Layers of Life
On a crowded coral reef, species often make their homes on top of one another (literally), living lives that are tightly intertwined both biologically and evolutionarily.
David Fleetham's Latest Articles
A Precarious Perch
Swallow-tailed kites have lost much of their habitat in the southeastern United States, but thanks to an unlikely ally, their numbers are beginning to climb.
Ghosts of the Everglades
Clinging to survival in shrinking swamps, ghost orchids are so elusive that their pollinators have remained unknown—until now. One team’s findings may help to save both the flower and its threatened home.
Assume the Position
A master of disguise, this rainforest dweller doesn’t just wear the perfect outfit, it also performs the flawless impression of a tree branch.
Deathly Beautiful
This picturesque battle between a blue dragon sea slug and a Portuguese man o’ war is a matter of life or death—for both parties.
Mighty Mom
One of the most attentive of all insect parents, this tiny treehopper fiercely defends her offspring until they're fully grown, using her thorn-shaped headdress as both shield and intimidation tool.
Allure of the Flower Hat
What looks like a flamboyant fashion accessory is actually this jelly's brilliant evolutionary strategy for attracting prey.
Herding Meerkats
To understand how and why these highly social animals have evolved such complex systems of cooperation, scientists have resorted to a very simple strategy.
Banquet on Legs
When an octopus known for its size and hunting prowess encounters a football-field-sized team of spider crabs, the outcome isn’t what you might expect.
Mobile Home
This caterpillar combines next-level camouflage and shelter-building to disappear into one of the most vibrant and biodiverse ecosystems on the planet.