Mountain Neinei

Plants > Ericales

The Mountain Neinei (Dracophyllum traversii), often celebrated as one of New Zealand’s most architectural and dramatic indigenous trees, is a subalpine member of the heath family (Ericaceae). With its candelabra-like branching and dramatic crowns of curving,...

Tam Dao Giant Stick Insect

Invertebrates > Phasmatodea

The Tam Dao Giant Stick Insect (Phryganistria tamdaoensis) is a monumental phasmida species discovered in 2014 in the misty mountain forests of northern Vietnam. Measuring over twenty inches with its legs outstretched, this gentle titan is one of the longest insects...

Ant-mimic Jumping Spider

Invertebrates > Araneae

The Ant-mimic Jumping Spider (Synemosyna formica) is one of nature’s most astounding examples of morphological and behavioral mimicry (Batesian myrmecomorphy). Belonging to the jumping spider family (Salticidae), this ingenious arachnid has evolved a body...

Scrawled Cowfish

Fish > Tetraodontiformes

The Scrawled Cowfish (Acanthostracion quadricornis) is one of the most eccentric and visually mesmerizing reef dwellers of the tropical Western Atlantic. Renowned for its rigid box-like carapace and pair of horn-like spines projecting over its eyes, this docile member...

Zambian Slender Caesar Mushroom

Fungi > Agaricales

The Zambian Slender Caesar Mushroom (Amanita zambiana), widely known across Southern and Central Africa by indigenous names such as ‘Tente’ or ‘Bowa,’ is a colossal, choice edible mycorrhizal fungus native to the vast Miombo woodlands....