07. Araneidae

Common Name:   Araneidae Spider (also known as Orb-weaver Spider)  

Scientific Name:   Araneidae

  

Animal Family:   Araneidae 

 

Description:   Araneidae spiders are known for their distinctive round webs and come in various colors and sizes. They typically have eight eyes arranged in two rows and are known for their intricate web-building behaviors.  

Population:   The population of Araneidae spiders varies depending on the specific species and region, but they are found worldwide in diverse habitats.  

Found Where:   Araneidae spiders can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They thrive in a variety of environments, including forests, grasslands, gardens, and urban areas.

  

Habitat:   Araneidae spiders inhabit a wide range of habitats, including forests, fields, gardens, and even human dwellings. They are commonly found in areas with abundant insect prey and suitable locations for web construction.  

Food:   Araneidae spiders primarily feed on insects that become trapped in their webs, such as flies, moths, mosquitoes, and beetles. They use venom to immobilize their prey before consuming it.

12. Mal Pulutta

 

Common Name:    Ornate Paradise fish 

Scientific Name:   Malpulutta kretseri

Animal Family:   Osphronemidae 

Found where: South- western ichthyological province.

Population:    Vulnerable 

Description:    In length about 10cm the surface of the lake has a bright green color and the lateral sides have a red color mixed with silver. Also 3 black spots can be seen laterally. The dorsal fin of the male is filamentous and has a bright teal green spot near the tip.  Male fish are smaller and more colorful than female fish.

Habitat: It inhabit shallow, slow-flowing streams in forested areas shaded with plentiful vegetation near the edges.

06. Milky Cerulean

 

Common Name:   Milky Cerulean

Scientific Name:   Jmides Lacteata

Animal Family:   Lucanidae

Size:   Small-sized butterfly with a wingspan of about 30-35 mm 

Population:   Specific population numbers are not well documented, but it is generally considered to be not rare in its natural habitats.

Found Where:   Primarily found in Sri Lanka.

Habitat:   The Milky Cerulean typically inhabits forests, woodland edges, and garden.

Foods:   The adults are often seen feeding on nectar from various flowering plants.

11. Kola Kanaya

 

Common Name:   Smooth-breasted snakehead/ Brown snake head

Scientific Name:   Channa orientails

Animal Family:    Channidae

Population:  Near Threatened 

Description:  Grows up to 15cm. The surface is dark brown ad the belly is white. Dorsal and ventral dark brown oblique stripes. The pectoral fins are light brown with scattered dark spots. The surface fin is blue and its outer edge is red. The anal fin is blue and its edge is white. There are additional respiratory organs  that can use atmospheric oxygen for breathing. They can breathe on land for a while. N wet weather , they can survive on land for more than four days. If the body dries up, it dies. The male carries the eggs and the female guards the territory.

Habitat:   South - Western ichthyological province, fresh water typically shaded streams 

Food:   plankton, insects, and small amphibians