Quck answer
There are some animals that look like monsters due to their unique physical features. Here are 10 examples:
1. Axolotl – a salamander with external gills and a flat head.
2. Goblin shark – a deep-sea shark with a protruding snout.
3. Aye-aye – a lemur with long, bony fingers and large, protruding eyes.
4. Anglerfish – a fish with a bioluminescent lure on its head and sharp teeth.
5. Star-nosed mole – a mole with a star-shaped nose that is used to detect prey.
6. Tasmanian devil – a carnivorous marsupial with strong jaws and a ferocious temperament.
7. Coconut crab – a large crab with powerful claws that can crack open coconuts.
8. Gharial – a crocodile with a long, thin snout filled with sharp teeth.
9. Giant isopod – a deep-sea crustacean with a tough exoskeleton and multiple legs.
10. Saiga antelope – an antelope with a distinctive, drooping nose that filters out dust and warms cold air before it enters the lungs.
Animal Facts
Prepare to see Pseudoscopelus in your nightmares.
Peter David/Getty Images
Halloween isn’t the only time when monsters lurk and hide among us. Mother Nature has already created a plethora of terrifying creatures that our imagination can hardly fathom. Some animals have fearsome features but are harmless, while others deserve the terror they inspire.
This list is a guided tour of creatures that are rarely seen outside of nightmares, myths, or illustrated bestiaries. From peaceful creatures to horrifying beasts, we’ve got them all. Enjoy, and sweet dreams.
10: Squid (‘Promachoteuthis sulcus’)
The bigfin reef squid is almost as grotesque as the Promachoteuthis sulcus. Jones/Shimlock-Secret Sea Visions
If you thought Dracula’s fangs were creepy, check out the chompers on this squid, specifically the Promachoteuthis sulcus. Its terrifying teeth, resembling an elderly man’s dentures, are located on its bottom side. Surprisingly, they aren’t teeth at all but rather a set of lips that cover its beak. (Yes, squids have beaks, but that’s another story.) The marine creature, fortunately, lives deep below the surface of the ocean and has three rows of suckers on each arm [sources: Wild Facts, IFL Science].
Scientists aren’t sure why the Promachoteuthis sulcus has lips covering its beak as only one individual of this squid has ever been identified. A German research vessel captured it roughly 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) down in the murky depths of the southern Atlantic Ocean. The captured squid was a juvenile female; nobody knows if adult Promachoteuthis sulcus remains relatively small or if they grow to be monstrously large and even more eerie [sources: Wild Facts, IFL Science].
9: Venezuelan Poodle Moth
The muslin moth (pictured here) seems closely related to the Venezuelan poodle moth. John Flannery/Flckr/CC BY-SA 2.0
The Venezuelan poodle moth has big, bulging black eyes. It has long, brown, spiky antennae that stick out straight on each side. And it has a poofy, furry, white body. When you put it all together, it’s a horrifying look for a moth. You wouldn’t want to encounter it fluttering around your porch light.
The poodle moth, an odd insect discovered in Venezuela in 2009, was first described by Dr. Arthur Anker of Kyrgyzstan. Although many find the moth to be ghastly, there are several other species with similar appearances, such as the muslin moth (Diaphora mendica) and the China silkworm moth (Bombyx mori) [sources: Ayre, Mikkelson].
There isn’t a Latin name for the poodle moth because we don’t know which family it belongs to. Nevertheless, scientists believe it’s probably in the Lasiocampidae family and the Artace genus. And about that furry coat: Although no one has touched the poodle moth yet, its fur might not be as soft and cuddly as it appears. While animals grow hair for warmth, hairy insects use theirs for smelling and self-defense [sources: Ayre, Science Explained].
8: Japanese Spider Crab
The Japanese spider crab is the largest crustacean in the world and can be found at the Tokyo Aquarium. These crabs have enormous and strong claws that can cause serious injury and a leg span that can reach up to 12 feet. Japanese spider crabs reside deep down in the ocean at depths of 490 to 980 feet and are hard to catch due to their ability to quickly scurry away. They are considered a delicacy in certain parts of Japan and have a lifespan of around 100 years.
7: Aye-aye
The aye-aye is a small, nocturnal mammal found only on the island of Madagascar. They have startlingly bright eyes, oversized ears, and long, bony digits. Aye-ayes live in the island’s rainforest and use echolocation to find their prey, which consists mainly of insects and insect larvae. Unfortunately, the Malagasy consider them bad luck, leading to their killing on sight. Aye-ayes have a 20-year lifespan and are now members of the critically endangered species list, protected by law.
6: Star-nosed Mole
The star-nosed mole gets its name from its hideous proboscis, which has 22 tentacles that give it a star appearance. Though its nose is quite ugly, it is useful for the mole to locate food. The mole’s nose has two eyes in the center, which are actually nostrils.
Star-nosed moles use their sensitive noses to find and catch insects, worms, and small fish. Their noses have over 100,000 nerve endings and more than 25,000 sensory receptors that help them navigate through underground tunnels. These blind creatures are found in bogs and wetlands in Canada and the eastern US.
Anglerfish, of which there are over 300 species, are known for their terrifying appearance. With their upturned mouths, needle-like teeth, and distensible bellies, one might wonder how they catch prey twice their size. However, they use clever camouflage and a spine that acts as phosphorescent bait to lure other fish to their doom. In addition, some species have spaghetti-like beards. Mating for 25 species of anglerfish is a nightmare. Once the male anglerfish gives his mate-to-be a love nibble, his body fuses to hers, and he spends the rest of his life as a sperm factory.
Scorpionflies have a long reddish body, yellow-and-black camo-patterned wings, and a mantis-like head. They also have a scorpion-like tail that makes them look dangerous, but they are harmless as they measure only one inch long. These omnivores feed on plant materials like pollen, nectar, and occasionally, deceased or debilitated insects. The stinger on the scorpionfly is actually its genitalia, which males use in mating displays. Males offer females small food or delectable salivary secretions, possibly to avoid being killed by the females.
3: Tongue-eating Louse
At first glance, the rose snapper fish looks harmless, but upon closer inspection, you may notice two extra eyes staring at you from inside its mouth. The Cymothoa exigua isopod is a parasite that sucks blood from the fish’s tongue after entering through its gills. This parasite replaces the fish’s tongue and feeds off its blood supply while reproducing inside the fish’s mouth. The C. exigua isopod is the only known animal parasite that replaces its host’s organ, making it noteworthy. Isopods are a diverse group of crustaceans, most of which live in the sea.
2: Assassin Bug
The Acanthaspis petax is one of the 7,000 known assassin bugs that uses the corpses of its prey to decorate its spiny body. These bugs use the masking scent of the bodies to hide themselves from detection and even lure additional prey to their doom. Beneath their horrific appearance, these bugs have a cactus-like body and a hardened mouthpart called a rostrum. They use their rostrum to pierce their meal’s exoskeleton and inject a paralytic and toxin that turns the insect’s innards into a drinkable smoothie.
1: Oarfish
Throughout history, mythical creatures like wyrms, dragons, and sea serpents have captured our imaginations. However, there have been alleged sightings of these creatures that could be based on real-life animals. Possible explanations for these sightings include porpoises swimming in single file, masses of seaweed, giant squids, or even enormous nemertines.
Regalecus glesne, a type of ribbon fish found in the deep waters of the tropics and subtropics (650-3,000 feet or 200-900 meters), is the largest bony fish in the world. It can grow up to 30.5-50-plus feet (9-15-plus meters) long and has long, reddish, oar-like pelvic fins that trail half its body length. Its red dorsal fin and crest, which rises from its head, make it stand out. Despite its fearsome size, the oarfish is harmless and feeds on small fish, shrimp, and invertebrates. It is also very elusive, rarely seen in areas frequented by humans. Learn more about other animals that may look like monsters in the author’s note.
Related Articles
- Discover 10 interesting facts about animals you never knew before
- Uncover the 10 superhero-like abilities of the animal kingdom
- Learn about the 10 venomous creatures that could be living in your backyard
- Find out how the giant oarfish operates in the ocean
- Explore the science behind animal camouflage
- Learn about bioluminescence and how it works in different creatures
More Great Links
- Discover even more crazy facts about animals
Sources
- Ayre, James. “Venezuelan Poodle Moth — Facts, Hoax, Pictures.” Planetsave. July 11, 2013. (Sept. 22, 2016) http://planetsave.com/2013/07/11/venezuelan-poodle-moth-facts-hoax-and-video/
- BBC. “Anglerfish.” (Oct. 13, 2014) http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Anglerfish
- California Academy of Sciences. “Panorpa nuptialis.” (Oct. 14, 2014) http://research.calacademy.org/ent/resources/mecoptera/northamerica/panorpa_nuptialis
- Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Oarfish.” (Oct. 13, 2014) http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/423487/oarfish
- Encyclopaedia Britannica. “Sea Serpent.” (Oct. 13, 2014) http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/530718/sea-serpent
- Griggs, Mary Beth. “This Rare Footage Shows Two Live 15-Foot-Long Oarfish Swimming in the Ocean.” Smithsonian magazine. April 7, 2014. (Oct. 13, 2014) http://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/rare-footage-worlds-largest-fish-180950448/?no-ist
- IFL Science. “Creepiest Looking Animals in the World.” (Sept. 22, 2016) http://www.wild-facts.com/2012/wild-fact-171-the-tooth-behind-the-squid-with-teeth/
- King, Rachel. “Isopods.” Southeastern Regional Taxonomic Center, South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. 2004. (Oct. 11, 2014) http://www.dnr.sc.gov/marine/sertc/Isopod%20Crustaceans.pdf
- Meyer, John. “Mecoptera.” North Carolina State University. April 8, 2009. (Oct. 12, 2014) http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/course/ent425/library/compendium/mecoptera.html
- Mikkelson, David. “Venezuelan Poodle Moth.” Snopes. July 10, 2013. (Sept. 22, 2016) http://www.snopes.com/photos/animals/poodlemoth.asp
- National Geographic. “Aye-Aye.” (Sept. 23, 2016) http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/mammals/aye-aye/
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). “Oarfish (Regalecus glesne Ascanius)” (Oct. 13, 2014) http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/speciesid/fish_page/fish82a.html
- Nelson, Bryan. “13 of the ugliest animals on the planet: Aye-aye.” Mother Nature Network. Feb. 16, 2016. (Sept. 23, 2016) http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/photos/13-of-the-ugliest-animals-on-the-planet/aye-aye#top-desktop
- Nelson, Bryan. “13 of the ugliest animals on the planet: Star-nosed mole.” Mother Nature Network. Feb. 16, 2016. (Sept. 23, 2016) http://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/photos/13-of-the-ugliest-animals-on-the-planet/star-nosed-mole#top-desktop
- Pietsch, Theodore W. “Oceanic Anglerfishes: Extraordinary Diversity in the Deep Sea.” University of California Press. April 2009.
- Pietsch, Theodore W. “Precocious Sexual Parasitism in the Deep Sea Ceratioid Anglerfish, Cryptopsaras Couesi Gill.” Nature. Vol. 256. Page 38. July 3, 1975. (Oct. 13, 2014) http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v256/n5512/abs/256038a0.html
- Science Explained. “Is the Venezuelan Poodle Moth as soft and cuddly as it looks?” Sept. 4, 2013. (Sept. 22, 2016) http://science-explained.com/blog/2013/09/04/is-the-venezuelan-poodle-moth-as-soft-and-cuddly-as-it-looks/
- Simon, Matt. “The Ferocious Bug That Sucks Prey Dry and Wears Their Corpses.” Wired. June 20, 2014. (Oct. 12, 2014) http://www.wired.com/2014/06/absurd-creature-of-the-week-assassin-bug/
- Simon, Matt. “This Parasite Eats a Fish’s Tongue — and Takes Its Place.” Wired. Nov. 22, 2013. (Oct. 11, 2014) http://www.wired.com/2013/11/absurd-creature-of-the-week-the-parasite-that-eats-and-replaces-a-fishs-tongue/
- Stromberg, Joseph. “How the Star-Nosed Mole ‘Sees’ With Its Ultra-Sensitive Snout.” Smithsonian. Jan. 30, 2013. (Sept. 23, 2016) http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/how-the-star-nosed-mole-sees-with-its-ultra-sensitive-snout-8926067/?no-ist
- Tumlison, Renn. “A Flying Scorpion is Harmless.” Henderson State University. (Oct. 11, 2014) http://www.hsu.edu/pictures.aspx?id=1302
- The Wildlife Trusts. “Scorpion Fly (Panorpa communis).” (Oct. 13, 2014) http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/scorpion-fly
- ViralNova. “10 Reasons Why The Giant Spider Crab Is The Crustacean Of Your Nightmares.” Oct. 25, 2014. (Sept. 23, 2016) http://www.viralnova.com/nightmare-giant-spider-crab/
- Wild Facts. “Wild Fact #171 — The ‘Tooth’ Behind the Squid With Teeth.” (Sept. 22, 2016) http://www.wild-facts.com/2012/wild-fact-171-the-tooth-behind-the-squid-with-teeth/
FAQ
1. What is the anglerfish and why does it look like a monster?
The anglerfish is a deep-sea predator that uses a bioluminescent lure to attract prey. Its large mouth and sharp teeth, combined with its grotesque appearance, make it look like something out of a horror movie.
2. Is the goblin shark a real animal?
Yes, the goblin shark is a real animal that lives in the deep sea. Its long snout, protruding teeth, and pink skin make it look like a creature from another world.
3. What is the thorny devil and why does it look like a monster?
The thorny devil is a lizard that lives in Australia. Its spiky skin and ability to change color make it look like a creature from a nightmare. It also has the ability to shoot blood from its eyes as a defense mechanism.
4. Why does the ogre-faced spider look like a monster?
The ogre-faced spider has huge eyes and long, spindly legs that make it look like a creature from a horror movie. It also has the ability to catch prey with a net made of silk that it holds between its legs.
5. What is the hellbender and why does it look like a monster?
The hellbender is a type of salamander that lives in streams and rivers in the eastern United States. Its flat, slimy body and wrinkled skin make it look like a creature from the underworld.
6. Is the star-nosed mole real?
Yes, the star-nosed mole is a real animal that lives in North America. Its strange, star-shaped nose and long, clawed fingers make it look like something out of a horror movie.
7. What is the giant isopod and why does it look like a monster?
The giant isopod is a deep-sea crustacean that can grow up to 2 feet long. Its armored body and sharp claws make it look like something out of a science fiction movie.
8. Why does the axolotl look like a monster?
The axolotl is a type of salamander that lives in Mexico. Its long, feathery gills and bizarre, smiling face make it look like a creature from a fairy tale.
Leave a Reply