Crittercams! The Birds & The Bees.....

Was nectaring at flowering Quince. These have a lovely "apple-y" sent to it.



Anyone know what this is? Seen lots of these and would love to know what they are. Input is immensely appreciated. *^^*

BOTM: Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)

Finally!!

First and foremost I simply must thank the Lord for all the Lepidopteran History being made. Secondly as it's late here I'll only rant about this a little.

This was 1 of 4 I had observed within the past few days. They had all just started coming out on the 14th (I think don't remember there's been so many) and these were some of the new arrivals of the year.

After all of these observations of the beauties I think I've figured out where to find them. Almost every one except one was found in fields of leaf litter with rocks (the ones you climb) and trees. And their camouflage is simply amazing!!

The other "lone" one was observed flying over my head coming down the steps from up where all these flowers are. I wonder where are they all coming from and is this normal that they're out so early? Earlier then last year. 0_0

Shout out goes to my friend Cyren =)

Spring is Here Early

They're here! They're finally here!!

Yaaaaaaaaaaaay!

We have been having unusually warm Spring like weather since late February. Up until this point I've been seeing lots of honeybees and various creepy crawlies but I was aching for my lepidopteran friends and booooy did I get rewarded today. ♥

My little bugaboos:

5 Cabbage Whites (Pieris rapae)
✩ 2 Mourning Cloaks (Nymphalis antiopa) ✩
2-3 Hoverflies
2 Tan slugs
2 Milipedes
1 Spider (funnel web perhaps? Found under a rock)
✩ 1 DeKay's Brown Snake *Finally put an ID to my mystery snake and found another one! Or was it the same one? Found in the same area as the first one.
Bees (Bombus imperialis, mystery bees)
Mystery Wasps
1 Tiny Rove beetle *Never knew they could get so TINY!
1 Ground beetle
1 Centipede
Woodlice

I'm speechless........

Lepidopteran Goodies

Mocker Swallowtail (Papilio dardanus). There seemed to be several of these. Not sure if it was the same one flitting about all over the place. Was mistaken for Graphium angolanus at first *^^*

Listing of new additions. Including video of a mystery swallowtail. *^^* Enjoy!

New Additions:

1. Heliconius ismenius or Heliconius hecale melicerta
1a. Heliconius hewistoni or Heliconius pachinus
2. "Blue Bellybutton" (Archaeoprepona demophon) *Note: Do either Archaeoprepona or Prepona species have a butterfly with this common name? It has a red proboscis
3. Tailed Jay (Graphium agamemnon)
4. White Barred Emperor/Charaxes (Charaxes brutus)
5. Charaxes candiope
6. Mocker Swallowtail (Papilio dardanus)
7. Emerald Swallowtail (Papilio palinurus)
8. Orange Tip *Anthocharini? Wikipedia mentions Anthocharini containing many but not all of the Orange Tip butterflies. Merely guessing. Wasn't able to see specimen too well for ID.
9. Troides helena
10. Hamadryas laodamia
11. Common Sailor (Neptis hylas)
12. Clearwing (Greta oto)

Also observed what might've been a butterfly egg on one of the trees. Idk what else it could've been despite the fact they're not allowed to have host plants for breeding in the exhibit (GET PERMITS DAMN IT! :P) but they mate in there anyway.

And then there was that Attacus atlas success story of reproduction......what a masterpiece. ♥ Anyway........



Any ideas? Need assistance on this one. Lots more are coming your way! ^__________________^ And happy Birthday to our Nina!! We miss you! ♥

NHM Butterfly Exhibit Visit #4 RANT!!

...But there's more to this moth then just fabulous cloth so I'll keep holding on to my dreams.....ɛïɜ

~ Lyrics, Star of the Show A Bugs Life Soundtrack

*Speechless*

I don't need to tell you that this visit was epic. I took 100 + pictures and bunches of videos and towards the last 20 minutes was absolutely pissed that my camera battery died while taking pictures of the most gorgeous Attacus atlas.

I have to really work on those 2 pictures of my precious Attacus because they came out like crap really. Photoshop here I come. And I suppose this was sort of an accomplishment in a sense because during my last 3 visits the camera battery never died. XD

I was there for like ohhhh 5 hours? Minus time spent on line for tickets and the gift shop. Yes I know I'm "crazy". I don't care I ♥ my butterflies.

Observations (In general):

Actias Luna:

I had asked if they had any out anywhere after observing Actias & Samia cynthia cocoons in the "puparium" (my little nickname for the glass cases they keep their precious in) and Christine ( THANK YOU!) had pointed my beloved out to me after I had walked around trying to find it in the bushes myself. Impossible I tell you. I was ready to just call it a day until she had thankfully "intervened" .

When I finally laid eyes on it I had a very hard time trying NOT to get sentimental....♥ My eyes were burning with happy tears and I was a broken record "OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG Pretty, luna OMG" ^___________________^

When I left I went to go on the other side to get a better view of it (the underside obviously) and I have to make something very very clear. I. Will. NEVER. Forget. This. Encounter. EVER.

The reason being that the only thing separating me from that GORGEOUS moth (a male btw) was a piece of glass. I sat there on the floor staring at it for like 30 minutes every now and then trying to get my camera to get what would've been a really nice shot of it's gorgeous underside. But by this time the battery was dead and in need of charging. So I made it my mission to commit it to memory.

I hope to see more and get even better pictures/videos and hopefully hold one.

For now.....thank you Lord. ɛïɜ

Attacus atlas:

Was observed on the other side of said room (? Can't really call it a room Idk) in the the bushes. The only reason why I even spotted it was that the characteristic snake head forewing tips were sticking out reflecting the light and proceed to make me think "No way" walk over to confirm I wasn't hallucinating (it's HOT in there) and have a freaking happy fit and pointing it out to everyone.

Oh yes and everyone was positively gushing over it. "OMG it's huuuuuge". ♥ ɛïɜ

Heliconiidae/Ithomiinae:

HELICONIID LOVE FEST!! The Heliconiids were just everywhere today. It was insanity. But aside from their numbers was the number of pairs mating/courting. One specific pair that was mating (the rest were horny and trying to get their "freak on") were 2 different species I believe since I don't know of any mimicking Heliconius cydno. Any way the supposed H. cydno was mating with Heliconius erato/melpomene!!

How the freaking hell......? Would explain all the hybrids that were flying about today too. ♥_♥ The staff had told me that that particular pair had been at it since the night before. Which leads to questions:

How long does it normally take Heliconius butterflies to mate assuming that the male wasn't "impatient" and couldn't wait until the female eclosed from her chrysalis...? ^^

And there were about 3-4 courting pairs which I have videos of and will be posting them soon. Within a day or two cause I'm tired and sore. ^^*

Heliconius cydno had landed on my fingers as I was taking pictures of it's friends as if to say "Hello I've missed you too". God I love them.

Observed 2 beautiful Greta oto and freaking died....♥♥♥♥ Don't ask of course I got pictures/videos. Eueides isabellae & Heliconius hecale loved being accessories to my hat today along with Idea leuconoe. ^^♥

In General:

Hypna clymenestra was in love with everyone today! Every person it landed it on it would walk all over them for like 20 minutes and it would not leave willingly. It had to be "transferred" to where ever (people who wanted to hold it).

As for me it could stay as long as it pleased (and it did). Walked all over my jacket, licked the sweat off my hand (I did say it was hot in there yes?), and tickled me and made me happy. *^^* During this epic moment in Lepidopteran history I can now say that I truly appreciate why they're called "Silver Spotted Leafwings". ♥ ɛïɜ

Your Majesty (Danaus gilippus) landed on my pants leg and I removed it avoid getting it "roughed up" (it got crowded very quickly today Idk why) and it proceeded to practically almost crawl up to my face. *^^* I love you too. I love you all.

Papilio palinurus!! BEAUTIFUL!!!!! ɛïɜ

Had an epic discussion trying to ID a Charaxes and learning of hybrids occurring within Charaxes spp. which for some reason never occurred to me at all. Said butterfly was Charaxes candiope.

Received butterfly kisses from Eueides isabellae or H. hecale ^____________^ ɛïɜ

Had people asking me if the butterflies that had landed on my hat were real. ♥ Also learned that in one point in time all the butterflies in the display cases (or at least almost all of them) were alive in the exhibit at one time. Holy. Shit.!

They had the Brazilian Blue Morpho which I unfortunately didn't get to see.

Learned in the case of ID'ing Heliconiids & Ithomiine butterflies, wing shape and the subtle differences in the patterns is very very important.

Had asked staff on where to find butterfly chrysalids in the wild since I've tried looking and haven't found a thing. They told me that in the summer in Central park the pupae of migratory species can be found....just have to know who to ask to help you find then (birders & the like)......

.....I think we all know where I'll be this summer yes? ɛïɜ

Honeybees!

Honeybee nectaring from Mahonia sp. 03-08-12

Observed this today. There several about 3-4 throughout the area. Also mixed in was a Eristalis tenax. *^^* They're really amazing mimics of honeybees.

It really felt like Spring today. Warm bright and happy. Very windy though. Everything's blooming early the bees are most likely thinking "WTF?!" and I'm ecstatic! Throughout today I have wondered greatly about the butterflies.

Where do they pupate? In the case of Pieris rapae for example. I have observed last year both adults and larvae but not the chrysalids. Where would I find them? I've never thought of this before until now. I'm guessing that Pieris rapae is international? Cyren do you get these in Malaysia? Have you found the pupae?

If so where? ASAP I will be spending a proper visit searching as I would've done today but had to be back for the mailman so I couldn't dawdle. Next time. Also this something to ask the staff at the exhibit next time I pop over for a visit.

Hoping to find one someday. Long time no see. =) Life's been busy! Will be filling in for this week so check for posts! I've also been researching and have found utter epicness that I'm very excited to rant and rave about and give 5 stars to.

You'll see. For now I must run. Dinner time! *^^*

Mystery Green Worm

Caloptilia violacella which is very very close/similar to what I observed on November 8th 2011....Photo from Bugguide here. Copyright infringement is never intended.

Lepidoptera never ceases to amaze me. I don't remember telling you in detail (I might have but don't remember) about a rather warm Spring like day in November of last year that resulted in one last cabbage white (Pieris rapae) and a bunch of other assorted epic creepy crawlies?

See this was supposed to be up last year but I never got around to it because I was distracted by *Eh hemm* other things.........ɛïɜ

But anyway.....^^;; On with the show!

Observations/Information for ID:

Life Stage: Larva

Possible Speculations: Moth Larva, Sawfly Larva (which is now obviously ruled out)

Where Observed: Hanging from a silken thread from a crab apple tree (Malus spp.)

Color: Green. Bright happy grass green. Head was light brown/tan

Family: "Microlepidoptera" can't go any further then that. Suspected leafminers etc.

Size: Tiny. It could fit on a dime! It was so tiny that I couldn't get a picture of it with my camera (it doesn't do Micro.....must save up for lenses).

Observations: Was seen suspending itself from a thread of silk underneath a crab apple tree. Was heading downwards holding its body in a crescent shape with prolegs visible. Looked like a cog. Very beautiful, graceful.

Felt like Spring Crab apple might be host plant. Unsure of instar.....maybe 2nd?

Date Sighted: November 8th 2011

Anyone know of any Eastern Microlepidoptera that use crabapples as host plants and have tiny green larvae?

Honeybees & Snakes......OH MY!!

"OMG!" Observed 2 of them. ♥

Indeed yes......remind me again what month we're in?? It's February you say? Why I thought it was April!! :P

It was GORGEOUS out today and I hit the freaking motherload of jackpots. Look!:



*Speechless*

Does anyone know what type of snake this is? Asked on The Venomlist and am now waiting replies. Would really like to know. My friend said it was Garden/Garter snake but I thought those were greenish......hmmm.

Input is greatly appreciated. Cyren what do you know about snakes? I know practically nothing. >_< =P

Mystery Butterfly #2 SOLVED Mechanitis polymnia lycidice

Remember this?

I've had a most enlightening conversation with a friend of mine about Lepidoptera in general when I got the feeling to ask him about my mystery butterflies. He told me to send him the photos of the butterflies in question and I did which led to yet another conversation about them where he told me that my specimen was Mechanitis lycidice.

I did some research and later found out that M. lycidice was reclassified as a subspecies of Mechanitis polymnia. This fits in perfectly with what one of the staff had told me. She had said that the only species they get is Mechanitis polymnia.

The butterfly above according to my friend Payam is Mechanitis polymnia lycidice. =) I thank you because this has drove me nuts since last year. 1 down 1 more to go. The only thing bugging me about this atm is that I can't find another photo of M. p. lycidice that's like the one in my pic. I know that M. p. lycidice has lots of different forms but Idk why this one hasn't been documented in anyway that I know of?

Any additional comments/information/PHOTOS!! are greatly appreciated and welcomed.

God bless you Lepidoptera/and Lepidopterists. *^^*

Winter Is Not Here At All

This is most definitely not normal. I'm speechless and full of joy. Can someone please confirm that today's date is indeed February 17th 2012?

Thank you. All of my calendars and things are saying that it is and yet, Miss Nature is disagreeing by sending me my little friends 2 months earlier. It was once again warmish out bright and happy. It was apparently making everything else happy too.

This was found underneath one of the many rocks I was looking under for epic creepy crawlies. I had taken it out to let it walk around more freely and to get better videos. I had gotten 2 this was the best of the 2.

The things I do for my little friends. The little bugger had me sitting on the ground (*Note to self: next time squat to avoid looking more like a crazy person. :P) possibly messing up my pants (it wouldn't be the first time and it sure won't be the last) trying to get videos of it. It was fast.

Along with that centipede were:

1 Millipede
Woodlice (Porcellio spinicornis)
2 black slugs
Earthworms (with eggs!?!!)
TONS of daffodils and newly sprung crocuses (purple)

Once again this cannot be normal.........What in blue blazes is going on here?

Cheers to early bug hunting!!

HERMIT CRABS!!

Look at what I FINALLY got today!! Happy Valentines Day!!

So totally unexpected but welcomed with open arms. I'm in love and so so so happy it's been a year since I last had my precious babies and I was waiting for the opportunity to go hunting for them and I got my blessed opportunity today.

Thank you Lord.

Hermit Observations:

The big one (who my friend said to name after her "Emma") is what I believe to be a food lover. "She" (don't know yet if it's a she, would be HILARIOUS if "She" turned out to be a "He") hung out in the food dish all day after I was done giving them a dip and cleaning out their tank. Smh......this is priceless.

The little one who I'm naming after my mom. Olga "Mi mi" (nickname obviously) is kinda shy I think. ^^ Took "Her" forever to come out to play. I cannot wait to get to know them better.

Piccies! Lookieeeeeeeee~~~~~*^^*



PWECIOUS BABIES!!!! ♥♥♥♥ *.*

I'm seriously on a freaking high with these. It's different from my Lepidopteran highs. These are making me quite literally jump for joy. Although that'll be another day as it's late here and I'm too tired to jump. ^^;;

I wonder now how many this makes that I've had over the years? 50? More?

Odd Hermie Behaviors:

If there's one thing I've definitely noticed is that whenever I obtain pairs or more then one hermie every so often when it's play time and they're feeling happy and hyper they love to climb on top of each other like leap frogs but they stay like that for a good while.

Due to my dirty dirty sense of humor I often would make puns (my mother would too XD) about "disturbing their privacy" or "PDA's" or being "downright naughty".........because lets face it it does look like they could be being naughty in front of the humans (Hermie exhibitionists?).

But my curiosity won out. All jokes aside I'd like to know why they like doing this so much?



"Mommy? Are they having sex?" P0rn? :P

I have no idea what this is but it's freaking adorable!! I'll try and get better pics/videos when the lighting in here is better.

Naughty Hermie Behaviors:

They haven't even been here for 24 hours and Emma's eating all the food and Mimi's shitting in the newly cleaned tank.

Smh........God I love them and their antics.

In Buggy News:

I got a pre Valentine's day visitor. Another mystery spider!! Found it in the bathroom last night. Was shaking out towels in the tub and it was in there. I then proceeded to put him/her in a little jar for the night and the next morning after the bathroom was appropriately cleaned and dry (messy bubble bath.....don't ask. ^^;;) I released him/her back into the bathroom.......

......where it proceeded to hang out on my wall above the lights for hours and then come down and spin some sort of web/drag line between my toiletries while I'm on the toilet. Tried to get pics wasn't successful.

But it was E.P.I.C.

Happy Valentine's Day! ♥

*Rant*

I was just notified by blogger that one of my entries was reported to the DMCA (who are they?) for "copyright infringement" or something of the sort.

Note that this entry I believe is from 2007-2008? Not too sure but I don't care. What I do care about is that someone is digging through old entries of mine and "reporting" them? No. I will not tolerate this. I've already had a rant on SOPA and PIPA and freedom of speech and all the other things recently involving the internet.

I will not do so again. To the people who own any of the photos I come across on my research binges on Google and other sites:

If you want your photos linked to or removed please say so via comments and I will happily do as you wish. Instead of acting like cowards and running to the DMCA or whoever tell it to me please as I would like to hear these types of things from you guys personally and not an "automated message".

Something that's also VERY important. I have saved 100's if not 1000's of insect & spider photos from around the world for years specifically for this blog and personal reference. It's virtually impossible for me to remember where I got every single one. I'll link back when I can but most often I cannot since I've had them stored up for months and years (for older ones).

If any of these photos belong to you and you either want them linked or removed please leave me a comment with said link and whatever else as it will be easier on everyone that way. The purpose of this blog (which is my utter pride and joy) is to share my passion with anyone who's interested with my insecty creepy crawly friends.

It's meant to be educational and fun. And I've learned loads from doing this and I hope to anyone who reads this that you have too. I apologize if I've offended anyone as that was and is NEVER my intentions.

I hope that I have cleared things up better. Must get some rest now as it's late.

P.S. To Blogger (love you guys) I never got that email with the details of said "complaint". I would appreciate it if it could be resent.

I would like to read it. Thank you!

P.P.S The above rant also applies to quoted passages from sites (mostly Wikipedia). I have gotten better with linking/crediting/mentioning where the passages have come from. I will continue to work harder to remember to do all of the above whenever necessary.

It's hard though as lately for unknown reasons I'm very forgetful with somethings.......I will try my hardest though. Reminders (again via COMMENTS) are appreciated.

Once again Thank you! =)

Obsessed?

Eueides isabella? Butterfly Exhibit 12-24-11


"I do confess that I must stress that lepidoptera is the best"

- Me

↑ Just popped into my head for no reason. But yes they are "the best" as are all my little friends are. Lepidoptera just happens to be one my most favorites.

I must thank that wonderful blessed exhibit as it's responsible for making me fall head over heels in love with them with such an intensity it's shocking. I've always loved them. But I guess now that I'm older I appreciate all of my "childhood" memories and experiences with them even more and treasure all the new ones I've experienced.

Along with that is the way I feel now being around them or thinking of them........it's so peaceful warm calming and happy. Not to mention serious bouts of nostalgia which I love.

This is normal yes? My friends don't exactly understand it all. But they've said that I'm "Obsessed with butterflies now aren't you?" I didn't understand exactly what they meant being that I was "obsessed" with insects in general all my life but thinking back now........Yes ^^;;;

They've occupied the "insect chamber" of my brain ever since the opening of said exhibit. I cannot wait till Spring fashion comes in because they'll be invading my clothes, jewelry and anything else I can find them on.

Oh yes and they've pretty much taken over this blog too. And I'm still not done with the photos from the museum! 0_0

Fireflies

Photinus pyralis My precious babies how I miss you so.........♥ Photo from here as copyright infringement is never ever intended.
4 years.......It's been 4 years since I've last seen one of my glowing friends. I was pondering why this was when I did some research and discovered this and it makes me want to slap the human race. Entirely.

When you build your homes on your precious landscapes and pastures at least think. "Will I be hurting any wildlife?" At least do your part to ensure that you'll help in preserving Nature's precious creatures.

Now I live in the city but I've seen these a plenty in the lobby, on my terrace and making their way into my house scaring the crap out of my mom every time. :P The last one I saw was in 2008 and I want them back. I remember catching these in mid air and letting the walk around my hand and watching them fly off again.

Lighting up the grass outside with their yellow-green hues. Bringing bouts of joy every time I saw one. While I can't do much I can promise I'll be keeping my eyes out for them this year. Any I see I'll take a picture/video of them.

I'll be keeping track of any I find. I'm hoping my park will have some. I'll also check Central park as I think if any are still around here they'll be in there. =)

As they say in Korea 개똥벌레 화이팅!

The extremely long-tongued Neotropical butterfly Eurybia lycisca (Riodinidae): Proboscis morphology and flower handling

*Drools* It's so pweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeettyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Someone needs to slap me right now. This looks like my "Mystery Satyrid" only with more eye spots that are towards the edges of the hindwings and they're tan colored.

Holy shit.

But that's not the only reason I'm blogging these nooooo. These butterflies have extremely long proboscis (as you can see in the photo if you look hard enough). I found out about these by accident researching various other Riodinidae.

I love them. They're fascinating beings. There's a wealth of info here about them and their insanely long proboscis and how they handle flowers. I will say no more as I don't want to spoil anything. ^_~



Ohhhhhh yes these are definitely going on my faves list. Ohhhh Cyren have you heard of these?!

Mystery Dream Satyrid

Is very much aware of how childish this is. ^^;; I'm out of practice. I remember doing a rather nice "outline" of a Pieris rapae but I have no clue on where I put that. *Sigh*

Lepidopteran epicness has ensued once again.......in the form of dreams. Very vivid life like dreams. I had dreamt of observing the most beautiful Satyrid somewhere sitting on a leaf and somehow coming up with a name for it and that it began with a 'D' (Scientific or Common).

My dreams are extremely vivid, especially when it comes to my little friends. And when it comes to Lepidoptera........sometimes (this time and one other) I have to wonder if I'm just dreaming or is it something more? So with this beautiful specimen in mind all day I went to go see if I could find anything that resembled my "Mystery Satyrid".

The closest so far I have come to is Chloreuptychia arnaca



Not exact as it's missing eyespots that I just realized I forgot to draw in and the one in my dream the color was more tan-brown like sand. And the wings were rounded like in your "typical ringlet butterfly".

Does anything like this exists? I get the really strong feeling that it kinda does but I have yet to find anything complete resembling it.

I'll draw more pictures. *^^* Lord knows I need the practice and it's relaxing to do so. =)

Homopteran Dreams

Dreamt of these bad boys in their adult form. I forget what this one is. Sorries^^;; Must do research again.

The mind is a curious thing........I had dreamt of these in their adult form with their wings and everything. They didn't look any different from the nymphs.....funny thing is I don't know what the adults of this particular leafhopper (whose name is eluding me) even look like!

Will be researching these. Photo I obtained from Wikipedia at some point last year. Remember the family name beginning with a 'T' possibly.....Such mind boggling beautiful creatures no?

Ohhhh my sweet sweet little friends what am I to do with you? ^^♥

Mystery Pyralid Moth

*Speechless*

Um does anyone know what this one is? I know that Pyralid moths are difficult to identify but this one seems very distinctive to me.....unless they're others that are similar?

Any and all help is greatly appreciated. Must do research!

Teinopalpus imperialis

Female Teinopalpus imperialis gillesi (Turlin 1991) Most stunning......*Speechless*

I have always wanted to see live photos of these magnificent butterflies. I had finally come across some during research of various Papilionidae I think I don't really remember and I grabbed some.

IMHO photos of pinned specimens aren't doing these butterflies (or any butterfly) justice at all. It takes away from their beauty a little bit. At least with faded specimens.

Anyway enough of this depressing talk! Something interesting I remember reading about these butterflies is that they're so rare that if one very lucky villager were to catch one he could get enough money to buy a freaking motorbike for it.

Yup. One minute you don't have anything and you see one of these beauties and manage to catch it you're rich. Something that bothers me though is the value these butterflies have.........what happened to make them so rare?

I'll have to look into that some more.



Teinopalpus imperialis gellesi (Male)

Also to note the photos I got from here. Please note that if said parties (who I thank immensely for having such an epic opportunity to capture these butterflies on film) wish me to take these down I will happily do so as I'm not getting sued for "copyright infringement."

I thank everyone who is responsible for such gorgeous photos existing. Keep up the wonderful work. I know this is much to wish for but I would love to see one of these someday.......

*Sigh* One can dream right?

Going On Strike

Had a long day today but I'm finally posting this at 7:22PM.

If you heard of SOPA and PIPA then you already know why I'm doing this. The Government CAN. NOT. censor the internet. I have never heard of anything as stupid as this in my life. By doing this you're endangering the world. You're taking away freedom of speech and creativity.

You're taking away a form of education. You're depriving kids what they will need to write their essays (books can't tell you everything as wonderful as they are) you're harming millions of business around the world. You're harming yourselves.

This blog of mine which I started back in 2007 is my pride and joy. I have been able to share my love of my multi legged friends with people all over the world, document all of the new species I've learned about and share my experiences with them with you all. Nothing makes me happier. The internet has taught me so much and helped me in so many ways both with my hobbies and my personal affairs.

Taking it away will harm the very lives of every single person on this planet. We use the internet to raise awareness of children in need of food or medical attention, to rally attention to stop bullying (why aren't you, The Government using this energy to stop this? Bullying needs to be put a stop to more then copyright infringement as copyright infringement doesn't leave people dead), for news, emails and chats with friends, a venting place for when you need to pour you heart out when sometimes talking isn't enough.

A place to relax and find some nice humor sites or educational videos. But most importantly freedom of speech. We should be allowed to say, post, vlog, upload, edit, email, IM whatever we want so long as it's not HARMING another person (a.k.a Cyberbullying another thing that should be stopped and yet what is the government doing?).

There are other ways to solve this problem. Censoring the internet IS. NOT. THE. ANSWER. Use you goddamn brains people!! Wake up and realize that there are better ways to solve this problem.

To my Followers:

Regardless of what happens I love you all. Thank you for sticking by me and helping me learn so much more about my little friends. I urge you to sign all petitions you can and CONTACT CONGRESS.

We must fight. We must win. God bless America God bless the internet.

God bless all of you.

DOWN WITH SOPA DOWN WITH PIPA DOWN WITH INJUSTICE AND STUPIDITY!

One of many things you can do to stop this:

http://sopastrike.com/