Common name : Bush giant dragonfly Scientific name : Uropetala carovei Family : Petaluridae Native to : New Zealand Interesting fact : In New Zealand, there is a specific name in the Maori language for this insect–kapokapowai, which means water snatcher; a name attached to the larvae of these insects. 86 mm in length, the […]
The Kiyomizu-dera temple was built in 778, in Kyoto, Japan. The Kiyomizu-dera is an independent Buddhist Temple founded in the early Heian period. A large veranda supported by tall pillars overlooks the city. Cherry blossom and maple trees surround the temple, which gives the temple a unique look. Amazing Fact: An old tradition, which still
The original Potala Palace was constructed in 637 in Lhasa, Tibet. Named after Mount Potalaka, the mythical abode of the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, the Potala Palace was the Chief Residence of the Dalai Lama, until the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959. This 13-storey building, with more than a 1,000 rooms, 10,000 shrines and
The Neuschwanstein Castle was built between 1869 and 1892, in Bavaria, Germany. The Neuschwanstein Castle, also known as the New Swanstone Castle, is a 19th century castle. While the Romanesque Revival Castle was built as a retreat and refuge for Ludwig-II of Bavaria, after his demise, the Castle was opened for the public. Amazing Fact:
Once, there was a young boy named Aladdin. He lived with his mother in a village of Arabia. They were very poor. Aladdin’s father had died a few years ago leaving them no money. One day, a rich merchant came to their house and said to Aladdin’s mother, “I want to take your son with
The Millau Viaduct was built between 2001 and 2004 AD, in Millau, France. The Millau Viaduct is the world’s tallest bridge built over the valley of river Tarn, in the south of France. A cable-stayed bridge, the Millau Viaduct is considered to be one of the greatest engineering achievements of all times. Amazing Fact: The
Common name : German wasp Scientific name : Vespula germanica Family : Vespidae Native to : Europe, North Africa and temperate parts of Asia Interesting fact : In spite of its name, this wasp is actually a native of England. About 13 mm in length, the German wasp is also popularly known as ‘yellow jacket’
The Sydney Opera House was built between 1959 and 1973 AD in Sydney, Australia. The Sydney Opera House is a cluster of venues, which together create a centre for performing arts. The Sydney Opera House is considered to be one of the busiest performing arts centres in the world, with over 1,500 performances held annually.
The Colosseum was built between 70 AD and 80 AD, in Rome, Italy. The Colosseum is an oval shaped amphitheatre located in the heart of Rome. Also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum is the largest amphitheatre to ever be built and can house between 50,000 to 80,000 spectators. Amazing Fact: The first games
Common name : German cockroach Scientific name : Blatella germanica Family : Blattellidae Native to : South-East Asia Interesting fact : This cockroach has been named ‘German cockroach’ because of the fact that it was initially mistakenly assumed to have originated in Europe. Hardly 1.6 cm in length, this tiny cockroach is tan to brownish
Common name : Garden soldier fly Scientific name : Exaireta spinigera Family : Stratiomyidae Native to : Australia Interesting fact : This insect is given the name ‘soldier fly’ because of the family it belongs to. The word ‘stratiomyidae’ comes from Greek literally meaning ‘soldier fly’. The garden soldier fly is only 14 mm in length. It
Common name : Garden orbweb spider Scientific name : Eriophora pustulosa Family : Araneidae Native to : Australia, New Zealand Interesting fact : This spider has 5 clearly visible distinctive spines on its back. Varying vastly in size and length, the garden orbweb spider is a nocturnal hunter. It creates a circular web which is
The Chichen Itza was built between 250 BC and 850 AD. It is located in the Yucatan city in Mexico. Chichen Itza means ‘at the mouth of the well of the enchanted water’. This site is said to be a great mythological city from the time of the Mayan Terminal Classic period and has various
Common name : Flower longhorn beetle Scientific name : Zorion spp. Family : Cerambycidae Native to : Australia Interesting fact : Due to its size and shape, the flower longhorn beetle is very often mistaken for an ant. Only 5 mm in length, the flower longhorn beetle has antennas which are longer that its body. This
Common name : Flea Scientific name : Siphonaptera Family : Siphonaptera Native to : Worldwide distribution Interesting fact : Known as external parasites, fleas do not have wings, but are extremely agile and have mouths shaped-like tubes, so as to feed off their host. 3 mm in height, fleas are considered to be one of