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Evolution & the Origin of Species

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How does a unique species form?


Is it true that some animals have been evolving in less than 100 years?


All of these questions and more are tackled in the first segment of our new evolution video series!


Let us know what you think by leaving a comment on our YouTube page.

Koelreuteria elegans travels to Florida.

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K. elegans escapes to Florida only to be eaten by Jadera haematoloma

Boisea rubrolineata and Jadera haematoloma feeding on Koelreuteria paniculata

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Note the rare yellow morph of Jadera haematoloma in the bottom right corner of the video.

Leptocoris tagalicus feeding on balloonvine

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This Leptocoris tagalicus is shown feeding on Cardiospermum grandiflorum. Note how the bug uses his beak to reach through the pod to feed on the seeds inside.

Leptocoris tagalicus feeding on Allophylus cobbe

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One adult Leptocoris tagalicus and several nymphs feeding on Allophylus cobbe in Kakadu, NT, Australia.

Evolution Island: Sustainable Solutions to Global Challenges

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Molting Leptocoris vicinus



This molting Leptocoris vicinus has finally reached adulthood. The molting process is difficult and makes soapberry bugs vulnerable, especially to cannibalization. To speed up the process, many soapberry bugs will stand upside down and push their way out of their old exoskeleton with the assistance of gravity. When molting begins, the exoskeleton will split along the head and "shoulders" (pronotum) as the soapberry bug slowly pushes itself out the exuvium. Oftentimes, the fine hairlike mouthparts (stylets) contained within the beak are the last to be disconnected from the exuvium, as can be seen in this video. After molting, the soapberry bug is noticeably lighter in color and very soft-bodied. However, within a few hours, the legs and membrane will darken and harden.