iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Come join our faculty in Southern CA at Cal State Univ Long Beach @csulb.bsky.social ! We're hiring a TT physiologist - broadly defined! careers.pageuppeople.com/873/lb/en-us...

careers.pageuppeople.com

Jobs @ The Beach

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Come work with us at CSU Long Beach in beautiful SoCal!! TT Assistant Professor of Marine Invertebrate Zoology. Topics are broad: behavior, conservation bio, development, evolution, fisheries, genomics, physiology, &systematics Please repost and forward! careers.pageuppeople.com/873/lb/en-us...

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

I have a new MS student working on striping patterns of hooded skunks right now, but I haven't worked on them before.

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

The super tautonym, 𝑀𝑒𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑠, is found across much of eastern and central North America. My lab has studied skunk defenses and predator learning about them, including this one where we trained coyotes to not attack skunks #TautonymTuesday www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

When warning displays fail, 𝑀𝑒𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑠 deploys one of the most effective chemical defenses in the animal kingdom. Specialized scent glands can spray a sulfur-rich musk several meters with great accuracy, deterring predators from coyotes to bears. #TautonymTuesday #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

The bold stripes help potential predators learn to not attack skunks. Individual skunks can vary considerably, from narrow stripes to nearly all-white coats, but are more variable where there are fewer predators. #TautonymTuesday #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics academic.oup.com/evolut/artic...

academic.oup.com

Predation risk drives aposematic signal conformity

Warning signals should be consistent across individuals to facilitate predator learning and reduce ambiguity about the presence of an unpleasant defense. T

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

𝑀𝑒𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑠 is found across much of North America, this familiar mammal wears one of nature's most recognizable warning signals (#aposematism): bold black fur with bright white stripes. Predators get the message before the #skunk ever has to defend itself. #TautonymTuesday #Systematics

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Adorable Skunks Foraging on Grass

ALT: Adorable Skunks Foraging on Grass

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

This is a very special #TautonymTuesday as we feature 𝑀𝑒𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑝ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑠, the striped skunk, to celebrate the two part @ologies.bsky.social Mephitology episode with @jwdragoo.bsky.social!! I was happy to help convince Jerry to do the interview and thought Part 1 was fantastic! Now let's begin...

static.klipy.com

Skunks Walking Together

ALT: Skunks Walking Together

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

𝐻𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 is one of only three recognized hoolock gibbon species and represents the westernmost member of the gibbon family. As an important seed disperser in forests, it helps maintain ecosystem health, but habitat fragmentation threatens many populations. #TautonymTuesday Photo: Evakp

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

𝐻. ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 is known for its long arms and brachiation, swinging from branch to branch with effortless precision. Mated pairs defend territories using loud, coordinated songs that can carry long distances through dense forests. #TautonymTuesday #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Programme HURO

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

It’s #TautonymTuesday! Meet 𝐻𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘 ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑜𝑐𝑘, the western hoolock gibbon. Native to NE India, Bangladesh, and western Myanmar, this agile ape spends nearly its entire life in the forest canopy, moving through the trees with remarkable speed and grace. #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Abdul Momin

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

And there's a super tautonym: 𝐶𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑢𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑢𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑢𝑠. It occurs across much of the species' northern range and is notable for its remarkable circumpolar distribution, spanning freshwater systems in both NAmerica & N Eurasia. #TautonymTuesday #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: J Gillespie

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

𝐶. 𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑢𝑠 is built for life on the bottom. Its downward-facing mouth acts like a vacuum, allowing it to sift through gravel & sediment for food. In spawning season, adults migrate into tributary streams, where they gather in large numbers to reproduce. #TautonymTuesday #Systematics Photo: USFWS

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

It’s #TautonymTuesday! Meet 𝐶𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑢𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑜𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑚𝑢𝑠, the longnose sucker. This fish is found across northern N America & Eurasia, inhabiting cold lakes, rivers, & streams. Its elongated snout helps it forage along the bottom for aquatic insects and other inverts. #Systematics Photo: Dustin Snider

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

The species includes a super #tautonym: 𝑉𝑢𝑙𝑝𝑒𝑠 𝑣𝑢𝑙𝑝𝑒𝑠 𝑣𝑢𝑙𝑝𝑒𝑠. Found across Europe, it was described by Linnaeus in 1758. This highly adaptable subspecies has occupied landscapes shaped by humans for centuries while remaining one of the most effective mesopredators in the world. Photo: M Thyssen

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

𝑉. 𝑣𝑢𝑙𝑝𝑒𝑠 is known for its rust-red coat, pointed muzzle, and bushy tail tipped in white. An opportunistic omnivore, it feeds on #rodents to fruit and #insects. Red foxes are also famous for their hunting pounce, using sound to pinpoint prey hidden beneath snow. #TautonymTuesday #Systematics

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Fox Jumps Headfirst into Snow

ALT: Fox Jumps Headfirst into Snow

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

It’s #TautonymTuesday! Meet iconic 𝑉𝑢𝑙𝑝𝑒𝑠 𝑣𝑢𝑙𝑝𝑒𝑠, the red #fox. Found across much of the N Hemisphere, it is the world's most widespread wild #canid. Its adaptability allows it to thrive in habitats ranging from forests and grasslands to farms and even cities. #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics

Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

When we bought our house it had all Samsung appliances. The fridge was horrendous - the icemaker was crap and everything was freezing over, the dishwasher was constantly breaking down. Both have been replaced. The washer dryer are just okay. The stove is fine. I'm glad you've had good luck though!

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Do NOT get Samsung! They make great televisions and phones but their large appliances are awful (speaking from personal experience and many conversations with repair people). Maytag, GE, Kenmore, etc - go with the high end established brands that have been doing it for a long time.

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

The species includes a super tautonym: 𝑁𝑦𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑥 𝑛𝑦𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑥 𝑛𝑦𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑥. It occurs across much of Europe, Africa, and Asia and is highly migratory in northern parts of its range, traveling thousands of kilometers between breeding and wintering grounds. #TautonymTuesday Photo: Charles Sharp

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

Unlike more gracile herons, 𝑁. 𝑛𝑦𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑥 has a compact build, a thick neck, and striking red eyes. It often hunts by standing motionless at the water's edge before making a rapid strike, & it often nests in large colonies with other #waterbirds. #TautonymTuesday #Systematics Photo: Calibas

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 07/07/2026

It’s #TautonymTuesday! Meet 𝑁𝑦𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑥 𝑛𝑦𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑥, the black-crowned night #heron. Found on every continent except Australia & Antarctica, this heron is most active at dusk and night, stalking fish, amphibians, and crustaceans along shorelines & wetlands. #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Calibas

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

It’s #TautonymTuesday! Meet 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑡𝑢𝑠 𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑡𝑢𝑠, the European hamster. Native to grasslands and agricultural regions of Central & Eastern Europe, this burrowing rodent is known for its bold coloration: black belly, reddish flanks, and white patches. #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Charles J Sharp

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Once widespread, 𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑡𝑢𝑠 𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑡𝑢𝑠 has undergone severe population declines and is now Critically Endangered in much of its range. Changes in agriculture, habitat fragmentation, & climate pressures have all contributed to its rapid decline. #TautonymTuesday #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Sphoo

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

𝐶𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑡𝑢𝑠 𝑐𝑟𝑖𝑐𝑒𝑡𝑢𝑠 is solitary and highly territorial, spending much of its life in extensive burrow systems. It uses expandable cheek pouches to transport food, storing seeds and crops underground to survive long periods of inactivity. #TautonymTuesday #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: SgH Vienna

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

The species includes a super tautonym: 𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑢𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑢𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑢𝑠, the nominate subspecies. It occurs across much of the Central American range, especially along rivers and lowland forests, where access to water is key to its remarkable escape strategy. #TautonymTuesday Photo: Anthony Batista

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑢𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑢𝑠 has long toes with fringes that help it move across water surfaces at high speed. Males also sport prominent crests on the head, back, and tail. When threatened, it sprints bipedally across water or dives to escape predators. #TautonymTuesday #Systematics Photo: C & L Van Loon

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

It’s #TautonymTuesday! Meet 𝐵𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑢𝑠 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑢𝑠, the brown #basilisk. Native to Central America, this semi‑aquatic #lizard is famous for its ability to run across water, earning it the nickname “Jesus Christ lizard.” #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Charles J Sharp

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

The species includes a 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐲𝐦: 𝐺𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎, the western lowland gorilla. Found in lowland rainforests from Cameroon to the Congo, it is the most widespread gorilla subspecies and the one most often seen in zoos. #TautonymTuesday #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Tuxyso

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

Western gorillas play a key role as seed dispersers, helping maintain forest ecosystems. But they are Critically Endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, & disease, including Ebola outbreaks that have severely impacted populations. #TautonymTuesday #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Diego Delso

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

𝐺𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎 has a robust build, long arms, and a primarily herbivorous diet of leaves, stems, & fruit. They live in cohesive family groups and communicate through vocalizations, body language, and even chest‑beating displays. #TautonymTuesday #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Charles Sharp

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 09/06/2026

It’s a very special #TautonymTuesday! 𝐺𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎 𝑔𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑙𝑙𝑎, the western #gorilla, is native to the forests of Cen. Africa. It’s the largest living #primate, known for immense strength, social #intelligence, & complex group structures led by dominant silverbacks. #Systematics Photo: Anil Oxtaz

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

These specimens will be used in our classes and public education programs for years to come!

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

Thrilled to receive this permanent loan from the USFWS Repository of siezed items. We finally have a tiger skin, lion skull, & babirusa skull! Plus a small sea lion skin, wallaby skull, & mounts of a long eared owl, tawny owl, Northern goshawk, red kite, mangrove cuckoo, & black-capped Kingfisher.

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

This species is typically found in shallow coastal waters, including lagoons and estuaries. By living near burrows and soft substrates, it plays a role in benthic ecosystems, recycling nutrients and linking invertebrate prey to larger predators. #TautonymTuesday #Systematics Photo: Klaus Stiefel

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

𝑂𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑜𝑚𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑜𝑚𝑢𝑠 is a burrow‑associated goby with an elongated body and a distinctive spine on the cheek region. It often rests near or within burrows, darting out to feed on small invertebrates while staying close to shelter. #TautonymTuesday #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Chris Spain

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 02/06/2026

It’s #TautonymTuesday! Meet 𝑂𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑜𝑚𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑜𝑚𝑢𝑠, the spinecheek goby. This Indo‑Pacific species inhabits sandy and muddy coastal habitats, where its subtle coloration helps it blend into the seafloor and avoid predators. #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: US National Parks Service

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Like HeMan! One of my favorites. Knowing the order of creation makes me feel a little used...

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

The #species includes a super #tautonym: 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑎 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑎 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑎, the nominate subspecies. Native to #Africa but introduced to southwestern #Europe, it is now well established in #Iberia and parts of #France, expanding its range with human help! #TautonymTuesday #Systematics Photo: Scarabinol

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑎 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑎 has a sleek body, retractable claws, and sharp senses suited for life in trees and dense cover. It feeds on small #mammals, #birds, #insects, and fruit, often hunting alone at night and resting in sheltered spots during the day. #TautonymTuesday #Systematics Photo: Scarabinol

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

It’s #TautonymTuesday! Meet 𝐺𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑎 𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑎, the common #genet. This slender, spotted #carnivore ranges across #Africa and parts of southern #Europe, with a long ringed tail and cat‑like agility that makes it an excellent nocturnal #hunter. #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Frédéric Salein

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

We have a super tautonym: 𝐶𝑜𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑥, the nominate subspecies! It occupies most of the European breeding range & represents the classic form described by Linnaeus in 1758, linking modern pops to the origins of zoological nomenclature #TautonymTuesday #Systematics Photo: Waarneming.nl

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

𝐶𝑜𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑥 is a compact, streaked brown bird built for life in grasslands. It forages on seeds and insects, relying on camouflage rather than flight to avoid predators. During migration, however, it journeys all the way across the Mediterranean! #TautonymTuesday #Systematics Photo: baldcoot

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 21/04/2026

It’s #TautonymTuesday! Meet 𝐶𝑜𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑥 𝑐𝑜𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑖𝑥, the 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐢𝐥. This small, ground‑dwelling galliform bird breeds across Europe & W Asia and migrates to Africa for winter. It’s one of the few truly long‑distance migratory gamebirds. #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: christoph_moning

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Reposted by Ted Stankowich

SICB journals @sicbjournals.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

ICB "#Bioinspired designs informed by natural armor have led to innovations in impact-resistant materials, flexible ceramics, and modular protective systems." #Biological Armors–Evolution, Materials, and #Bioinspiration doi.org/10.1093/icb/... @karlycohen.bsky.social et al

Biological Armors–Evolution, Materials, and Bioinspiration
Karly E Cohen ,
Cassandra M Donatelli ,
Andrew K Schulz ,
Julia B Teeple ,
Theodore Stankowich ,
E W Misty Paig-Tran
Integrative and Comparative Biology, Volume 65, Issue 6, December 2025, Pages 1649–1666, https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/icaf074

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Reposted by Ted Stankowich

SICB journals @sicbjournals.bsky.social · 15/04/2026

Methods used to study these systems—CT scanning, histology, finite element analysis, & mechanical testing—directly influence how the biological principles of armor are defined and understood. @karlycohen.bsky.social @cmdonatelli.bsky.social @schulzscience.bsky.social et al doi.org/10.1093/icb/...

Fig. 2.
Comparative osteoderm morphology of fossil and extant armadillos, highlighting the structural conservation of body armor across evolutionary time. (A) Extant screaming hairy armadillo (Chaetophractus vellerosus) with inset showing a close-up of its osteoderms. (B) Fossil Glyptodon sp. osteoderm, exhibiting a rosette-like pattern characteristic of glyptodonts. (C–D) Fossil osteoderms of Glyptotherium floridanum, showing variation in surface texture and overall shape. (E–I) Fossil osteoderms of Holmesina floridanus, demonstrating rectangular morphology and diverse surface ornamentation. The arrangement showcases the remarkable continuity in osteoderm shape and function from extinct armored xenarthrans to their modern relatives. Fossil specimens were donated for scanning by T. Stankowich. Chaetophractus vellerosus specimen was donated to M. Paig-Tran from the Orange County Zoo and Scott Weldy, DVM.

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SICB journals @sicbjournals.bsky.social · 17/04/2026

This ICB paper #Biological #Armors – #Evolution, Materials, and #Bioinspiration by @karlycohen.bsky.social @cmdonatelli.bsky.social @schulzscience.bsky.social @tedstankowich.bsky.social et al doi.org/10.1093/icb/... has incredible figures like fig 4's Micro to Macro Case Study

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

And we have a super #tautonym: 𝑀𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑠, the nominate subspecies. It occupies much of western and central Europe and is noted for its relatively large size and dense fur, traits that help it thrive in cooler, temperate climates. #TautonymTuesday #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Chris P.

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Ted Stankowich @tedstankowich.bsky.social · 24/03/2026

𝑀𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑠 𝑚𝑒𝑙𝑒𝑠 is famous for its complex burrows, or setts, which can be occupied by generations of #badgers over decades. Mostly nocturnal, it feeds on earthworms, insects, fruits, and small vertebrates, adjusting its diet seasonally. #TautonymTuesday #TaxonomyTuesday #Systematics Photo: Carolyn Legg

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