Concepts
Abstracts
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Abundance
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Adversity
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Affection
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Nuzzling, snuggling, hugging and kissing critters populate this gallery of thirty images. Courting adults, parents bonding with their young and affectionate siblings remind us of the tenderness that exists in the wild world. To see a larger selection of images just search for 'affection' as a keyword.
Albinism
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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An albino animal is born without the ability to produce color pigment in its skin, hair, feathers, scales, or eyes. As a result they color ranges from snowy white, pink to an off-white straw color. Being light colored is certainly not an advantage in the wild - animals are more visible to both predators and prey and the lack of melanin negatively affects their vision by affecting development of the eyes in addition to causing extreme photosensitivity making survival even less likely. If you have seen an albino animal in the wild you are lucky, especially if it has matured into an adult.
All Aglow
16 Oct 2019 11:15 am
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Glowing rainforest mushrooms, light-generating masses of Fireflies and deep sea fish attracting prey are included in this gallery of fascinating photos. When the sun disappears these species rev up their adaptations to signal potential mates, fish for their dinner and challenge rivals. Did you know that dried sea-fireflies were used as a light source by the Japanese army during World War II to read maps in dim light?
Amazing Eggs
5 May 2021 12:00 am
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The essential casing of life, eggs can be rigid, spiked, transparent and leathery. Bird eggs are instantly identifiable but can you guess what creatures hatch out of these other examples? Sharks create collagen based 'mermaid's purses' that are sometimes spiraled to easily wedge into safe rock crevices. Some frogs lay strands of thousands of transparent eggs to hedge the chance of them surviving. Tiny lacewing eggs are perched on the tip of a hairlike stalk that is about 1/2 inch long. This helps to reduce cannibalism of the eggs by sibling larvae. Any way you crack them, eggs are pretty amazing.
Animal Antics
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Animal Queendom
27 Jan 2021 12:00 am
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A study published by researchers at Mills College in The Leadership Quarterly highlights female-biased influence which is pervasive in killer whales, lions, spotted hyenas, bonobos, lemurs, and elephants. In these species leaders emerge without coercion and followers benefit from the social support and ecological knowledge from elder females. The collective wisdom of the matriarchs assist the group in collective movements, foraging, conflict resolution within the group and with other populations. Cheers to the animal queendom!
Animal Selfies
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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The selfie craze has spread to our wildlife friends. Check out these images that look like animals have gotten their hands on some critter cams - a crab makes a big reach, a koala mom takes a family portrait and a kangaroo takes a shot with his bestie...
Animals in the Landscape
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Apple Season
15 Sep 2021 12:00 am
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Who doesn’t like to have a bite of a sweet and juicy apple? This highly nutritious and tasty fruit is also one of the most popular fruits in the world. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants and make it a perfect diet not just for humans, they are great forage for animals as well. In the fall wild animals benefit from a bounty of cultivated fruit from orchards or wild crabapples.
Approaching
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Arachtober
15 Sep 2020 02:49 pm
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Arachnids + October = Arachtober~What better way to celebrate our arachnid friends than dedicating a gallery to their furry, leggy, colorful photos? Spiders perching atop mushrooms, consuming crickets and displaying their various colors and shapes are included in this edit of images. Check out the largest spider in the world (Goliath birdeater), a nest of Black Widow spiderlings (when the females grow to adults their venom with be fifteen times as poisonous as a rattlesnake's) and the remarkable size difference between a female Banana Spider and a tiny male.
Aw Nuts!
15 Sep 2020 03:16 pm
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With winter around the corner many animals are bulking up and stashing supplies to survive the cooler season. Full of calories and prolific, nuts are a prime autumn food source for many creatures. Squirrels, birds and deer gorge themselves on tasty acorns, walnuts and pecans in this gallery of hungry creatures. To prepare for leaner months both acorn woodpeckers and squirrels store their nutritious treats in larders, granaries, middens or caches. The birds average 325 nuts each in their storehouses while grey squirrels have been recorded hording over 3,000 a season!
Backlighting
13 Jan 2021 02:58 pm
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Backlighting in photography happens when the main light is behind the subject and is facing the camera. Using this technique highlights details such as the bristle of fur, delicate layers of feathers and veins in tiny leaves found in this gallery of images. The effect adds a luminosity and warmth to photos.
Bad Hair Day
15 Sep 2020 03:20 pm
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With the summer humidity some days it's impossible to get your hair to behave. Check out this gallery of animals who seem to be suffering from serious bad hair days!
Balance
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Beach Time
22 Jun 2022 12:00 am
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Summer has arrived and it's time to hit the beach! Check out these animals enjoying a break in the sand - collecting shells, surfing, sunning and building sand structures. We even have a conscientious penguin picking up beach trash...
Beautiful Blue Eyes
20 Apr 2022 12:00 am
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The animal kingdom is full of species with incredibly beautiful eye colors. We find colors all across the spectrum of the rainbow ranging from red and orange to green and blue. Blue eyed individuals regularly occur in every domestic breed, from camels and goats to horses but there are cases of wild animals with azure pupils. This gallery features mammals, birds and even fish with beautiful blues...
Beginnings
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Sunrises, pathways, hatchlings and sprouting leaves reaching for the sun are included in this gallery of thirty images that illustrate the concept of beginnings.
Berry Breakfast
19 Jul 2017 12:00 am
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Bears, birds and Barbary Macaques all enjoy a mouthful of berries from time to time. Packed full of flavor, vitamins and sugars these fruits are irresistible to hungry waxwings and gorillas alike. Although they are small, berries add important calories to animals diets.
Big Ears
19 Nov 2019 02:57 pm
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Check out this gallery of impressive animals including Jerboas, Fennec Foxes and Bush Babies. You will notice that many of the species are desert animals which use the ears not just to amplify hearing but to dissipate heat in their arid habitat.
Bloodsuckers
15 Sep 2020 03:42 pm
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Hematophagy is the practice of feeding on blood. Since blood is a fluid tissue rich in nutritious proteins and lipids that can be taken without great effort, hematophagy is a preferred form of feeding for many small animals such as the familiar mosquito, leech and bedbug. This gallery features some of the expected hungry creatures but some unusual ones as well. A Dracula Ant worker punctures the skin of a larva to sip its trickling blood, Galapagos Vampire Finches feeding on the blood of boobies from wounds the finches have created and parasitic isopods that latch onto fish puncturing their skin and feasting on their blood. Yes, some photos could be considered gross but all animals must survive!
Blue Animals
15 Sep 2020 02:33 pm
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The 2020 Color of the Year is Classic Blue, a shade reminiscent of the sky at dusk.~~"It's a color that anticipates what's going to happen next," said Laurie Pressman, the vice president of the Institute, "Instilling calm, confidence, and connection, this enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era."~~This description may be lost on the group of animals featured in this gallery. Indigo-colored birds, butterflies and even slugs are featured in this selection of stylish creatures...
Bubbles
15 Sep 2020 12:00 am
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In the animal kingdom creatures use bubbles to their benefit as well - for defense, protection and fun!~~Grasshoppers aerate their bitter blood to create a foamy deterrent from predators. Mass mating frogs make a mat of frothy bubbles to protect their fertilized eggs. Water spiders fill their aquatic silken nests with a bubble of oxygen making a cozy and inhabitable home.~~In the ocean whales use bubble nets to corral fish while cooperative feeding and as an aggressive display while courting. Bubbles are for fun too! Belugas and dolphins blow round (toroidal) rings from their blowholes as a source of entertainment.
Camouflage
22 Jun 2016 12:00 am
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Seahorses that mimic coral, moths that copy the leaf litter in which they live and snowshoe hares that are almost invisible in their winter habitat are included in this gallery of camouflaged animals. Whether it is to hide from predators or to ambush prey these creatures melt perfectly into the background.
Caroling Critters
14 Dec 2016 12:00 am
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This holiday season we are inspired to share some shots of caroling critters. Bee-eaters belt out a tune, swallows sing for their supper and belugas bring cheer in this gallery of fun shots.
Catch a Tiger by the Tail
31 Jan 2018 12:00 am
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Or a lion, or an elephant or a fox! What a perfect way to get the attention of brother, mother or significant other. Check out this gallery of images showing playful animals tugging on each other's tails!
Chaos
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Circles in Nature
16 Oct 2019 04:48 pm
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Orb, ball, globe, circle, round - however you say it this shape can be found many places in nature. From octopus suckers to mushrooms and butterfly wings; some of these circles may surprise you!
Cold
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Conformity
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Costumed Critters
27 Oct 2020 12:00 am
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When blending with the environment to evade predators isn't enough some animals use pebbles, plants and even other creatures to conceal themselves! Some of these costumed critters include sponge crabs. The crabs' shells are covered with Velcro-like hairs that help them stick seaweed, sponges, anemones, corals, and other objects to their backs. Spiders cover themselves with plant debris, caddisfly larva create pebbled outfits and assassin bugs heft around the dead bodies of their prey.
Creepy Critters
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Multi-legged Centipedes, wide-eyed Stargazers and sharp-toothed deep sea Fangtooth fish are included in this gallery of creepy critters.
Cut Outs
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Dark as Night
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Inky black animals are the subject of this gallery in celebration of upcoming Halloween. Dark pelage and plumage has its advantages - predators blend into the night while they are hunting, dark fur absorbs heat which keeps mammals warm and ebony coloration is helpful for camouflage.
Don't Touch Your Face
17 Sep 2020 01:24 pm
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We all know the rules but these animals haven't gotten the news. To protect yourself against illness don't touch your face! Rabbits, otters and grasshoppers flaunt the health guidelines in this gallery of images...
Epizoochory
17 Sep 2020 03:34 pm
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While on an Alpine hunting trip with his canine companion, the Swiss inventor George de Mestral was inspired by the tenacious holding power of a Burdock seed which became entangled in the dog's fur. Through trial and error he copied the seed's natural mechanisms to invent the hook and loop material Velcro in 1948. This gallery of photos by Albert Lleal features the hooks, spines and barb structures of various seeds which help them disperse into new territories. Asters, carrots and burdock use animal fur to hitchhike to new locations, a process called epizoochory.
Eye Contact
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Family Portrait
17 Sep 2020 11:51 am
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With the holidays around the corner get ready for your close up. Cameras will be snapping to capture family portraits just like these macaques, meerkats and elephants...
Fathers
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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After spending weeks sharing a dark den with his sibling cubs a young lion is brought out to meet his pride for the first time including his father. Suzi Eszterhas captures this tender moment featured in our Fathers gallery - Father's Day is coming up this Sunday. Jawfish males go hungry while they incubate fertilized eggs in their mouths for up to ten days. Poison Dart Frog fathers carry their tadpole offspring into the rainforest canopy where they will deposit each one in a separate water-filled bromeliad flower to complete their metamorphosis. Southern Cassowary father is the sole caregiver for his chicks - not only does he incubate the eggs for fifty days with nothing to eat or drink but he also monitors the chicks for most of a year to teach them how to survive in the wild. Cheers to Dad!
Feeling Prickly
3 Nov 2021 12:00 am
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Prickly spines, quills and spikes are striking and effective adaptations for fending off predators. Not only do they walk the walk, projecting a tough back-off attitude, but they bring the pain to unwise attackers. Some animals, like the scorpionfish, use their spines to inject venom into predators thereby increasing the chance of escape. ~~When we think of prickly characters, porcupines, hedgehogs and sea urchins come immediately to mind. But let's give the unsung spiky species their due. Ants, echidnas, katydids, caterpillars, spiders and more are all armored for life in the wild. Look, but don't touch this fun gallery of images.
Flowers for Mom
17 Sep 2020 03:22 pm
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With Mother's Day in May kids are hunting down gifts and bouquets to honor their moms. This gallery of photos features animals that appear to be doing the same thing! Puffins with posies, gorillas with bunches of flowers and a scurrying pika with a floral arrangement!
Formation
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Freeze Frame
8 Feb 2017 12:00 am
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On freezing Michigan winter days Steve Gettle works quickly to catch snowflakes on a piece of black velvet. Carefully using two paintbrush hairs to transfer the flakes onto a slide he mounts them beneath a microscope attached to his camera. To prevent the flakes from melting he uses four low-heat fiber-optic light tubes which illuminate the crystals bringing out their delicate details. He only has a few minutes to capture an image, the snowflakes melt within three minutes!
Friends and Anemones
18 Jan 2023 12:00 am
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When imagining sea anemones invariably clownfish with their striped, charismatic personalities (think Nemo) come to mind. These animals have a symbiotic relationship known as mutualism where both benefit from the other. Being able to withstand an anemone's stinging tentacles, clownfish use their hosts as protection from predators. In return the fish clean the host of parasites, provide a source of nitrogen and help with water circulation around the anemone.~~But clownfish are not the only species that have a relationship with anemones. Hermit crabs decorate their shells with live anemones with help fend of predators while the anemones get access to new hunting grounds. Cleaner shrimp coat themselves with the anemone's mucus to live undetected within the tentacles of their host and the crustaceans protect their host from predatory fish and worms. Pom-pom crabs hold tiny anemones in their claws as protection while the anemone may benefit by feeding on scraps of leftover crab food. Researchers have witnessed these crabs in the wild and in the lab stealing anemones from each other then splitting their anemones in two so they will regenerate into two identical clones!
Ghosts
26 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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With Halloween just around the corner we want to share some of our own Ghosts with you! There are many native ghosts all around you - ghost crabs, moths, ants and mushrooms to name a few!
Glass Frogs' Transparency Trick
11 Jan 2023 12:00 am
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Insight into an unusual glass frog adaptation was outlined in a study published recently in Science by a team of researchers from Duke University, USC Los Angeles and Stanford. These frogs are masters of camouflage with green-toned skin to match their environment. It's their undersides that give them their glassy moniker. With muscles and skin that are up to 95% transparent their camouflage is jeopardized by highly-visible blood coursing through their systems. ~~The solution? These frogs sequester up to 89% of their blood in their livers while they rest - this increases their transparency by two to three times when they are at their most vulnerable.
Gluttony
19 Nov 2019 04:17 pm
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Concepts - Gluttony~With the new year upon us perhaps we are thinking of a less sinful lifestyle. Check out this gallery of animals that look like they enjoyed the holiday's tasty treats a bit too much. We suggest gluttony to be the first sin they work on reforming!
Hang In There
17 Sep 2020 03:31 pm
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You've heard it before and you will hear it again. We all have to hang in there a bit longer during the current pandemic. These creatures are taking the admonition literally! Dangling orangutans, suspended snakes and pendulous lorises are included in this gallery of clingy creatures...
Headache!
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Perhaps the worrisome financial news this week gave you a sudden headache. The animals in this gallery share your pain including a walrus, polar bear and orangutan who appear to have their share of discomfort.
Hearts in Nature
8 Feb 2017 12:00 am
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Check out these heart shapes found in nature - from the chest of a molting penguin to the red pouch of a courting Frigatebird.
Hey Buddy!
17 Sep 2020 03:26 pm
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Friends make life easier! When times are tough a good pal can pull you through. Check out this gallery of animal friends keeping company, having a laugh and giving affection.
High Speed
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Hugs and Kisses
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Valentine's Day is right around the corner so we wanted to share this selection of loving animals for your consideration. Caring koalas, nuzzling zebras and romantic penguins are included in this gallery of images - a perfect fit for any weekly publication or website.
Individuality
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Inspirational
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Insta Worthy
15 Mar 2021 12:00 am
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With thousands of new images added to our site every month we feature some favorites on our Instagram account. Follow us at @minden_pictures to see interesting animal behaviors, remarkable landscapes and photos that might just make you laugh out loud!
It's a BING thing
11 Aug 2021 12:00 am
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Over the years we have supplied BING with bold and eye-catching photos for their daily updates. Today we are sharing some of our favorite images that have appeared on their search engine landing page. With over a billion visitors to the page a month the staff that selects these shots are looking for the very best quality.
Keeping Cool
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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When temperatures rise animals have a variety of means to seek relief from the heat. Some head for a nearby waterhole for a soak, seek out chilly snow patches or natural shade while others create their own shade like squirrels that use their bushy tails to screen the sun. Kangaroos lick their forelegs - as the saliva evaporates they cool down. In the desert lizards lift opposing feet so only two are in contact with the ground at a time and some animals like dogs, penguins and crocodiles pant to regulate their temperature.
Kids in Nature
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Killer Fungus
11 May 2016 12:00 am
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Insidious and infectious some fungus spores invade the systems of insects and consume them from the inside out. Included in this gallery are images showing the result of a Cordyceps or Sac Fungus invasion on unlucky ants. Once infected the spores change the behavior of the animals making them move to higher ground and latch onto a leaf or twig to stabilize themselves. Over several weeks the paralyzed insect is consumed, the fungus emerges from the carcass and distributes its spores to infect additional hosts. If unchecked the infection can wipe out an entire ant colony!
Koalas and Retrovirus
17 Sep 2020 02:31 pm
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Koalas are the unexpected subjects in recent studies of evolution in action. Ancient viral infections have left their mark in the DNA of many animals including humans. In the case of these Australia marsupials the Koala retrovirus, or KoRV began inserting itself into their genome just 40,000 years ago and is now passed from generation to generation. A group of scientists summarized their research in Cell on October 10th. When discussing koala genetics one of the researchers says “What they are going through is the process of what’s driven the evolution of every animal on the planet.”~~At the Koala Hospital in Port Macquarie and the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital workers tend to animals suffering from Chlamydia and retrovirus. With medical care most koalas are returned to the wild but, sadly, many return. Habitat loss and overcrowding by human development has severely stressed the Koala population; according to Suzi, if these iconic animals are to be saved the best place to start is with saving their habitat.
Leadership
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Macro
13 Oct 2021 12:00 am
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Macro photography is close-up photography of small subjects, including things like insects and flowers. Delicate details become larger than life in this gallery of images.
March Hares
15 Mar 2023 12:00 am
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The month of March falls in the middle of the breeding season for European Hares complete with typical antics that lead to the phrase 'Mad as a March hare.' Furious boxing matches usually feature males competing for females but could equally be a female fending of the unwanted advances of a suitor. This gallery includes chases, battles and a few shots of hares at rest during the month of March.
Mating
7 Feb 2016 12:00 am
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Birds do it, bees do it, even Blue Papua New Guinean Weevils do it! In celebration of Wednesday (Hump Day) and upcoming Valentine's Day we wanted to share some of our more discreet animal amour images. From sea turtles to ladybugs these couples are doing their best to propagate their species...
Meet the Marine Iguana
26 Jan 2022 12:00 am
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For fifty years Tui De Roy has been photographing the wildlife and landscapes of the Galapagos Islands with a local's eye and knowledge. This gallery features her images of the marine iguana, the only sea-going lizard in the world. ~~They need no plant cover, no shelter, no shade, and no fresh water to survive, but are quite at home on a barely cooled new lava flow. Peaceful and gregarious, the pattern of their activities is governed by the dual factors of daily temperature fluctuations coupled with the lunar rhythm of the tides. Thriving in densities surpassing 5,000 iguanas per mile of coastline, the key to their incredible success hinges upon the cool, nutrient rich currents that nurture lush algal growth on which they feed in the near-shore shallows.~~Iguanas are dependent on the morning sun's warmth to dry away the salty dew on their backs and thaw them from the night's chill. For hours they remain motionless, eyes half closed, their bodies seemingly fused to the ground and to each other, soaking in the sun's rays. Only from time to time would one of them snort out a fine spray secreted from glands that can eliminate salt in concentrations almost twice as high as sea water, their only source of liquid.
Microscopic
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Mini Me
9 Oct 2017 12:00 am
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You might have to take a double take at these animals moms and dads with their twin-looking babies! From sweet owlets to panda cubs, these young animals are mirror images of their doting parents!
Mini Monsters
26 Oct 2022 12:00 am
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With magnifications of up to 177 times Albert Lleal introduces us to the mini monsters that live among us. This opener shot features a pair of Confused Flour Beetles consuming flour at x42 magnification. This species is one of the most common grain pests and can be found in agricultural silos, grocery stores and even in homes. Why are they confused? The beetles are not, their name comes from the fact that they are frequently confused with a similar appearing creature, the Red Flour Beetle. Browse the gallery to see more photos of common monsters that are larger than life when placed beneath a scanning electron telescope.
Mothers
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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A Zebra mother uses her muzzle to nuzzle her foal, mama Harp Seal tends to her bright white pup and a Koala mom tenderly hugs her joey as her gives her a kiss. This gallery is a celebration of Mother's Day to share these fun images of motherhood in the animal kingdom.
Munching Minerals
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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When animals feed primarily on fruits, nectar and leaves a huge hole is left in their diet - they need their minerals! Since taking a calcium supplement is not possible penguins and giraffes chew on bones, salt doesn't come from a shaker so butterflies sip the tears of turtles and macaws ingest important trace elements like iron when they swallow chunks of clay. Why don't you see any carnivores in this gallery? All the vitamins and minerals they need are already in their food.
Myrmecophily (Ant Love)
7 Jul 2021 12:00 am
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Myrmecophily translates directly to "ant love" in latin - this is the term applied to positive interspecies associations between ants and a variety of other organisms, such as plants and other insects. You may have heard about ants protecting aphids and scale insects in exchange for nutrients in the form of honeydew, a sugary fluid excreted by many insects. Ant woodlice keep nests clean by feeding on droppings and rove beetles mimic the pheromones of their ant hosts to share their nest in harmony.~~Do you know that some plants grow specific high-energy 'Beltian bodies' at the tips of their leaves for resident ants to feed upon? Take a look at ants feeding these carrot-like growths to their young. In return these insects protect the plant from intruding vines and by destroying insect eggs laid on the leaves which would produce damaging pests. In addition, the waste left behind by the ants provides nutrients to the plant. It's a win-win situation, what's not to love?
Natural Moments
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Snorkeling elephants, ballooning Porcupine Fish and diving Kingfishers are included in this selection of images we like to call 'Natural Moments' - images that reflect the complexity and curiosities of animal behavior and survival.
Nocturnal Creatures
21 Jul 2021 12:00 am
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As darkness falls in parts of the world, many of us begin to think about changing into pajamas and crawling into bed. But for noctural animals the disappearance of the sun means their day is about to begin since they are most active at night. They hunt, eat, and wander under the comfort of darkness. Being nocturnal, they can reduce the risk of predation, hot day temperatures and competition from other animals.~~Check out this selection of animals that work the night shift including the Aye-Aye, the world's only primate that uses echolocation and masses of Fireflies lighting up the night with their courtship signals.
Not All Birds Can Fly
11 May 2022 12:00 am
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The inability to fly is the antithesis of birds, right? In fact, there are over 60 species worldwide that cannot get off the ground. That flightless birds are descended from birds that could fly is commonly accepted among scientists. What is not completely clear, however, is why these birds lost the ability to fly. One theory suggests that flight became unnecessary for ancient birds that colonized habitats without predators, because those birds no longer needed that adaptation to escape. You are aware of penguins, ostriches and kiwis but learn more about other fascinating birds that have left flight behind...
Orange
12 Oct 2020 02:09 pm
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Orange you glad it's October? With the beginning of autumn cooler temperatures are on the way and leaves will soon be turning. Check out this variety of nature images featuring the month's signature color. This gallery includes the expected fall foliage along with ocher colored moths, seastars and fungus - click on any images to see a larger selection!
Orange and Black Animals
19 Oct 2017 12:00 am
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Giant Crab Spiders, Gila Monsters and Tigers all have something in common! Check out this gallery of creatures that look like they are dressed up and ready for Halloween in their orange and black costumes.
Overview
15 Sep 2020 02:44 pm
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Panoramic
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Pathways
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Patterns
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Peek-a-boo
20 Oct 2021 12:00 am
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Keeping out of sight but keeping an eye on the camera this gallery features peeking animals in the wild. Whether they are hiding from predators or curiously popping their heads out of a shelter you might just glimpse an eye as they check out their surroundings.
Piggyback
10 Jan 2017 12:00 am
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There are many good reasons to get a ride from a friend - you want to share their lunch (noddies stealing pelican's fish catch), you'd like to rest while mom does the driving (lemurs, orangutans and gorillas) or you need to get somewhere quickly (poison dart frog fathers carrying their tadpoles to the safety of water-filled bromedliads). Regardless of the goal, we think you'll get a lift out of this fun gallery of hitchhiking photos.
Pregnant!
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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In honor of our Labor Day holiday this Monday we'd like to honor another type of labor with this gallery of pregnant critters - some achingly so! A male seahorse with a distended brood pouch awaits the emergence of up to 2,000 babies, a scorpion mother displays a swollen abdomen soon to birth up to 30 young and a mama Grizzly prepares for her babies with a healthy layer of winter fat.
Pretty in Pink
13 Nov 2019 03:07 pm
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Associated with warmth and romance the color pink is considered by some to be the hue of love. Whether these creatures agree we'll never know! Rosy nudibranchs, blush toned flamingos and coral colored seahorses show their stuff in this gallery of images.
Prints
29 Nov 2022 12:00 am
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Images by Minden Pictures' photographers can be purchased as prints for private display at our online shop AnimalsandEarth.com.~~Choose from over 13,000 images from such renowned talents as Tim Fitzharris, Flip Nicklin, Yva Momatiuk & John Eastcott, Suzi Eszterhas, Tui De Roy, and Sebastian Kennerknecht to name a few. Search for that perfect image by subject, photographer or browse our Collections of curated galleries.~~AnimalsandEarth.com is hosted by FineArtAmerica, a premier online seller of fine art prints, home decor, apparel and more. Prints are available framed or unframed. A variety of print sizes and styles offer something to fit every budget and decor. Each print is hand crafted by expert printing and framing staff in the United States, and at fourteen fulfillment centers in five countries for overseas orders. Purchases are protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee. This gallery features some of our most popular, frequently ordered photographs.
Protection
17 Sep 2020 04:09 pm
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A mother's tender hug, the security of a partner and the collective comfort of a group are included in these images of how animals find protection
Pupils
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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A recent study published in Science Advances explores the question 'Why do animal eyes have pupils of different shapes?'. In short - if an animal is a hunter they have round or vertical pupils and, in turn, prey species have horizontal pupils which give them the advantage of a panoramic view to detect predators and to flee across uneven ground. But wait, why do small cats (lynx, bobcats and housecats) have vertical pupils while large cats (pumas, leopards and lions) have round ones? The authors suggest that ambush predators have vertical pupils that determine distance better while round pupils are more useful for cats that chase down their prey.
Rainbows on the Wing
13 Nov 2019 03:47 pm
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Some birds have the best outfits! We bring you a selection of feathered friends that have dazzling rainbow plumage. Painted Buntings, Green-breasted Mangos and Scarlet Macaws are in good and colorful company in this gallery of vivid photos.
Reflections
29 Dec 2020 12:00 am
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As the year comes to an end you may be reflecting on the last twelve months and all the events we experienced. With the turbid waters of 2022 nearly behind us treat yourself to a moment with this gallery of peaceful images featuring calming scenes and mirrored wildlife....
Risk
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Road Trip!
11 Nov 2020 12:00 am
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Feeling a little cooped up? Ready to take a trip but cannot get on an airplane? Perhaps now is the time for a road trip... Wind through redwood forests, colorful autumn landscapes and dramatic desert scenics in this gallery of locations you can reach by car, motorcycle or bicycle!
Royal Wildlife
14 Sep 2022 12:00 am
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As the celebration of Queen Elizabeth II holds our attention we present a selection of aristocratic animals for your enjoyment. Royal names occur in the animal kingdom with monikers such as King Penguin, Princess Parrots and Queen Angelfish...
Salty
18 Nov 2019 12:00 am
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All animals require some salt to survive. However, some terrestrial animals have diets deficient in this essential mineral so they must seek supplemental salt sources. Where do they find this resource? Tears of other animals, sweat, by licking water off of ocean-soaked pebbles, natural salt licks or de-icing products used on roadways. Check out this gallery of animals satisfying their sodium needs!
Say Cheese
15 Dec 2021 12:00 am
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Are you ready to smile for the camera this holiday season? Check out this gallery of picture-perfect creatures ready for their portraits.
Secrets
18 Nov 2019 05:13 pm
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For some of us perhaps a self-improvement change is to cut back on gossip. Looks like we're not alone! Check out this gallery of slandering marmots, rumor-spreading giraffes and whispering owls....they could cut back too!
Sequences
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Shapes in Nature
25 Oct 2015 11:55 am
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Polygon-shaped basalt rock, spiraling succulents and circular butterfly wing markings are a few of the shapes found in nature. This gallery includes some beautiful examples the natural structures and patterns in our world.
Sharing a Meal
17 Sep 2020 12:00 am
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In November an estimated 275 million Americans will be sitting down to share a meal with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. Groups small and large will dine together in (hopeful) harmony around tables loaded with food and drink. Dining in big groups is not unusual for animals. Pods of whales cooperate to catch fish, butterflies enjoy a bounty of figs and flocks of birds rush to consume thistle seeds.
Shelter
17 Sep 2020 03:07 pm
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As we all adapt to our new social distancing policy here in the US our homes become even more important to our protection! Shelter is an essential need for both humans and wildlife. Check out this gallery of blennies living in coral, penguins secure in their burrows and lemurs peeking from their nests in tree trunks. Stay safe and stay home everyone!
Smile!
4 Apr 2017 12:00 am
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The scientific jury is still out on whether or not animals do actually smile. It’s perfectly reasonable to expect that the smiles we see on these animals are a case of pareidolia – our tendency to see human faces in everything around us. Many animals have different complex visual cues to express their emotions including raising their haunches, baring their teeth, changing their postures and raising, lowering or wagging their tails, so it would be reasonable to expect that smiles could also be part of their vocabulary. Regardless, we thought you'd enjoy this light-hearted gallery so click on any image to see the full selection!
Snack Time
15 Jun 2022 12:00 am
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When hunger hits you may reach for the same type of snacks as these creatures - berries, nuts and apples. That's where the similarities end. With the world as as their market these animals have a wider menu including worms, flowers, pussy willows and grasses as well.
Snow Day!
17 Sep 2020 04:21 pm
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While temperatures plummet this winter remember that not everyone dreads the snow. This gallery including insulated polar bears, fluffy snow monkeys and furry house cats show their adaptation to the cold weather. Games of chase, rolling snow balls and jumping into snow drifts - these animals are enjoying their snow day!
Soaked
17 Sep 2020 01:00 pm
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While parts of the world are aflame with massive wildfires we are dreaming of quenching rains. To evoke the darkening skies we are sharing this collection of saturated creatures using raindrops to bathe in, licking the moisture from their wet fur and enduring the downpour. Seems like the hippos and tortoises don't mind the precipitation at all!
Social Distancing
15 Sep 2020 04:45 pm
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With the current edict of enforcing social distancing by deliberately increasing the physical space between people we can look to these animal friends as examples. Meerkats, sealions and flamingoes appear to have gotten the message as well in this gallery. Be like these creatures and keep your distance!!
Solitude
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Speed
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Spirit Bear Rarer Than Ever
17 Sep 2020 03:09 pm
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You would be forgiven if you thought you saw a polar bear in British Columbia's temperate rainforest. That white-furred creature, a Spirit or Kermode Bear, is actually a rare white-phase of a black bear that is revered by the people of the Kitasoo/Xai'xais and Gitga'at First Nations.~~In 2001 researchers identified the gene responsible for the Spirit bear’s white coat. It’s the same genetic quirk that causes red hair in humans, and auburn fur in dogs and mice. Spirit bears can be born to parents that may or may not have white fur themselves. For example, a mama and papa black bear each carrying one copy of the recessive gene can produce a white-furred baby.~~An Indigenous-led study published on Sunday in Ecological Solutions and Evidence suggests that the gene that turns the coat of these Spirit bears ghostly white is rarer than previously estimated, and that their habitat in the Great Bear Rainforest in Canada is not yet adequately protected. With a robust ecotoursim economy centered around the Spirit bears it is clear that the animals' survival requires more intact land for these rare and beautiful creatures.
Split-view
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Spotted and Dotted
16 Mar 2022 12:00 am
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Spots allow stealth hunters like cheetahs, which sneak up on their prey, to remain unseen by their future meal until the last possible moment. They also allow prey to hide from predators, especially from far away. Many animals evolved spots as a form of camouflage. Patterns such as stripes and spots allow animals with camouflage to blend into their surroundings, which can help them to avoid detection from a hunter or the hunted. Animals developed unique spots and colorings to match their environment, which explains why such a wide variety of patterns exist. From dark to light to brightly colored hues, animals evolved spots to match their habitat, enabling them to better survive in that particular area.
Starts with J
27 Jul 2022 12:00 am
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Jaguars, Jacabars and Jerboas are some of the creatures with names starting with the letter J. Jawfish males incubate eggs in their mouths, Jabiru Storks tend to their chicks and Javan Leaf Insects blend perfectly with their habitat in this gallery of images.
Strength
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Strength in Numbers
22 Jun 2017 12:00 am
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In the animal kingdom being a member of a group can mean the difference between life (dinner) and death (being the main entree). Prey animals use their numbers to their particular advantage - flocking flamingos confuse a hyena just as fast-moving shoals of fish evade a hunting sealion. The tables are turned when wolves, killer whales and wild dogs work together to bring down their prey.
Summer Bounty
13 Jul 2022 12:00 am
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As we move into summer the farmer's markets and garden plots are bursting with seasonal produce including berries, squash, leafy greens and more. What better time to feature one of our lesser-known subjects here at Minden Pictures - agricultural images. Take a look at this selection of nutritious and delicious edibles and keep us in mind if your projects call for photos from farm or field.
Support
25 Oct 2015 11:55 am
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Surf's Up
17 Sep 2020 03:13 pm
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Using the power of the ocean these penguins, sealions and iguanas take a ride. It looks like these creatures are having the time of their lives riding the waves...
Surprise!
18 Jan 2017 12:00 am
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Life if full of surprises! Check out this gallery of animals who look just a bit alarmed at the unexpected. Baffled bears, startled eels and dumbfounded primates are included in this selection of unsettled critters.
Symbiosis
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Tag You're It
4 Oct 2017 12:00 am
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To collect research data biologists use a variety of methods to track and tag the animals they study. We are all aware of the 'chip' owners use to track their dogs and cats. The very same technology is used to identify huge komodo dragons and jaguars. Stickers placed on butterfly wings, color-coded, numbered bands attached to birds' legs and radio transmitting collars that follow elephant migration patterns are included in this gallery.
Teaching and Learning
12 Oct 2020 01:55 pm
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With autumn upon us kids are heading back to school - either in person or virtually - as we launch into a new season of teaching and learning. But how do animals learn? By watching. This gallery features images showing young animals observing their family members navigate the wild world. How does a polar bear cub learn how to catch ringed seals? By watching her mother hunt. How does a capuchin monkey know how to use a rock to break open a tasty nut? By sitting beside a wiser relative while they hammer the nuts open. But what if the baby is orphaned? Young animals in rehabilitation facilities must learn life skills from their human attendants. Lessons in dust bathing, climbing, tool use and foraging are taught before the animals can be released into the wild.
They Eyes Have It
17 Sep 2020 03:19 pm
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All animals, including humans, have two eyes located on their heads, right? Wrong. Go below the ocean surface and you will find that Scallops have dozens of blue eyes bordering their shells, Hammerhead Sharks sport eyes at the end of their curious heads giving them 360 degree vision and seastars have light-sensing organs at the end of each of their arms. Jumping Spiders are graced with four eyes but even more impressive - a housefly will be looking at you with up to 6,000 ocelli which act as individual tiny eyes!
Thief!
17 Feb 2016 12:00 am
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The world is full of tricky critters with sticky fingers. This gallery features shots of baboons breaking into apartments to steal stuffed animals, birds nabbing Leggos to decorate their bowers and mischievous elephants getting the attention of their keepers by snatching their hats.
Thorny Situation
17 Sep 2020 04:25 pm
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Some creatures are not deterred by the long sharp thorns of African Acacia trees. Meant to prevent overgrazing by herbivores the tree's long, narrow thorns making a perfect perch for colorful birds. Richard Du Toit brings us images of undeterred climbing monkeys, grazing giraffes and nesting weaver birds in this gallery of images. How do animals consume these prickly branches? They graze on the new outer growth where the thorns are softer...
Togetherness
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Tongues
17 Sep 2020 12:00 am
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The diversity of animal tongues is remarkable. From the sticky ones of chameleons to the blue prehensile ones of giraffes we have a fascinating gallery of images for you. Here are some fascinating facts:~* A giraffe uses its prehensile, blue tongue to reach around acacia thorns and grab the tasty leaves.~* Sun Bears have the longest tongues of all bears at almost 10" long!~* Geckos lick their eyes to clean them because most species lack eyelids.~* Whitemargin Stargazer fish bury themselves in the sand and extend their tongues as a lure.~* At two-feet-long and only half-an-inch wide, the anteater’s tongue is perfectly adapted to collect insect prey.~* A penguin's tongue, though lacking taste buds, has large keratinized bristles that help grip the krill or fish as it enters the mouth
Too Close For Comfort
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Our fascination with wildlife and animals' natural curiosity can bring us too close for comfort. Bold photographers approach a little to closely to huge Elk and then must lock themselves in their car for protection, a habituated Baboon robs a shopper at a produce market of her rhubarb and mangoes and a Moose with a hankering for road salt licks a car and sticks its head inside! This is a gallery of cautionary photos and a reminder to leave wildlife wild by keeping your distance.
Toxic
2 Sep 2022 12:00 am
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Take a minute to meet some of the most toxic animals in the world - some unexpected species are included in this list. These creatures are not out to get you; they are just trying to protect themselves from predators or to score a meal. ~The box jellyfish's venom is among the most deadly in the world, containing toxins that attack the heart, nervous system, and skin cells. The platypus is one of the few living mammals to produce venom which is made by glands that are connected to hollow spurs on their hind legs. The harmless-looking loris has an armpit gland that oozes oil - when combined with the animal's saliva the venom is delivered with a bite strong enough to pierce bone.
Tranquility
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Transitions
7 Dec 2020 12:00 am
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Transitions are inevitable and often messy. Throughout their lives animals experience shedding to make way for new growth. By losing old feathers, skin and hair they are preparing for the new season or life stage. As you can see, these albatross chicks growing out of their downy feathers and geckos sloughing of their old skin aren't at their picture-perfect stage but that's natural. With a fresh start these creatures are ready for what the weather and world throws at them....
Transparency
24 May 2017 12:00 am
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See-through salps, glassy butterfly wings and transparent frogs with visible digestive tracks are included in this gallery of unusual creatures. For marine animals their transparency helps them elude predators as they become invisible in the water while land creatures, like frogs and insects, blend better with their backgrounds helping them hide. This adaptation is CLEARLY about survival and avoiding becoming dinner! Click on any image to see a larger selection of photographs.
Trashy Homes
12 Oct 2016 12:00 am
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When a beer bottle or metal can is tossed into the sea the world sadly becomes a more polluted place. Some animals, however, sense an opportunity. Check out this gallery of photos showing octopus and fish taking up residence in discarded containers, crabs using woven nets as camouflage and, in the case of a hermit crab, a portable home fashioned from a plastic cup.
Travel
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Where is your dream destination? Swimming with friendly sealions off of the Galapagos Islands, experiencing huge herds of migrating wildebeest on an Africa safari or traveling far south to admire penguin colonies in the Antarctic Peninsula? This gallery features some holiday-inspiring photos from pole to pole.
Turkey Time
23 Nov 2020 03:40 pm
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This week Americans traditionally gather around a large crowded table to celebrate Thanksgiving with a roasted turkey as the main dish. This year will be a bit different with smaller, outdoor gatherings or none at all. Regardless, turkeys will be eaten. ~~When you tuck in to your big meal on Thursday, share these interesting facts about Meleagris gallopavo, the wild turkey:~~1. Wild Turkeys get around mostly by walking, though they can also can clock 18 miles per hour on foot and up to 50 miles per hour in flight.~2. The species occurs naturally in every US state except Alaska.~3. Turkey fossils have been unearthed across the southern United States and Mexico, some of them dating from more than 5 million years ago.~4. Newly hatched chicks follow the female, who feeds them for a few days until they learn to find food on their own. As the chicks grow, they band into groups composed of several hens and their broods. Winter groups sometimes exceed 200 turkeys.~5. A group of turkeys has many awesome and unusual descriptive nouns, including a “crop”, “dole”, “gang”, “posse”, and “raffle.”~6. The estimated global breeding population is 7.8 million with about 89% living in the U.S., 10% in Mexico, and 2% in Canada.~7. Females are called hens; adult males are toms or gobblers while juvenile males are jakes; chicks are called poults.~8. If you look closely at these photos you will see spurs on the legs of the males - these are used during territorial battles.~9. Check out the close up portraits of the toms; you will see fleshy growths called caruncles.~10. An adult turkey can have up to 6,000 feathers!
Tusks
24 Aug 2021 12:00 am
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One of an elephant's most distinguishing attributes is a set of long, white curving teeth called tusks. These modified and elongated teeth are mostly canine teeth in a majority of mammals such as warthogs, walruses and wild pigs. In the case of elephants, tusks protrude from incisors and are important for survival in many ways. ~~Hippos, warthogs and narwhals use them for combat, walruses use them to pull themselves out of the water and male musk deer grown them only during the breeding season to attract mates. Have you ever seen the dental work of a babirusa or the tiny sharp tusks of rock hyraxes? ~~As we know, tusks equal ivory and the elephant is the most common prey for this illegally traded material causing an average of 22,000 African Elephant deaths a year from poaching. Walruses, warthogs, narwhals, hippos and even prehistoric mammoth tusks are targets for traders as well. Increasingly, conservation-minded artisans can turn to synthetic polyester ivory or tagua seeds to replace animal ivory in their projects.
Ugly
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Unlikely Animal Friends
29 Aug 2017 12:00 am
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Animal friends come in all types of unexpected combinations. Langurs groom their canine friends to remove parasites, clownfish share communal burrows with crabs and cattle egrets catch a ride on the backs of their zebra pals where they can snack on ticks and get a better view. Even huge polar bears and sharp-toothed crocodiles hang out with friends in this gallery of photos...
Unusual Pollinators.
8 Mar 2017 12:00 am
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When we hear the term 'pollinator' we usually imagine honeybees and butterflies. In fact, over 200,000 individual animal species in the world that hold the title of 'pollinator' including some unexpected creatures. Check out this gallery of geckos, monkeys, birds and lemurs spreading pollen which is crucial to the world's plant, and crop, diversity. Bats, flies, moths and ants are featured with their fellow pollinators in this collection of twenty images.
Upside Down
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Some animals spend most of their lives upside down including the sloth which hangs around in trees 90% of its life! Bats roost while clinging to a support with their toes, some Honeypot ant workers called 'repletes' dangle from the roof of the nest acting as living larders for the colony and the Upside Down Jelly has its tentacles up and bell below. Hanging head down is helpful for animals that are feeding and drinking while some critters enjoy an altered view of world while at play in this gallery of images.
Very Peri
12 Jan 2022 12:00 am
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The Pantone color of 2022 has been announced, Very Peri.~~"Displaying a carefree confidence and a daring curiosity that animates our creative spirit, inquisitive and intriguing Very Peri helps us to embrace this altered landscape of possibilities, opening us up to a new vision as we rewrite our lives. " - Pantone~~Though the natural world doesn't care much for announcements like this it looks like these plants and animals are very 'on trend' for the new year...
When is a Tiger Not a Tiger?
29 Mar 2021 12:00 am
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A Tiger is instantly recognizable with its orange and black striped pelt. But these Asian big cats don't have the monopoly on the moniker.~~Check out this gallery of tiger-named creatures that it would be difficult to mistake for their namesakes.~From small invertebrates like Tiger leeches, beetles and moths to marine Tiger sharks, cowries and eels these creatures are joined by Tiger lilies and daisies in this gallery of striped specimens.
Where in the World
31 Aug 2022 12:00 am
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Jump into this gallery of landscapes to take a trip around the world to see some of the most surreal and fascinating scenes. The Chocolate Hills in Bohpol, limestone hills covered with grass, reach up to 164 feet tall, alien-looking salt formations in Danakil Depression, Ethiopia (the hottest place on earth) and Australia's mysterious pink Hillier Lake give you a fresh perspective on the world's natural wonders.
Whiskers
15 Sep 2020 04:37 pm
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Humans don’t have whiskers, but most other mammals do. Some birds possess specialized hair-like feathers called rictal bristles around the base of the beak which are sometimes referred to as whiskers as well. These wiry hairs growing out of an animal’s face, forehead, and sometimes legs have a fancy scientific name: vibrissae From cats and dogs to rats and seals, animals use whiskers to help them find their way and follow their prey. Animals brush, or whisk, their whiskers against objects to guide them, measure things, and find food.~~Whiskers aren’t just hairs. Where each whisker is rooted in the skin are lots and lots of nerve cells. When the whisker touches something, these nerve cells send messages to the brain. It’s amazing how much information an animal’s brain gets from the whiskers. Rats’ whiskers help them make mental maps of the world around them. Seals use their whiskers to sense the vibrations of a fish moving in the water. Many animals use whiskers to figure out whether or not they can fit through a tight space. Whiskers may look cute, but they also help animals survive.
White on White
25 Oct 2015 12:00 am
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Wintery white fur and feathers help these animals blend into their snowy habitats. Hares, bears and owls benefit from their light coloration in the gallery of a dozen beautifully camouflaged critters.
Who Would Win?
17 Sep 2020 01:11 pm
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Life is a battlefield with daily winners and losers. Who do YOU think would prevail in a battle between a lynx and muskrat, wolf and moose, jaguar and caiman? The results may surprise you and in some cases, like with Sirga the lion and her buddy, everyone's a winner. Click on any image to see the full gallery and to see the victors!
Windy
17 Sep 2020 01:04 pm
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Ruffled feathers and flapping fur are the norm for wild animals. No pampered pets here, these critters brave the elements including some fierce winds in this gallery of images!
Winter Babies
14 Dec 2022 12:00 am
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Have you been hit by December snow storms? These young animals have no problem with winter weather, in fact they are built for it. Giant Pandas snack on bamboo, Polar Bear cubs cuddle and Japanese Macaque babies hitch a ride on Mom's back to get through the deepest drifts in this gallery of images.
World's Largest Rodent
1 Feb 2023 12:00 am
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What makes a rodent a rodent? Their teeth which grow continuously so must be constantly worn down by gnawing, eating abrasive foods, burrowing and collecting bedding. Rabbits, rats, voles, marmots and squirrels are members of the order Rodentia ( from the Latin 'rodere' that means to gnaw) which makes up 40% of mammal species.~~Looking like super-sized guinea pigs the largest rodent in the world can weigh up to 150 pounds, can run as fast as a horse and lives a semi-aquatic lifestyle. Found in South America Capybaras are highly social, often living in herds of up to twenty individuals. They mix well with other species too. In a symbiotic relationship birds ride atop the rodents benifiting from insects the creatures disperse while helping out the capybara by eating ticks and other parasites that reside in their pelts.
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