Below are a selection of locations that we will visit in September. Please check with each venue for times and ticket information. 6th - Durning Library, London - Henry's Great Gardening Adventure 12th - Life Science Centre, Newcastle - PreSchool Day 20th - Bang Goes The Borders, Melrose - STEM Workshop 20th - Eggleston Show, Durham - Drop-in sessions 21st - Natural History Museum, London - DinoSnores for Kids 27th - Bloomsbury Theatre, London - Fun Kids Podcast 27th - William Patrick Library, Kirkintilloch - Biomimicry 28th - Thistles Shopping Centre, Stirling - Animal Explorer

Egypt is home to a diverse range of animals. The River Nile bisects the country from south to north, and along this valley are lush and fertile lands. Outside of this region are mostly scattered oases between vast deserts, yet the country is rich in biodiversity. Read on to learn more! 10 Fun Facts About Egyptian Animals Scarab Scarabs are synonymous with Egypt, appearing in many Ancient Egyptian tombs and paintings. They are well-known for their habit of rolling balls of dung across the ground, in which they lay their eggs. In the Ancient Egyptian period, this was seen as a symbol of the circle of life, death, and rebirth. They are part of a wider animal family that consists of over 35,000 different beetle species.   Egyptian vulture These birds, also known as Pharaoh’s Chickens, are the world’s only tool-using vulture. As well as using pebbles as hammers, Egyptian Vultures also use small twigs to gather wool for their nests. Sadly, they are globally endangered, with numbers declining rapidly. Conservation efforts have been ongoing since 2012, and in 2021, an Egyptian vulture was even spotted in the UK for the first time in 150 years.   Egyptian Cobra This cobra has some impressive statistics. It is known as one of the largest on the African continent, measuring in at roughly 1.4 meters, as well as one of the most venomous species of snake in North Africa – their average venom yield is 150-300mg per bite. A recent study even found that cobra specimens from Egypt in particular have significantly more potent venom than those in other areas.   Hippopotamus Hippos used to be the largest indigenous animal in Egypt, but have been sadly completely extinct in the area since the early 1800s. In the prehistoric period, hippos lived in the River Nile and thus Ancient Egyptians came to associate them with life itself. They can submerge themselves under water for several minutes, surface to breathe, and then sink again. They can even sleep underwater, even having a mechanism that allows them to float to the surface for air without waking up.   Sinai baton blue butterfly Pseudophilotes sinaicus, or the Sinai baton blue, is endemic to the mountains of the Sinai Peninsula. One of the world's smallest butterflies, they have a wingspan of only 7.5mm. These butterflies have a symbiotic relationship with the black ant; in return for being fed some of the honey that it eats, the ants offer protection against predators.   African Tigerfish The African tigerfish is usually a piscivore – meaning it feeds on other fish – however, it has been known to leap out of the water and catch barn swallows in mid-flight. The genus that they belong to, Hydrocynus, translates to “water dog” and refers to the hunting and predatory behaviours of their species.   Nile Delta Toad These toads are endemic to Egypt, usually found from the Nile Delta down as south as Luxor, where it lives in both natural and cultivated land, as long as it’s swampy enough! They are a very new species, having only been discovered and described in the early 1990s.   Ragazzi's fan-footed gecko The Ragazzi’s Fan-Footed Gecko was named in honour of the Italian physician Vincenzo Ragazzi and is known for its fanned-out toes. They have a comparatively small clutch size, laying two eggs per clutch and up to 6 clutches per year.   Lesser Egyptian jerboa Jerboas are excellent jumpers, with the ability to leap around 10 times their hip height. Their three-toed feet and long tail allow them excellent balance while jumping too!. They’re sometimes described as mini kangaroos.   Fat Tailed Scorpion Fat-tailed scorpions are some of the deadliest scorpions in the world - their venom can kill humans in under an hour! Egypt even saw a massive scorpion swarm recently that left 3 people dead and 453 wounded. The scorpions had been brought out of their nests by a heavy storm.

The humble hippopotamus is currently at risk of habitat loss. Currently listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the  IUCN , it is vital to raise awareness about this keystone species, as they are simply amazing; without them, the balance of the ecosystem would be forever disrupted.    To help raise awareness and keep hippos in your mind, here are five fascinating hippopotamus facts that may be slightly weird but definitely wonderful.    5 Weird and Wonderful Hippo Facts Hippos are closely related to whales and dolphins  They are distant cousins. Whippomorpha is a group of animals that includes hippos and cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises). DNA only found in these creatures indicates that they had a common ancestor  60 million years ago - the  Anthracotheres .   Hippo sweat is red Believe it or not, this is not a myth! Hippos secrete an oily red ‘sweat’ that turns from colourless to red within a few minutes. Acting as a sunscreen,  hippo sweat keeps their skin moist and protects against the sun  by scattering the light.  Scientists are studying these properties to improve commercial sunscreen, but also for infection prevention.   Hippos can’t swim They are too heavy! We know that hippos are the heaviest and second-largest land mammal in the world; males can weigh 4,500 kg. Due to their sheer size and density, hippopotamuses can’t float. They walk (or bounce) across the bottom of rivers and lakes.    Hippos sleep underwater  A weird fact about hippo behaviour is that they have a unique reflex that allows them to sleep underwater and bob up for air without waking up. Hippos sleep for around 10 hours at night and nap throughout the day.    Hippos can close their ears and nose Like cetaceans, hippos have valvular nostrils that they can close to stop water from getting in. This adaptation is crucial for their ability to hold their breath underwater for up to five minutes, and is why hippo calves can suckle underwater.

The State of Nature Report shows 1 in 9 species face national extinction in Scotland, with 407 species in decline under pressure from climate change, habitat loss, urbanisation and human interference.  As a company headquartered in Scotland, we are passionate about the endangered animals of our region. This sentiment marks the beginning of our new blog series, where we will explore each UK county, spotlighting incredible species at risk of extinction and the conservation efforts being undertaken to protect them. 5 Endangered Animals in Scotland Scottish Wildcat  Let’s look at one of Scotland’s ferocious predators - the Scottish wildcat. A highly elusive and endangered critter, the Scottish wildcat was once found throughout the UK but now only prowls in the Scottish Highlands. Habitat destruction, hunting and hybridisation have resulted in only 115 of the species left in the wild.   Conservation Efforts There are 32 zoos and wildlife parks that are part of the Saving Wildcats breeding programme. RZSS Highland Wildlife Park works with Saving Wildcats on a breed and release programme, rewilding 28 wild cats since 2023. Wildcat Haven helps with education and domestic cat neutering to reduce hybridisation. Freshwater Pearl Mussel Freshwater pearl mussels live on the beds of clean, fast-flowing rivers (such as the Spey and Dee) and have recently been discovered to inhabit lochs where they filter water through their gills, improving water quality. They are one of the longest-living invertebrates, with an age range up to 100 years. However, numbers are in steep decline with 11 sites facing local extinction in recent years due to illegal pearl fishing, poor water quality and habitat damage. Conservation Efforts A collaboration between Forth Rivers Trust,  Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park and NatureScot is working on a project that targets river restoration measures to support the recovery of the species in the Teith catchment.   Pearls in the Classroom is an educational organisation that raises awareness of the freshwater pearl mussel in schools within key river catchments in Scotland.  Basking Shark Basking sharks, the gentle giants of the sea, call the Hebrides home every summer. As filter feeders, basking sharks are vital recyclers of the marine world, filtering nutrients and regulating plankton. Unfortunately, historically, basking sharks were hunted in Scotland due to the commercial use of their liver oil. While this practice was outlawed in the 90s, basking sharks are still facing multiple threats in Scottish waters due to marine litter, entanglement, climate change and being hit by boats.  Conservation Efforts   NatureScot and the University of Exeter have partnered to find out more about the movements and behaviours of the species through satellite tags. The data is used to find out more about this fantastic species, including where they go in winter and identifying zones where they may be more vulnerable to certain human activities.  Cappercaille The capercaillie could soon become extinct in Scotland for the second time.  Succumbing to localised extinction in the 18th century and reintroduced from Scandinavia a century later, the species has been continuously declining since the 1970s. 532 capercaillie remain in Scotland, predominantly in the Cairngorms National Park’s Caledonian pine forest. Threats include habitat loss, climate change, human interference and predation.  Conservation Efforts A huge conservation effort is underway to protect the species, pulling expertise from multiple organisations.  One goal is to introduce 35,000 ha of new woodland as part of the Cairngorms Partnership Plan . The Forestry Commission has been tasked with reducing deer fencing to minimise fatalities.   Cairngorms Connect Predator Project are monitoring predator populations. Cairngorms Capercaillie Project have been working with the community to minimise human disturbance.  Fonseca's Seed Fly Fonseca's seed fly is endemic to a 100m dune shoreline on the Dornoch Firth. It is considered one of the UK’s rarest invertebrates and lives in four groups.  Not much is known about the species, but it is thought to be connected to the ragwort and sow thistles that grow in the area. With distribution so sparse, it’s vital to protect their habitat from coastal degradation and human foot traffic. However, their biggest current threat is the planned Coul Links golf course, which could wipe out the world’s only population of this species.  Conservation Efforts  Several organisations are uniting to oppose the proposed golf course, as the government is still in the decision-making process. The Save Coul Links Conservation Coalition includes Buglife, Butterfly Conservation Scotland, Marine Conservation Society, National Trust for Scotland, Plantlife, RSPB Scotland, and the Scottish Wildlife Trust. These animals are all adapted to their own unique environments within Scotland. To learn more, check out our Habitats and Adaptations workshops.

It’s World Honeybee Day! To celebrate these pollen experts, we thought we’d look at why pollinators are so important. Pollination is vital to the survival of all plants around the world. Although some can fertilise themselves or spread their pollen via wind, most rely on pollinators to give them a helping hand - around 90% of all plants are pollinated this way. Cross-pollinating with other plants also allows for greater biodiversity and resistance to diseases and climate change.   Pollinators help feed us The food we eat relies on pollination. The plants that we use to grow our food need to be fertilised so that they can make seeds, grow fruits and vegetables, and spread to new areas. Approximately £690 million worth of crops a year are pollinated by insects. If we were to take over that job completely (or if these pollinators didn’t exist anymore), it would cost us around £1.8 million per year – let alone how much time and energy that would take! Research has shown that pollination by insects can triple the production of fruit and improve the size and quality compared to other pollination methods.   There are more pollinators than you think When we think about pollinators, we usually imagine bees buzzing happily from flower to flower. However, there are far more insects that help pollinate than you would think. Bees, wasps, moths, butterflies, flies, and beetles all help to spread pollen. Some animals even inadvertently pollinate as they brush up against plants. A study of apple trees at a UK orchard found that on one blossom, there were over 25 different pollinators (mostly bees and hoverflies).   Pollinators are active during the day and night The handy thing about insect pollination is that it works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. During the day, honeybees, wasps, butterflies, and more fly from plant to plant helping to fertilise plants. But when we all go to bed, moths come out to take over the job. Night-blooming plants emit strong smells during the night, so moths use these smells to guide their way to the nectar kept within.   Plants have adapted in unique ways to increase the chance of pollination Plants need to reproduce to survive, just like us. So, they have adapted in ingenious ways to attract pollinators. Flowers in particular have some really cool features. Foxgloves, for example, hide their nectar deep inside the flower so that pollinators have to crawl through the petals, picking up pollen as they go. Some flowers, like pansies and geraniums, use colours to guide insects in, like a landing strip at an airport. Others have big landing pads like sunflowers.   Honeybees are some of the most well-known pollinators Honeybees have definitely taken the prize for most popular pollinator! Their honey has become the staple of many people’s breakfast tables, but don’t worry, they produce 2-3 times more honey than the hive needs to survive the winter. They can fly at speeds of up to 25km/h, have 170 different receptors to detect pollen, and can beat their wings up to 200 times per second. Their hive is made up of three different types of bee: the queen, who runs the hive, lays up to 2,500 eggs per day and produces chemicals to help control the hive; workers are female and are responsible for building, protecting, and foraging food for the hive; and drones whose sole purpose is to mate with the queen.   How to help bees and other pollinators Keep your garden wild! Cut your grass less often and plant flowers local to your area to give insects plenty of food and living space. Also, try to avoid disturbing insects while they are nesting or hibernating and even making bee hotels to keep them safe. Don’t use pesticides; these can be harmful to pollinators and other insects. Be plant savvy. Whether it’s a garden, balcony, or windowsill, find space to plant plants rich in nectar which bloom for a wide range of months. If you see a bee on the ground, it may be resting, but if you feel it is struggling, there are a few things you can do… Carefully move the bee to a bee-friendly flower to recuperate If there aren’t any suitable plants around, make a one-off energy booster made of 1 part water to 1 part sugar. Put a drop or two somewhere where they can drink it and leave them be. Don’t use brown sugar or honey, though, as they cannot digest the sugar, and honey is toxic to bumblebees.

In honour of Chinese New Year, we have put together a few of our favourite facts about Chinese animals. 1) The giant panda is endemic to China The giant panda is now endemic to China, residing in southwest temperate forests in the mountain ranges. 80% of Chinese giant pandas live in Sichuan province due to the cool, misty climate and supply of bamboo. Due to conservation efforts, the giant panda is no longer endangered and reclassified as vulnerable due to the increase in population size and habitat protection. 2) China is home to 490 species of reptile China is ranked 10th in the world in diversity of reptiles by the Reptile Database . A study by Cai et al. in 2016 found that 137 of the 461 reptile species studied were threatened, with Crocodylia and Testudines species most at risk. 3) Chinese Animal Guinness World Record Breaker China is a Guinness World Record holder for the country with the most extensive domestic sheep population. It is home to 136 million Ovis aries sheep raised for meat and dairy. 4) Functionally extinct The Chinese river dolphin is one of Earth’s most endangered animals and is considered to be functionally extinct due to the lack of sightings. The last confirmed photographic sighting was in 2002 ; however, occasional reports keep hope alive until more surveys are conducted. 5) Number 1 for amphibian biodiversity China's amphibian diversity is greater than any other country in the Old World, with approx. 346 species of caecilians, frogs, newts, salamanders and toads native to China. 67% of which are endemic! 6) Not only in America Did you know China is the only country outside the Americas that alligators call home? The critically endangered Chinese alligator can be found in the lower Yangtze. Compared to its American counterpart, the Chinese alligator is smaller and has protective scales on their underside and back. Once found throughout the middle-lower Yangtze River and along the river from Shanghai to Jianling City in the Hubei Province, now there is only 120 left in the wild, making it the most endangered crocodilian in existence! It is thought that populations will continue to decline due to habitat destruction and fragmentation. 7) Danger, Danger! China is home to the most dangerous and largest member of the wasp family, the Asian Hornet. CNN reports that in 2013 42 people were killed, and 206 needed hospital treatment due to hornet attacks in the Shaanxi province. The Asian hornet can sting humans multiple times, releasing venom capable of dissolving flesh, causing kidney failure and anaphylaxis . 8) Home to the largest living amphibian Another animal record breaker for China is the Chinese giant salamander! Growing to a whopping 6ft long and weighing 140lb, the Chinese giant salamander is endemic to the Yangtze. Until recently, it was thought there were only one species of Chinese giant salamander however, scientists are now reporting there could be up to six , all heading towards extinction. 9) Happy Insects The ancient Chinese thought of spiders as lucky; many stories in folklore refer to them as happy insects ( ximu). They are said to ' bring happiness in the morning and wealth in the evening '. 10) The Animals of the Zodiac 2023 is the year of the rabbit, but how did this originate? In Chinese mythology, the Jade Emperor invited all of the animals in the world to participate in a race. It was decreed that the first 12 animals across the river would become zodiac members. The first animal across was the cheating rat, who tricked the ox into helping it across and sabotaged the race for the cat. The ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and boar followed the rat. Find your Chinese zodiac sign .

At ZooLab, our Rangers meet people of all ages with the phobias of one or more of our creatures. In the past, Jessica has examined some of the most common animal fears that we encounter - snakes, rats, tarantulas and cockroaches - to debunk the myths and help you see our extraordinary creatures in a whole new light. Today, we are going to look at a less common phobia - ranidaphobia. This month's phobia: Ranidaphobia Ranidaphobia is the irrational fear of frogs and toads. Ranidae is the scientific name for one of the largest families of frogs. Frog fear can develop from many different factors but it is unknown how many people have this phobia. So what is it about frogs and toads? Seeing is believing? People with Ranidaphobia don't have to see a frog to feel anxious - it can be if they see pictures, a video or hear a frog. Their heart rate can increase, they can sweat or shake, have shortness of breath, feel lightheaded or dizzy, their chest may tighten or they may experience nausea or an upset stomach. Children with a phobia of frogs may freeze, cling to adults, cry or throw a tantrum. Did you know? Frogs use their eyeballs to swallow. They eat their prey whole, their eyeballs sink into their mouth and push the food down into their throats. Is this phobia a learnt behaviour? Children’s fairy tales and folklore may place frogs in a negative light. These ideas are compounded by cultural norms and people’s attitudes towards frogs. Frogs are symbols of good luck : Many cultures believe that the frog is a good luck symbol of fertility, transformation, change, liberation, prosperity, safe travel and bring good luck. Some cultures (Japanese, Roman and Irish) believe that frogs are symbolic of luck and that frogs coming into your house bring good fortune. This has been used as a literary tool in fairy tales that transform frogs into princes. In the fairy story, ‘The Princess and the Golden Ball’, the frog changes the princess into a kind and respectful woman. Myths busted! Frogs and toads do not change into handsome princes when kissed! What is the difference between frogs and toads? Toads are frogs! Both are members of the order Anura . Toads usually have dry, warty skin and short hind legs for walking instead of jumping. Frogs have smooth, moist skin and long, strong, webbed hind legs for swimming and jumping. Why do frogs have a negative reputation? Frogs have a negative reputation because of their depiction in literature. The plague of frogs in the Bible is one of the earliest recordings of frogs used as a deterrent and harbingers of doom. Frogs have a slimy appearance - as a result, some people feel disgusted and repulsed towards these animals. In Shakespeare’s Macbeth, the three witches stir their boiling cauldron for spell-casting, curse-inducing witchery. The toe of the frog was one of the many ingredients put into the cauldron. However, further research reveals that the "toe of frog" were buttercups! The Xhosa tribe, living in South Africa, believe that frogs carry spells or curses. It's a myth! Some people who encounter frogs believe that touching the warts on toads may result in the handler developing warts Food for thought? ZooLab Rangers will introduce you to White’s Tree frogs (Litoria caerulea). They live in Australia and New Guinea in moist and forested environments. They grow to nearly 4 inches in length and vary from green to brown. These amphibians are docile and very people-friendly making them ideal candidates to help people overcome their phobias.

In this series, we will be answering some of the most common questions about our animal team. Today, it is all about bearded dragons! Are bearded dragons social? Bearded dragons aren’t considered to be social animals. They are normally solitary and tend to be territorial. When they congregate in the wild a social hierarchy can be seen, with more dominant members grabbing the highest and best basking spot. Bearded dragons are known to be social with their owners once trust is established and tend to enjoy being handled. Can bearded dragons live with other reptiles? It is recommended for bearded dragons to have their own enclosure. How do I look after bearded dragons? Our Ranger Lydia has composed a fantastic blog of bearded dragon advice; from setting up the perfect home habitat to food, temperature and lighting. Beardeddragon.org also has advice. What do bearded dragons eat? Bearded dragons are omnivorous - they will eat plants, fruit, insects, small mammals and even other lizards! Their diet should consist of approx. 20% vegetation (mainly leafy greens) and 80% meat - e.g. crickets, locusts, morioworms and pinky mice. Their food must be sprinkled with calcium powder 3 or 4 times per week. What is a bearded dragon’s wild habitat? Subtropical woodland, desert, scrubland and savannah in Australia. How do bearded dragons get calcium in the wild? Calcium is vital to the healthy development of bearded dragons! In the wild, beardies have a hugely varied diet of insects and vegetation rich in minerals. Plants eaten straight from the earth have a higher calcium deposit to what we buy in stores. As insects are constantly consuming nutrients from soil and plant matter, this is then passed on to their predators . When sources are scarce, bearded dragons brumate, a dormant period for reptiles (a bit like hibernating, however in brumation reptiles need to drink). Can bearded dragons regrow their tails? No, they can’t. Like many reptiles, bearded dragons can drop off part of their tail when threatened giving them time to get away but unlike some other reptiles they cannot regenerate the lost part. Do bearded dragons really have a third eye? If so, do they have an eyelid? Bearded dragons have a third eye on top of their head! It's called a parietal eye and doesn’t ‘see’ images like the other two but detects a change in light, allowing them to spot predators from above. The third eye also has an additional purpose of hormone production - the parietal eye stimulates the pineal gland which produces melatonin which helps regulate circadian rhythm. It doesn’t have a eyelid but does have a scale that covers the 'third eye' that acts as a protection

At ZooLab, our Rangers meet people of all ages with phobias of one or more of our creatures. Over the next few months, Jessica will examine the most common animal fears that we encounter to debunk myths and help you see our extraordinary creatures in a whole new light. How to help someone with a phobia? If you don’t share a phobia with someone, it can be difficult and sometimes challenging to understand their fear. The charity Mind says that the biggest way that you can help someone with a phobia is to be understanding and take it seriously - the phobia may seem irrational but the fear they feel is very, very real. Conduct research to find out more about the phobia, be an ear to chat to and find out what helps them. Most importantly, don’t push them into a situation that triggers their phobia or makes it worse. This month's phobia: Katsaridaphobia, cockroach phobia A phobia of cockroaches is called katsaridaphobia. In a BBC article , Richard Kaae - an entomologist at California State University - states that cockroaches may be the most feared insect. However, not everyone sees them like this. ZooLab's Rangers take cockroaches to presentations to educate audiences about the superhuman abilities of these creatures. Let’s look at both sides below. So what is it about cockroaches? Is it because all cockroaches are pests? Myth! Only 30 out of 4,500 species of cockroaches are considered pests - that is less than 1%! These 30 are home invaders, who often have little regard to personal space. 5 species in particular are known for being particular pains and are responsible for cockroaches bad rep - the German, American, Australian, brown banded and Oriental. However, ZooLab’s cockroaches are different - Madagascan hissing cockroaches are native to the Rainforests and unlike their cousins they avoid human dwellings. Did you know? Hissing cockroaches are one of nature's great recyclers - they eat decaying vegetation off of the forest floor which helps to put nutrients back into the ecosystem. Is it because they are dirty? When we think of where cockroaches reside it is often dirty homes, grimy hotel rooms and grotty restaurants - places infested by germs! Cockroaches inhabit dark and warm places where food is abundant. As humans, we have an abhorrence of filth (which is not a bad thing) and as long as we adhere to food safety and hygiene measures - health issues from cockroach contamination can be minimised. Did you know? As they only eat plant material, hissing cockroaches are considered to be very clean and pose little risk for disease transmission. Is it because they are (almost) indestructible? Cockroaches are so robust that they can survive radiation from a nuclear explosion - they can withstand 2000 times more radiation than the human body. They can go without food for many weeks (but can only survive a few days without water); hold their breath for 40 minutes in water and live without their head for 21 days - they have two brains, one in their head and the other near their abdomen. These are all reasons to be amazed by cockroaches, not fear them - think of what we can learn from them. Did you know? Cockroaches (as a species) have been estimated to have been around for 200 million years. A fossil was found dating back 350 million years predating dinosaurs. Is it their noise? It is nothing to fear! The Madagascan hissing cockroach makes their hissing noise when they breathe in and hiss when they release air in one big rush. They do this for three reasons: 1) to communicate 2) to find themselves a partner 3) to mimic a snake. Cockroaches are at the bottom of the food chain and are eaten by mice - to protect themselves they hiss to chase away mice (whose natural predators are snakes). Check out one of our male cockroaches call to his partner: Is it their reputation? Cockroaches have been portrayed as evil in films and TV shows, for example ‘X files’ showed cockroaches grouped together to murder people. In ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ a cockroach mutates into a giant cockroach and Raphael discovers his paralysing phobia of cockroaches. The evil connotations portrayed in the media can contribute towards cockroach phobia. Food for thought Lack of education about these creatures can result in an irrational fear of cockroaches , ZooLab Rangers strive to educate and inspire audiences to have a better understanding and awareness of these creatures. Did you know that we can learn a lot from these six legged critters? Engineers are studying how cockroaches manoeuvre their environment to make robots more robust (find out more here ). Their adaptations have also helped scientists in the medical field - cockroach legs are inspiring prosthetics and their self producing antibiotic properties are being studied for infection treatment .

In this series, we will be answering some of the most common questions about our animal team. Today, it is all about our long bodied friends, snakes! What is a lifespan of a corn snake? 6 - 8 years in the wild but pet snake's have been know to live to 15+ in captivity. Are corn snakes dangerous? No. Corn snakes are nonvenomous, docile creatures but like all animals, may strike if they feel threatened (however, this is rare). Are snakes deaf? As snakes have no external ears, they don't hear sound the way we do. Snakes feel sound waves through vibrations that travel from their jaw to inner ear bones . Snakes have an extraordinary sense of smell (they smell by flicking their tongue) that compensates for their limited hearing and bad eyesight. Do all snakes shed their skin? Yes! Like most creatures (including us), snakes shed their skin as they grow and unlike us, theirs normally comes off in one piece. Shedding helps snakes remove parasites on their scales. The amount a snake sheds varies depending on age. On average a snake will shed 2/4 times a year - however, young snakes may shed every few weeks. Do snakes blink? No. Snakes have no eyelids, so can't blink, wink or close their eyes! Snakes have scales called brille covering their eyes that helps to protect from dirt, debris and other ground born hazards. When a snake sheds, they will also regenerate the brille. Do snakes have bones? Yes, 200-400 vertebrae with as many ribs attached! What snakes are in the UK? There are three species of snake native to the UK: grass snake (England and Wales), smooth snake (Dorset, Hampshire and Surrey) and adder (mainland UK) . The adder is the UK's only venomous snake and while bites are very rare, a small number do happen each year ( more info ). However, with this being said the UK's snakes are all elusive in nature and shy away from humans - if you are lucky, you may catch a glance of once basking on a hot summer day. What do snakes eat in the rainforest? All snakes are carnivorous! In the rainforest, snakes (depending on the species) will eat fish, lizards, birds and mammals - some will even snack on crocodiles! Did you know? There are 5 species of snake commonly found in the Amazon Basin - boa constrictor, emerald tree boa, common tree boa, rainbow boa and green anaconda ( WWF, ND ). Do snakes bond with their owners? Can snakes feel love? This is a widely debated topic! Scientists argue about how sentient reptiles are; it was long thought that they don’t have the capacity for complex emotions that mammals have. While it is widely agreed that reptiles feel anxiety, distress, fear and pain; satisfaction and love are more controversial. Marc Bekoff Ph.D. ,2019 states that most reptiles recognize the people who spend time with them or feed them. A research conducted on corn snakes concluded that they snakes do have the capacity to recognize and bond with owners but only if given lots of space, enrichment and provision. Do snakes fart? The Sonoran coral and western hook-nosed snake can! When put in a defensive situation, they expel air from the cloacal vent to make a popping noise. These can be heard from 2 metres away and apparently sound like human farts !

Insects have existed for around 480 million years and make up approximately 90% of creatures on Earth - there are 24,000 different species in the UK alone. These little creatures are a big deal! Here are five fascinating facts about insects. If you enjoy these, find out more about insects and other minibeasts in our workshops. Their numbers are vast There are over 1 million discovered insect species, but the Royal Entomological Society  estimates that there could be 10 million more yet to be discovered. We are often asked, ‘Are insects animals? ’ Yes, insects are animals! They share the kingdom Animalia with all animals, including you and me! Insects are invertebrates with three main body parts (head, thorax, and abdomen) and have six legs.  Their eyes are amazing!  Insects have compound eyes, made up of thousands of tiny lenses. These give them a wide field of vision and allow them to react quickly to movement. Many also have simple eyes, called ocelli, on top of their heads, which help them sense light and dark. While insect vision isn’t as detailed as humans', some species have specialised eyesight. For example, bees can see ultraviolet light, which helps them find flowers. Insects come in all shapes and sizes The largest known insect in the world is  Phryganistria chinensis -  a stick insect found in Guangxi, China - which measures up to 64 cm. The heaviest is New Zealand’s Giant wētā, weighing 71g - heavier than a tennis ball. At the other end of the measuring tape is the fairy wasp, whose smallest male measured just 0.13 mm.  With new species discovered all the time, the title for the largest or smallest might change again soon! They existed before dinosaurs Insects first appeared around 480 million years ago, during the Ordovician period. Dinosaurs didn’t appear until about 230 million years ago, in the Triassic period. By the time dinosaurs roamed the Earth, insects had already evolved to fly! Fun fact  - Cockroaches first appeared around 300 million years ago, and they were one of the first land-dwelling insects They are important Insects play a vital role in our ecosystem. They are a food source for other animals, recycle nutrients back into the environment and pollinate plants. 75% of the world's food crops rely on pollination .   Worryingly, insect numbers are falling - in the UK, we have lost 60% of winged insects in 20 years .   Find out what you can do to help . Are you learning about insects in the classroom? Ask about our Minibeasts workshop!

With over 5000 different species of frog (and counting), it's an almost impossible task to narrow it down to a list of only 10. But we did. So here it is! Fun fact: Did you know a group of frogs is known as an army? 10: Pacman Frog (Ceratophrys) Sometimes known as South American horned frogs, these guys have a large, bulbous body that prompted their nostalgic nickname. Well, that and their tendency to try eat anything that is in front of them. They come in a variety of 'flavours', having been named after their skin colour and patterns. Some include: the Apricot Pacman frog, the Strawberry Pineapple Pacman frog and the Sunburst Pacman frog. 9: Purple Frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis) If these ovoid oddities are not already a meme, they should be! According to the people of Idukki in Kerala (a state in the south of India), they look like a turtle without its shell. One of the slightly less aesthetically pleasing amphibians on this list, the Purple Frog has a tapered 'snout', small eyes and hind legs that would put our head ranger to shame! As a fossorial species, they spend their lives burrowing underground, using their muscular hind legs and spade like feet to dig, and their work-boot like front feet to push their little bodies backwards. Their odd shape and industrial assets allow them to dig up to 3 feet deep! 8: Wallace's Flying Frog (Rhacophorus nigropalmatus) Not one to stay grounded, Wallace's Flying Frog, also known as a parachute frog, has developed the fascinating skill of flight! Webbed membranes between their toes and 'loose skin flaps' along its small body allows this frog to leap from one tree and glide seamlessly to the next (or even the forest floor). Found in the tropical jungles of Borneo and Malaysia, these flighty fellas spend most of their lives amongst the leaves and the clouds, only returning to the ground to mate and lay eggs. 7: Pobblebonk Frog (Limnodynastes dumerilii) Also known as the Banjo Frog. The reasoning behind their odd names may not be apparent at first glance, but, spend a short time in their company and you'll soon discover their musical callings. With a short 'plonk' noise, similar to that of a banjo being plucked, it's rather obvious where they got one of their names. Unfortunately, I couldn't find much to explain why they are referred to as Pobblebonk Frogs, it may have something to do with that trademark 'plonk' sound, or simply due to the fact that they were named by Australians. A burrowing species, these cute critters can be found in eastern Australia, where they can lay up to 4000 eggs at a time! They also enjoy a spot of baking and will use their whisk-like arms to whip up the jelly that surrounds her eggs to create a soft foamy blanket for her babies to rest on whilst they begin their froggy lives. 6: Hairy Frog (Trichobatrachus robustus) Also known as the Wolverine Frog, these hairy little horrors develop thick, bristle-like 'hairs' along their flanks and legs. The hairs are, in fact, small strands of skin which act as a temporary organ that is thought to aid the frog's breathing abilities. During mating season the male frog will live underwater with the eggs to ensure their safety, often without resurfacing for days! Their ability to scuba dive for ages isnt the only trick up their sleeve! These ferocious frogs have the ability to break their own toe bones in order to produce a claw-like barb that will pierce the skin of any predator, including the scientists that research them! 5: Desert Rain Frog (Breviceps macrops) Unless you've been living under a rock (or perhaps you're just not chronically addicted to the internet like the rest of us), then you may recall the 'dog-toy' squeak of the desert rain frog! A viral sensation all thanks to their cute-but -loud call, these pokemon-looking creatures come very close to defying the definition of amphibian. Hailing from Nambia and the South African deserts, they dont rely on a stable water source like the rest of their class. Instead, they burrow down into the sand to avoid the blistering heat of the day, emerging only during the cooler noctural hours to feed on beetles, moths, and insect larvae! Fun Fact: Desert Rain Frogs skip the tadpole phase entirely! As there is no water for the tadpoles to swim in, the female will lay her eggs in a burrow under the sand where they will hatch as fully formed froglets! 4: Red-Eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas) If you're from Scotland and took the Nat5's during high school, you'll recognise our next guest from the cover of your textbook! Arguably one of the easiest frogs to identify, the red-eyed tree frog is without a doubt a fan favourite. With bright green backs, blue and yellow striped sides, and of course huge red eyes, these frogs are truly one of the most beautiful species to be found on our planet. These creatures have a unique start to life. Most frogs will lay their frogspawn (eggs) directly into a pond or body of water. The red-eyed tree frog will instead look for a leaf that hangs directly above a pond and lay her eggs there. When they're ready to hatch, the egg sacks burst open, releasing the tadpole along with a little steam of fluid. The tadpoles wash down the leaf (thanks to the fluid) and land safely in the pond below, ready to start the arduous process of metamorphosis from tadpole to froglet. 3: Paedophryne Amauensis The Paedophryne Amauensis has a huge name for such a teeny tiny body! Measuring in at a grand total of only 7.7mm (0.27 in) these itty bitty babies are the worlds smallest invertibrates. With their small stature and a calling similar to that of the insects around them, they hide in amongst the leaf litter on the forest floor in Papua New Guinea, making them incredibly hard to spot! 2: Diane's Bare-Hearted Glass Frog ( Hyalinobatrachium dianae ) A strong contender for the worlds favourite frog, the Glass Frog is one of our most recent foggy finds having only been discovered in 2015! The skin on their back is green but as their name suggests they have translucent stomachs! It's a neat trick that allows the frog's edges to seamlessly camouflage into it leafy green surroundings. Fun fact: Diane's Bare-Hearted Glass Frog was named after the lead author Brian Kubicki's mother, Janet Diane Kubicki, as well as the roman goddess of the hunt, Diana. 1: Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobatidae) Tiny but deadly, these lava-lamp-looking lil guys demonstrate the importance of watching what you eat. You see, poison dart frogs that are kept in captivity (where their diets can be controlled) don't develop their trade mark poison. Its all down to what they eat! Scientists believe that the poison dart frog gains its malicious mucus from toxins found in the bugs and critters that it eats in the wild!