Malacology

After years underground, a cicada emerges to complete the final stage of its life cycle. In this short video, watch as a juvenile cicada—called a nymph—climbs into the open air, molts its exoskeleton, and begins its transformation into a winged adult. This incredible metamorphosis is a rare glimpse into one of nature’s most fascinating life cycles. Cicadas are harmless insects whose summer songs signal the health of the environment. Some species spend over a decade underground before they ever see the surface—making this brief moment above ground all the more special.

Ever heard of a mud dragon? These tiny, armored ocean creatures, also known as kinorhynchs, are nearly impossible to spot—unless you know the Bubble and Blot method. In this short, we break down the step-by-step process to extract these microscopic animals from marine mud using bubbles, paper, and a little patience. Steps Covered in This Video: Collect a bucket of marine mud Mix it up to suspend tiny organisms Pour between buckets to create bubbles Blot the bubbles with a dry piece of paper Rinse the paper into a petri dish and check under the microscope Mud dragons are tricky to find due to their patchy distribution, but with persistence and luck, you might just spot one. Want to see if we succeeded? Watch the full video! Like, share, and subscribe for more amazing microscopic discoveries. #MudDragons #MarineBiology #MicroLife #BubbleAndBlot

Have you ever heard of mud dragons? These tiny, elusive marine invertebrates—also known as kinorhynchs—live hidden in ocean sediments, making them incredibly difficult to find. But with the Bubble & Blot method, we’re giving it our best shot. Join us as we kayak into a marshy habitat, scoop up marine mud, and use a simple and messy technique to extract these microscopic creatures. Along the way, we’ll explain what makes kinorhynchs so unique, from their hydrophobic cuticle to their spiny, armor-like scales. What you’ll learn in this video: -How to use the Bubble & Blot method to find mud dragons -Why these tiny invertebrates are so hard to locate -Facts about kinorhynch anatomy and behavior Will we find a mud dragon? Watch to the end to see if our persistence pays off. If you enjoy learning about marine invertebrates, subscribe for more deep dives into the microscopic world.

Discover the fascinating partnership between slipper snails and hermit crabs in this one-minute exploration of coastal life! 🐌🦀 Learn how these tiny snails hitch a ride on hermit crab shells, sculpting their homes for the perfect fit and benefiting from the crab’s messy eating habits. It’s a beautiful example of nature’s interconnected relationships—all happening on a single shell. 🌊 🎥 Filmed at West Beach, Dauphin Island, Alabama, during low tide.

Dive into the icy depths of Antarctica to meet one of the ocean's most peculiar residents: the priapulid worm! Known by its memorable nicknames—the cactus worm and the penis worm—this bizarre marine creature is as fascinating as it is unusual. With only about 20 known species, priapulids are rare and mysterious. Learn how their spiny, extendable proboscis helps them burrow through sediment in search of prey like polychaete worms. From their anatomy to their alien-like lifestyle, this 10 cm wonder is a true deep-sea oddity you won't want to miss!

Deep in the forest, the banana slug embarks on its daily adventure! This remarkable creature, known for its bright yellow hue, can also appear in shades of brown, green, or even black, often speckled with dark spots. Watch as this curious slug fearlessly feasts on stinging nettles, using its ribbon-like tongue, called a radula, lined with tiny teeth to scrape through tough leaves. Its protective mucus acts as a natural shield against the nettles’ sting! Banana slugs can grow up to an astonishing 10 inches long, earning them the title of the largest slugs in North America. These gentle giants play a vital role in forest ecosystems, breaking down plant matter and enriching the soil. Join us in celebrating the incredible banana slug and its slime-filled charm! Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more fascinating wildlife stories.

Discover the hidden world of meiofauna—microscopic animals living between grains of sand! In this quick guide, we demonstrate the magnesium chloride extraction method, a simple yet effective way to uncover these fascinating creatures. Learn how magnesium chloride helps detach meiofauna from sand, making them easy to collect with just a sieve and some basic tools. Under the microscope, you might spot nematodes, flatworms, gastrotrichs, and more! Try this method yourself and explore the incredible life thriving in the sand. Who knows what tiny creatures you’ll discover?

Meet the Tiny Liptooth Snail, a fascinating yet tiny resident of my backyard! At just 5 millimeters across, this snail is easy to miss unless you slow down and take a closer look. Discover its unique features, like the tiny hairs on its shell, and the even smaller Pine Cone Snail. Your backyard is full of hidden creatures—join me as we explore them in my Backyard BioBlitz series!