recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Northern Black Widow Spider

***Latrodectus variolus***, the **northern black widow spider** or **northern widow**, is a medically important spider species of the genus *Latrodectus* in the family Theridiidae. The population is closely related to the southern black widow, *Latrodectus mactans*, and the western black widow, *Latrodectus hesperus*, of the genus.

It is commonly found in Middle Atlantic states (New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland). During the April–May mating season, it can travel north along the coast as far as Massachusetts. It also occurs in Connecticut in late summer. It is found, rarely, in southern Ontario, Canada, and in Southeastern Michigan.

## Description

A bite may cause latrodectism, and requires medical attention in the case of increasingly severe discomfort or spreading local redness accompanied by severe pain. The LD-50 has been measured in mice as 1.20–2.70 mg (0.019–0.042 gr); each spider contains about 0.254 mg (0.0039 gr) of venom.

Unlike for the related *Latrodectus mactans*, as of 2015 no antivenom was available.

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Istiophoridae (Marlin)

A **marlin** is a fish from the family **Istiophoridae**, which includes about 10 species. It has an elongated body, a spear-like snout or bill, and a long, rigid dorsal fin which extends forward to form a crest. Its common name is thought to derive from its resemblance to a sailor's marlinspike. Even more so than their close relatives, the scombrids, marlins are fast swimmers, reaching speeds of about 80 km/h (50 mph).

The larger species include the Atlantic blue marlin, *Makaira nigricans*, which can reach 5 m (16.4 ft) in length and 818 kg (1,803 lb) in weight and the black marlin, *Istiompax indica*, which can reach in excess of 5 m (16.4 ft) in length and 670 kg (1,480 lb) in weight. They are popular sporting fish in tropical areas.

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## Genus and Species

* Istiophorus
	+ I. albicans (Atlantic Sailfish)
* Makaira
	+ M. nigricans (Atlantic Blue Marlin)
Struthionidae (Struthionids)

**Struthionidae** is a family of flightless ratite birds which first appeared during the Miocene epoch, though various Paleocene, Eocene and Oligocene ratites may belong to this group. Traditionally the order **Struthioniformes** contained the world's ratites, but recent genetic analysis has found that the group is not monophyletic, as it paraphyletic in respect to the tinamous.

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## Genus and Species

* Struthio
	+ S. camelus (Common Ostrich)
Maratus volans

***Maratus volans*** is a species in the jumping spider family (Salticidae), belonging to the genus *Maratus* (peacock spiders).

## Description

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have colour patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species.

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Hexathelidae

**Hexathelidae** is the only family in the superfamily **Hexatheloidea**, and one of two families (along with Dipluridae) of spiders known as **funnel-webs**. This family is sometimes incorrectly referred to (in unknown references) as the **venomous funnel-web tarantulas**, due to the inclusion of the Australian funnel-web spiders, including the Sydney funnel-web spider (*Atrax robustus*) which has medically significant venom for humans.

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## Genus and Species

* Atrax (**3 species**)
	+ Atrax robustus (Sydney Funnel-web Spider)
	+ Atrax sutherlandi
	+ Atrax yorkmainorum
Mediterranean Recluse Spider

***Loxosceles rufescens***, the **Mediterranean recluse spider**, originated in the Mediterranean region as its name implies, but is now found worldwide.

Like other species of the genus *Loxosceles*, bites from the Mediterranean recluse spider can have dangerous effects, causing skin lesions – a condition known as loxoscelism. Despite co-occurrence with humans for millennia, there is only a single report of a human fatality linked to a bite from this species, a case report from 2016 in which no spider was captured for a confirmed identification, and in which the victim suffered from an autoimmune disorder (myasthenia gravis).

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Ixodes microgalei

***Ixodes microgalei*** is a species of *Ixodes* that was discovered in the humid eastern forests of the Antananarivo Province in Madagascar. Females of this species parasitize various species of shrew tenrecs of the genus *Microgale* (Afrosoricida: Tenrecidae, Oryzorictinae). All members of the genus *Microgale*, as well as of the larger subfamily to which that genus belongs, are endemic to Madagascar.

## Description

The external morphology of females of the species *I. microgalei* closely resemble that of females of the species *Ixodes colasbelcouri* and *Ixodes nesomys*. All 3 species have long, narrow, tapering auriculae (lateral protrusions found on the ventral surface of their basis capituli, an apical region that is formed by the basal portions of their 2 pedipalps) and several unique structure on their coxae (the most basal of the several segments that constitute each of their legs), including internal spurs on their first pair of coxae (coxae I); small but distinct external spurs on their first pair of coxae (coxae I); and syncoxae (posterior regions that have a lighter color or texture) on their first, second, and third pairs of coxae (coxae I-III). However, females of the species *I. microgalei* are easily distinguishable from females of the species *I. colasbelcouri* thanks to their possession of distinctly shorter spurs on their fourth pair of coxae (coxae IV) and from female *I. nesomys* thanks to the notably longer spurs that they possess on their first pair of (coxae I); the larger areas of syncoxae that they possess on their first, second, and third pairs of coxae (coxae I-III); and the larger and deeper punctations that they possess on their scutum (the inflexible shells that cover much of the posterior surface of their bodies).

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Lamniformes (Mackerel Sharks)

The **Lamniformes** (from the Greek word, *Lamna* "fish of prey") are an order of sharks commonly known as **mackerel sharks** (which may also refer specifically to the family Lamnidae). It includes some of the most familiar species of sharks, such as the great white and extinct megalodon, as well as more unusual representatives, such as the goblin shark and megamouth shark.

Members of the order are distinguished by possessing two dorsal fins, an anal fin, five gill slits, eyes without nictitating membranes, and a mouth extending behind the eyes. Also, unlike other sharks, they maintain a higher body temperature than the surrounding water.

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## Families

* Lamnidae
* Odontaspididae
Spanish Fly

**Spanish fly** is an emerald-green beetle, ***Lytta vesicatoria***, in the blister beetle family (Meloidae). It and other such species were used in preparations offered by traditional apothecaries, often referred to as *Cantharides* or *Spanish fly*. The insect is the source of the terpenoid cantharidin, a toxic blistering agent once used as an aphrodisiac.

*L. vesicatoria* is sometimes called *Cantharis vesicatoria*, although the genus *Cantharis* is in an unrelated family, Cantharidae, the soldier beetles.

## Description

*Lytta vesicatoria* is a slender, soft-bodied metallic and iridescent golden-green insect, one of the blister beetles. It is approximately 5 mm (0.20 in) wide by 20 mm (0.79 in) long.

The generic and specific names derive from the Greek λύττα (*lytta*) for martial rage, raging madness, Bacchic frenzy, or rabies, and Latin *vesica* for blister.

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Polynesian Tiger Mosquito

***Aedes polynesiensis*** (also known as the **Polynesian tiger mosquito**) is only found in the South Pacific on the islands of Austral Islands, Cook Islands, Ellice Islands, Fiji Islands, Hoorn Islands, Marquesas Islands, Pitcairn Island, Samoa Islands, Society Islands, Tokelau Islands, Tuamotu Archipelago. It is a vector of dengue, Ross River virus, and lymphatic filariasis, and a probable vector of Zika virus. Adults lay eggs in natural and human-associated pools of freshwater. Common larval habitats include tree holes, holes in volcanic rock formations, coconut shells, water storage containers (drums), and discarded trash (including tires and bottles).

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Reptilia (Reptiles)

**Reptiles** are tetrapod animals in the class **Reptilia**, comprising today's turtles, crocodilians, snakes, amphisbaenians, lizards, tuatara, and their extinct relatives. The study of these traditional reptile orders, historically combined with that of modern amphibians, is called herpetology.

Because some reptiles are more closely related to birds than they are to other reptiles (i.e., crocodiles are more closely related to birds than they are to lizards), the traditional groups of "reptiles" listed above do not together constitute a monophyletic grouping or clade (consisting of all descendants of a common ancestor). For this reason, many modern scientists prefer to consider the birds part of Reptilia as well, thereby making Reptilia a monophyletic class, including all living Diapsids.

The earliest known proto-reptiles originated around 312 million years ago during the Carboniferous period, having evolved from advanced reptiliomorph tetrapods that became increasingly adapted to life on dry land. Some early examples include the lizard-like *Hylonomus* and *Casineria*. In addition to the living reptiles, there are many diverse groups that are now extinct, in some cases due to mass extinction events. In particular, the Cretaceous–Paleogene extinction event wiped out the pterosaurs, plesiosaurs, ornithischians, and sauropods, as well as many species of theropods, including troodontids, dromaeosaurids, tyrannosaurids, and abelisaurids, along with many Crocodyliformes, and squamates (e.g. mosasaurids).

Modern non-avian reptiles inhabit all the continents except Antarctica, although some birds are found on the periphery of Antarctica. Several living subgroups are recognized: **Testudines** (turtles and tortoises), 350 species; **Rhynchocephalia** (tuatara from New Zealand), 1 species; **Squamata** (lizards, snakes, and worm lizards), over 10,200 species; **Crocodilia** (crocodiles, gavials, caimans, and alligators), 24 species; and **Aves** (birds), approximately 10,000 species.

Reptiles are tetrapod vertebrates, creatures that either have four limbs or, like snakes, are descended from four-limbed ancestors. Unlike amphibians, reptiles do not have an aquatic larval stage. Most reptiles are oviparous, although several species of squamates are viviparous, as were some extinct aquatic clades— the fetus develops within the mother, contained in a placenta rather than an eggshell. As amniotes, reptile eggs are surrounded by membranes for protection and transport, which adapt them to reproduction on dry land. Many of the viviparous species feed their fetuses through various forms of placenta analogous to those of mammals, with some providing initial care for their hatchlings. Extant reptiles range in size from a tiny gecko, *Sphaerodactylus ariasae*, which can grow up to 17 mm (0.7 in) to the saltwater crocodile, *Crocodylus porosus*, which may reach 6 m (19.7 ft) in length and weigh over 1,000 kg (2,200 lb).

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## Orders

* Crocodilia
* Squamata
Holothuroidea (Sea Cucumber)

**Sea cucumbers** are echinoderms from the class **Holothuroidea**. They are marine animals with a leathery skin and an elongated body containing a single, branched gonad. Sea cucumbers are found on the sea floor worldwide. The number of **holothurian** (/ˌhɒləˈθjʊəriən, ˌhoʊ-, -ˈθʊər-/) species worldwide is about 1,717 with the greatest number being in the Asia Pacific region. Many of these are gathered for human consumption and some species are cultivated in aquaculture systems. The harvested product is variously referred to as *trepang*, *bêche-de-mer* or *balate*. Sea cucumbers serve a useful role in the marine ecosystem as they help recycle nutrients, breaking down detritus and other organic matter after which bacteria can continue the degradation process.

Like all echinoderms, sea cucumbers have an endoskeleton just below the skin, calcified structures that are usually reduced to isolated microscopic ossicles (or sclerietes) joined by connective tissue. In some species these can sometimes be enlarged to flattened plates, forming an armour. In pelagic species such as *Pelagothuria natatrix* (Order Elasipodida, family Pelagothuriidae), the skeleton is absent and there is no calcareous ring.

The sea cucumbers are named after their resemblance to the fruit of the cucumber plant.

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Mexican Beaded Lizard

The **Mexican beaded lizard** (*Heloderma horridum*) is a species of lizard in the family Helodermatidae, one of the two species of venomous beaded lizards found principally in Mexico and southern Guatemala. It and its congener (member of the same genus) the Gila monster (*Heloderma suspectum*) are the only lizards known to have evolved an overt venom delivery system. The Mexican beaded lizard is larger than the Gila monster, with duller coloration, black with yellowish bands. As it is a specialized predator that feeds primarily upon eggs, the primary use of its venom is still a source of debate among scientists. However, this venom has been found to contain several enzymes useful for manufacturing drugs in the treatment of diabetes, and research on the pharmacological use of its venom is ongoing.

Threatened throughout its range by overcollection and habitat loss, it is a CITES protected species. The Guatemalan beaded lizard (*H. charlesbogerti* ) is one of the rarest lizards in the world, with a wild population of fewer than 200.

## Description

Adult beaded lizards range from 57 to 91 cm (22 to 36 in) in length. They are substantially larger than the Gila monster, which only reaches lengths of 30 to 56 cm (12 to 22 in). The snout-to-vent length of a beaded lizard averages 33 to 48 cm (13 to 19 in). The average body mass of an adult beaded lizard is 800 g (1.8 lb), about 45% heavier than the average mass of a gila monster, with large specimens exceeding 2,000 g (4.4 lb). Maximum weight known is 4,000 g (8.8 lb). Although males are slightly larger than females, the lizards are not sexually dimorphic. Both males and females are stocky with broad heads, although the males' tend to be broader. The beaded lizard's scales are small, beadlike, and not overlapping. Except for the lizard's underside, the majority of its scales are underlaid with bony osteoderms.

Their base color is black and marked with varying amounts of yellow spots or bands, with the exception of *H. alvarezi*, which tends to be all black in color. The beaded lizard has a short tail which is used to store fat so it can survive during months of estivation. Unlike many other lizards, this tail does not autotomize and cannot grow back if broken. The beaded lizard has a forked, pink tongue which it uses to smell, with the help of a Jacobson's organ; it sticks its tongue out to gather scents and touches it to the opening of the organ when the tongue is retracted.

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Red Widow Spider

***Latrodectus bishopi*** is the scientific name for the **red widow spider**, which is endemic to certain habitats of central and southern Florida, where it lives primarily in sand dunes dominated by sand pine, *Pinus clausa* – a type of vegetation found only in peninsular Florida.

## Description

The red widow, *L. bishopi*, has a red-orange cephalothorax, its abdomen is black with yellow rings outlining the rows of red spots and its legs are vermillion red. On its underside, it does not have the familiar hourglass marking, but a small red bar. Females are almost double the size of the male.

*L. bishopi* is believed to be venomous like the other *Latrodectus* members, though no bites by this spider are recorded in the medical literature; unlike cosmopolitan species such as the black and brown widows, it seldom comes into contact with humans. The median lethal dose (LD) of the spider's venom has been measured in mice as 2.20 mg/kg (with a confidence interval of 1.29-3.74), and each spider contains about 0.157 mg.

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Pseudophasmatidae (Striped Walkingsticks)

**Pseudophasmatidae** is a family of stick insect, commonly called the "striped walkingsticks". An important identifying characteristic is its mesothorax, which is never more than three times as long as the prothorax.

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## Genus and Species

* Anisomorpha
	+ A. buprestoides (Southern Two-striped Walkingstick)
Humboldt Squid

The **Humboldt squid** (*Dosidicus gigas*), also known as **jumbo squid**, **jumbo flying squid**, ***pota***, or ***diablo rojo***, is a large, predatory squid living in the waters of the Humboldt Current in the eastern Pacific Ocean. It is the only species of the genus *Dosidicus* of the subfamily Ommastrephinae, family Ommastrephidae.

Humboldt squid are among the largest of squids, reaching a mantle length of 1.5 m (4.9 ft). They have a reputation for aggression towards humans, though this behavior may possibly only be manifested during feeding times. Like other members of the subfamily Ommastrephinae, they possess bioluminescent photophores and are capable of quickly changing body coloration (metachrosis). They notably rapidly flash red and white while hunting, earning them the name *diablo rojo* (Spanish for "red devil") among fishermen. These chromatophores (which belong to more than one set and are of different sizes) may rapidly cycle through colours other than red and white, flashing too quickly for the human eye to see the transitions. They can live up to two years.

They are most commonly found at depths of 200 to 700 m (660 to 2,300 ft), from Tierra del Fuego to California. This species is spreading north into the waters of Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, and Alaska. They are fished commercially, predominantly in Mexico and Peru.

## Description

Some squid may grow to 2.5 m (8.2 ft) in mantle length and weigh up to 50 kg (100 lb). Generally, the mantle (or body) constitutes about 40% of the animal's mass, the fins (or wings) about 12%, the arms and tentacles about 14%, the outer skin about 3%, the head (including eyes and beak) about 5%, with the balance (26%) made up of the inner organs.

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Suidae (Pigs)

**Suidae** is a family of artiodactyl mammals commonly called **pigs**, **hogs**, or **boars**. In addition to numerous fossil species, up to sixteen extant species are currently recognized, classified into between four and eight genera. The family includes the domestic pig, *Sus scrofa domesticus* or *Sus domesticus*, in addition to numerous species of wild pig, such as the babirusa and the warthog. All **suids,** or **swine,** are native to the Old World, ranging from Asia to Europe and Africa.

The earliest fossil suids date from the Oligocene epoch in Asia, and their descendants reached Europe during the Miocene. Several fossil species are known, and show adaptations to a wide range of different diets, from strict herbivory to possible carrion-eating (in *Tetraconodon*).

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## Genus and Species

* Sus
	+ S. scrofa (Wild Boar)
Griffon Vulture

The **griffon vulture** (*Gyps fulvus*) is a large Old World vulture in the bird of prey family Accipitridae. It is also known as the **Eurasian griffon**. It is not to be confused with a different species, Rüppell's griffon vulture (*Gyps rueppellii*). It is closely related to the white-backed vulture (*Gyps africanus*).

## Description

The griffon vulture is 93–122 cm (37–48 in) long with a 2.3–2.8 m (7.5–9.2 ft) wingspan. In the nominate race the males weigh 6.2 to 10.5 kg (14 to 23 lb) and females typically weigh 6.5 to 11.3 kg (14 to 25 lb), while in the Indian subspecies (*G. f. fulvescens*), the vultures average 7.1 kg (16 lb). Extreme adult weights have been reported from 4.5 to 15 kg (9.9 to 33.1 lb), the latter likely a weight attained in captivity. Hatched naked, it is a typical Old World vulture in appearance, with a very white head, very broad wings and short tail feathers. It has a white neck ruff and yellow bill. The buff body and wing coverts contrast with the dark flight feathers.

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Nile Crocodile

The **Nile crocodile** (*Crocodylus niloticus*) is an African crocodile, the largest freshwater predator in Africa, and may be considered the second-largest extantreptile in the world, after the saltwater crocodile (*Crocodylus porosus*). The Nile crocodile is quite widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, occurring mostly in the central, eastern, and southern regions of the continent, and lives in different types of aquatic environments such as lakes, rivers, and marshlands.

## Description

Although capable of living in saline environments, this species is rarely found in saltwater, but occasionally inhabits deltas and brackish lakes. The range of this species once stretched northward throughout the Nile, as far north as the Nile delta. On average, the adult male Nile crocodile is between 3.5 and 5 m (11 ft 6 in and 16 ft 5 in) in length and weighs 225 to 750 kg (500 to 1,650 lb). However, specimens exceeding 6 m (20 ft) in length and weighing up to 1,100 kg (2,400 lb) have been recorded. Sexual dimorphism is prevalent, and females are usually about 30% smaller than males. They have thick, scaly, heavily armored skin.

Nile crocodiles are opportunistic apex predators; a very aggressive species of crocodile, they are capable of taking almost any animal within their range. They are generalists, taking a variety of prey. Their diet consists mostly of different species of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. They are ambush predatorsthat can wait for hours, days, and even weeks for the suitable moment to attack. They are agile predators and wait for the opportunity for a prey item to come well within attack range. Even swift prey are not immune to attack. Like other crocodiles, Nile crocodiles have an extremely powerful bite that is unique amongst all animals, and sharp, conical teeth that sink into flesh, allowing for a grip that is almost impossible to loosen. They can apply high levels of force for extended periods of time, a great advantage for holding down large prey underwater to drown.

Nile crocodiles are relatively social crocodiles. They share basking spots and large food sources, such as schools of fish and big carcasses. Their strict hierarchy is determined by size. Large, old males are at the top of this hierarchy and have primary access to food and the best basking spots. Crocodiles tend to respect this order; when it is infringed, the results are often violent and sometimes fatal. Like most other reptiles, Nile crocodiles lay eggs; these are guarded by the females. The hatchlings are also protected for a period of time, but hunt by themselves and are not fed by the parents. The Nile crocodile is one of the most dangerous species of crocodile and is responsible for hundreds of human deaths every year. It is a rather common species of crocodile and is not endangered despite some regional declines or extinctions.

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Latrodectus cinctus

***Latrodectus cinctus*** is a species of spider in the family Theridiidae, found in Cape Verde Islands, Africa, Kuwait and Iran. It is one of six species of *Latrodectus* found in southern Africa, four of which, including *L. cinctus*, are known as black button or black widow spiders. Like all *Latrodectus* species, *L. cinctus* has a neurotoxic venom. It acts on nerve endings, causing the very unpleasant symptoms of latrodectism when humans are bitten.

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Sisoridae

**Sisoridae** is a family of catfishes. These Asian catfishes live in fast-moving waters and often have adaptations that allow them to adhere to objects in their habitats. The family includes about 235 species.

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## Genus and Species

* Bagarius
	+ B. bagarius (Devil Catfish)
	+ B. yerrelli (Giant Devil Catfish)
Ixodes trianguliceps

***Ixodes trianguliceps*** is a species of ticks from the family Ixodidae that feeds on such mammals as shrew, rats, mice, hedgehogs, foxes, squirrels, moles, rabbits and hares. It also frequently feeds on horses and humans. It is mostly found in European countries such as Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and northern parts of Spain, at elevations of up to 2,400 metres (7,900 ft). It is also found in Belarus, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Moldova, Ukraine and Russia.

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Serrasalmidae (Serrasalmids)

The **Serrasalmidae** (serrasalmids) are a family of characiform fishes, recently elevated to family status. It includes more than 90 species. The name means "serrated salmon family", which refers to the serrated keel running along the belly of these fish. Fish classified as Serrasalmidae are also known by these common names: **pacu**, **piranha**, and **silver dollar**. These common names generally designate differing dental characteristics and feeding habits.

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## Genus and Species

* Pygocentrus
	+ P. nattereri (Red-bellied Piranha)
Harris's Hawk

The **Harris's hawk** (*Parabuteo unicinctus*) formerly known as the **bay-winged hawk** or **dusky hawk**, is a medium-large bird of prey that breeds from the southwestern United States south to Chile, central Argentina, and Brazil. Birds are sometimes reported at large in Western Europe, especially Britain, but it is a popular species in falconry and these records almost certainly all refer to escapes from captivity.

The name is derived from the Greek *para*, meaning beside, near or like, and the Latin *buteo*, referring to a kind of buzzard; *uni* meaning once; and *cinctus* meaning girdled, referring to the white band at the tip of the tail.[2] John James Audubon gave this bird its English name in honor of his ornithological companion, financial supporter, and friend Edward Harris.

The Harris's hawk is notable for its behavior of hunting cooperatively in packs consisting of tolerant groups, while other raptors often hunt alone. Harris hawks' social nature has been attributed to their intelligence, which makes them easy to train and have made them a popular bird for use in falconry.

## Description

This medium-large hawk is roughly intermediate in size between a peregrine falcon (*Falco peregrinus*) and a red-tailed hawk(*Buteo jamaicensis*). Harris's hawks range in length from 46 to 59 cm (18 to 23 in) and generally have a wingspan of about 103 to 120 cm (41 to 47 in) They exhibit sexual dimorphism with the females being larger by about 35%. In the United States, the average weight for adult males is about 701 g (1.545 lb), with a range of 546 to 850 g (1.204 to 1.874 lb), while the adult female average is 1,029 g (2.269 lb), with a range of 766 to 1,633 g (1.689 to 3.600 lb). They have dark brown plumage with chestnut shoulders, wing linings, and thighs, white on the base and tip of the tail, long, yellow legs and a yellow cere. The vocalizations of the Harris's hawk are very harsh sounds.

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Latrodectus indistinctus

***Latrodectus indistinctus*** is a species of spiders in the family Theridiidae, found in Namibia and South Africa. It is one of six species of *Latrodectus* found in southern Africa, four of which, including *L. indistinctus*, are known as black button or black widow spiders. Like all *Latrodectus* species, *L. indistinctus* has a neurotoxic venom. It acts on nerve endings, causing the very unpleasant symptoms of latrodectism when humans are bitten.

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Perciformes

**Perciformes**, also called the Percomorpha or Acanthopteri, are the most numerous order of vertebrates, containing about 41% of all bony fish. Perciformes means "perch-like". They belong to the class of ray-finned fish, and comprise over 10,000 species found in almost all aquatic ecosystems.

The order contains about 160 families, which is the most of any order within the vertebrates. It is also the most variably sized order of vertebrates, ranging from the 7-mm (1/4-in) *Schindleria brevipinguis* to the 5-m (16.4 ft) marlin in the *Makaira* genus. They first appeared and diversified in the Late Cretaceous.

Among the well-known members of this group are perch and darters (Percidae), sticklebacks (Gasterosteidae), rockfish (Sebastidae), snailfish (Liparidae), and icefish (Nototheniidae).

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## Families

* Acanthuridae
* Sphyraenidae
* Uranoscopidae
Hottentotta caboverdensis

***Hottentotta caboverdensis*** is a species of scorpions of the family Buthidae. The species was named by Wilson R. Lourenço and Éric Ythier in 2006.

## Description

Its species name is of where the species are founded, the archipelago name in Latin *caboverdensis* (Capeverdean or Cape Verdean).

Its color is likely to be red.

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Viperidae (Vipers)

The **Viperidae** (**vipers**) is a family of venomous snakes found in most parts of the world, excluding Antarctica, Australia, New Zealand, Madagascar, Hawaii, various other isolated islands, and north of the Arctic Circle. All have relatively long, hinged fangs that permit deep penetration and injection of venom. Four subfamilies are currently recognised. They are also known as viperids. The name "viper" is derived from the Latin word *vipera*, -*ae*, also meaning viper, possibly from vivus ("living") and parere ("to beget"), referring to the trait viviparity (giving live birth) common in vipers but not in snakes at large.

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## Genus and Species

* Bitis
	+ B. arietans (Puff Adder)
	+ B. gabonica (Gaboon Viper)

* Bothrops
	+ B. asper (Terciopelo)

* Crotalus
	+ C. atrox (Western Diamondback Rattlesnake)

* Daboia
	+ D. russelii (Russell's Viper)
Pheropsophus aequinoctialis

***Pheropsophus aequinoctialis*** is a species of ground beetle from Central and South America that feeds as larvae on the eggs of mole crickets but as an adult is a generalist feeder.

## Description

As well as being the most widespread, *P. aequinoctialis* is also the most variable species in the genus. It has a similar colour pattern to the beetles *Phaeoxantha aequinoctialis*, *P. klugii* and *Trichognathus marginipennis*, and all these species probably form a Müllerian mimicry complex.

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Guinea Worm

***Dracunculus medinensis*** or **Guinea worm** is a nematode that causes dracunculiasis, also known as guinea worm disease. The disease is caused by the female which, at up to 800 mm (31 in) in length, is among the longest nematodes infecting humans. In contrast, the longest recorded male Guinea worm is only 40 mm (1.6 in).

The common name "guinea worm" is derived from the Guinea region of Western Africa.

## Description

*D. medinensis* larvae are found in fresh water, where they are ingested by copepods of the genus *Cyclops*. Within the copepod, the *D. medinensis* larvae develop to an infective stage within 14 days. When the infected copepod is ingested by a mammalian host, the copepod is dissolved by stomach acid and the *D. medinensis* larvae migrate through the wall of the mammalian intestine, and mature into adults. One hundred days after infection, a male and female *D. medinensis* meet and sexually reproduce within the host tissue. The male dies in the host tissue while the female migrates to the host's subcutaneous tissue. Approximately one year after infection, the female causes the formation of a blister on the skin's surface, generally on the lower extremities, though occasionally on the hand or scrotum. When the blister ruptures, the female slowly emerges over the course of several days or weeks. This causes extreme pain and irritation to the host. When the host submerges the affected body part in water, the female expels thousands of larvae into the water. From here, the larvae infect copepods, continuing the life cycle.

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Macropodidae (Macropods)

**Macropods** are marsupials belonging to the family **Macropodidae**, the **kangaroo family**, which includes kangaroos, wallabies, tree-kangaroos, pademelons, quokkas, and several others. Macropods are native to the Australian continent (the mainland, Tasmania, New Guinea and nearby islands). Before European settlement of Australia, about 65 species of macropods existed. Six species have since become extinct and a further eleven have been greatly reduced in numbers. Other species (e.g. *Simosthenurus*, *Propleopus*, *Macropus titan*) became extinct after the Australian Aborigines arrived and before the Europeans arrived.

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## Genus and Species

* Macropus
	+ M. rufus (Red Kangaroo)
Japanese Honey Bee

**This article is about a Subspecies in the genus Apis.**

***Apis cerana japonica*** is a subspecies of the Eastern honey bee native to Japan. It is commonly known as the **Japanese honey bee** (ニホンミツバチ *Nihon mitsubachi*). This subspecies was determined, through an analysis of mitochondrial DNA, to have originally come from the Korean peninsula. They have been observed moving into urban areas in the absence of natural predators.

*A.c. japonica* is very resistant to the mite *Varroa jacobsoni*, which is commonly found among *A. cerana*. It is also able to adapt to weather extremes, has a long flight duration and is less likely to sting than the western counterpart.

3-Hydroxyoctanoic acid is a signalling chemical emitted by the orchid *Cymbidium floribundum* and recognized by Japanese honeybees.

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Two-spotted Ground Beetle

***Anthia thoracica***, the **two-spotted ground beetle**, is a species of beetles of the family Carabidae.

## Description

*Anthia thoracica* can reach a length of about 47–53 millimetres (1.9–2.1 in). Body is black, with an ovate patch of yellowish setae on each lateral extension of the pronotum and a band of whitish reclinate setae on the lateral margins of elytra. Mandibles are strong and elongate in males. Pronotum has broad lateral flanges and elytra are ovate and smooth, with eight linear striae.

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Maratus harrisi

***Maratus harrisi*** is a species of the genus *Maratus* (peacock spiders), an Australian member of the jumping spider family. It was described in 2011 and is native to the Australian Capital Territory.

The species is named after its discoverer, Stuart Harris, a Canberran vineyard worker and amateur photographer, who first came across the spider in Namadgi National Park in December 2008. Harris posted a photograph of the spider to his Flickr account soon after and it was noticed by spider researcher David Hill.

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Tetraodontidae (Puffers)

The **Tetraodontidae** are a family of primarily marine and estuarine fish of the order Tetraodontiformes. The family includes many familiar species which are variously called **pufferfish**, **puffers**, **balloonfish**, **blowfish**, **blowies**, **bubblefish**, **globefish**, **swellfish**, **toadfish**, **toadies**, **honey toads**, **sugar toads**, and **sea squab**. They are morphologically similar to the closely related porcupinefish, which have large external spines (unlike the thinner, hidden spines of the Tetraodontidae, which are only visible when the fish has puffed up). The scientific name refers to the four large teeth, fused into an upper and lower plate, which are used for crushing the shells of crustaceans and mollusks, their natural prey.

The majority of pufferfish species are toxic and some are among the most poisonous vertebrates in the world. In certain species, the internal organs, such as liver, and sometimes their skin, contain tetrodotoxin and are highly toxic to most animals when eaten; nevertheless, the meat of some species is considered a delicacy in Japan(as 河豚, pronounced as *fugu*), Korea (as 복 *bok* or 복어 *bogeo*), and China (as 河豚 *hétún*) when prepared by specially trained chefs who know which part is safe to eat and in what quantity. Other pufferfish species with nontoxic flesh, such as the northern puffer, *Sphoeroides maculatus*, of Chesapeake Bay, are considered a delicacy elsewhere.

The species *Torquigener albomaculosus* was called by David Attenborough "**the greatest artist of the animal kingdom**" due to the male's ability to create the most complex and visually appealing structures in the sand ever authored by animal.

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## Genus and Species

* Arothron
	+ A. hispidus (White-spotted Puffer)
Sandfish

***Holothuria scabra***, or the **sandfish**, is a species of sea cucumber in the family Holothuriidae. It was placed in the subgenus *Metriatyla* by Rowe in 1969 and is the type species of the subgenus. Sandfish are harvested and processed into "beche-de-mer" and eaten in China and other Pacific coastal communities.

Sea cucumbers are marine invertebrates and are closely related to sea urchins and starfish. All these groups tend to have radial symmetry and have a water vascular system that operates by hydrostatic pressure, enabling them to move around by use of many suckers known as tube feet. Sea cucumbers are usually leathery, gherkin-shaped animals with a cluster of feeding tentacles at one end surrounding the mouth.

## Description

The sandfish is greyish-black on the upper side with dark-coloured wrinkles but paler on the underside. It grows up to forty centimetres long, is broader than it is high and has a pliable skin. It is covered by calcareous spicules in the form of tablets and buttons.

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Ixodes cookei

***Ixodes cookei*** is a species of tick in the genus *Ixodes*. It is normally a parasite of carnivorans, such as raccoons, foxes, and weasels, but has also been recorded on the groundhog (*Marmota monax*) and the marsh rice rat (*Oryzomys palustris*). In the northeastern United States, it is a vector of Powassan virus.

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Notonectidae (Backswimmers)

**Notonectidae** is a cosmopolitan family of aquatic insects in the order Hemiptera, commonly called **Backswimmers** because they swim upside down. The Common Backswimmer, *Notonecta glauca*, is widespread in the United Kingdom, where it is known as the **greater water boatman,** and in Europe.

Notonectidae are similar in appearance to Corixidae (common names 'Water boatman' in the US, 'Lesser water boatman' in the UK), but can be distinguished by their larger size (up to 20 mm), dorsal-ventral coloration, front legs, and predatory behavior. Their dorsum is convex, lightly colored without cross striations. Their front tarsi are not scoop-shaped and their hind legs are fringed for swimming. There are two subfamilies, Notonectinae and Anisopinae, each containing four genera.

The most common genus of Backswimmers is *Notonecta* – streamlined, deep-bodied bugs up to 16 mm long, green, brown, or yellowish in colour. *N. maculata*, is distinguished by its mottled brick-coloured forewings.

Backswimmers swim on their backs, vigorously paddling with their long, hair-fringed hind legs and attack prey as large as tadpoles and small fish. They can inflict a painful "bite" on a human being (actually, similar to a mosquito "bite", it is a stab with their tubular mouthpart). They inhabit still freshwater, e.g. lakes, ponds, marshes, and are sometimes found in garden ponds. Although primarily aquatic, they can fly well and so can disperse easily to new habitats. They seem to be attracted to light; similar to a moth drawn to a flame. For instance, if a Backswimmer enters a swimming pool with an LED light seen under the water, it will inspect the light by swimming up close to it and never leaving that spot.

In contrast to other aquatic insects that cling to submerged objects, *Anisops deanei* uses a unique system to stay submerged: using the extra oxygen supply from haemoglobin in their abdomen, instead of using oxygen dissolved in the water. The size of these air bubbles, which provide buoyancy, changes as the nitrogen dissolves into the blood and the oxygen is used in respiration. This allows for regulation of the size of the air bubbles and their concentration of oxygen.

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## Genus and Species

* Notonecta (**25 species**)
	+ Notonecta borealis
	+ Notonecta glauca
	+ Notonecta hoffmanni
	+ Notonecta indica
	+ Notonecta insulata
	+ Notonecta irrorata
	+ Notonecta kirbyi (Kirby's Backswimmer)
	+ Notonecta lobata
	+ Notonecta lunata
	+ Notonecta maculata
	+ Notonecta marmorea
	+ Notonecta meridionalis
	+ Notonecta montezuma
	+ Notonecta obliqua
	+ Notonecta ochrothoe
	+ Notonecta pallidula
	+ Notonecta petrunkevitchi
	+ Notonecta raleighi
	+ Notonecta repanda
	+ Notonecta shooteri
	+ Notonecta spinosa
	+ Notonecta uhleri
	+ Notonecta undulata (Grousewinged Backswimmer)
	+ Notonecta unifasciata
		- Notonecta unifasciata andersoni
		- Notonecta unifasciata cochisiana
		- Notonecta unifasciata unifasciata
	+ Notonecta viridis
Phyllostomidae (Leaf-nosed Bats)

The **New World leaf-nosed bats** (**Phyllostomidae**) are found from southern North America to South America, specifically from Mexico to northern Argentina. They are ecologically the most varied and diverse family within the order Chiroptera. Most species are insectivorous, but the phyllostomid bats include within their number true predatory species as well as frugivores (subfamily Stenodermatinae and Carolliinae). For example, the false vampire (*Vampyrum spectrum*), the largest bat in the Americas, eats vertebrate prey including small dove-sized birds. Members of this family have evolved to use food groups such as fruit, nectar, pollen, insects, frogs, other bats, and small vertebrates, and, in the case of the vampire bats, even blood.

Both the scientific and common names derive from their often large, lance-shaped noses, greatly reduced in some of the nectar- and pollen-feeders. Because these bats echolocate nasally, this "nose-leaf" is thought to serve some role in modifying and directing the echolocation call. Similar nose-leaves are found in some other groups of bats, most notably the Old World leaf-nosed bats.

New World leaf-nosed bats are usually brown, grey, or black, although one species is white. They range in size from 4 to 13.5 cm (1.6 to 5.3 in) in head-body length, and can weigh from 7 to 200 g (0.25 to 7.05 oz). Most roost in fairly small groups within caves, animal burrows, or hollow trees, although some species aggregate in colonies of several hundred individuals. They do not hibernate, although some species have been reported to aestivate.

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## Genus and Species

* Desmodus
	+ D. rotundus (Common Vampire Bat)
Indian Tiger Centipede

***Scolopendra hardwickei***, the **Indian tiger centipede**, is a species of centipede in the family Scolopendridae.

## Description

*Scolopendra hardwickei* can reach a length of 16 centimetres (6.3 in). Antennas consist of 17 or 18 segments, of which the first 6-7 are shiny. It is a pigmented species, with exceptionally bright and contrasting coloration, alternating dark orange and deep black segments, with dark orange legs.

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Pristidae (Sawfish)

**Sawfishes**, also known as **carpenter sharks**, are a family of rays characterized by a long, narrow, flattened rostrum, or nose extension, lined with sharp transverseteeth, arranged in a way that resembles a saw. They are among the largest fish with some species reaching lengths of about 7 m (23 ft). They are found worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions in coastal marine and brackish estuarine waters, as well as freshwater rivers and lakes.

They should not be confused with sawsharks (order Pristiophoriformes) or the extinct sclerorhynchids (order Sclerorhynchiformes) which have a similar appearance, or swordfish (family Xiphiidae) which have a similar name but very different appearance.

Sawfishes are relatively slow breeders and the females give birth to live young. They feed on fish and invertebrates that are detected and captured with the use of their saw. They are generally harmless to humans, but can inflict serious injuries when captured and defending themselves with the saw.

Sawfish have been known and hunted for thousands of years, and play an important mythological and spiritual role in many societies around world.

Once common, sawfish have experienced a drastic decline in recent decades, and the only remaining strongholds are in Northern Australia and Florida, United States. The five species are rated as Endangered or Critically Endangered by the IUCN. They are heavily persecuted for their fins (shark fin soup), use of parts as traditional medicine, their teeth and saw. They also face habitat loss. Sawfish have been listed by CITES since 2007, restricting international trade in them and their parts. They are protected in Australia, the United States and several other countries, meaning that sawfish caught by accident have to be released and violations can be punished with hefty fines.

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## Genus and Species

* Pristis
	+ P. pristis (Largetooth Sawfish)
Petromyzontiformes (Lampreys)

**Lampreys** (sometimes also called, inaccurately, **lamprey eels**) are any jawless fish of the order Petromyzontiformes, placed in the superclass Cyclostomata. The adult lamprey may be characterized by a toothed, funnel-like sucking mouth. The common name "lamprey" is probably derived from Latin *lampetra*, which may mean "stone licker" (*lambere* "to lick" + *petra* "stone"), though the etymology is uncertain.

There are about 38 known extant species of lampreys. Parasitic species are the best known, and feed by boring into the flesh of other fish to suck their blood; but only 18 species of lampreys are parasitic. Parasitic lampreys also attach themselves to larger animals to get a free ride. Adults of the non-parasitic species do not feed; they live off reserves acquired as ammocoetes (larvae), which they obtain through filter feeding.

The lampreys are a very ancient lineage of vertebrates, though their exact relationship to hagfishes and jawed vertebrates is still a matter of dispute.

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Latrodectus corallinus

***Latrodectus corallinus*** is a species of widow spider native to Argentina. It is approximately 12 millimetres (0.47 in) in size, and is primarily black with large, red markings on its abdomen, as well as a red, square-like ring under its abdomen.

## Description

*Latrodectus corallinus*, like its North American relatives, is found both outdoors and indoors, and is commonly found in agricultural fields.

*Latrodectus corallinus*, like most species of *Latrodectus*, is not aggressive. The peak time of activity for *Latrodectus corallinus* is between the months of December and March (summer in the Southern Hemisphere).

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Hydrozoa (Hydrozoans)

**Hydrozoa** (**hydrozoans**, from ancient Greek ὕδρα, *hydra*, "sea serpent" and ζῷον, *zoon*, "animal") are a taxonomic class of individually very small, predatory animals, some solitary and some colonial, most living in salt water. The colonies of the colonial species can be large, and in some cases the specialized individual animals cannot survive outside the colony. A few genera within this class live in fresh water. Hydrozoans are related to jellyfish and corals and belong to the phylum Cnidaria.

Some examples of hydrozoans are the freshwater jelly (*Craspedacusta sowerbyi*), freshwater polyps (*Hydra*), *Obelia*, Portuguese man o' war (*Physalia physalis*), chondrophores (Porpitidae), "air fern" (*Sertularia argentea*), and pink-hearted hydroids (*Tubularia*).

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## Orders

* Anthoathecata
* Siphonophorae