Scorpions have a very interesting quirk in their evolutionary history. In the arthropods, "mouth-parts" evolved not once, but twice, independently. Insects have what are called "mandibles" which are stiff, chitinous graspers that have been adapted to do things like cut leaves, battle like f-ing stags, carry stuff, and grind through solid wood. Arachnids (like scorpions) have what are called "chelicerae" which are much more fleshy/puffy/squishy, mostly used for grooming, and only have combat applications in that they can sport venemous "fangs."

In both cases (I believe) they're repurposed legs. So draw a dopey guy with eyes close together on top and mouth wide open with puffy "arms" with teeny little claspers stuffed in there.

(They have a second pair of eyes on the wide sides of their mouth, which also looks dopey, kind of like an axolotl.)

Not sure if that helps. It's just something interesting I learned.

#spiders #scorpions #arthropod #CloseUp
Hexapod Haiku Challenge (The Frost Entomological Museum)

The Hexapod Haiku Challenge is an annual poetry contest that focuses on haiku about arthropods. Laureates and honorable mentions are announced every year shortly after the challenge closes.

The Frost Entomological Museum (Department of Entomology)

I had a request for a "Bug" based on open source reference photos...so have a Carabus auronitens!

I used research-grade photos by Ludivine Lamare to figure out how the iridescence and anatomy worked. https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/207209208

#art #sciart #nature #bug #beetle #invertebrate #animal #mastoart #creativetoots #arthropod #shiny #insect

Belgium, Wemmel : member of the family of millipedes (Arthropoda, Diplopoda, Polydesmidae indeterminate.) #belgium #wemmel #garden #nature #animal #milipede #arthropod #diplopods #macrophotography

Love or War?

Here's a fascinating macro shot of two brown millipedes curled up in a curious pose! Is it love or war? #millipede #macrophotography #bugslife #nature #arthropod #closeup #TTMO #CreepyCrawlies #love #war

For Valentine's Day, one of my most entertaining photos from last year. A Nearctic Carpenter Ant (Camponotus nearcticus) interrupting two very busy Asian Lady Beetles (Harmonia axyridis). #insect #arthropod #macro #macrophotography #invertebrate #quebec #gatineau #canada #inaturalist #valentinesday