31 January 2013

J is for Jackal

The black backed Jackal, pictured below, is one of three species of jackals found in North Africa. It has black hair on the back which contrasts with the rusty red color of the hair on the rest of its body and a black tip on its tail.

In mythology, jackals are often depicted as clever sorcerers which probably reflects their nature in the wild, where they are resourceful.

30 January 2013

Three Things I Didn't Know About Japanese Beetles

1. Firstly, I didn't know there was a beetle called the Japanese beetle, and so I certainly wouldn't know what Popillia japonica was. As the name would suggest, the Japanese beetle is native to Japan.
2. The Japanese beetle can also be found in parts of Canada and the United States where it is considered a pest and does substantial damage to a large number of species of plants.
3. The life cycle of the Japanese beetle is typically twice as long in Japan where it is 2 years as opposed to the United States where it is only one year.

24 January 2013

Ibis - the Rare and Not so Rare

The ibis is a group of wading birds with long legs and long curved bills. They generally feed in groups, using their bills to hunt out crustaceans in the mud and sand. They usually nest in trees overhanging or near water.

The Northern Bald Ibis (also known as the Hermit Ibis or Waldrapp) has an interesting history and was revered in ancient Egypt. Unlike most other species of Ibis, it is non-wading. It has an unfeathered red face and head, and a long, curved red bill. The native populations of the northern bald ibis are declining and there are a number of strategies around the world currently being trialled to increase their numbers in the wild.

23 January 2013

Impressive Iguanas

There are two species of lizards that are part of the genus Iguana - the green iguana and the Lesser Antillean iguana. Iguanas are native to tropical areas of Mexico, Central America, as well as several islands in Polynesia and the Caribbean.


Both species of iguanas have a row of spines running down their backs to their tails, a dewlap (a flap of skin that hangs under their jaw) and a third "eye" on their heads, known as the parietal eye.

Iguana at St. Thomas Canvas PrintIguana on the Rocks PrintIguana Greeting Card

22 January 2013

Indigo Bunting

The Indigo Bunting is a small songbird which can be found from South Canada to northern South America, depending on the season. The male of this species has brilliant iridescent blue feathers during the breeding season. In fall and winter, his plumage changes to brown, similar to the female, but he keeps a few blue feathers. The Indigo Bunting will usually migrate at night and will use the stars to navigate.


Indigo Bunting Poster
Indigo Bunting Poster by Bebops
View more Indigo bunting Posters at zazzle.com

21 January 2013

Horse and Western Themed Wedding Anniversary

A modern invitation set for a western horse wedding anniversary with two horses and horseshoes in brown, tan and blue. A unique invitation for the couple who love horses or horses play an important part of their life together. The invitation set includes the invitation, with both sides fully customizable for your own special occasion as shown below, stickers which can be used as envelope seals or on party favors, US postage stamps and a thank you postcard.


20 January 2013

Cute Hedgehogs

A hedgehog is a nocturnal spiny mammal which can be found in Europe, Asia and Africa. They can also be found in New Zealand as an introduced species to the area.

Hedgehogs are basically the same as their ancestors from the last 15 million years and although they have spines like porcupines and echidnas, they are not related to either of these.

The spines of the hedgehog are hollow hairs made stiff with keratin. The spines of the hedgehog are not poisonous or barbed and cannot be easily removed from the hedgehog.The unusual look of the hedgehog makes it a fun subject for cartoons with its spiny protective exterior.

19 January 2013

Hummingbird Hawk-moth

The Hummingbird Hawk-moth (also known as the Hummingmoth) looks very similar in appearance to a hummingbird when it is feeding on flowers, hence its name. It has a long proboscis and it hovers above flowers while it is feeding and makes a humming noise.

Hummingbird hawk-moths are attracted to flowers which have a plentiful supply of nectar including honeysuckle, red valerian and buddleia and they prefer warmer climates.

The image below shows a hummingbird hawk-moth hovering above a flower and gathering its nectar.

18 January 2013

Hermit Crabs

Hermit crabs is a type of crustacean with a sift abdomen which lives its life in a shell or other protective surrounding. Hermit crabs have been a popular pet for many children and given that there are over a thousand species, the ones we know as pets are only a small proportion of hermit crabs out there in the wild as there only 15 terrestrial species.


As the hermit crab grows, it needs to upgrade its shell to a larger version. They often use the shells of sea snails and hermit crabs can fight another to gain a better shell.

17 January 2013

Cute Hippos

Yes, it's true - hippos are considered one of the most aggressive and dangerous animals in Africa, but who could be scared of these cute hippo illustrations - so sweet! Perfect for the person who loves hippos - they almost seem cuddly!


16 January 2013

Hound Mugs for the Dog Lover

Our alphabet animals continue with another animal which starts with the letter H - hounds! Today we are featuring three coffee mugs which have vintage images of hounds - for all the hound and dog lovers out there!


15 January 2013

Sweet Gifts for the Horse Lover

Today we are featuring sweet gifts for the horse lover - both young and old. Cute illustrations and artwork featuring horses and ponies on a range of gift ware. Many of these gifts are fully customizable to create a unique and personalized horse gift.




14 January 2013

Hip Hip Hippos

In ancient Greek, hippopotamus means horse of the river but the hippo is not a relative of the horse! So what is a hippo? It is a large, semi-aquatic mammal in Africa and is most closely related to whales and dolphins (I kid you not!) of all the animals in the modern animal world.


While the hippos in these images may look calm and even possibly a little lazy, they are very aggressive animals and are often regarded as one of the most dangerous animals in Africa. Now I wouldn't have expected that!

Love You Mom Hippopotamus Portrait Postershippo-2 postersHippo Close Up Poster

13 January 2013

Tribal Horses

Horses are an important part of many cultures, including tribal communities, as they are crucial for their livelihood and their customs. Artistic styles with a tribal influence are becoming increasingly popular with their lines and simplicity. These styles are often portrayed in black and white, however other color combinations are becoming more popular. This style also has an influence from tattoo art.

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