Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1345126
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 28 FEBRUARY 2021 9 ALMANAC Nature Notebook 751. Fairy Shrimp BRANCHIPUS schaefferi is the rather grandiose name of the fairy shrimp. Don't think lobster material here: this ephemeral semi-trans- parent creature is hardly longer than your thumbnail. The fairy shrimp (M. gamblu tal-għadajjar) lives in seasonal freshwater rock pools, having hatched from eggs embedded in a thin film of mud lining the bottom of the pond. They live out their entire lifespan in one rainy season, feeding on microscopic pond algae, growing and maturing, mating and laying eggs in their turn – talk about living in the fast lane! But they have no choice but to live and love fast in this transient microcosm of existence. By the time the rock pool dries up again, the fairy shrimps will have done their bit for the continuity of their species, and then quietly lay down their life. Victor Falzon www.birdlifemalta.org Green idea of the week 644 Find out more about Maltese nature on our blog Flower of the Month: Southern Dwarf Iris (MT: Bellus) – Iris pseudopumil ONE of the most striking wild flowers of the Maltese Islands is in bloom around this time of year in rocky areas … but alas it remains to be found only in a handful of places. This short iris supports a beautiful large velvety flower which is described wonderfully by the Maltese name 'Bellus' (velvet). Even rarer is the pale yellow form of this iris. These delightfully scented flowers are short lived but are highly specialised to attract pollinators thanks to a pattern of lines acting as a nectar guide. The Southern Dwarf Iris is considered a sub-endemic restricted only to Malta, Sicily and Southern Italy and is a locally protected species VISIT Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation – www.foe- malta.org/donate https://foemalta.org/event/raiseyourvoice/ Appster Smartphone fun and smarter work Flipboard Free Apple, Android Flipboard is an app that curates content from your social networks and web partners based on your interests and turns it into magazine-like digital pages. The app is free to download and requires a free user account. Flipboard shines on the iPad, taking advantage of swiping gestures with both visual and interactive grace, but it's still elegant on the iPhone despite the smaller screen. TECH RETAILERS contact afarrugia@ mediatoday.com.mt A GOOD WEEK FOR Good Week/Bad Week Don't miss this A BAD WEEK FOR Pjazza Pastizzi Date: 19-21 March Location: Teatru Manoel, Valletta Ready for a taste of local culture? Introducing the far-off town of Dingli, where the elite rub shoulders with some slightly less than savoury characters in the little local square. Get ready to sing along to some of your favourite tunes and maybe buy a pastizz from tal-Pastizzi? Just leave plenty of time to catch the bus, destination…….. PJAZZA PASTIZZI! Pjazza Pastizzi is a devised Commedia production by Teatru Manoel Youth Theatre, directed by Michael Richardson. Toi Toi Education Programme proudly introduces Malta's rising theatrical talent in this Season's touch of comedy. Fans of nature. A rare yellow and white bird was discovered among king penguins in Atlantic. Photographer Yves Adams said he won 'nature's lottery' when he spotted the unique bird. Lady Gaga fans. Two of Gaga's French bulldogs were stolen on Wednesday night, after a gunman shot her dog-walker in Hollywood, Los Angeles. She is offering $500,000 to anyone who can return the dogs. The rare penguin was discovered on a beach in South Georgia Gaga was in Rome working on a movie when the event occured Give nature a voice. Become a BirdLife member