The phrase dog days dates back to Roman times.
It was believed that Sirius, the Dog Star, added its heat to that of the sun from July 3 to August 11, creating exceptionally high temperatures.
The Romans called the period dies caniculares, or “days of the dog.”
Ratlike in appearance and beaver-like in size, this animal is often referred to as the beaver rat. Nutrias are valuable for many purposes; their pelts are now chiefly used in the making of hats. Their ratlike tails are too thin to be used.
The modern name for one of the oldest dog breeds in history (dating back to ancient Egypt) arose from one of its earliest uses, hunting badgers. In German, Dachs means “badger,” Hund is “hound.” Centuries ago, badger hunting was a popular sport.
The world record for a jump by a frog is 33 feet 5.5 inches over the course of three consecutive leaps. It was achieved in May 1977 by a South African sharp-nosed frog called Santjie.
Spine-tailed swifts have been clocked at speeds of up to 220 miles per hour. Peregrine falcons have reached 217 miles per hour; racing pigeons, 100; migrating ducks, 60; and small birds, 30.
It depends. The Italian species of wolf spider first given the name tarantula (from the town of Taranto) catches its prey by pursuit. In the American Southwest, tarantulas live in burrows; they eat anything from insects to toads and mice. However, certain South American tarantulas do build large webs; their diet includes small birds.
A sleuth or sloth of bears A clutter or chowder of cats A murder of crows A cloud or horde of gnats A troop of kangaroos A muster or ostentation of peacocks A sounder of swine