Electric eels can produce 600-volt electric pulses up to 400 times per second. These high-voltage pulses are so strong that they remotely activate the neurons inside the prey, making their muscles spasm. This immobilizes the animal so the electric eel can swallow its prey whole. Humans have been attacked and killed by electric eels, but … Read more
Leaf cutter ants are among the most charismatic of insect species. We enjoy watching them parade by with leaves held like parasols as they cross the jungle floor in the tropical rainforests of Central and South America. Not only do they have a festive appearance, they feature some amazing adaptations. Leaf cutter ants are the … Read more
After several visits to South America including an Amazon river cruise, and after careful research, we chose a lodge adjacent to Yasuni National Park in Ecuador. This turned out to be one of our top trips for watching wildlife in many years of exploration throughout the world! The Amazon is remote, involves long flights and … Read more
I’ve always wanted to see a live bullet ant up close because of its reputation for having the most painful sting of any insect. My opportunity occurred in Ecuador, while hiking with a guide through the Amazon rainforest. Turned out the ants had us surrounded! If you encounter a bullet ant, be extremely careful not … Read more
