🌈 Jewel Caterpillar, Soil Food Web, Nutrition 101

Wildlife, ecosystems, language, nutrition, sustainable living, and personal recommendations

Happy Wednesday my friend,

Get ready for a journey through nature’s 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 planet’s future

To access Deep Dive articles every Wednesday, new videos every Friday, and so much more, upgrade to the ECL Membership.

Divider

Wednesday Wisdom

May 14th, 2025
Divider

šŸæļø CREATURE FEATURE šŸæļø

The Jewel Catepillar

The Jewel Caterpillar (Acraga coa) is one of nature’s 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 Caterpillar’s 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.

šŸŒŽ INTO THEā€¦šŸŒŽ

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-we’re not just growing better crops; we’re also nurturing the foundation of our own food system and the health of the planet.

The Cleanest Electrolyte Ever—And It Helps You Sleep

Introducing R•E Fountain by Pique—the cleanest electrolyte designed for deep, restorative sleep. Powered by triple-biomaxed magnesium and trusted by health experts, it calms your nervous system, sharpens your mind, and tastes like a spa drink. No sugar, no fillers—just science-backed sleep in a sachet

Divider

šŸŽ NUTRITION 101 šŸŽ

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.

Divider
Divider

šŸ”Ž EARTH CONSCIOUS DEEP DIVE šŸ”

(Preview, full article for ECL Members)

The Rise of Regenerative Agriculture: Creating a Sustainable Future for Our Planet

Regenerative agriculture isn’t just a buzzword. It’s 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. It’s a holistic method which not only produces nutrient-dense food but improves biodiversity, strengthens local economies, and helps reverse environmental damage.

Today’s ECL Deep Dive explores the power of this transformative agricultural movement, the innovations making it possible, and what’s next for the future of our food systems.

Upgrade to ECL Membership to read the rest.

Members get access to all Deep Dive articles, weekly solution-focused videos, expert interviews, recipe videos, ebooks, and other subscriber-only content.

Already a paying subscriber? Sign In.

...and a healthier planet:

  • • Improve health awareness: Deep Dive articles & recipe videos
  • • Protect ecosystems: expert video tutorials with leaders around the world
  • • Prioritize mental health: custom meditations for relieved stress
  • • Camaraderie: likeminded community (app coming soon!)
  • • Inspiration: members-only ebooks, personal picks, and DIY ideas
  • • Portion goes to support independent films, local food projects, and planting trees

Reply

or to participate.