Taxon Expeditions

13/02/2025

Put a bright light and a white sheet up in the rainforest and you get a glimpse of the incomprehensible diversity of insects that make the forest their home at night.

In Borneo, where these photos were taken last year (by ) over 10,000 species of moth occur, each with its own delicate wing pattern made up from thousands of coloured scales.

It is just one of the many ways in which participants on our yearly Rainforest expedition get up close and personal with the overwhelming diversity of tropical insect life.

Sure, we spend time on birds, mammals, herps and other vertebrate animals too, but it is the insects that really take the biscuit.

Our expeditions are open to EVERYBODY. Anyone, regardless of age or background, can join. At Taxon Expeditions, we think that everybody has an innate sense of wonder about the beauty and mystery of the natural world and on our expeditions, we use playful science to channel this fascination into real data.

Participants on our expeditions come up with their own mini research projects, or discover and publish new species of wildlife.
Consider joining us in Borneo this year? Visit www.taxonexpeditions.com or drop us a line!

12/02/2025

It’s Darwin Day and these are the original Darwin’s finches in the collection of shot by the master himself. Or, well, “shot”...? Who knows, maybe they were rather gently knocked over, as Darwin writes about the avifauna: “Extreme tameness ... is common to all the terrestrial species ... A gun is here superfluous; for with the muzzIe I pushed a hawk off the branch of tree”.
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05/02/2025

Our director, Dr. Iva Njunjic is being featured in this amazing article: https://biocommunication.org/en/insects360/a-flair-for-insects/iva-njunjic-hunting-insects-below-the-ground/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaakchCtlVZ3m2YDVYO50CSCUmYUyetgFAri7hOa6-2DRoe28FLgh6reMXA_aem_8mV2Rg4053paYK1Je5QPvw

Iva Njunjić, a cave biologist from Serbia, has been studying the evolution of cave beetles since her bachelor’s degree. She is also the co-founder and…

27/01/2025

The microscopes in our lab are being repaired by this lovely lady.

21/01/2025

Are you someone who loves observing the teeny tiny organisms around you?

If so, you’ll love what we do at Taxon Expeditions! 🌱🐜

We specialize in studying, discovering, and describing new species of small animals like insects and other invertebrates. These fascinating creatures are often overlooked in conservation efforts, but they play a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Our mission is to bring their beauty and importance into the spotlight. 🌍✨

Ready to join the adventure? In 2025, we’re organizing four expeditions that offer you the chance to dive into biodiversity hotspots, contribute to science, and even DISCOVER NEW SPECIES! 🕵️‍♀️🐛

Check out our upcoming expeditions and find one that speaks to your inner explorer.

🌿 Let’s give tiny creatures the attention they deserve!

🔗 [Link in bio]

Photos from our Expedition to Borneo:

16/01/2025

We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Stanimira Deleva ( ), a bat expert and National Geographic Explorer, will be joining us again as a guest instructor on this year’s Secret Canyon Expedition!
🦇🦇🦇
Stanimira has dedicated her career to understanding the fascinating lives of bats. From their vital roles in ecosystems to their incredible adaptations for flight and echolocation, she brings a wealth of knowledge—and a deep passion—for these often misunderstood creatures.

The photo you see here was captured during last year’s expedition. It shows Stanimira examining a bat wing, carefully identifying the species.

On the Secret Canyon Expedition, you’ll have the unique opportunity to learn directly from Stanimira as she shares her expertise in bat biology, conservation, and field research.

She’ll guide us on night surveys and caves to observe bats in their natural habitats, teach us how to use specialized equipment like bat detectors, and offer fascinating insights into bat’s role in maintaining healthy ecosystems.

This is your chance to go beyond the ordinary and experience the thrill of hands-on exploration, guided by one of the best in the field!

🌟 Join us!
Spaces are limited for this year’s expedition, so don’t wait too long to reserve your spot. Visit our website to learn more and sign up.

Photo:

13/01/2025

Join the Divine Fungi Expedition on Mt. Olympus! 🍄✨

Are you ready for an adventure blending science, nature, and a touch of mythology? Then join us in Greece and explore the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Olympus while uncovering the hidden wonders of fungi and insects.

Led by the mycologist Dr. Danny Haelewaters our expedition will take you on an unforgettable journey of science and discovery.

From daily outdoor excursions to engaging lab sessions and lectures in, there’s something for everyone—whether you're a seasoned naturalist or a curious beginner.

What to Expect:
🔍 Outdoor fieldwork to collect fungi and insects
🔬 Lab workshops on microscopy, fungi identification, DNA analysis, and more
📜 Learn how to create and preserve scientific voucher specimens
🌊 Relax at the beach or explore iconic sites like the archaeological wonders of Dion, the quaint village of Palaios Panteleimonas, and serene Lake Kati

Where?
Our base will be the charming town of Litochoro, nestled at the foot of Mount Olympus, where the ancient gods once roamed.

Spaces are limited, so don’t miss this chance to embark on a truly divine adventure. 🌿✨

Reserve your spot now and join us for an unforgettable journey into the wild beauty of divine fungi!

12/01/2025

We are now also on BlueSky! Join us there if you're also a BlueSkier:

Scientists taking the general public on real expeditions to discover new species. Dr. Iva Njunjić & Prof. Dr. Menno Schilthuizen say: “You can be Darwin, too!” More info at: www.taxonexpeditions.com

05/01/2025

At Taxon Expeditions, we are constantly looking for new ways to bring science and biodiversity to the public. In our portfolio of international biodiversity expeditions, we are now preparing for an expedition largely devoted to Fungi and their role in the ecosystem on Mount Olympus, Greece.

With local and international experts (principal among them our friend and long-time collaborator Haelewaters ) we will explore the molds and mushrooms of this legendary mountain from *1 to 8 November, 2025*.
Get in touch if you want to sign up!

30/12/2024

Exciting news! 🌟 A new species of beetle discovered during our Borneo Expedition has been named one of the Top 5 Species of 2024 by de Volkskrant🎉

This incredible find was made by citizen scientists who worked alongside our team of experts for 10 days in the heart of the rainforest.

Everyone who contributed to the discovery and the scientific publication is proudly listed as a co-author.

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20/12/2024

Earlier this month, our co-founder was a keynote speaker at the 8th Silesian Science Festival in Katowice, Poland—one of the largest science festivals in Europe!

Over three days, the event showcased the best of science, technology, and education, drawing massive crowds of all ages.

Menno gave two lectures: one on urban evolution, the topic of his book Darwin Comes to Town, and another one about his upcoming book The Urban Naturalist.

It was inspiring to see thousands of people eager to learn and engage with science. 🌍🔬

18/12/2024

🌿 How to Make Your Own Herbarium in 3 Steps! 🌿

Preserving plants in a herbarium is a fun way to celebrate nature and create your own botanical collection! Here’s how to do it:

1️⃣ Press Your Plants:
Carefully place your plant sample (leaf, flower, or small branch) between sheets of newspaper to protect it. Arrange the plant so all parts are visible. Then, put it into a herbarium press or between two sturdy pieces of cardboard.

2️⃣ Layer for Drying:
Stack your plant-filled press between heavy books, or add layers of cardboard and newspaper for multiple samples. This helps absorb moisture evenly and speeds up the drying process. Be sure to keep everything flat!

3️⃣ Step On It! Literally!
To close the press tightly, enlist a human! Use your feet to step on the press and apply firm pressure. This ensures the plant is pressed flat and ready for preservation. Bonus: it’s a fun workout! 🦶💪

💡 Tip: Leave your plant press in a dry, warm spot for 1-2 weeks, then check your perfectly preserved specimens. Don’t forget to label them with their names and where you collected them!

Photos from our Expedition to Borneo by Krefeld

13/12/2024

09/12/2024

🐝🦋 Meet Hübner’s Wasp Moth (Amata huebneri)

At first glance, this striking insect might look like a wasp—but don’t be fooled! It’s actually a moth using clever mimicry to ward off predators.

While they may look intimidating, they are completely harmless. As moths, they lack jaws and can’t even bite!

🌏 Found from the Indo-Australian tropics to northern Australia, these moths are known for their:
✨ Black-and-yellow banded abdomens
✨ Transparent “windows” on their wings
✨ Remarkable ability to emit ultrasonic clicks that confuse bats’ echolocation—an impressive acoustic defense!

🐛 The larvae have been recorded feeding on rice plants (Oryza sativa) and the invasive w**d Mikania micrantha.

📸 The photo from our Expedition to Borneo shows two wasp moths in the process of mating—a glimpse into the fascinating lives of these extraordinary insects.

Would you have guessed this was a moth? 🧐
Photo by 👏

04/12/2024

A very nice article about the Komarnica canyon we are researching on our Secret Canyon Expedition! Our goal is to document the biodiversity of this extraordinary place and help local NGOs advocate for its conservation. Spasimo Komarnicu / Save Komarnica

By Katy Ellis, a BSc Conservation Biology & Ecology student at the University of Exeter, who spent last summer exploring our human connection with rivers around Europe. Among them was the Komarnica in Montenegro, a wild river containing Europe’s last explored canyon, imminently threatened by hydro...

28/11/2024

Morning Magic in Borneo rainforest🌿
On this year’s Taxon Expedition to Borneo, we started our days early—sometimes even before sunrise. Here, two of our participants stand on a canopy bridge, high above the rainforest, at 6 a.m., witnessing the forest waking up.

Every 10 minutes, the scene transforms. The light shifts, the mist rolls through, and the sounds change as different animals begin their day.

The forest comes alive in a way that’s impossible to put into words. It’s a breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime experience that reminds us how extraordinary nature truly is.

Would you wake up at dawn for a moment like this?

Amazing photo by