Time to broaden your general knowledge with #DidYouKnowFridays. Did you know these facts about the caracal, tarantula and mantis shrimp?
Did you know?
The caracal has very distinctive markings. The first marking is black tufts on the tips of black ears. There are also black lines above the eyes, with a black nose with white around and under the mouth. Like cheetahs, caracals also have a black line from the inside of the eye to the nose. The black line between the ears can vary in size, and the furry coat can vary between tawny-brown and brick-red.
Caracals have a medium build with strong and lengthy hind legs, enabling them to jump 3m into the air with exceptional timing, balance and precision, to catch prey. Caracals are fast cats and can run up to 80km/h, which means they can outrun antelopes and ostriches.
This almost fearless cat will attack animals three times his own size. Sometimes the caracal will hide his prey in a tree to return to at a later stage – just like leopards do.
Did you know?
The mantis shrimp has a very strong punch. Two very powerful front claws are used to punch prey with vicious force. In fact, their claws are so strong that the force they punch with is equal to over 150kg. The force that the mantis shrimp punches with is easily 2,500 times his own body weight. In human terms, that means that if we were able to punch with the same force, we would easily punch through steel.
Did you know?
Looking at the behaviour of a tarantula can show you when he is feeling threatened. The first sign is that he will adopt a ‘passive defensive’ stance. This is when the spider lifts one or two legs and his body remains relaxed. This stance is considered as the first warning sign and gives the intruder enough time to escape if he wishes to.
The second sign that you should back away is usually when his first two legs and pedipalps (pinchers) are fully extended into the air. The thorax (between the neck and abdomen) is usually also lifted, which indicates the seriousness of the situation. The stance is usually followed by a strike. Tarantulas do not usually bite, but if someone tries to approach the spider in this stance, chances are that he might feel those fangs.
Animaltalk opposes the keeping of exotic pets, as they are intricate animals that need special care, they are not domesticated and belong in the wild – unless if you are a professional with extended knowledge.
