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š Jewel Catepillar, Soil Food Web, Nutrition 101
Wildlife, ecosystems, language, nutrition, sustainable living, and personal recommendations
Happy Wednesday my friend,
Get ready for a journey through natureās wonders and the science that connects us to the world around us. In this issue, we spotlight:
the dazzling Jewel Caterpillar and its clever survival tricks
dig into the secret life beneath our feet with the soil food web
and discover the health-boosting power of kaempferol
Plus, how regenerative agriculture is reshaping our planetās future
To access Deep Dive articles every Wednesday, new videos every Friday, and so much more, upgrade to the ECL Membership.

Wednesday Wisdom
May 14th, 2025

šæļø CREATURE FEATURE šæļø

The Jewel Catepillar
The Jewel Caterpillar (Acraga coa) is one of natureās most dazzling and unusual larvae. Found in the rainforests and mangrove forests of Central and South America, its caterpillar is famous for its glassy, gem-like appearance. Its body is covered in translucent, jelly-like tubercles that shimmer, making it look like a living string of dewdrops or a gummy candy come to life.
But the Jewel Caterpillarās appearance is a clever defense. The colors and gelatinous spines serve as a warning to predators, signaling that it may be distasteful or mildly toxic. If attacked, the spines break off and can gum up the mouthparts of would-be predators, helping the caterpillar escape. Its soft, sticky coating is also thought to deter ants and other insects.
When it transforms, the Jewel Caterpillar becomes an equally striking fuzzy orange moth (you have to see it). Scientists are still learning about this species and its relatives in the Dalceridae family, but the Jewel Caterpillar stands out as a reminder of the astonishing creativity of evolution.
WORD OF THE WEEK
Nostomania: An intense homesickness or longing for a place you once lived or visited.
š INTO THEā¦š
Into the Soil Food Web
Beneath our feet lies a bustling, hidden world known as the soil food web-a complex community of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nematodes, earthworms, insects, and more, all working together to create healthy soil. Just like our own gut microbiome, the soil food web is responsible for breaking down organic matter, cycling nutrients, and supporting plant growth.
At the base of this web, bacteria and fungi decompose dead plants and animals, turning them into nutrients that plants can use. Protozoa and nematodes feed on these microbes, releasing even more nutrients in plant-available forms. Larger creatures like earthworms and beetles help mix the soil, improve its structure, and create channels for air and water to move through.
A thriving soil food web means healthier plants, less need for chemical fertilizers, and greater resilience against pests and disease. When we support this underground ecosystem-by adding compost, reducing chemical use, and practicing regenerative agriculture-weāre not just growing better crops; weāre also nurturing the foundation of our own food system and the health of the planet.
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š NUTRITION 101 š
KAEMPFEROL: Kaempferol is a natural flavonoid antioxidant found in many fruits and vegetables, including onions, kale, broccoli, and tea. Research shows that kaempferol offers a wide range of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and cardioprotective effects. Studies suggest it may help lower the risk of chronic diseases by reducing oxidative stress, supporting heart health, and even targeting cancer cells without harming normal cells. Adding more kaempferol-rich foods to your diet is a simple way to support your overall wellness.



š EARTH CONSCIOUS DEEP DIVE š
(Preview, full article for ECL Members)
The Rise of Regenerative Agriculture: Creating a Sustainable Future for Our Planet
Regenerative agriculture isnāt just a buzzword. Itās a revolutionary shift in the way we grow food and restore ecosystems. Unlike industrial farming, which prioritizes short-term yields at the expense of soil health, regenerative agriculture works with nature rather than against it. Itās a holistic method which not only produces nutrient-dense food but improves biodiversity, strengthens local economies, and helps reverse environmental damage.
Todayās ECL Deep Dive explores the power of this transformative agricultural movement, the innovations making it possible, and whatās next for the future of our food systems.

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