The Featured Creature

Out-of-this-world & Oozing with Danger

2012-05-29T08:02:00.001-07:00

via: learnaboutbutterflies.com

via: http://hfunk1943.de.tl/

Habitat: across the Indo-Australian region from Pakistan to the Philippines, and south via the Malay peninsula to Sumatra, Borneo, Sulawesi, Java and New Guinea

Status: No Conservation Concerns

Drury's Jewel moth (Cyclosia papilionaris) looks like a little piece of candy that was crafted out of those Lite Brite pegs. Remember that game? After looking at this caterpillar you should be in a deep trance of nostalgia.

Don't get too comfortable though! Take a look at the first and third pictures - do you see the little droplets it's exuding from those spines? As with most colorful creatures in nature, the brighter the hues the farther you should stay away. Those are cyanide droplets our little jewel is oozing. Yes, cyanide, the poison. So let me leave you with a "drop" of advice - don't lick pretty caterpillars!

the adult

Red Beards, Pirates, and Bees. Pretty Standard.

2012-05-29T07:31:00.001-07:00

Habitat: found in the Indo-Malayan subregion of South-east Asia

Status: Least Concern

Arrrrrggh this here be the Red-bearded Bee Eater (Nyctyornis amictus) that woulda made a fine companion fer ol' Captain Red Beard here. Too bad for Captain Red Beard, though, that these birds are solitary species, nesting alone in burrows tunneled into the side of sandy banks. Not exactly the most social of birds. You might be able to lure them out with some plump lizards, wasps, or BEES (their favorite food as their name implies), however.

But those don't usually constitute a balanced diet on the open ocean. Better luck with a a more sea worthy bird, Cap'n.

Peekaboo From the Pouch :)

2012-05-27T18:46:00.002-07:00

This little Koala joey at the Taipei Zoo still has a few more months to go before leaving his momma's pouch for good. Lucky for us he's up for a rousing game of peekaboo in the meantime.

Alice In Wonderland's Cheshire Cat Moth

2012-05-25T13:38:00.002-07:00

Habitat: Iowa

Status: Not Listed

Now here's a familiar face! This is the Cheshire Cat Moth (Grapholita fana) that would make Lewis Carroll's character from Alice in Wonderland grin with satisfaction for being recognized in the scientific community. Luckily the only sinister thing about this creature is that it might make holes in your new wool sweater.

No Spine, No Problem for the Crocodile Needlefish!

2012-05-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

Habitat: Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic Oceans (See here for specific distributions)

Status: No Conservation Concerns

This is what I like to call a big fish. Crocodile Needlefish (Tylosurus crocodilus), or Houndfish as they are also called, are able to reach lengths of up to five feet. They lack spines but that doesn't mean they won't put up a hell of a fight when game fisherman are on their tail (hah!).

Houndfish are considered somewhat dangerous and are feared by fishermen because of their size and tendency to leap out of the water, causing puncture wounds with their beaks, when frightened or attracted to the very lights used to catch them. While they are apparently quite tasty to eat, you won't typically find them on the menu because their meat takes on a rather off-putting greenish color. Guess green houndfish and eggs would only be appealing to Dr. Seuss.

Update: Ziggy is Healed Because of YOU!

2012-05-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

Hey guys, I just wanted to give you an update on Ziggy, the dog some of my friends found with a tumor that needed to be removed. Well, thanks to your generous donations she was able to have the rather expensive surgery and is now completely healed! The tumor had in fact been cancerous, but luckily the vet said they got all of it and she should be good to go!

Thank you to everyone who donated / helped spread the word about Ziggy. She's still here because of you! :)

The Trippy Rainbow Spider of Psychadelica Land

2012-05-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

Habitat: from Burma to China and Vietnam

Status: Not Listed

This creature, the Elegant Golden Jumping Spider (Chrysilla lauta), is a pioneer that's journeyed all the way from PsYcHeDeLiCa Land, where mushrooms aren't simply a salad ingredient. This out-of-the-world spider has been known since 1887, yet it has only been described from male specimens. Meaning, what the heck do you think the females look like? Disco ball-wielding sorceresses?

I think I'm going to go play some Beatles now.

Mysterious Deep Sea 'Blob' Appears To Be A Never Before Seen Creature!

2012-05-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

I absolutely LOVE the deep ocean. The things that we uncover daily never cease to amaze me. Today, in particular, is a great day. Video footage has surfaced (no pun intended) of a strange, gelatinous 'creature' that defies explanation. Dailymail alerted me to the story:

"A mysterious ocean 'blob' has been recorded by a deep-sea remote-controlled underwater camera. The creature looks like nothing seen before, with speculators suggesting it is everything from a jellyfish to the remains of a whale placenta.

While, at a quick glance, the description of a jellyfish makes sense, the creature has organs and appendages never spotted on a jellyfish before.

Meanwhile it could be a whale placenta, but if that is the case then the hexagonal shapes on the skin are a mystery.

Another suggestion is Deepstaria Enigmatica, another rarely-studied jellyfish, which like most of its kind is colourless.

However it has reported to have a brown stomach, with one description saying the passages to the stomach are 'somewhat irregular-edged, forming a reticulate network'.

This might explain the hexagonal markings on the top of the creature - but again, what are the organs doing there?

Another mystery - a man-made one, this time - is exactly where this video was filmed. It was added to YouTube on April 27 this year, and appears to have been filmed two days earlier, but the poster did not leave any other details about the sighting."

Definitely check out the bizarre footage and let me know in the comments what you guys think this thing could be!!

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** EDIT: we now know what this thing is!! It's called Deepstaria enigmatica, a very rare deep sea jellyfish that swims 'open' like an umbrella waiting for something to fall into it. When a poor creature does touch the 'umbrella,' the animal contracts and resumes the normal jellyfish bell shape with its prey inside of it. Read more here.

AND a new video has been released of this bizarre creature. MUST SEE!

New Week Nudi: the Shaggy Sea Hare

2012-05-23T08:35:00.002-07:00

via: bric.postech.ac.kr

via: marmenorenclave.blogspot.com

via: tiendadecaballitos.es

via: reefcentral.com

Habitat: Found in warm temperate and tropical waters throughout the world

Status: No Conservation Concerns

At first glance this sea hare looks just like something my cat would cough up. Luckily, it's not. Instead it's just a very 'hairy' sea slug. It goes by the scientific name of Bursatella leachii but we can just call it the Shaggy Sea Hare. They grow up to 15 cm but usually between 5 and 10 cm.

My favorite part about this ragged creature are the bright blue eyespots that dot its mantle. It's like once you get past all that spiky stuff, it's actually quite beautiful! Looks can be deceiving, as the saying goes.

The Topsy-turvy Upside-down Catfish

2012-05-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

via: aquariumlife.net

via: aquaticpath.phhp.ufl.edu

Habitat: Congo Basin of Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Republic of the Congo

Status: Least Concern

This odd fish is quite the confused specimen. It's called the Upside-down Catfish (Synodontis nigriventris) and as the name implies... it actually swims upside down! They're small fish, reaching a maximum of 9.6 centimetres (3.8 in). And yes, they are actually adapted to swimming upside down as their pigmentation suggests. Their bellies are darker than their backs, which is a form of countershading. That means that fish looking up from the bottom will "see" the catfish as blending in with the lighter sky while fish looking down on the catfish from above will "see" the catfish as part of the darker river bottom; either way making it very hard to spot.

We're not entirely sure why the Upside-down Catfish swims upside down but the most popular theory is that it's a feeding strategy. In the wild, it often grazes on the underside of submerged branches and logs, and swimming upside down makes these areas more accessible. Either that or it's perpetually had a bit too much to drink and can't swim straight. Who knows!

Blue Eyes Are Quite a Surprise!

2012-05-19T05:30:00.002-07:00

Habitat: South America

Status: Not Listed

This colorful little grasshopper is the Blue-eyed Grasshopper (Megacheilacris sp). Obviously it gets its name from its bright baby blue eyes which are incredibly striking.

Since this fabulous creature is found in the dense forests of South America, there's little information on them. Total bummer, I know.

Attention! The Armor-footed Shells Have Been Deployed.

2012-05-19T04:12:00.002-07:00

via: livescience.com

Habitat: deep sea; Kairei hydrothermal vent field, on the Central Indian Ridge

Status: Not Listed

This extremely intimidating snail was only discovered in 2001, making it a fairly recent arrival to scientific literature. It's known as the Scaly-foot Gastropod (Crysomallon squamiferum) and it lives on the bases of black smokers at the at the Kairei hydrothermal vent field, on the Central Indian Ridge which is about 7,940 ft below the surface of the ocean.

These are extremely unique creatures for a number of reasons. First, its name comes from the fact that the snail snail's foot is armored with iron-mineral scales. It is protected by scale-shaped sclerites composed of the iron sulfides; and it is the only animal on Earth known to use iron sulfides in this way!

Second, the snail's shell has an unusual architecture, being composed of three specific layers: The outer layer is made of the aforementioned iron sulfides and is around 30 μm thick. This makes this gastropod the only metazoan, known so far, to employ this material in its skeleton. he middle layer is organic, and is also the thickest of the three (about 150 μm). It is comparable to the periostracum, a thin protein coating found on other snail shells. The innermost layer is made of aragonite, a calcium mineral that is found in the shells of mollusks and various corals.

What makes this structure most intriguing is the number of adaptations it provides. For each layer has its own special effectiveness when dealing with potential threats. The middle organic layer appears to absorb the mechanical strain and energy generated by a squeezing attack (as by the claws of a crab), making the shell much tougher. The organic layer also acts to dissipate heat.

As if this creature couldn't get any cooler, it's also the inspiration for new military technology. For example, the United States military is currently funding research on the armor of the snail in hopes of developing insights into new military armor designs. Ten-hut!

The Invariably Cute Varied Tit

2012-05-16T16:56:00.000-07:00

Habitat: eastern Asia in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and locally in northeastern China (southern Liaoning) and extreme southeastern Russia (southern Kurile Islands)

Status: Least Concern

This bubbly little bird is the Varied Tit (Parus varius). These fellows are 2–14 cm long and weigh 16–18 g. They eat fun bird things like seeds and caterpillars and make a call that sounds like tzu….tzu….tzu…

Not much to talk about really but aren't these photos beautiful?

Major Morphs: Lavender Albino Retic

2012-05-16T15:48:00.000-07:00

via: shaddie.hubpages.com

via: snakesnadders.org

Habitat: Domesticated
Status: No Conservation Concerns

This is an extremely fun Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus) designer morph (meaning it was bred specifically to look like this). The morph is called Lavender Albino Retic[ulated].

Check out this close up of the awesome colors found on this snake:

via: newenglandreptile.com

Must See #MothMashups

2012-05-14T16:56:00.001-07:00

Here's a series of incredible moths that seem to be mimicking other (larger/scarier/fiercer) creatures. May I present to you some #mothmashups.

Tiger

First up is our Tiger doppelgänger, Amata annulata. I'd definitely prefer to cross paths with this moth rather than its ferocious counterpart, however. Somehow I picture fighting off a moth to be easier than a tiger. *Somehow*

Snow Leopard

While this moth does look extremely similar to a Snow Leopard (Hypercompe scribonia), you won't find them traipsing through the snow in Siberia. These guys are distributed throughout the Southern and Eastern United States from New England to Mexico. Definitely not anywhere near as exotic.

Cheetah

Cheetah moths, cheetah sisters! (Disney's Cheetah Girls? Anyone? Anyone?) Eh, basically this moth looks like a cheetah. It's called Argyrogrammana stilbe holosticta. Cheetah moth is easier to go with.

Ya dig?

Zebra

This Pyralid Moth (Dichocrocis zebralis) is the spitting image of a zebra (and look, even the scientists who named it thought so!!!!). In this case, it's a dirty zebra caked in mud from a long days journey from watering hole to watering hole. And that's the story I'm sticking to.

Giraffe-Leopard-Tiger

Okay so here's the ultimate mashup of mashups: the Giraffe-Leopard-Tiger. Boo. YA! Also known as the Garden Tiger Moth (Arctia caja) I'm pretty sure its 'tiger' name was ultimately chosen just to give it some form of identity. But really, it's going to need a lot of therapy to sort out exactly who and WHAT it is.

Red and Black Rings Are Beautiful Things

2012-05-14T15:07:00.000-07:00

via: profimedia.si

Habitat: Madagascar

Status: Least Concern

This super cool mammal is the Ring-tailed Mongoose (Galidia elegans) that is only found on Madagascar - where all the amazing animals hang out. This creature reaches lengths of 12.5 to 15 in. and weighs around 24 to 32 oz. But of course the snazzy part of this guy is the bushy red and black ringed tail.

Ring-tailed Mongooses are active during the day and superb climbers. You'll find them frolicking in the trees hunting for small mammals, invertebrates, fish, reptiles and eggs.

This is Probably the Most Dapper Bird on the Planet

2012-05-13T22:12:00.000-07:00

via: istorya.net

Habitat: sub-saharan Africa

Status: Least Concern

The Green-backed Twinspot (Mandingoa nitidula) reminds me of a bird straight out of a dusty yet extremely grandiose library. It almost looks collegiate, the way it's 'dressed.' If this bird were to be dressed in actual people clothes I picture it wearing something along the lines of this:

I feel like this bird could be a fashion designer's muse. But he/she better be ready to trek through lowland moist forests of the tropical African region. Or, if no luck finding any Green-backed Twinspots there they should try searching in grassland and shrubland habitats. I call getting to try on the spiffy outfit first!

The Evil Purple Jewels of Africa

2012-05-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

Habitat: Africa

Status: No Conservation Concerns

This little gem is aptly named the Purple Jewel Beetle (Smagdethnes Africana oertzeni). While they do look like gorgeous little pieces of living jewelry, they are actually quite the little pests in Africa. They can cause major damage to fruit trees by eating all the flowers and fruits.

Beautiful... but evil!

The Sex-Crazed Comb Duck and its Freaky Beak

2012-05-11T16:43:00.000-07:00

Habitat: tropical wetlands in sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar and south Asia from Pakistan to Laos and extreme southern China

Status: Least Concern

The Comb Duck or Knob-billed Duck (Sarkidiornis melanotos) is not only the largest species of duck (length can range from 22 to 30 in. and wingspan ranges from 46 to 57 in.) but also one of the coolest. Check out those weird schnozes! Males, or drakes, are the only ones who have the 'combs' and during the breeding season they get even larger than usual as to attract a female (or two, or three... or five).

Yes, that's right. Male Comb Ducks are kind of kinky; drakes might mate with two hens at the same time, which is called harem polygamy. Or the drake can mate with up to five different females in succession called successive polygamy. Whatever the final count, I'm sure after two there are a lot of high fives going around the watering hole.

New Week Nudbranch: The Sea Clown

2012-05-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

Habitat: Eastern Pacific from Alaska to Mexico, and has also been found in Japan and South Korea
Status: No Conservation Concerns

This is the Sea Clown Triopha (Triopha catalinae) nudibranch that really does resemble a clown! I honestly don't know why that is, though. I guess it must be because of the bright orange rhinophores and various other bumps and lumps.

These guys reach lengths of 70mm and are named after Santa Catalina Island, California.

There Be Dragons In Dem Forests

2012-05-08T14:06:00.001-07:00

Habitat: eastern Australian rainforests

Status: No Conservation Concerns

The Southern Angle Headed Dragon (Hypsilurus spinipes) definitely looks like it descended from some sort of crazy dinosaur. The angular brow that it's so named for is pronounced on both adults and juveniles so there's no reason to doubt that it will always be one badass lizard.

These guys are super secretive and slow moving. They come in shades of brown, green, and grey as well as anything in between so they're also quite well camouflaged. A very cool creature indeed.

How Nutso Are These Panda FLYBEES?

2012-05-07T22:34:00.001-07:00

Habitat: Africa

Status: Not Listed

This Robber Fly (Hyperechia sp.) is extremely deceptive. Like, probably one of the trickiest fools you'll ever meet. If you were to actually meet a Robber Fly, that is. For one, the members of this genus mimic the large Carpenter Bees in the genus Xylocopa for the devilish goal of giving their larvae something tasty to feed on - bee larvae. They are capable of silently slipping past unsuspecting bees to lay their own larvae in the nest who will eventually hatch and have quite the appetite. Sneaky and kinda freaky; am I right?

Oh, and then there's the fact that this thing looks just like a panda bee. It's just wayyy too crazy for me right now.

A Rainbow Bow-tie Makes All the Ladies Come on By

2012-05-07T13:53:00.000-07:00

Habitat: Brazil

Status: Near Threatened

All this magnificent hummingbird wants to do is impress the ladies! The Hooded Visorbearer (Augastes lumachella) is a stunning specimen that wants to look his best by wearing a rainbow-feathered bow-tie... for all occasions. Because really, a rainbow bow-tie will ALWAYS catch a female's eye. As if that weren't alluring enough, the males also have a black crest of feathers which they can pop up when they so choose. I'm sold.

Sadly, this species faces habitat loss and is now on the ICUN threatened list. For the love of all things rainbow, we must protect the Hooded Visorbearer!

5 Leafhoppers Dressed to Impress

2012-05-04T15:44:00.000-07:00

Here are 5 phenomenal leafhoppers photographed by the talented Flickr photographer gernot.kunz. These are all remarkable examples of tropical leafhoppers found in Costa Rica. Enjoy!

1. Chinaia sp.

2. Iragua cf notanda

3. Plectoderes scapularis

4. Acrogonia sp.

5. Sissimitalia infulata

Hi, I'm Crabzilla but All My Friends Call Me Claude

2012-05-04T15:08:00.000-07:00

Meet Claude, a Giant Tasmanian Crab that looks like something out of a monster movie. Claude was destined for an oversized steam pot before a British aquarium stepped in and bought the enormous beast for £3,000 (~ $4,800).

He is the biggest crab on display in the UK. Claude weighs in at a mighty 15lbs and measures 15 inches wide. When he is fully grown he will weigh a whopping 30lbs and gain an extra three inches.

Claude is 100 times bigger than a standard UK shore crab. Yet he is still a juvenile and will grow to double his weight. Claude was caught off the coast of Tasmania last month, but was sold to the Sea Life group along with two other Tasmanian giant crabs.

He will go on display at the Sea Life centre in Weymouth, Dorset, on Thursday, and his two companions will be moved to other centres in Birmingham and Berlin if Claude responds well to his new home.

Currently he is being kept on his own in a specially made cylindrical tank, ten feet tall and six feet wide, but the aquarium will introduce some coldwater fish once he is settled.