its manger on a very important birthday. Today, it’s name is proclaimed with the […]

Duration: 00:39:41
Episode 356- Mute Swan: The Song of Dissent
Dec 19, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a bird that make a great gift if you can get them a-swimming. But more on that later.” Nothing makes the Lords a-leap and the Ladies dance like the regal mute swan. But royal veneration and beautiful snow white feathers doesn’t change the fact they are wild animals, ready to […]

Duration: 00:32:04
Episode 355 – Red-Bellied Piranha: The Red Menace
Dec 06, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about how when a red belly rises it means blood has been spilled this night. But more on that later.” Description of the Red-Bellied Piranha The red-bellied piranha is a small to medium-sized fish, well-known for its striking appearance and infamous reputation. Here’s a more detailed description: Color: Their most distinctive […]

Duration: 00:42:28
Episode 354 – Pumpkin Toadlet – Thankful for Poison
Nov 26, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a pumpkin spiced tic tac toad. But more on that later.” If attacking you would be automatically deadly to your enemies, you might lead a charmed life–free from worry. Such an easy going atmosphere might make you grow complacent. Things that were once important to survival become optional. And why […]

Duration: 00:39:01
Episode 353 – Stoplight Loosejaw: Black Soft Bones
Nov 21, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about another disgusting deep sea creature. But more on that later.” Deep in the dark recesses of the ocean, where the sun’s rays are only a memory, lurks a creature with an interesting talent. It’s a fish with a flash, a beast with a beacon, a predator with a peculiar penchant […]

Duration: 00:36:24
Episode 352 – Irrawaddy Dolphin: Spy Hopper
Nov 13, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a little ocean hopping spy. But more on that later.” A dolphin dipping in deep abyss must allow the sun to have its kiss When scouting schools of succulent fish a trick ensures they will not miss. What vantage a high place can be! What new things can you see? […]

Duration: 00:38:34
Episode 351 – Vampire Squid: Mariner Monroe
Nov 03, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about something that I’ve sworn we’ve done before but I guess we haven’t. But more on that later.” Deep in the inky abyss where sunlight dares not shine, lurks a creature that’s equal parts nightmarish and misunderstood—like that hipster kid from high school who just listens to bands you’ve never heard […]

Duration: 00:45:15
Episode 350 – Garden Snail: Silly Sleeper
Oct 26, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about something you might have felt bad about stepping on before.” Did you know there is a vast jungle just outside your door? Though, vastness is relative to size of course. A garden is a big place for a mollusk that’s less than two inches long. The garden snail is a […]

Duration: 00:41:38
Episode 349 – Yam Hawkmoth: Yam Bam
Oct 17, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a bug with a very funny name. But more on that now.” In the dead of night, amidst the hum of crickets and the flutter of wings, there’s one creature that buzzes around like a stealthy, flying ninja with a twist. It glides from flower to flower like a hummingbird […]

Duration: 00:39:02
Episode 348 – Rocky Mountain Elk: Makes No Scents
Oct 12, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a certain cervus. But more on that later.” When you’re born into a prey animal species, it’s important to get up and running as soon as possible. But elk calves need a little time to unwind before they start bounding through the meadows. What can they do to avoid predators […]

Duration: 00:35:12
Episode 347 – Parrotfish: Maestro of Mucus
Sep 30, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a puffy stabber. But more on that later.” The pufferfish has the incredible ability to inflate itself up like a balloon as a defense mechanism. But the interesting thing about this creature is that that’s not the only thing interesting about it. If you’re a fish, the easiest thing to […]

Duration: 00:50:32
Episode 346 – Javelina: The Family that Stinks Together
Sep 24, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a forest pig that can clear the hacienda after every meal. But more on that later.” When you’re a small pork family in the forest, staying together is the key to a happy life. But it’s easy to get separated among the thick foliage and tall trees. How can you […]

Duration: 00:35:25
Episode 345 – Parachute Frog: Rendezvous With Destiny
Sep 11, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a frog that could have dropped into Normandy. But more on that later.” In the canopy high, where the tall trees sway, Lives a frog who glides in a daring display. With webbed fingers spread, like wings in the breeze, He leaps from the branches with elegant ease. The wind […]

Duration: 00:33:23
Episode 344 – Acorn Weevil: You Know The Drill
Sep 06, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a drill-faced fuzzy bug. But more on that later.” Foodies pride themselves on variety and quality, but what if your face was designed around finding a single food item. The acorn weevil has a face that is specially designed to find, evaluate, and consume acorns– and that’s not all they […]

Duration: 00:35:44
Episode 343 – Flukeworm: House Hunting
Aug 29, 2024

“…and today we are talking about something extraordinary, but it might be just a fluke. But more on that later.” Description Galactosomum spinetum is a type of fluke, and like many flukes, It has a flattened, oval shape. The metacercaria stage is spherical. It is translucent, and slightly elongated organism. The adult fluke, which resides […]

Duration: 00:42:50
Episode 342 – Oarfish: A Ribbon on the Wind
Aug 23, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a fish as long as the day is long. But more on that later.” The ocean is huge. It’s probably bigger than you think. To cover it, you’d actually need 36 United States of America, and that’s not even mentioning its depth. At that is to say that the ocean […]

Duration: 00:37:15
Episode 341 – Honey Bee: Dancing Democracy
Aug 13, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a species that is the cornerstone of civilization. But more on that later.” It’s voting season here in the US. As humans, we get our ballots and our pens to participate in democracy, but honey bees do things a bit differently. When they want to vote on something that affects […]

Duration: 00:46:07
Episode 340 – Pufferfish: Spike Chomp
Aug 07, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a puffy stabber. But more on that later.” The pufferfish has the incredible ability to inflate itself up like a balloon as a defense mechanism. But the interesting thing about this creature is that that’s not to onlythin interesting about it. If you’re a fish, the easiest thing to catch […]

Duration: 00:34:21
Episode 339 – Bone House Wasp: There Is Thy Sting
Aug 01, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about an insect that would probably shop at Hot Topic. But more on that later.” When you’re a spider wasp, you don’t have time to raise kids. They’re expensive, a liability, and they never stop asking for more spider gut snacks. So rather than deal with all that, it’s best to […]

Duration: 00:38:00
Episode 338 – Giant Desert Centipede: Kill with Kindness
Jul 25, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a killer that offers sweet nectar to its prey. More on that later.” There is a certain dread that strikes the human heart when you learn about an insect that expands its diet to include things like frogs, birds, and–worse yet–mammals. The giant desert centipede is just giant enough to […]

Duration: 00:38:38
Episode 337 – Kelp Gull: Two Whales Don’t Make Right
Jul 20, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about an aerial ace, fry thief. But more on that later.” On the cliffs where oceans wail, The kelp gull tells a fishy tale. With eyes so keen and beak so bright, It spies a meal that’s quite a sight. A right whale feasts on plankton small, The kelp gull swoops, […]

Duration: 00:30:22
Episode 336 – Bush Dog: Petite Pack
Jul 11, 2024

“…and today we are talking about a petite pack hunter. But more on that later…” Canines are usually smaller than their prey. That’s because they’ve decided to work together as a team, and teams mean more mouths to feed. But what if you’re not the size of a wolf or even a coyote? What if […]

Duration: 00:34:36
Episode 335 – Argentine Ant: Continental Super Colonies
Jul 02, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about an invading hoard that isn’t even supposed to be here. But more on that later.” If you didn’t already, you should know that there are millions of ants living under your feet. With an estimated 20 quadrillion of these little guys on the planet, you’re never very far away from […]

Duration: 00:43:19
Episode 334 – Red-Backed Poison Dart Frog: Team on Your Back
Jun 27, 2024

“…and today we are talking about a tiny slimy father. But more on that later.” Doting fatherhood is often a rarity in the animal kingdom. For most species, the lack of the maternal physical connection between fathers and offspring means that dads are relegated to nest protectors or they simply move on. But the red-backed […]

Duration: 00:19:23
Episode 333 – Dana Octopus Squid: Two-Headlights
Jun 19, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a rising star in the sea. But more on that later.” Imagine you’re swimming a casual 4000 feet below the waves in the inky blackness of the bathypelagic zone when you come across a pair of what seems like headlights. Is it a car? Is it a plane? No, it’s […]

Duration: 00:44:22
Episode 332 – Yellowhead Jawfish Main: Nursery Face
Jun 11, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about the Listerine dad fish. But more on that later.” The bright and colorful coral reefs are home to a wide variety of fish, but very few can be considered decent parents. The yellowhead jawfish is, however, an exception. Taking care of kids is never easy, but try doing it without […]

Duration: 00:35:32
Episode 331-Colugo: Falling with Style
Jun 04, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a bug-eyed pseudo bird. But more on that later.” Arboreal creatures are built to get around in trees, and in the rainforest, that’s an extremely helpful adaptation. But what if your so great at getting around the branches that your no good on the ground. The Colugo is in such […]

Duration: 00:32:20
Episode 330 – Texas Ringtail: All-Terrain Climber
May 21, 2024

“..and today we are talking about an American mammal that you might not already know about.” If you’re a denizen of North America, you probably think you know every furry critter in these parts. You’ve got your bears, cats, wolves, and even a muskrat or two. But there is a lesser known mammalian that may […]

Duration: 00:39:24
Episode 329 – Coati: Insect Repellant
May 14, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a rainforest weasel. But more on that later.” It seems that, no matter where you live, you have to deal with mosquitoes. Whether you’re in the Alaskan mountains or the jungles of Panama, biting boys are everywhere. Long ago, the white nosed coati said “enough is enough” and found an […]

Duration: 00:33:11
Episode 328 – Water Springtail: Pond Jumping Bean
May 07, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about an aquatic acrobat. But more on that later.” When you’re tiny the God hands you a different set of rules than the laws of physics humans are used to. When you hear the name water springtail, you might think of a fish or maybe a deer, but it’s actually a […]

Duration: 00:28:20
Episode 327 – Crab Hacker Barnacle: Master of Puppets
Apr 30, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about an animal hacker of animals. But more on that later.” They say the best defense is a good offense. But they rarely say the opposite. Crabs are little armored warriors scuttling around on the ocean floor, but even their rigid carapace isn’t immune to a little subterfuge. Enter the crab […]

Duration: 00:36:15
Episode 326 – Live Sharksucker: Flow Ride
Apr 23, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a sucker who will latch onto anything and go with it. But more on that later.” If you see a shark, whale, or large fish gliding through the open ocean, you may see some extra passengers stuck to its flanks. The live sharksucker is a remora, a fish that freeloads […]

Duration: 00:38:32
Episode 325 – Jacana: Bigfoot of the Billabong
Apr 18, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about the Big Foot of the outback. But more on that later.” When you think of bigfoot, you’re probably imagining a large hairy ape, but the big foot of the Australian billabongs is not swamp ape. Instead, it’s a small graceful bird bouncing along the lily pads with water skis for […]

Duration: 00:30:39
Episode 324 – Black Drumfish: Drums in the Deep
Apr 09, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a percussive Pisces. But more on that later.”  If you live in the suburbs of Tampa Bay, Florida. You may have heard an eerie sound in the night. As you drift off to dreamland, you not only hear a strange low rumbling, you can feel it in your chest. As […]

Duration: 00:32:35
Episode 323 – Silky Anteater: Asleep to the Heat
Apr 02, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about the smooth jazz of tree critters. But more on that later.” Deep in the jungles of the Amazon, an adorable ball of fluff clings to a tree branch, lapping up delicious ants. The pygmy silky anteater clearly has sloths as a role model, and it shows in their… laid back […]

Duration: 00:30:32
Episode 322 – Striped Marlin: High Speed Coordination
Mar 26, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about the tiger torpedo. But more on that later.” Living life as a living torpedo has its upsides. Feeling the current on your scales as you dart toward a school of tasty fish mackerel must be second to none. However, it comes with its challenges. The striped marlin is a sword-tipped […]

Duration: 00:41:10
Episode 321 – Clouded Leopard: Paws for Effect
Mar 19, 2024

“…and today we are talking about the banshee of Bhutan, the Specter of Sikkim. But more on that later.” It’s cloudy with a chance of leopards here in the jungle, so you’d better have an umbrella and keep your eyes on the skies. The clouded leopard is at home in the trees, and with good […]

Duration: 00:32:40
Episode 320 – Chimpanzee: Simian Socialites
Mar 12, 2024

“…and today we’re talking monkey business. But more on that later.” Imagine climbing your way to the top of your social order. You’ve made alliances with the right factions and formed a powerful coalition. Now it’s up to you to lead your troop to defend your territory and resources. It’s not the story of an […]

Duration: 00:59:34
Episode 319 – Funnel-Web Spider: Mood Stings
Mar 05, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a baleful beast that lives in a silken lair. But more on that later.” When it comes to venom, every drop counts. No one knows this better than the funnel web spider, one of the world’s deadliest eight-legged freaks. This is definitely one arachnid you don’t want to annoy, since […]

Duration: 00:44:47
Episode 318 – Bagworm: Cabin in the Woods
Feb 27, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a tiny Lincoln in a Tiny cabin. But more on that later.” Humans have long desired to sit by a warm hearth, with a roof over their head, protected from the elements. Shelter is not a yearn unique to humans. All kinds of animals burrow and build to keep the […]

Duration: 00:37:01
Episode 317 – Takin: This is a Goat?
Feb 20, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about an animal that is takin care of business. But more on that later.” In the Himalayas, you might be surprised to see a goat moose bear cow gazelle scuttling around the rocks. The takin is an odd-looking beast whose elusive nature and gleaming fur possibly inspired a well-known ancient Greek […]

Duration: 00:42:42
Episode 316 – Fig Wasp: Fig, Fig House
Feb 13, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a fig’s friend for real. But more on that later.” Foxes have holes, birds have nests, and wasps have figs? Figs have been a staple of the human diet for thousands of years, but we share that culinary attraction with an unlikely friend: a wasp. The appropriately named fig wasp […]

Duration: 00:48:14
Episode 315 – Giant Squid: An Esophagus Runs Through It
Feb 06, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about the grumpiest cephalopod in the sea. More on that later.” Brains and digestive systems are linked just like all systems in the body are linked. But with the strange tube-like body shape of the giant squid, these two systems need to be a bit closer than they’d like. When you’re […]

Duration: 00:44:10
Episode 314 – Red Fox: Animal Magnetism
Jan 30, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a predator that gives Mouse Dutch Schafer a run for his money. More on that later.” In the heart of the woodlands, across open fields, and even in bustling urban environments, a folkloric presence reigns supreme. The red fox’s fiery coat and wily spirit have earned it a place in […]

Duration: 00:44:53
Episode 313 – Saddleback Caterpillar: A Tiny Steed
Jan 23, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a tiny little steed. But more on that later.” Out here in the wild wild west of… let me check my notes… Yucatan Mexico. That’s not very West. Well, out here in the wild wild… East, you won’t get too far without your trusty saddle as well as your trusty […]

Duration: 00:38:52
Episode 312 – Candiru: Swimming Upstream
Jan 16, 2024

“Today we are talking about a vampire that glitters in the sunlight, as if you could outswim it… But more on that later.” In the shadowy depths of the mighty Amazon River, a tiny monster veiled in murky water searches for its next sanguine feast. The Candiru fish is a creature that has both intrigued […]

Duration: 00:46:15
Episode 311 – Giant Sea Spider: All Legs
Jan 09, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a spider in the last place you’d think to look for one. But more on that later.” In the coldest regions of the Arctic ocean, the depths harbor strange and alien life. Normally, living things take breathing for granted. Lungs, gills, trachea, it’s all about moving that sweet sweet oxygen […]

Duration: 00:37:16
Episode 310 – Silk Shark: Shark Boy and Lava, Girl
Jan 02, 2024

“…and today we’re talking about a shark that isn’t as smooth as it sounds, but it is hot. But more on that later.” In this housing market, sometimes you find yourself living in some unlikely places. But some silk sharks live in a place that is slightly more challenging than a three-story walk up with […]

Duration: 00:31:05
Rewind – Reindeers: Our Most Festive Episode
Dec 25, 2023

Merry Christmas, Taxonomy Titans! Carlos and I are currently enjoying Christmas cheer with our friends and family. If you find yourself driving, baking, or doing a task requiring some interesting animal information, here’s a throwback to our Christmasiest episode ever—about reindeer! If you’d like to give us a Christmas present this year, consider joining our […]

Duration: 00:47:29
Episode 309 – Aardvark: Earth Bending
Dec 19, 2023

“…And today we are talking about an animal that is perpetually in 3rd grade. But less on that later.” The plains of Africa are home to a lot of pretty strange-looking animals. I mean, have you really thought about how weird a giraffe is? But one chimeric beast would definitely leave you scratching your head […]

Duration: 00:38:11
Episode 308 – Plains Zebra: White Stripes
Dec 12, 2023

“…and today we’re talking about a fashion icon that is more interested in function over form. But more on that later.” Few looks in nature are as iconic as a plains zebra’s stripes. But these savannah equines rarely think about fashion, so these stripes must have a function beyond their form. You may think you […]

Duration: 00:53:25
Episode 307 – Greater Sage Grouse: House of Grouse
Dec 05, 2023

“…and today we’re talking about the Charlie Chaplin of chickens. But more on that later.” In the wide open plains of Saskatchewan, a bulky pheasant puts on a very interesting display. The Greater Sage Grouse male is equipped with some unique tools to let the ladies know he’s got the gains on the plains. The […]

Duration: 00:34:19
Episode 306 – Demodex Mite: Face to Face with Friends
Nov 28, 2023

“…and today we’re talking about a tiny animal that likes oil, but not the kind that comes from olives. But more on that later.” Warning: Learning about this animal might give you the heebie jeebies or more likely a nervous itch. If you or the kids are sensitive to that, viewer discretion is advised.  What […]

Duration: 00:46:56
Episode 305 – Sarcastic Fringehead: Sea Grouch
Nov 21, 2023

“…and today…yeah, we’re talking about a really beautiful animal… But more on that later.” They say sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but you need more than wit to stake your claim in the animal kingdom. The ocean is a vast place, so you wouldn’t think that finding a place to live would be […]

Duration: 00:32:29