Predator Predated!

The Praying Mantis gets its name from its typical ‘prayer posture’, in which it folds its fore limbs and waits patiently for its prey to stray within an attacking range. The mantis in turn, is preyed upon by lizards such as the chameleon. The mantis’ hunting style is believed to have inspired Kung Fu!

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The Komodo dragon's venomous bite

The Komodo Dragon is one of the few lizard species in the world that possess venonous bites. Scientists have established that the venom comes from the bacteria that proliferate in the lizard's saliva. Recently, the presence of venom glands in the lower jaw of the lizard was discovered. These glands secrete toxic proteins that cause blood clotting and muscle paralysis. This unique feature is used by the dragon very effectively to secure prey. It usually feeds on animals much larger than itself, such as deer, pigs and buffaloes. The dragon uses ambush to strike a bite and inject venom into the body of its target, after whcih it follows the animal for several days until the venom brings about its effect on the victim. After the animal collapses, the dragon devours its prey.

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Slumbe(a)r!

Unlike rodents or primates, hibernation in bears is a suppression of metabolic activity that occurs more or less independent of temperature changes. Some bears of the northernmost latitudes may go up to eight months without food and water, relying solely on the energy reserves in the body. Bears are also able to recycle proteins and urine in their bodies, allowing the bears to stop urinating for months and inhibit muscle atrophy.

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