Zoölogie
GE (breathe in) KO! Tokay gecko takes micro-breaths mid-call
The South-East Asian gecko species the tokay gecko (*Gecko gecko*) turns out to have a few handy breathing tricks up its sleeve for its long and loud mating call.
Fatty acids help cats read each other’s urine calling cards
A group of branched fatty acids appears to help cats with long-term recognition of individual urine scents, and hints at a possible role for the mysterious lipid droplets found in cat kidneys.
Capuchin monkeys prefer second-hand tools
Capuchin monkeys prefer second-hand tools when cracking nuts.
Scientists reveal how camel spiders mate using a ‘jaw whip
A team of Argentine and German biologists has for the first time produced a detailed account of how mating proceeds in camel spiders (order: Solifugae) – also known as sun spiders or wind scorpions (Royal Society Open Science, 29 July).
New monkey species discovered in Congo rainforest
Hidden in the Congo rainforest, a previously undescribed monkey species has been found: *Colobus congoensis*.
Naked mole-rat queen suppresses fertility with a single scent chemical
A single scent chemical allows naked mole-rat queens to guarantee their exclusive right to reproduce, keeping them in charge of the colony.
Robot bird demonstrates optimal flying and swimming performance
Scientists are building a robot that, just like diving bird species, can swim and fly. It is clear which modifications to the robot ensure optimal locomotion, but whether that also applies to birds remains the question.
Caterpillars read footsteps through a leaf
Newly hatched caterpillars of the North American moth *Falcaria bilineata* respond to the 'footsteps' of approaching intruders.
Junk food drives Gibraltar’s macaques to eat dirt
Macaques on the Rock of Gibraltar have taught themselves to eat soil as an aid to digesting the snacks that tourists slip them – despite an active ban on feeding the animals.
20 Years of Beleef de Lente
For the twentieth year running, visitors to vogelbescherming.nl/beleefdelente can watch, via hidden cameras, how various birds pair up, lay eggs and raise their young...