#california black tarantula

[practically-an-x-man]

I won't lie. I got distracted watching a video of a guy who's tent was being torn apart by leaf cutter ants and began researching the logistics of that.

BUT I'M BACK with an ask ONCE AGAIN. And it's bugged themed. For definitely unrelated reasons.

Your characters gain the ability to control one species of bug (specific species, not all of ants or all of wasps), and they have as much time as they need to research what bug they'd like. What qualifies as a bug in this case is subjective. Anything in class insecta is fair game but arachnida is cool too.

First of all, that documentary sounds fascinating and I can totally appreciate going down a research rabbithole like that :D

Second, I love this ask, let's dive right in!!

Rae: Copidosoma floridanum - a type of cosmopolitan wasp. The main reason she'd choose it is for it being cosmopolitan, she can utilize this power regardless of her travels.

Robin: Reticulitermes flavipes - the eastern subterranean termite. She'd pretty much exclusively use this power to keep them away from the operahouse and its wooden sets (same with her parents' house, since it's pretty old)

Madison: Pachydiplax longipennis - the blue dasher dragonfly. Technically any dragonfly would suffice, but blue dashers are common where she lives so she wouldn't have trouble finding them. Either way - semiaquatic, predatory, and edible in a pinch.

Ophelia: Camponotus pennsylvanicus - the black carpenter ant. Am I stealing this from Ant-Man? Maybe. But she'd find a way to use them in her lab, for sure.

Gia: Apis mellifera - the Western honey bee. Having an infinite supply of pollinators is a surefire way to keep her shop, and her clover, as healthy as possible.

Jasper: Melolontha vulgaris - the May beetle. Oil from their larvae is sometimes used as a topical treatment for scratches, abrasions, and rheumatism in traditional medicine - it's not quite Neosporin, but it'll work in a pinch

Kestrel: Eristalis tenax - the common drone fly. Another cosmopolitan species, good for use on their travels, but small and unassuming enough that could be good for some quiet espionage.

Katherine: Anthrenus scrophulariae - the common carpet beetle. They're one of the four common species of beetles that cause damage to textiles and other artifacts in museums, so that's a 25% lower chance that they'll get damaged on her watch

Quinn: Pepsis grossa - a North American tarantula hawk moth. Its sting is said to be incredibly painful and is among the highest ranked on the Schmidt pain index - she'd go with the bullet ant, but she's a lot less likely to find those in the California desert.

Eris: Paraponera clavata - there's the bullet ant. Eris just wants to cause as much pain as possible, when they need to. What kind of bug could double as a weapon to be used in battle? Bullet ant.

Nikoletta: Periplaneta americana - the American cockroach. It's gross, and she honestly hates roaches (and half of this power would just be used keeping them away from her home), but they're so common in big cities like New Orleans that she's always got a few around to control. It's a similar strategy to Cleo and her rats, really.

Jimmy: Drosophilia melanogaster - fruit flies. Look, here's his logic: they were first used in genetics back in 1910, and they were a big deal, and he works with scientists now too... maybe they'd have use for this power of his? (also credit to the one scientific name I did not have to look up beforehand because I had it memorized lol)

Vivienne: Aedes aegypti - the yellow fever mosquito. Disease is... kind of a big deal in her time, there aren't a lot of cures for these horrific ailments, and while Vivienne itself is largely immune by being a siren, she doesn't want Wojchek or his crew stricken ill by some tiny little bug.

Spider: Sigh... I'd been so careful about strictly insects this whole time, but it would be wrong to give him anything but a spider. Hogna carolinensis - the wolf spider, and the largest wolf spider species to be found in America. He just thinks it would be cool to freak people out by having this massive wolf spider crawl out of his mouth or something. He's... an odd one, that for sure.

[lasseizlesbontempsrouler]

Don't know if you already did it, but what kind of pet for the states? (Like alaska = husky, etc.)

alaska has 3 huskies yes

new jersey has 2 dobies! (dev + hock - > short for devil + hockey)

florida and louisiana have gators and fish and snakes and lizards

louisiana himself has a black cat named tarot

minnesota has a golden colored labrador retriever named berry, and a hedgehog named muffin

arkansas has an australian shepard dog named razor (he takes razor camping! camping buddy!) (oklahoma calls him barkansas)

oregon has a brown cat with a teal collar named perry

california has a goldfish named frannie

wyoming has way too many pets holy shit (most notably a fucking cougar? that loves him? her name is cynthia. he has ferrets named jack + sally)

west virginia has 6 bulldogs that he raised all alone (names are > ellis, jefferson, lincoln, lana, ginny jr., and charlie > short for charleston)

texas has 2 beagles, ferris and star

new york has rats. they wander around his room and don't get lost (splinter, cheddar, pudding and bowie)

alabama has a hedgehog named missy

arizona has a bunny named azalea, a bearded dragon named poptart, and a tarantula named blackbeard

colorado has a ferret named cobra

illinois has 2 boas (pain + panic, both female)

indiana has two ferrets named soda + racetrack

maine has two cats and a dog (a ginger tabby named garfield, a russian blue named poseidon, and a great dane named moxie)

kentucky has 5 horses and a sheepdog (coal, oreo, midnight, angel, dottie, and mendel)

mississippi has 2 hamsters (magnolia and peanut)

georgia has two goldfish named peach and pecan

nevada has a blue and black beta named spade

new mexico doesn't have 'pets,' just animals that flock to him

rhode island has a barbet named francis drake

there's a few more i'll say later

[ranger-penny]

click here to see a tarantula 👇

Look at that, it's just a baby tarantula! ;v;

(Ranger Charlie's boot, for scale)

This little guy was no bigger than a gameboy cartridge. The tail-end of summer is just about when they're up and about (its breeding season for them but I'm not sure if they breed this young).

This is a California Black Tarantula, and they're native to this area. Males will live about 7-8 years, while females can live over twice as long.

I know spiders can be scary, and 90% of people might recoil from the sight of one so big, but tarantulas in particular are a very docile species :'> Their venom is definitely not strong enough to do any arm to us either (black widows and brown recluses, though... woof, those are the ones you need to be careful of).

I cant say that I'm not afraid of spiders too, but my tolerance and appreciation for them has gone up quite a bit since learning about them at my job ;v;

Finding a spider in the wild where it belongs rather than in your home where you dont want one doesnt exactly help their reputation though. Like, come on man, eat the other bugs in my house or pay rent!! 😂

Make sure you help spiders outside if you find one indoors. The old cup and paper trick is the safest way to trap and release. They help the environment by eating mosquitoes and other pests!!!

[agaywholoves]

@appledoll ✨The Kiss in Poison (on eyes and lips) ✨Faerie Wand in Black Swan (on eyes and lips) ✨Tarantula Mascara @athrbeautyco @goodvibesbeautybabe ✨Ruby Crystal Charged Cheek Palette (on cheeks) *discontinued #makeup #makeuplover #makeupaddict #gay #lgbt #lgbtq #equality #crueltyfree #crueltyfreebeauty #clean #cleanbeauty #california #likeforlikes #like4likes #likesforlike #losangeles #LA #newyork #nyc #dewy #dewyskin #dewymakeup #glowyskin #skincare #tattoos #grindr #athrbeauty #appledolls #appledollbeauty https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl1bzvDpXl9/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[brookston]

Holidays 10.1

Holidays

Armed Forces Day (South Korea)

Captains Regent Day (San Mario)

CD Player Day

Children’s Day (El Salvador, Guatemala, Sri Lanka)

Chuuk Constitution Day (Micronesia)

Cut Out Dissection Day

Day of Prosecutors (Azerbaijan)

Day of Teachers and Inspectors (Uzbekistan)

Feast of Penha (Brazil)

Fire Pup Day

Fiscal Year begins (US)

Foundation Day of the People's Republic of China

Ground Forces Day (Russia)

Guoqing Jie (China, Hong Kong, Macau)

International Day of Older Persons (UN)

International Music Day

International Raccoon Appreciation Day

Investiture of the Captains Regent (San Marino)

Kung Fu Day

Less Than Perfect Day

Lincolnshire Day (UK)

Little Golden Books Day

Model T Day

Monkey God Festival (Hong Kong)

Moving Day (NYC)

National Black Dog Day

National Book It! Day

National Day of the People's Republic of China

National Hair Day

National Lace Day

National Walk Your Dog Day

O’qituvchi va Murabbiylar Kuni (Day of Teachers and Instructors; Uzbekistan)

Pancasila Sanctity Day (Indonesia)

Popcorn and Tears Movie Appreciation Night

Postcard Day

Stone Fishing Ceremony (French Polynesia)

Tampere Day (Finland)

Teacher’s Day (Uzbekistan)

Umbrella Academy Day

Unification Day (Cameroon)

US-ROK Alliance Day (US and Korea)

Willy Wonka Day

World Ballet Day

World Paralysis Awareness Day

World Series Day

Yosemite National Park Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Coffee Day (Japan)

German Brewer's New Year's Day

Homemade Cookies Day

International Coffee Day

International Sake Day

National Pumpkin Spice Day

Pudding Season begins

World Sake Day

World Vegetarian Day

1st Saturday in October

Bed & Breakfast Inn Mascot Day [1st Saturday]

Cephalopod Awareness Day [1st Saturday]

Dachshund Day [1st Saturday]

Digital Scrapbooking Day [1st Saturday]

Inter-American Water Day [1st Saturday]

International Frugal Fun Day [1st Saturday]

Lumberjack Day (Calaveras County, California) [1st Saturday]

Madonna del Lume Celebration (a.k.a. Blessing of the Fleet; San Francisco, California) [1st Saturday]

National Play Outside Day [1st Saturday of Every Month]

Satyr's Day (Silenus, Greek God of Beer Buddies and Drinking Companions) [1st Saturday of Each Month]

Tarantula Festival and Barbecue (Morgan Hill, California) [1st Saturday]

World Card Making Day [1st Saturday]

Yakima Fresh Hop Ale Festival (Washington) [1st Saturday]

Independence Days

Cyprus (from UK, 1960)

Nigeria (from UK, 1960)

Palau (from UN Trust Territory status, 1994)

Tuvalu (from UK, 1978)

Feast Days

Abai (Syriac Orthodox Church)

Agnolotti Appreciation Day (Pastafarian)

Bavo of Ghent (Christian; Saint)

Descension of the Lawyers Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Edward James (Christian; Blessed)

Festival of Juno Sororia (Ancient Rome)

Festival of the Rosary (Christian; Saint)

Fides (Old Roman Goddess of Faithfulness)

Fidharieus of Ireland (Christian; Saint)

Kalends of October (Ancient Rome)

Ms. Barrett (Muppetism)

Nicetius (Roman Catholic Church)

Oschophoria (Autumn Dionysus Festival, Greek God of Intoxication)

Pergolese (Positivist; Saint)

Plat (Christian; Saint)

Remigius of Rheims (Christian; Saint)

Romanos the Melodist (Christian; Saint)

Thérèse of Lisieux (Christian; Saint)

Protection/Patronage of the Theotokos (Eastern Catholic Churches)

Wasnulf (a.k.a. Wasnon; Christian; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Tomobiki (友引 Japan) [Good luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

Abbey Road, by The Beatles (US Album; 1969)

The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, by Gertrude Stein (Autobiography; 1932)

The Big Country (Film; 1958)

A Canticle for Leibowitz, by Walter M. Miller Jr. (Novel; 1959)

The Devil’s Dictionary, by Ambrose Bierce (Book; 1906)

Dexter (TV Series; 2006)

Fountains of Wayne, by Fountains of Wayne (Album; 1996)

Ghosted (TV Series; 2017)

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest, by Stieg Larrsson (Novel; 2009) [Millennium Trilogy #3]

Green Onions, by Booker T. & The M.G.’s (Album; 1962)

The Hunt for Red October, by Tom Clancy (Novel; 1985)

Jackass (TV Series; 2000)

Kubla Khan, Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem; 1797)

The Last Hero, by Terry Pratchet (Novel; 2001) [Discworld #27]

Madame Bovary (Novel; 1856)

The Man in the High Castle, by Philip K. Dick (Novel; 1962)

Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka (Novella; 1915)

Midnight Love, by Marvin Gaye (Album; 1982)

The Mysterious Affair at Styles, by Agatha Christie (Mystery Novel; 1920) [1]

A New World Record, by Electric Light Orchestra (Album; 1976)

Night of the Living Dead (Film; 1968)

Redwall, by Brian Jacques (Novel; 1986)

Ringworld, by Larry Niven (Novel; 1970)

Selling England By the Pound, by Genesis (Album; 1973)

She, by H. Rider Haggard (Novel; 1886)

Surfin’ Safari, by The Beach Boys (Album; 1962)

The Tale of Peter Rabbit, by Beatrix Potter (Children’s Book; 1902)

Teaser and the Firecat, by Cat Stevens (Album; 1971)

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Film; 1974)

The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (Late Night TV Talk Show; 1962)

The Waste Land, by T.S. Eliot (Poem; 1922)

Wide Sargasso Sea, by Jean Rhys (Novel; 1966)

007 in New York, by Ian Fleming (James Bond Short Story; 1962)

Today’s Name Days

Theresia (Austria)

Remigije, Tereza, Terezija (Croatia)

Igor (Czech Republic)

Remigius (Denmark)

Ragnar, Rain, Rainer, Raino, Rauno, Reinhard (Estonia)

Raine, Rainer, Raino, Rauno (Finland)

Ariel, Mélodie, Muriel, Thérèse (France)

Andrea, Remigius, Theresia, Werner (Germany)

Ananias, Romanos, Thiresia (Greece)

Malvin (Hungary)

Teresa (Italy)

Lara, Lāsma, Zanda (Latvia)

Benigna, Mantas, Mintė, Remigijus (Lithuania)

Rebekka, Remi (Norway)

Benigna, Cieszysław, Dan, Danisz, Danuta, Igor, Jan, Remigiusz (Poland)

Ariadna, Irina, Sofya (Russia)

Arnold (Slovakia)

Teresa, Teresita (Spain)

Ragna, Ragnar (Sweden)

Carter, Remington, Remy, Rhea, Rhiannon (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 274 of 2022; 91 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 6 of week 39 of 2022

Celtic Tree Calendar: Gort (Ivy) [Day 1 of 28]

Chinese: Month 9 (Júyuè), Day 6 (Ding-Hai)

Chinese Year of the: Tiger (until January 22, 2023)

Hebrew: 6 Tishri 5783

Islamic: 5 Rabi I 1444

J Cal: 4 Shù; Threesday [4 of 30]

Julian: 18 September 2022

Moon: 36%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 22 Shakespeare (10th Month) [Pergolese]

Runic Half Month: Gyfu (Gift) [Day 6 of 15]

Season: Autumn (Day 9 of 90)

Zodiac: Libra (Day 7 of 30)

Calendar Changes

Gort (Ivy) [Celtic Tree Calendar; Month 10 of 13]

[brookstonalmanac]

Holidays 10.1

Holidays

Armed Forces Day (South Korea)

Captains Regent Day (San Mario)

CD Player Day

Children’s Day (El Salvador, Guatemala, Sri Lanka)

Chuuk Constitution Day (Micronesia)

Cut Out Dissection Day

Day of Prosecutors (Azerbaijan)

Day of Teachers and Inspectors (Uzbekistan)

Feast of Penha (Brazil)

Fire Pup Day

Fiscal Year begins (US)

Foundation Day of the People's Republic of China

Ground Forces Day (Russia)

Guoqing Jie (China, Hong Kong, Macau)

International Day of Older Persons (UN)

International Music Day

International Raccoon Appreciation Day

Investiture of the Captains Regent (San Marino)

Kung Fu Day

Less Than Perfect Day

Lincolnshire Day (UK)

Little Golden Books Day

Model T Day

Monkey God Festival (Hong Kong)

Moving Day (NYC)

National Black Dog Day

National Book It! Day

National Day of the People's Republic of China

National Hair Day

National Lace Day

National Walk Your Dog Day

O’qituvchi va Murabbiylar Kuni (Day of Teachers and Instructors; Uzbekistan)

Pancasila Sanctity Day (Indonesia)

Popcorn and Tears Movie Appreciation Night

Postcard Day

Stone Fishing Ceremony (French Polynesia)

Tampere Day (Finland)

Teacher’s Day (Uzbekistan)

Umbrella Academy Day

Unification Day (Cameroon)

US-ROK Alliance Day (US and Korea)

Willy Wonka Day

World Ballet Day

World Paralysis Awareness Day

World Series Day

Yosemite National Park Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Coffee Day (Japan)

German Brewer's New Year's Day

Homemade Cookies Day

International Coffee Day

International Sake Day

National Pumpkin Spice Day

Pudding Season begins

World Sake Day

World Vegetarian Day

1st Saturday in October

Bed & Breakfast Inn Mascot Day [1st Saturday]

Cephalopod Awareness Day [1st Saturday]

Dachshund Day [1st Saturday]

Digital Scrapbooking Day [1st Saturday]

Inter-American Water Day [1st Saturday]

International Frugal Fun Day [1st Saturday]

Lumberjack Day (Calaveras County, California) [1st Saturday]

Madonna del Lume Celebration (a.k.a. Blessing of the Fleet; San Francisco, California) [1st Saturday]

National Play Outside Day [1st Saturday of Every Month]

Satyr's Day (Silenus, Greek God of Beer Buddies and Drinking Companions) [1st Saturday of Each Month]

Tarantula Festival and Barbecue (Morgan Hill, California) [1st Saturday]

World Card Making Day [1st Saturday]

Yakima Fresh Hop Ale Festival (Washington) [1st Saturday]

Independence Days

Cyprus (from UK, 1960)

Nigeria (from UK, 1960)

Palau (from UN Trust Territory status, 1994)

Tuvalu (from UK, 1978)

Feast Days

Abai (Syriac Orthodox Church)

Agnolotti Appreciation Day (Pastafarian)

Bavo of Ghent (Christian; Saint)

Descension of the Lawyers Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Edward James (Christian; Blessed)

Festival of Juno Sororia (Ancient Rome)

Festival of the Rosary (Christian; Saint)

Fides (Old Roman Goddess of Faithfulness)

Fidharieus of Ireland (Christian; Saint)

Kalends of October (Ancient Rome)

Ms. Barrett (Muppetism)

Nicetius (Roman Catholic Church)

Oschophoria (Autumn Dionysus Festival, Greek God of Intoxication)

Pergolese (Positivist; Saint)

Plat (Christian; Saint)

Remigius of Rheims (Christian; Saint)

Romanos the Melodist (Christian; Saint)

Thérèse of Lisieux (Christian; Saint)

Protection/Patronage of the Theotokos (Eastern Catholic Churches)

Wasnulf (a.k.a. Wasnon; Christian; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Tomobiki (友引 Japan) [Good luck all day, except at noon.]

Premieres

Abbey Road, by The Beatles (US Album; 1969)

The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas, by Gertrude Stein (Autobiography; 1932)

The Big Country (Film; 1958)

A Canticle for Leibowitz, by Walter M. Miller Jr. (Novel; 1959)

The Devil’s Dictionary, by Ambrose Bierce (Book; 1906)

Dexter (TV Series; 2006)

Fountains of Wayne, by Fountains of Wayne (Album; 1996)

Ghosted (TV Series; 2017)

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets’ Nest, by Stieg Larrsson (Novel; 2009) [Millennium Trilogy #3]

Green Onions, by Booker T. & The M.G.’s (Album; 1962)

The Hunt for Red October, by Tom Clancy (Novel; 1985)

Jackass (TV Series; 2000)

Kubla Khan, Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Poem; 1797)

The Last Hero, by Terry Pratchet (Novel; 2001) [Discworld #27]

Madame Bovary (Novel; 1856)

The Man in the High Castle, by Philip K. Dick (Novel; 1962)

Metamorphosis, by Franz Kafka (Novella; 1915)

Midnight Love, by Marvin Gaye (Album; 1982)

The Mysterious Affair at Styles, by Agatha Christie (Mystery Novel; 1920) [1]

A New World Record, by Electric Light Orchestra (Album; 1976)

Night of the Living Dead (Film; 1968)

Redwall, by Brian Jacques (Novel; 1986)

Ringworld, by Larry Niven (Novel; 1970)

Selling England By the Pound, by Genesis (Album; 1973)

She, by H. Rider Haggard (Novel; 1886)

Surfin’ Safari, by The Beach Boys (Album; 1962)

The Tale of Peter Rabbit, by Beatrix Potter (Children’s Book; 1902)

Teaser and the Firecat, by Cat Stevens (Album; 1971)

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (Film; 1974)

The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson (Late Night TV Talk Show; 1962)

The Waste Land, by T.S. Eliot (Poem; 1922)

Wide Sargasso Sea, by Jean Rhys (Novel; 1966)

007 in New York, by Ian Fleming (James Bond Short Story; 1962)

Today’s Name Days

Theresia (Austria)

Remigije, Tereza, Terezija (Croatia)

Igor (Czech Republic)

Remigius (Denmark)

Ragnar, Rain, Rainer, Raino, Rauno, Reinhard (Estonia)

Raine, Rainer, Raino, Rauno (Finland)

Ariel, Mélodie, Muriel, Thérèse (France)

Andrea, Remigius, Theresia, Werner (Germany)

Ananias, Romanos, Thiresia (Greece)

Malvin (Hungary)

Teresa (Italy)

Lara, Lāsma, Zanda (Latvia)

Benigna, Mantas, Mintė, Remigijus (Lithuania)

Rebekka, Remi (Norway)

Benigna, Cieszysław, Dan, Danisz, Danuta, Igor, Jan, Remigiusz (Poland)

Ariadna, Irina, Sofya (Russia)

Arnold (Slovakia)

Teresa, Teresita (Spain)

Ragna, Ragnar (Sweden)

Carter, Remington, Remy, Rhea, Rhiannon (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 274 of 2022; 91 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 6 of week 39 of 2022

Celtic Tree Calendar: Gort (Ivy) [Day 1 of 28]

Chinese: Month 9 (Júyuè), Day 6 (Ding-Hai)

Chinese Year of the: Tiger (until January 22, 2023)

Hebrew: 6 Tishri 5783

Islamic: 5 Rabi I 1444

J Cal: 4 Shù; Threesday [4 of 30]

Julian: 18 September 2022

Moon: 36%: Waxing Crescent

Positivist: 22 Shakespeare (10th Month) [Pergolese]

Runic Half Month: Gyfu (Gift) [Day 6 of 15]

Season: Autumn (Day 9 of 90)

Zodiac: Libra (Day 7 of 30)

Calendar Changes

Gort (Ivy) [Celtic Tree Calendar; Month 10 of 13]

[lover-of-bugs]

Male California black tarantula, Aphonopelma eutylenum!

Third one I've ever seen. Put my hand down for a size reference but he wanted to crawl on me. Gloves for safety! I don't think he would bite me, this is a pretty chill species from what I've seen, but I do believe they have urticating hairs.

[heywriters]

be me driving down a country road on my way home from work. I crest a hill and i see a black speck of trash or debris near the center line. as i come up on it i am momentarily shocked to see it is the perfect 3d form of a large spider. a toy, is my first thought, meant to be a prank...but in the middle of the road with no houses nearby?

ah yes, it's august in rural california. tarantula migration time

me, an idiot, pulls into the next driveway, turns around, waits for a passing truck, winces because spider be flat now for sure, and goes back up the road mostly out of curiosity but also innately wanting to spare my small, slow, fuzzy neighbor a gruesome death

i look for squashed legs and spattered spider bits, but lo and behold it is still trekking across the road at the breakneck speed of dial-up. again, i am an idiot. i park on the shoulder. i enter the road. i hear a car coming (speed limit is 45mph). i approach my charge, mind racing because now i might be splatted too. i cannot grab it with my hands, i heard they can give you a rash. i realize my mask is still hanging from my front pocket (i never leave it there after work but today i was in a hurry). i don't have time to bend down and scoop it up, but now I'm holding this cloth mask and the seconds are ticking

the oncoming cars can see me clearly in my state parks uniform. they can see the hazard lights on my car. they slow down because I'm focused on something in the road. they watch as i, with all the official grace my uniform evokes, repeatedly SPANK the tarantula with my mask like an indigent rulebreaker until i have swept it off the road

the tarantula waves its arms and mandibles at me like "what the hell, dickwad? I'm walkin here!" and i march off like "nothing to see here folks" even though i just gave them the most interesting spectacle of their day. even funnier is i don't think they could see the tarantula. they just saw a parks employee hitting the asphalt with a mask and walking away like nothing happened.

honestly the stupidest thing I've ever done. but it felt good

[onenicebugperday]

Have you ever done a post about distinguishing brown recluses from wolf spiders? That's kinda my last major barrier of spider fear bc I have definitely killed wolf spiders on accident confusing them for actually dangerous ones. :'(

It's actually super easy to distinguish the two when you know what to look for!

I'll focus on your location that you shared via IM in terms of wolf species you may encounter, but the following info is true of all wolves within the brown recluse (Loxosceles reclusa) range anyway.

Before I get into that, though, for anyone who may want to know how to ID a brown recluse, make sure you're even in their range. Their range is relatively small:

(map source)

If you're outside of this range, it's very VERY unlikely that any spider you encounter is a brown recluse. There are some other Loxosceles species found in the southwest US and into California, though, and they look similar. As far as I understand, there isn't really enough data on the effects of their venom to say whether or not their bites are medically significant like the brown recluse’s may be, but if anyone's seen any research on that, feel free to tell me how wrong I am.

Anyway, here are a male (top) and female brown recluse:

Photos by eattaway92 and wildcarrot

And for size reference:

Photo by catenatus

So! Some things to note. First, there aren’t really any markings on their body except for the famous dark violin shape on the cephalothorax and sometimes a slightly darkened stripe on the front of the abdomen which is super visible in this photo:

Photo by ryandove

Second, the legs are long and spindly and don’t look hairy unless you’re very close up. The way they hold their legs is often almost crab-spider-like. Third, the eyes! This is, I think, the most obvious way to distinguish them from wolves. Brown recluses have only six eyes, grouped in pairs, so it looks like three black dots if you’re viewing it from a distance. Here’s a close-up:

Photo by salticidude

Wolves will not have the violin shape. Almost all species of wolf you’d encounter will also have other markings on their body, especially dark stripes on the cephalothorax. Some may have an abdominal stripe similar to the recluse, but it’s usually much less subtle.

Here are two of the most common wolves in the southern US, Rabidosa rabida and Tigrosa annexa:

Photos by sambiology and cavemander17

You can see the body and legs are far more robust, more densely haired, and the markings are pretty wildly different than the recluse which is fairly plain. There’s no wolf spider I know of that looks even remotely like a recluse as far as markings go.

The big thing though!! Are the eyes. Wolves have eight eyes, but two are comically large cartoon eyes that face forward. Even on the very tiny ones, you can still see their big eyes. Prepare yourself it’s very cute

Photos by annikaml and feistyone

If I’m ever not weeping about wolf eyes, just assume I am dead. Anyway, beyond all that, size in particular is not a very good indicator when trying to differentiate, because wolves have a huge range from the size of your fingernail to practically the size of a tarantula. Let’s admire this one just for fun

Precious :) Carolina wolf photo by afroherpkeeper

Recluses are a lot more consistently sized as adults, about the size of a quarter.

I would also like to add that while recluse venom can potentially be harmful, most bites do not require medical attention and heal just fine on their own, especially for healthy adults. Serious reactions happen in something like less than 1% of bites.

Also, they’re called recluses for a reason. They’re nocturnal, non-aggressive, and tend to avoid people. Most bites happen because they got caught in bedding or clothing and accidentally pressed against someone’s skin, so they bit as a defensive reaction so they could escape the big scary predator about to smoosh them. If you capture them in a cup (wear gloves if you’re afraid!) and put them outside away from your house, it’s very unlikely you’ll see them again. No need to kill them!

Wolves, of course, are capable of biting, but their bites are not medically significant.

Hope this was helpful!

[aquariumdrunkard]

The Aquarium Drunkard Show: SIRIUS/XMU (7pm PST, Channel 35)

Via satellite, transmitting from northeast Los Angeles — the Aquarium Drunkard Show on SIRIUS/XMU, channel 35. 7pm California time, Wednesdays.

Intro ++ The Bug Club – My Baby Loves Rock & Roll Music ++ Holiday Ghosts – Mr. Herandi ++ Paul Jacobs – Half Rich Loner ++ Ty Segall – Tall Man Skinny Lady ++ The Peacers – Irish Suit ++ Lewsberg – Cold Light Of Day ++ The Beets – Preso Voy ++ OMNI – Plane ++ Dry Cleaning – Scratchcard Lanyard ++ Black Country, New Road – Athens, France ++ Ty Segall – Music For A Film ++ Bondo – Compressed Drum ++ Fugazi – Lusty Scripps ++ Crissy Zebby Tembo – I’m Not Made Of Iron ++ Black Sabbath – Planet Caravan ++ Madrigal – The Ballad (Dreams) ++ Fuzz – Fuzz’s Fourth Dream ++ Little Barrie / Malcolm Catto – After After ++ CAN – I’m So Green ++ Damaged Bug – The Mirror ++ Fat White Family – Kim’s Sunsets ++ Ween – The Goin’ Get Tough From The Getgo ++ Ween – Reggaejunkiejew ++ Blur – I Got Law (demo) ++ Sleaford Mods – Tarantula Deadly Cargo ++ The Folk Implosion – Natural One ++ Piero Umiliani – Cantata Per Maryam ++ Kit Sebastian – Tyranny 20 ++ Tortoise & Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – Daniel (Elton John) ++ Jack Name – Karolina ++ Linda Smith – I So Liked Spring

[texasthrillbilly]

I saw this on Facebook and thought it was funny. I didn't write it.

TEXAS CAUTION:

In regards to all the people wanting to move here from New York and California as well as many other heavily populated cities across the country, as well as those wanting to visit...

Before you come to Texas to visit you must be aware of what is happening here. Especially, around the coastal, rural and all of south Texas! There's a housing shortage, rent has tripled, and folks are vacationing here in record numbers...

So if you plan on moving here, or just plan on vacationing on our beaches, river bottoms, hill country or lakes this summer, I think you should know that wolf spiders, fire ants and bedbugs have infested hotels and motels across the area due to dryer than usual weather. The woods will eat you alive with ticks and chiggers.

Our lakes are full of gators, fresh water sharks, and creepy old guys wearing speedos.

Our rivers are full of drunks in tubes peeing themselves while the banjo players lay waiting in the bushes.

Texas panthers have eaten many domesticated animals and possibly some small children.

The local bear and coyote population are all 'in heat' and think your wife/girlfriend is hot.

Snakes... don’t even get me started on the water headed copper moccasins here, and the Diamond Back Rattler Cobras.

The poison ivy has overtaken all other vegetation.

We have had bear sightings at every park and town they are after your picnic baskets….and some cougars have been spotted in motel rooms and bars.

Watch out for the jackalopes, they have been extremely aggressive this season.

We have the Skunk Ape invading our parks and it’s their mating season. Porcupines are "stabbing" small children should they dare to utilize the local playground equipment.

Skunks have made their way over and multiplied at unprecedented rates and wander the local campgrounds in packs looking for beer.

Murder hornets!?! We’ve got great black clouds of murder hornets, and swarms of giant crickets and even some Oklahoma grasshoppers.

Scorpions have been congregating in massive quantities under rocks, logs, wooden steps, automobiles, and tarantulas are now stealing peoples food and biting like crazy.

I’m pretty sure all private tiger owners (we had a jump in them after Tiger King) have released their cats into the streets of our cities and towns.

Head lice now fly and we have vampire bats.

Oh, and no one is vaccinated.

I hear Idaho and Louisiana are really nice though.” 👍🏼

[fantabulisticity]

I was tagged by @two-captains! Thanks for tagging me 😊

Relationship status: single and not really looking. I'm just living my life right now. If something comes up, that's cool, and if not, that's cool, too. I do have crushes on several friends rn, as per usual, but I'm not planning to do anything about it, also as per usual 😂

Favorite color: PURPLE! All purples. I also like magenta, fuschia, teal, copper, mahogany, sea foam green, deep red, and hot pink. I like a lot of colors.

Favorite food: pasta. Mac & cheese, fettucine alfredo, spaghetti, ravioli.... I got (mild) scurvy a few years ago bc I was pretty depressed and only ate mac & cheese for three months straight, lmao

Song stuck in my head: I've been listening to "The Dismemberment Song" by Blue Kid on repeat, which is a song my friend @lesbian-light-tech gave me for my murder playlist, which is very messy and not even close to complete rn (and I also have this song on "Ignoring Men") (this song is exactly what it says on the tin, so if you don't want to hear someone singing about dismemberment/torture/vivisection, maybe don't listen to it 😅)

Last thing I googled: "black and red salamander," to show my mom an approximate image of what one of my friends has tattooed on her forearm. I want to get a matching tattoo :) (of a long-toed salamander, and smaller and not on my arm, but a similar-looking salamander nonetheless! I've raised a few of them, and I LOVE these animals 💚)

Time: 11:31 am. I just got up and showered and now I'm checking my notifications before I get food and continue moving. 😫 I hate moving.

Dream trip: OOH, I have a few! I've always wanted to visit the Amazon Rainforest -- one of the most biodiverse regions on earth! I also want to visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium to pet the giant isopods in a TOUCHABLE exhibit 😭😭😭😭 and, of course, I want to go visit one of my best friends in Cyprus! And in September, I am TAKING a dream trip to Colorado to see the tarantula migration in southeastern CO, hang out with my friends in Denver, visit the Butterfly Pavilion, and go see MCR live in concert for the first time! (Okay, one more -- when Brood X emerges again, I want to go hang out in Cicada Hell -- I want to pick up handfuls of cicadas and hear the trees scream 😍)

Something I want: to get out of Idaho. I want to leave here so, so bad. But I can't afford it right now. I want to go west enough that I don't have to worry as much about queerphobia, and south enough that it doesn't get dark at 4 pm in the winter, but California is too expensive, and I need sun, so west coast Oregon is maybe too cloudy for me.

Tagging (only if you feel like it): @foxfinding @matineemonsters @pink-vanilla-sugar @abenevolenthallucination @starry-river-serval

[galbium]

The full book title contains 3777 words and reads as follows: 'The historical development of the Heart i.e. from its formation from Annelida: Clam worm, Seamouse, Lugworm, Megascolex, Tubifex, Pheretima, Freshwater leech, marine leech, land leech. Arthropoda: Ladybird, Krill, Rock Barnacle, Root-headed Barnacle, Copepod, Silverfish, Cairns birdwing, Silver - spotted skipper, Scutigera, Cray fish, Large white, Andonis blue, Camberwell beauty, Tiger swallowtail, Regent skipper, Black – veined white, Green – underside blue, Blue Morpho, Apollo, Guava skipper, Cleopatra, Large copper, Millipede, Orb spider, Black widow spider, Giant crab spider, Wolf spider, Bird – eating spider, Tenebrionid beetle, Green Tiger beetle, African goliath beetle, Scolopendra, Diving beetle, African ground beetle, New guinea weevil, Barnacle, Lobster, Shrimp, Woodlice, Mite, Prawn, Housefly, Butterfly, Monarch butterfly, Peacock butterfly, Honey bee, Fairy shrimp, Horsehoe crab, Tick, Bluebootle, Froghopper, Yellow crazy ant, Water flea, Sea spider, Fiddler crab, Shiny spider crab, Hermit crab, Sail swallowtail, Red admiral, Morpho butterfly, Desert locust, Stephens island weta, Speckled bush cricket, Mole cricket, Dung – beetle, Euthalia ynipardus, Small blues, Termite, Hornet, Mosquito, Garden spider, Tarantula, Desert hairy scorpion, Emperor dragon – fly, Moth, Centipede, Wood ant, Stag beetle, Indian red admiral, Blue admiral, Harvestman, Hoverfly, Shield bug, Assassin bug, Cicada, Coreid bug, Rose aphid, Water – boatman, Wasp, June bug, Large tortoiseshell, Frog beetle, Mexican red – legged tarantula, Paintedlady, Sydney funnelweb spider, Small tortoiseshell, Mountain bumble bee, Trapdoor spider, Jumping spider, Daddy longlegs spider, Orchind bee, Asian carpenter bee, Parasitic bee, House spider, Giant longhorn beetle, Flea, Bedbug Beetle, Cockroach, Scorpion, Spider, Ant, Gnats, Grasshopper, Silver fish, Crab, Great green bush cricket, Elephant hawk – moth. Mollusca: Neomenia, Chaetoderma, Chiton, Lepidopleurus, Apple snail, Sea hare, Sea lemon, Dentalium, Freshwater mussel, Marine mussel, Pearl oyster, Cuttlefish, Giant squid, Chambered fish, Devilfish. Fishes or Pisces: African glass catfish, African lungfish, Aholehole, Airbreathing catfish, Alaska blackfish, Albacore, Alewife, Alfonsino, Algae eater, Alligatorfish, Alligator gar, Amberjack - Seriola dumerili, American sole, Amur pike, Anchovy, Anemonefish, Angelfish, Angler, Angler catfish, Anglerfish, Antarctic cod, Antarctic icefish, Antenna codlet, Arapaima, Archerfish, Arctic char, Armored gurnard, Armored searobin, Armorhead, Armorhead catfish, Armoured catfish, Arowana, Arrowtooth eel, Asian carps, Asiatic glassfish, Atka mackerel, Atlantic Bonito (Sarda sarda), Atlantic cod, Atlantic herring, Atlantic salmon, Atlantic Sharpnose Shark - Rhizoprioltodon terraenovae, Atlantic saury, Atlantic silverside, Australasian salmon, Australian grayling, Australian herring, Australian lungfish, Australian prowfish, Ayu, Baikal oilfish, Bala shark, Ballan wrasse, Bamboo shark, Banded killifish, Bandfish, Banjo, Bangus, Banjo catfish, Bank Sea Bass, Barb, Barbel, Barbeled dragonfish, Barbeled houndshark, Barbel-less catfish, Barfish, Barracuda, Barracudina, Barramundi, Barred danio, Barreleye, Basking shark, Bass, Basslet, Batfish, Bat ray, Beachsalmon, Beaked salmon, Beaked sandfish, Beardfish, Beluga sturgeon, Bengal danio, Betta, Bichir, Bicolor goat fish, Bigeye, , Bighead carp, Bigmouth buffalo, Bigscale, Billfish, Bitterling, Black angelfish, Black bass, Black dragonfish, Blackchin, Blackfin Tuna - Thunnus atlanticus, Blackfish, Black neon tetra, Blacktip reef shark, Black mackerel, Black scalyfin, Black sea bass, Black scabbardfish, Black swallower, Black tetra, Black triggerfish, Bank Sea Bass aka Yellow Sea Bass - Centropristis ocyurus, Bleak, Blenny, Blind goby, Blind shark, Blobfish, Blueline Tilefish, Blowfish, Blue catfish, Blue danio, Blue-redstripe danio, Blueline Tilefish , Blue eye, Bluefin tuna, Bluefish, Bluegill, Blue gourami, Blue shark, Blue triggerfish, Blue whiting, Bluntnose knifefish, Bluntnose minnow, Boafish, Boarfish, Bobtail snipe eel, Bocaccio, Boga, Bombay duck, Bonefish, Bonito, Bonnetmouth, Bonytail chub, Bronze corydoras, Bonytongue, Bowfin, Boxfish, Bramble shark, Bream, Brill, Bristlemouth, Bristlenose catfish, Broadband dogfish, Brook lamprey, Brook trout, Brotula, Brown trout, Buffalo fish, Bullhead, Bullhead shark, Bull shark, Bull trout, Burbot, Bumblebee goby, Buri, Burma danio, Burrowing goby, Butterfish, Butterfly ray, Butterflyfish, California flyingfish, California halibut, Canary rockfish, Candiru, Candlefish, Capelin, Cardinalfish, Cardinal tetra, Carp, Carpetshark, Carpsucker, Catalufa, Catfish, Catla, Cat shark, Cavefish, Celebes rainbowfish, Central mudminnow, Chain pickerel, Channel bass, Channel catfish, Char, Cherry salmon, Chimaera, Chinook salmon, Cherubfish, Chub, Chubsucker, Chum salmon, Cichlid, Cisco, Climbing catfish, Climbing gourami, Climbing perch, Clingfish, Clownfish, Clown loach, Clown triggerfish, Cobbler, Cobia, Cod, Codlet, Codling, Coelacanth, Coffinfish, Coho salmon, Coley, Collared carpetshark, Collared dogfish, Colorado squawfish, Combfish, Combtail gourami, Common carp, Common tunny, Conger eel, Convict blenny, Convict cichlid, Cookie-cutter shark, Coolie loach, Cornetfish, Cowfish, Cownose ray, Cow shark, Crappie, Creek chub, Crestfish, Crevice kelpfish, Croaker, Crocodile icefish, Crocodile shark, Crucian carp, Cuckoo wrasse, Cusk, Cusk-eel, Cutlassfish, Cutthroat eel, Cutthroat trout, Dab, Dace, Desert pupfish, Devario, Devil ray, Dhufish, Discus, Diver: New Zealand sand diver or long-finned sand diver, Dogfish, Dogfish shark, Dogteeth tetra, Dojo loach, Dolly Varden trout, Dolphin fish - Corypaena hippurus, Dorab, Dorado, Dory, Dottyback, Dragonet, Dragonfish, Dragon goby, Driftfish, Driftwood catfish, Drum, Duckbill, Duckbill eel, Dusky grouper, Dusky Shark - Carcharhinus obscurus, Dwarf gourami, Dwarf loach, Eagle ray, Earthworm eel, Eel, Eel cod, Eel-goby, Eelpout, Eeltail catfish, Elasmobranch, Electric catfish, Electric eel, Electric knifefish, Electric ray, Elephant fish, Elephantnose fish, Elver, Ember parrotfish, Emerald catfish, Emperor angelfish, Emperor bream, Escolar, Eucla cod, Eulachon, European chub, European eel, European flounder, European minnow, European perch, False brotula, False cat shark, False moray, Fangtooth, Fathead sculpin, Featherback, Fierasfer, Fire goby, Filefish, Finback cat shark, Fingerfish, Firefish, Flabby whale fish, Flagblenny, Flagfin, Flagfish, Flagtail, Flashlight fish, Flatfish, Flathead, Flathead catfish, Flier, Flounder, Flying gurnard, Flying fish, Footballfish, Forehead brooder, Four-eyed fish, French angelfish, Freshwater eel, Freshwater hatchetfish, Freshwater shark, Frigate mackerel, Frilled shark, Frogfish, Frogmouth catfish, Fusilier fish, Galjoen fis, Ganges shark, Geel, Garibaldi, Garpike, Ghost fish, Ghost flathead, Ghost knifefish, Ghost pipefish, Ghost shark, Ghoul, Giant danio, Giant gourami, Giant sea bass, Gibberfish, Gila trout, Gizzard shad, Glass catfish, Glassfish, Glass knifefish, Glowlight danio, Goatfish, Goblin shark, Goby, Golden dojo, Golden loach, Golden shiner, Golden trout, Goldeye, Goldfish, Gombessa, Goosefish, Gopher rockfish, Gourami, Grass carp, Graveldiver, Grayling, Gray mullet, Gray reef shark, Great white shark, Green swordtail, Greeneye, Greenling, Grenadier, Green spotted puffer, Ground shark, Grouper, Grunion, Grunt, Grunter, Grunt sculpin, Gudgeon, Guitarfish, Gulf menhaden, Gulper eel, Gulper, Gunnel, Guppy, Gurnard, Haddock, Hagfish, Hairtail, Hake, Halfbeak, Halfmoon, Halibut, Halosaur, Hamlet, Hammerhead shark, Hammerjaw, Handfish, Hardhead catfish, Harelip sucker, Hatchetfish, Hawkfish, Herring, Herring smelt, Hickory Shad, Horn shark, Horsefish, Houndshark, Huchen, Humuhumunukunukuapua'a, Hussar, Icefish, Ide, Ilisha, Inanga, Inconnu, Jack, Jackfish, Jack Dempsey, Japanese eel, Javelin, Jawfish, Jellynose fish, Jewelfish, Jewel tetra, Jewfish, John Dory, Kafue pike, Kahawai, Kaluga, Kanyu, Kelp perch, Kelpfish, Killifish, King of the herrings, Kingfish, King-of-the-salmon, Kissing gourami, Knifefish, Knifejaw, Koi, Kokanee, Kokopu, Kuhli loach, Labyrinth fish, Ladyfish, Lake chub, Lake trout, Lake whitefish, Lampfish, Lamprey, Lanternfish, Largemouth bass, Leaffish, Lefteye flounder, Lemon shark, Lemon sole, Lemon tetra, Lenok, Leopard danio, Lightfish, Limia, Lined sole, Ling, Ling cod, Lionfish, Livebearer, Lizardfish, Loach, Loach catfish, Loach goby, Loach minnow, Longfin, Longfin dragonfish, Longfin escolar, Longfin smelt, Long-finned char, Long-finned pike, Longjaw mudsucker, Longneck eel, Longnose chimaera, Longnose dace, Longnose lancetfish, Longnose sucker, Longnose whiptail catfish, Long-whiskered catfish, Loosejaw, Lost River sucker, Louvar, Loweye catfish, Luderick, Luminous hake, Lumpsucker, Lungfish, Mackerel, Mackerel shark, Madtom, Mahi-mahi, Mahseer, Mail-cheeked fish, Mako shark, Mandarinfish, Masu salmon, Medaka, Medusafish, Megamouth shark, Menhaden, Merluccid hake, Mexican golden trout, Midshipman fish, Milkfish,, Minnow, Minnow of the deep, Modoc sucker, Mojarra, Mola, Monkeyface prickleback, Monkfish, Mooneye, Moonfish, Moorish idol, Mora, Moray eel, Morid cod, Morwong, Moses sole, Mosquitofish, Mouthbrooder, Mozambique tilapia, Mrigal, Mud catfish (Mud cat), Mudfish, Mudminnow, Mud minnow, Mudskipper, Mudsucker, Mullet, Mummichog, Murray cod, Muskellunge, Mustache triggerfish, Mustard eel, Naked-back knifefish, Nase, Needlefish, Neon tetra, New World rivuline, New Zealand smelt, Nibble fish, Noodlefish, North American darter, North American freshwater catfish, North Pacific daggertooth, Northern anchovy, Northern clingfish, Northern lampfish, Northern pike, Northern sea robin, Northern squawfish, Northern stargazer, Notothen, Nurseryfish, Nurse shark, Oarfish, Ocean perch, Ocean sunfish, Oceanic whitetip shark, Oilfish, Oldwife, Old World knifefish, Olive flounder, Opah, Opaleye, Orange roughy, Orangespine unicorn fish, Orangestriped triggerfish, Orbicular batfish, Orbicular velvetfish, Oregon chub, Orfe, Oriental loach, Oscar, Owens pupfish, Pacific albacore, Pacific cod, Pacific hake, Pacific herring, Pacific lamprey, Pacific salmo, Pacific saury, Pacific trout, Pacific viperfish, Paddlefish, Pancake batfish, Panga, Paradise fish, Parasitic catfish, Parore, Parrotfish, Peacock flounder, Peamouth, Pearleye, Pearlfish, Pearl danio, Pearl perch, Pelagic cod, Pelican eel, Pelican gulper, Pencil catfish, Pencilfish, Pencilsmelt, Peppered corydoras, Perch, Peters' elephantnose fish, Pickerel, Pigfish, Pike conger, Pike eel, Pike, Pikeblenny, Pikeperch, Pilchard, Pilot fish, Pineapplefish, Pineconefish, Pink salmon, Píntano, Pipefish, Piranha, Pirarucu, Pirate perch, Plaice, Platy, Platyfish, Pleco, Plownose chimaera, Poacher, Pollock, Pomfret, Pompano dolphinfish, Ponyfish, Popeye catalufa, Porbeagle shark, Porcupinefish, Porgy, Port Jackson shark, Powen, Prickleback, Pricklefish, Prickly shark, Prowfish, Pufferfish, Pumpkinseed, Pupfish, Pygmy sunfish, Queen danio, Queen parrotfish, Queen triggerfish, Quillback, Quillfish, Rabbitfish, Raccoon butterfly fish, Ragfish, Rainbow trout, Rainbowfish, Rasbora, Ratfish, Rattail, Ray, Razorback sucker, Razorfish, Red Grouper, Red salmon, Red snapper, Redfin perch, Redfish, Redhorse sucker, Redlip blenny, Redmouth whalefish, Redtooth triggerfish, Red velvetfish, Red whalefish, Reedfish, Reef triggerfish, Remora, Requiem shark, Ribbon eel, Ribbon sawtail fish, Ribbonfish, Rice eel, Ricefish, Ridgehead, Riffle dace, Righteye flounder, Rio Grande perch, River loach, River shark, River stingray, Rivuline, Roach, Roanoke bass, Rock bass, Rock beauty, Rock cod, Rocket danio, Rockfish, Rockling, Rockweed gunnel, Rohu, Ronquil, Roosterfish, Ropefish, Rough scad, Rough sculpin, Roughy, Roundhead, Round herring, Round stingray, Round whitefish, Rudd, Rudderfish, Ruffe, Russian sturgeon, Sábalo, Sabertooth, Saber-toothed blenny, Sabertooth fish, Sablefish, Sacramento blackfish, Sacramento splittail, Sailfin silverside, Sailfish, Salamanderfish, Salmon, Salmon shark, Sandbar shark, Sandburrower, Sand dab, Sand diver, Sand eel, Sandfish, Sand goby, Sand knifefish, Sand lance, Sandperch, Sandroller, Sand stargazer, Sand tiger, Sand tilefish, Sandbar Shark - Carchathinus plumbeus, Sarcastic fringehead, Sardine, Sargassum fish, Sauger, Saury, Sawfishm, Saw shark, Sawtooth eel, Scabbard fish, Scaly dragonfish, Scat, Scissortail rasbora, Scorpionfish, Sculpin, Scup, Sea bass, Sea bream, Sea catfish, Sea chub, Sea devil, Sea dragon, Sea lamprey, Sea raven, Sea snail, Sea toad, Seahorse, Seamoth, Searobin, Sevan trout, Sergeant major, Shad, Shark, Sharksucker, Sharpnose puffer, Sheatfish, Sheepshead, Sheepshead minnow, Shiner, Shortnose chimaera, Shortnose sucker, Shovelnose sturgeon, Shrimpfish, Siamese fighting fish, Sillago, Silver carp, Silver dollar, Silver dory, Silver hake, Silverside, Silvertip tetra, Sind danio, Sixgill ray, Sixgill shark, Skate, Skilfish, Skipjack tuna, Slender mola, Slender snipe eel, Sleeper, Sleeper shark, Slickhead, Slimehead, Slimy mackerel, Slimy sculpin, Slipmouth, Smalleye squaretail, Smalltooth sawfish, Smelt, Smelt-whiting, Smooth dogfish, Snailfish, Snake eel, Snakehead, Snake mackerel, Snapper, Snipe eel, Snipefish, Snoek, Snook, Snubnose eel, Snubnose parasitic eel, Sockeye salmon, Soldierfish, Sole, South American darter, South American lungfish, Southern Dolly Varden, Southern flounder, Southern hake, Southern sandfish, Southern smelt, Spadefish, Spaghetti eel, Spanish mackerel, Spearfish, Speckled trout, Spiderfish, Spikefish, Spinefoot, Spiny basslet, Spiny dogfish, Spiny dwarf catfish, Spiny eel, Spinyfin, Splitfin, Spookfish, Spotted climbing perch, Spotted danio, Spottail Pinfish - Diplodus holbrooki, Sprat, Springfish, Squarehead catfish, Squaretail, Squawfish, Squeaker, Squirrelfish, Staghorn sculpin, Stargazer, Starry flounder, Steelhead, Stickleback, Stingfish, Stingray, Stonecat, Stonefish, Stoneroller minnow, Stream catfish, Striped bass, Striped burrfish, Sturgeon, Sucker, Suckermouth armored catfish, Summer flounder, Sundaland noodlefish,Sunfish, Surf sardine, Surfperch, Surgeonfish, Swallower, Swamp-eel, Swampfish, Sweeper, Swordfish, Swordtail, Tadpole cod, Tadpole fish, Tailor, Taimen, Tang, Tapetail, Tarpon, Tarwhine, Telescopefish, Temperate bass, Temperate perch, Tenpounder, Tenuis, Tetra, Thorny catfish, Thornfish, Threadfin, Threadfin bream, Thread-tail, Three spot gourami, Threespine stickleback, Three-toothed puffer, Thresher shark, Tidewater goby, Tiger barb, Tigerperch, Tiger shark, Tiger shovelnose catfish, Tilapia, Tilefish, Titan triggerfish, Toadfish, Tommy ruff, Tompot blenny, Tonguefish, Tope, Topminnow, Torpedo, Torrent catfish, Torrent fish, Trahira, Treefish, Trevally, Triggerfish, Triplefin blenny, Triplespine, Tripletail, Tripod fish, Trout, Trout cod, Trout-perch, Trumpeter, Trumpetfish, Trunkfish, Tubeblenny, Tube-eye, Tube-snout, Tubeshoulder, Tui chub, Tuna, Turbot, Two spotted goby, Uaru, Unicorn fish, Upside-down catfish, Vanjaram, Velvet belly lanternshark, Velvet catfish, Velvetfish, Vermillion Snapper - Rhomboplites aurorubens, Vimba, Viperfish, Wahoo, Walking catfish, Wallago, Walleye, Walleye Pollock, Walu, Warmouth, Warty angler, Waryfish, Waspfish, Weasel shark, Weatherfish, Weever, Weeverfish, Wels catfish, Whale catfish, Whalefish, Whale shark, Whiff, Whitebait, White croaker, Whitefish, White marlin, White shark, Whitetip reef shark, Whiting, Wobbegong, Wolf-eel, Wolffish, Wolf-herring, Worm eel, Wormfish, Wrasse, Wrymouth, X-ray fish, Yellowback fusilier, Yellowbanded perch, Yellow bass, Yellowedge grouper (Hyporthodus flavolimbatus), Yellow-edged moray, Yellow-eye mullet, Yellowhead jawfish, Yellowfin croaker, Yellowfin cutthroat trout, Yellowfin grouper, Yellowfin Tuna - Thunnus albacares, Yellowfin pike, Yellowfin surgeonfish, Yellowfin tuna, Yellowmargin triggerfish, Yellow moray, Yellow perch, Yellowtail, Yellowtail amberjack, Yellowtail barracuda, Yellowtail clownfish, Yellowtail horse mackerel, Yellowtail kingfish, Yellowtail snapper, Yellow tang, Yellow weaver, Yellowtail catfish, Zander, Zebra bullhead shark, Zebra danio, Zebrafish, Zebra lionfish, Zebra loach, Zebra oto, Zebra pleco, Zebra shark, Zebra tilapia, Zebra turkeyfish, Ziege, Zingel. Amphibians: Frogs and Toads, Painted frogs, Disc tongued frogs, Fire Belly toads, Litter frogs, European Spadefoot toads, Parsley frogs, Tongueless frogs, Clawed frogs, Mexican Burrowing Toad, American spadefoot toads, Screeching frogs, True toads, Glass Frogs, Poison dart frogs, Ghost frogs, Shovelnose frogs, Tree frogs, Sedge frogs, Southern frogs, Narrow-mouthed frogs, Australian ground frogs, True frogs, Moss frogs, Seychelles frog, Giant Salamanders, Asiatic Salamanders, Mole Salamanders, Pacific giant salamanders, Amphiumas, Lungless salamanders, Mudpuppies and Waterdogs, Torrent salamanders, True salamanders and Newts, Sirens, Common caecilians, Fish caecilians, Beaked caecilians. Reptiles: Turtles, common snapping turtles and alligator snapping turtle, pond turtles and box turtles, tortoises, Asian river turtles and allies, pignose turtles, softshell turtles, river turtles, mud turtles, sea turtles, leatherback turtles, tuataras, scaled reptiles, agamas, chameleons, casquehead lizard, iguanas, Madagascar iguanids, collared and leopard lizards, horned lizards, anoles, wood lizards, Neotropical ground lizards, geckos, legless lizards, blind lizards, spinytail Lizards, plated lizards, spectacled lizards, whiptails and tegus, Lacertids, skinks, night lizards, glass lizards, American legless lizards, knob-scaled lizards, gila monsters, earless Monitor lizards, monitor lizards, worm Lizards, shorthead Worm Lizards, two-legged Worm Lizards, snakes, wart snakes, false coral snakes, dwarf pipe snakes, African burrowing asps, stiletto snakes, boas, anacondas, Old World sand boas, Mauritius snakes, Colubrids, typical snakes, Asian pipe snakes, cobras, coral snakes, mambas, sea snakes, Mexican pythons, pythons, dwarf boas, pipe snakes, shield-tailed snakes, vipers, pitvipers, Fae's viper, night adders, pitvipers, rattlesnakes, true vipers, sunbeam snakes, blind snakes, primitive blind snakes, slender blind snakes, thread snakes, blind snakes, typical blind snakes, Crocodiles, alligators, garials. Aves: Ostrich, rheas, cassowaries and emu, kiwis, elephant birds, upland moas, great moas, lesser moas, Tinamous, Australian brush turkey,megapodes, chachalacas, curassows, and guans, Guineafowl, pheasants and allies, New World quail, pheasants and relatives, mihirungs, screamers, magpie-goose, ducks, geese, and swans, grebes, swimming flamingos, flamingos, pigeons and doves, sandgrouse, mesites, Tawny frogmouth, Nightjars, oilbird, potoos, frogmouths, owlet-nightjars, treeswifts, swifts, hummingbird, cuckoos and relatives, turacos and relatives, bustards, hoatzin, cranes and allies, cranes, limpkin, trumpeters, rails and allies, adzebills, finfoots, flufftails, rails and relatives, thick-knees and allies, thick-knees and relatives, sheathbills, Magellanic plover, plover-like waders, golden plovers, ibisbill, oystercatchers, plovers and lapwings, jacana-like waders, painted snipes, Egyptian plover, jacanas, seedsnipes, plains-wanderer, sandpipers and relatives, buttonquail, gulls and allies, coursers and pratincoles, crab-plover, skuas and jaegers, auks and puffins, gulls, skimmers and terns, sunbittern, tropicbirds, penguins, albatrosses, austral storm petrels, northern storm petrels, petrels and relatives, White stork, storks, frigatebirds, boobies and gannets, darters, cormorants and shags, ibises and spoonbills, hamerkop, shoebill, pelicans, herons and relatives, New World vultures, secretarybird, osprey, hawks, eagles, buzzards, harriers, kites and Old World vultures, barn owls, true owls, mousebirds, cuckooroller, trogons and quetzals, hornbills, hoopoe, woodhoopoes, bee-eater, rollers, ground rollers, todies, motmots, Kingfisher, jacamars, puffbirds, African barbets, Asian barbets, toucans, toucan barbets, American barbets, woodpeckers, honeyguides, seriemas, falcons and relatives, kakapo, kea and kakas, cockatoos, African and American parrots, Australasian parrots, Pesquet's parrot, vasa parrots, Pitta cyanea, Lyrebird, New Zealand wrens, suboscines, Old World suboscines, sapayoa, Calyptomenid broadbills, pittas, broadbills, asities, New World suboscines, bronchophones, manakins, cotingas, sharpbills, royal flycatchers and allies, becards and tityras, spadebills, many-colored rush tyrants, mionectine flycatchers, tyrant flycatchers, tracheophones, crescent-chests, gnateaters, antbirds, antpittas, ground antbirds, ovenbirds, oscines, scrub-birds, lyrebirds, bowerbirds, Australasian treecreepers, Australasian wrens, bristlebirds, gerygones and allies, honeyeaters and relatives, Australasian babblers, logrunners, quail-thrushes and jewel-babblers, cuckoo-shrikes, whitehead and allies, sittellas, wattled ploughbills, whipbirds and quail-thrushes, Australo-Papuan bellbirds, crested shriketits, painted berrypeckers, vireos and relatives, whistlers and relatives, Old World orioles, Boatbills, woodswallows and butcherbirds, mottled berryhunter, ioras, bristlehead, bushshrikes and relatives, wattle-eyes and batises, vangas , fantails, silktail, drongo fantail, drongos, blue-capped ifrits, Australian mudnesters, birds-of-paradise, monarch flycatchers, shrikes, jays and crows, berrypeckers, satinbirds, Australasian robins, stitchbird, wattlebirds, rockfowl, rock-jumpers, rail-babbler, fairy warblers, hyliotas, penduline tits, chickadees and true tits, Nicators, bearded reedling, larks, African warblers, cisticolas and relatives, marsh warblers, pygmy wren-babblers, grass warblers, Malagasy warblers, swallows and martins, bulbuls, leaf warblers, bush warblers , Bushtits, true warblers, parrotbills, fulvettas, white-eyes, babblers and relatives, fulvettas, ground babblers, laughing thrushes, kinglets, spotted wren-babblers, Hawaiian honeyeaters, silky-flycatchers, waxwings, Palmchat, hypocolius, wallcreeper, nuthatches, treecreepers, wrens, gnatcatchers, dippers, thrushes and relatives, flycatchers and relatives, oxpeckers, mockingbirds and thrashers, starlings and mynas , sugarbirds, dapplethroat and allies, flowerpeckers, sunbirds, fairy-bluebirds, leafbirds, olive warbler, accentors, pink-tailed bunting, weavers and relatives, whydahs and indigobirds, weaver finches, Old World sparrows, wagtails and pipits, finches and relatives, longspurs, snow buntings, rosy thrush-tanagers, Old World buntings and New World sparrows, American sparrows, palm-tanager and allies, New World blackbirds and New World orioles, Cuban warblers, wood warblers, cardinals, grosbeaks, and New World buntings, tanagers and relatives. MAMMALS: Rat, Bat, Horse, Standardbred, Throughbred, Saddlebred, Arab, Palomino, Australian stock, Appaloosa, Barb, Lippizaner, Mustang, American Shetland, Falabella, Percheron, Shire, Mule, Bullock, Setter, Oxen, Camel, Tiger, Lion, Hyaenas, Leopard, Bear, Cat, Dog, Sheep, Goat, Cow, Cob, Pig, Chamois, Bulldog, Borzoi, Loris, Longspur, Harvest mouse, Spiny – ant eater, Duck – billed platypus, Elephant, Rhinoceros, Tonkinese, Ragdoll, Margay, Tapir, Seal, Sea lion, Walrus, Dolphin, Bactrian camel, Arabian camel, Bushbaby, Burmese cat, Whale, Porpoise, Aardvark, Ape, Monkey, Gorilla, Chimpanzee, Flying Lemur, Hare, Pika, Macaque, Rabbit, Colobus, Antelope, Caribou, Cattle, Deer, Grizzly bear, Hyrax, Armadillo, Porcupine, Hedgehog, Arctic hare, Mole, Shrew, Beaver, Asian black bear, Polar bear, Sloth bear, Spectacled bear, Mouse, Squirrel, Dugong, Moose, Fallow deer, Reindeer, Red deer, Manatee, Egyptian Mau, Scottish fold, Himalayan, Birman, Red squirrel, Hippopotamus, Weasel, Whale, Wither, Blue whale, Sperm whale, Killer whale, Wallaby, Beluga, Baird’s beaked whale, Grey whale, Bryde’s whale, Pygmy right whale, Southern right whale, Seal, Ape, Indri, Aye – aye, Alaskan Malamute, Dobermann, Beagle, Kinkajou, Afgan Hound, Rough Collie, Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Sheepdog, Pointer, Poddle, Weimaraner, Bloodhound, Zebra, Giraffe, Yak, Arctic fox, Polecat, Golden Retriever, Kerry Blue, Prairie dog, Airedale, German spitz, Pekingese, Otter, Shih Tzu, Proboscis monkey, Orang – utan, Red Howler monkey, Spider monkey, Sloth, Koala, Pangolin, Mustelid, Mongoose, Guinea pig, Malayan Porcupine, Naked Mole rat, Capybara, Pallid Gerbil, Brown rat, Somali, Ocicat, Balinese, Bengal, Cymric, Chartreux, Devon Rex, Turkish Angora, Russian Blue, Yellow – necked woodmouse, Hamster, Grey squirrel, Chipmunk, Fox, Blue Longhair, Chinese Pangolin, Blue – cream shorthair, Tortoiseshell and white shorthair, Brown spotted shorthair, Red and white Japanese bobtail, Javanese, Red Persian Longhair, Brown classic tabby maine coon, Lilac angora, Seal point Siamese, Brown and white sphinx, Red classic tabby manx, Vampire bat, Proboscis bat, Franquet’s fruit bat, Bengal Tiger, Horseshoe bat, Noctule bat, Funnel - eared bat, Blue exotic, Foreign lilac oriental shorthair, Boxer, Bay, Cream point colour pointed british shorthair, Abyssinian, Cinnamon silver Cornish rex, Wolverine, Skunk, Human being, Pine marten, Stoat, Chocolate point longhair, Husky, Ant eater, Kangaroo, Gray Mouse Lemur, Musk oxen, Raccoon dogrie, Pasnda, Bouto, Pembroke Welsh corgi, Whippet, Whisker, Indus river dolphin, Franciscana, Sorrel, Finless porpoise, Jerboa, Harbour porpoise, Bottlenose dolphin, Border Collie, Diana Monkey, White – beaked dolphin, Atlantic white – sided dolphin, Bobcat, Alpaca, Aberdeen angus, Lynx, Pacific white – sided dolphin, Rhesus monkey, Irish wolfhound, Baboon, Slivery marmoset, Puma, Ocelot, Norwegian Forest Cat, Basenji, Keeshond, Akita, Samoyed, Briard, Brittaney, Vizsla, Weimaraner, Saluki, Greyhound, Rottweiler, Bullmastiff, Newfoundland, Puli, Bombay, Sphynx, Kangaroo rat, Humpback whale, Red panda, Maltese, Pug, Chihuahua, Papillon, Pomeranian, Schipperke, Aardwolve, Cheetah, Civet, Red – Bellied Lemur, Moustache, Monkey, Yorkshire terrier, German shepherd, Clumber spaniel, Bouvier des Flandres, Belgian sheepdog, Boston terrier, Italian greyhound, Chesapeake Bay retriever, Genet, Musk deer, Bichon fries, Rock Hyrax, Pony, Mink, Mammoth, Mastodon, Giant sloth, Llama, African Elephant, DeBrazza’s Monkey, Siberian Tiger, Hackney Pony, Bonnet Monkey, German wirehaired pointer, Ferret, Jaguar, Dalmatian, Red Bengal Tiger, Badger, Shunk, Skye terrier, Great dane, Grampus, Bandicoot, Wolf, Marmot, Squirrel monkey, Sable, Minke whale, Spectacle porpoise, Opossums, Airedale, Wombat. etc , Ramapithecus, Australopithecus bosei or Paranthropus bosei, Zinjanthopus bosei, Homo – erectus ( Java man, Peking man, Heidelberg man ), Homo – Sapiens ( Neanderthal man, Cro – Magnon man) to the modern humans with their development and structure of their Heart, their contributions to the formation of the modern humans. What is the origin of the heart? In which place the heart is situated? What is the weight of our (modern humans) heart? Can a person live without a heart? What is the function of the heart? How heart pumps blood to the body? What type of circulation takes place in the human heart? How big our human heart is? Why is our (modern humans) heart considered as the most developed in the world? Why does heart stop? What are heart sounds? What are the types of heart sounds? What causes the heart sounds heard with a stethoscope? What is the anatomy of the heart? Why heart is considered an important organ in the body? Why can’t people live if heartbeat stops? Where is heart located in? How many chambers are present in the heart? What is the number of heart beats per minute? What is the amount of blood pumped by heart? How much blood does the human heart pump in a lifetime? And Short notes on heart attack i.e. what is the definition of a heart attack? Why does a heart attack occur? What are the types of the heart attack? What happens if human get a heart attack? What are the symptoms of Heart attack? What are the causes of the Heart attack? What are the risk factors related to the Heart attack? What are the types of risk factors cause the Heart attack? What are the complications of a Heart attack? What types of diagnosis useful in detecting and treating a heart attack? What treatment is needed to treat heart attack patients? What are 5 strategies to be maintained after the heart attack? What to do after recovery from a heart attack? What is cardiac rehabilitation? Why cardiac rehabilitation is needed to heart attack patients? Does cardiac rehabilitation create positive effects? What are a lifestyle and home remedies are to be maintained? What type of coping and support should be given to heart attack patients? What are the immediate measures should be taken when you encounter an emergency of heart attack patient? What signs and symptoms list should be made to consult a doctor? What is a widow maker heart attack? What is the definition of a widowmaker heart attack? What are the symptoms of Widowmaker heart attack? What are the causes of Widowmaker heart attack? What are the risk factors related to Widowmaker heart attack? What are the complications of a widowmaker heart attack? What types of diagnosis useful in detecting and treating a widowmaker heart attack? What treatment is needed to treat heart attack patients? How to make over your lifestyle? What type of measures should be taken to stay away from a heart attack? What are 20 types of foods should be taken to keep your heart healthy? Solutions and answers of above questions, material and topics are included and cleared in this book.'

[loverbabyfighter]

Thanks for the tag babes @born-to-lose @wierdoaliengirl420

would you rather have a pet iguana or a pet tarantula? iguana for sure

do you have any stuffed animals? if so how many? I have about six on my bed:)

who was your first celebrity/fictional/character crush? Louis Tomlinson stole my heart when I was 11

do you like collecting souvenirs everywhere you go? yes I am a certified hoarder and I will pick up bark off the floor for sentimental value, I have two big memory boxes and drawers full of this stuff 

what was the first band/singer that you became obsessed with? All Time Low lmao no shame tho they made me see the immature & funny side of things when I was 13 going thru heavy depression so shoutout to them

if you could change your hair magically this instant, what would you do with it? good question... I'd go back to green or half black half green

what celebrity would you bring back from the dead right this instant? I recently discovered who Brian jones is

there's a speaker that can be heard all around the world, what song you playing from it? so many fucking songs but most likely Dani California by the Red Hot Chili Peppers / Pictures by 10 Minute Warning / Trigger by The Pink Slips (that song fucking slaps go listen)

what is your dream car? probably an old Mercedes idk I'm not good with car names haha

tag two people you’d like to get to know better x

@americanrocknroll @80sbandsobsessed

[nwbeerguide]

Stone Distributing announces the addition of new partners, Bomani Cold Buzz, Crowns & Hops Brewing Co., Tarantula Hill Brewing Company, & Villager Spirits.

Press Release

Stone Distributing Co. Adds New Supplier Partners

Craft-centric distributor expands portfolio adding hard coffee and ready-to-drink spirits

ESCONDIDO, CA ... Stone Distributing Co. (SDC) announces the addition of four new supplier partners to its portfolio of craft alcoholic beverages. The distributor now accounts for nearly 20% share of the Southern California craft beer market – the nation’s largest. New supplier partners include: Bomani Cold Buzz – Alcohol-infused cold brew coffee that clocks in at only 110 calories, zero carbs, 0g sugar, and gluten-free with about as much naturally-occurring caffeine as just over a half a cup of coffee. This is the distributor’s first dedicated hard coffee beverage company. Crowns & Hops Brewing Co. – SDC took on a temporary distributor role in 2020 and has since signed full rights in Southern California to Crown & Hops Brewing Co.’s craft beers. The brewery is female, and veteran owned and the first black-owned craft beer brand in Inglewood, CA.  Stone is proud to support the brewery in fostering diversity in the craft beer industry.   Tarantula Hill Brewing Co. – Based in Thousand Oaks, CA, the Tarantula Hill team recognized a local need for a hometown brewery and its success now calls for broader SoCal distribution. The brewery’s Lead Brewer and Master Brewer are past Stone Brewing team members, each having spent nearly a decade with the company.  Villager Spirits – Hand-crafted premium canned cocktails, uniquely positioned as gluten free with less sugar. Villager Spirits are entirely new to the market with SDC taking on its initial run of distribution. SDC currently distributes ready-to-drink cocktails from craft brewery partners but this will be its first dedicated RTD brand locally based in SoCal. “Stone Distributing is experiencing really strong momentum,” expressed Maria Stipp, Stone Brewing CEO.  “Our overall business is up 11% vs. last year. We’ve also had a strong return in the on premise, currently around 80% of our placements are back vs. 2019.   We’re fortunate to be in this position alongside brands we really admire.” The above partners join other recent newcomers to SDC including Societe Brewing, Jiant Hard Kombucha and Spindrift Spiked. SDC is among the nation’s largest distributors of independent craft beer. It has also become the nation’s largest hard kombucha distributor, now supplying Jiant, Boochcraft and Juneshine and continues to expand its portfolio in the craft alcohol space.

...

ABOUT STONE DISTRIBUTING CO.

It pays to work well with others. Stone Brewing began self-distributing in 1996. In the spirit of craft beer camaraderie, it eventually determined in 2000 that the company could provide distribution resources to other specialty and craft brands as well. It is now among the largest independent distributors of craft-only beverages in the country. SDC is known for its impeccable care of the brands it represents, including drivers who are all specially trained in handling craft beverages and 100% refrigerated trucks and storage. SDC services nearly all of Southern California. For a list of brands distributed by the company, visit StoneDistributing.com/craft-brands.

[a-god-in-ruins-rises]

13 for the ask

13. Talk about a time in your life where you have felt most alive?

there are a few different moments that come to mind. one example is the time i spent a few nights camping among the giant redwoods. it was one of the most intense and wonderous experiences of my life. it was even religious.

first, just entering the forest was like being transported to another world. it was like a fairytale land. there were deer browsing and darting through the forest, colorful tarantulas and snakes creeping across the roads, we saw black bears and foxes, wildflowers blossoming, the sunlight shining through the canopy, etc. everywhere i looked, the forest was teeming with life. and that’s what it felt like. it just felt like it was overflowing with life. the most alive place i’ve ever been. the forest was alive with energy and the sounds of birds and insects and creeks. 

and then when night fell....and the stars came out. i’m from southern california. just outside of los angeles. we have stars, but not many. but that night? the entire sky was alit with a dust of stars. i’ve never seen the milky way in person before that night. and it was one of the most awe inspiring things i’ve ever witnessed. i wasn’t prepared for it at all. i fell to my knees in pure awe of it all. i nearly cried. and i was just filled with this urge to scream which i only barely resisted. i felt my soul leaping for joy. like it wanted to fly to the heavens i was looking at. it was so bright and vivid and majestic and it made me feel so small but so special simultaneously. i felt like i was gazing into the divine itself.

i was mesmerized by the stars all night. and when i fell asleep and finally woke up, just before sunrise, i took a look around. i found a small creek nearby our campsite and a nice sized boulder to sit on. and i just sat there by the creek and i waited for the sun to rise. and slowly but surely, the entire forest began to awaken. and that, again, was a religious experience in itself. to feel the dormant forest come alive with the rising of the sun. the warmth of the morning’s first light touching my cheek. the creek babbling. the birds singing. will another small walk i came to a cliff edge and i could see miles and miles and miles of forest stretching across the landscape. the whole experience made me think of my ancestors. the pioneers. and how it must have been for them to journey through these lands. the struggles they must have faced and how rewarding it must have been to overcome them, only to be greeted with this bounty of beauty and life.

the whole trip absolutely made me feel most alive. it filled my spirit and rejuvenated my soul.