The Moai comprises–monolithic human figures or statues, carved between 1250 and 1500 BC, on the Chilean Polynesian island of the Easter Island. The statues represent deified ancestors of the Rapa Nui people. These statues are iconic with their overly large heads. While many of these statues are still in the Rana Raraku moai quarry, hundreds […]
Common name : Gisborne cockroach Scientific name : Drymaplaneta semivitta Family : Blattidae Native to : Australia Interesting fact : After it was introduced to New Zealand, this cockroach was first discovered in the town of Gisborne, hence the name ‘Gisborne cockroach’. After it was introduced to New Zealand, this cockroach was first discovered in
Common name : New Zealand giraffe weevil Scientific name : Lasiorhynchus barbicornis Family : Brentidae Native to : New Zealand Interesting fact : This particular insect has an extremely elongated snout, which resembles the neck of a giraffe, hence the name ‘giraffe beetle’. Almost 85 mm in length, the male stands taller than the female
Common name : Giant weta Scientific name : Deinacrida Family : Anostostomatidae Native to : New Zealand Interesting fact : The giant weta is not so social as the other weta. Its scientific name means ‘fierce grasshopper’ in Greek. At least 10 cm only in body length, the giant weta weighs around 35 g. In
Common name : Toe-biter Scientific name : Belostomatidae Family : Belostomatidae Native to : Worldwide distribution Interesting fact : In Asian cuisine, this insect is an extremely popular food. While most of the species of giant water bugs are about 2 cm in length, the lethocerus genus of this species is at least 12 cm
St. Peter’s Basilica was built between 1506 and 1626, in Vatican City, within Rome, Italy. St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the largest churches in the world and the most renowned work of Renaissance Architecture, which includes the breathtaking dome that was designed by Michelangelo. According to Catholic tradition, the Basilica is the burial site
Common name : Giant katydid Scientific name : Stilpnochlora couloniana Family : Tettigoniidae Native to : Cuba Interesting fact : The largest of the tettigoniidae family, the giant katydid’s appearance resembles that of a large leaf. With an average size of 4-6 cm in length, many in this species grow as big as 15 cm
Common name : Japanese giant hornet Scientific name : Vespa mandarinia japonica Family : Vespidae Native to : Japan Interesting fact : The Japanese giant hornet is the world’s largest hornet. More than 4.5 cm in length, it has a wingspan of 6 cm. Their diet is comprised of varied insects, and also corn pests.
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’