Dolphin language

This is so cool. A new study found that dolphins call each other by name, building on research that found they refer to themselves by name, too. When they become separated from a dear friend or loved one, dolphins call for them using a whistle--but each whistle is specific to one particular dolphin.

Dolphins have signature whistles that they use to announce themselves to other dolphins--a "Hello, nice to meet you, I'm Brian." Researchers found out that when separated, a dolphin looking for his friend will copy his friend's signature whistle while looking for him. Apparently they only use each other's names in positive interactions, never in aggressive situations. Cute dolphins. We have so much more to learn about them.

Read this while I'm working on my next post

So I think I may have mentioned that nudibranchs are some of my favorite animals. Why? Well, they are weird and cool looking and really awesome colors. But it turns out they have interesting sexual behavior too (well, lots of animals do). First off, nudibranchs are hermaphrodites so that is pretty interesting. But interesting news hit last week about this species that has a detachable male reproductive organ. Yes, you read that right. Click for more.

http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/34378/title/The-Detachable-Penis/

Spinybacked orb weaver

The name Spinybacked orb weaver is pretty cool, but what else would you expect for such an awesome looking spider? I know you are probably thinking, wait, that is a spider? Even people who are afraid of spiders aren't afraid of this little guy.  At least, I wouldn't be if I were afraid of spiders...does that make sense? It's pretty tiny, too. They also come in white with red spines, which you might see in Florida.

Upside down jellyfish

Upside-down jellyfish are awesome. I mean, regular jellyfish are pretty cool looking, but these guys take the cake. And not the upside-down pineapple cake, but the upside-down jellyfish cake. What are they called? Cassiopea, similar to the constellation although to be honest I'm not sure if it has an extra i in the pea or not. The internet is giving me mixed results. They do excrete stinging cells, so if you get too close you might not be very happy. Just admire from afar, and you're all good.