Naturalists Information I

Some Interesting information a keen Naturalist should be aware of...


We may have come across this, but never know how to differentiate them. Karthik, the all-rounder and highly knowledged person threw some light on this enlightening us people at the NTP camp held by him.


Let me see if I can add some pictorial representations to this so that it becomes all the more easier deciphering and dissolving these in to our minds.


Here, I'm highlighting differences between closely related species. Suggestions, Inputs and Knowledge sharing are welcome :)


1. Hares and Rabbits

• Hares do not burrow, while Rabbits do
• Newborn hares can immediately move around while newborn Rabbits cannot
• Rabbits are not found in India.

2. Macaque and Langur

• Macaque's stuff their food in cheek pouches while Langur's don't
• Langur's are only leaf eating animals.

3. Centipedes and Millipedes

• Centipedes are poisonous, non vegetarian and a little flat in appearance
• Centipedes have 1 pair of legs per segment
• Millipedes coil like a circle when threatened
• Millipedes have 2 pairs of legs per segment.

4. Butterfly and Moth

• Butterflies have antenna which is a little fat at the tip only
• Moths have flat antenna or feathered antenna.

5. Deers and Antelopes

• Deers have solid antlers and they are shed yearly.
• Deers are found in forests.
• Antelopes have horns that are connected to the skull and permanent.
• Antelopes survive in open country / grasslands.

6. Toads and Frogs

• Frogs are very slimy and wet to feel
• Toads are dry creatures.

7. Bugs and Beetles

• Bugs have piercing and sucking parts
• Beetles have chewing and biting mouth parts. Beetles have 1 pair of wings modified as Elytra that forms a hard cove around it.

8. Pigeons and Doves

• Pigeons have longer wings
• Doves have short wings.

9. Parrots and Parakeets

• Parrots do not have long tapering tails
• Parakeets have long tapering tails.

10. Cheetahs and Leopards

• Leopards have retracting claws
• Leopards are bulkier, have no tear mark and have rosettes
• Cheetahs do not have retracting claws
• Cheetahs have a leaner body, spots and a tear mark.

11. Tortoises and Turtles

• Tortoises are land living forms
• Turtles are fresh water animals.

12. Dragonflies and Damselflies

• Dragonflies can't retract their wings once open
• Dragonflies are a little fat in appearance
• Damselflies can move their wings back and forth
• Damselflies are slim in appearance.

I hope to add more of these in the near future :)
The credits of this post goes to the NTP and Karthik, because since then, my eyes have opened to a new different world around me!