The world is full of unsolved mysteries and riddles. These include various creatures that, at first glance, seem unreal. But in fact, they really do inhabit our planet.
Brazilian humpbacked bat
The insect got its name from the strange growths on its back—they can take the form of balls, spikes, horns, or ridges. But nature gave the humpbacked bat this distinctive appearance for a clear reason: protection from predators.
But despite their growths, these creatures are quite difficult to see. Adults can reach only two centimeters in length. This insect feeds on plant sap and spends most of its life on some crop.
Humpbacked bats are found everywhere, with the exception of the Arctic latitudes. However, they are most common in the tropics of South America.
Caterpillar of the Tailed Emperor butterfly
This creature is sometimes called a "little dinosaur." This caterpillar, no more than two centimeters long, has a shell on its head consisting of four small, interconnected horns. This makes it appear larger. This shell also serves as protection from birds—it simply scares them.
This species of caterpillar is found only in Australia and feeds on the sap of just one plant—the Brachychiton flammea tree. Adults also lay their eggs there, which hatch in late March. These caterpillars are green in color, with a single yellow stripe running along the edges of their bodies.
Atoll Jellyfish
This sea creature lives in the ocean at depths of 700 to 5,000 meters. When it begins to glow red, it resembles a real alien ship, but on a smaller scale.
The atolla is the only jellyfish that emits light for defense, not attack. When it senses danger, it emits a bright red light, which attracts large predators, as it is visible for almost 100 meters. Then, the aquatic creatures that have caused it problems focus on saving themselves rather than hunting the jellyfish.
Devil's flower mantis
It is considered one of the largest and most unusual species of praying mantis. These insects reach a height of 10-13 centimeters. This species is classified as predatory; they sit motionless and wait for their desired prey to come near. Mantises typically use their orchid-like coloring to attract prey, which includes beetles, butterflies, flies, and small birds. They are found in Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, and Tanzania.
Megalopygid butterfly caterpillar
This caterpillar is incredibly vulnerable and therefore uses various methods to survive. To protect itself, it can camouflage itself as other insects considered dangerous or use bright, repellent colors.
It forms a strange, bright image resembling a face and stares at its attacker. If this fails to deter the predator, it can at any moment release formic acid, which is found in the horns on its back.
These insects are bright green in color and have small white spots on the sides.
The caterpillar of the bashful woolly-paw
The red-tailed caterpillar is also known as the red-tailed caterpillar. Its entire body is covered in prickly hairs that resemble porcupine quills. If a person touches these hairs, they immediately develop an allergic reaction, causing a painful rash.
The caterpillar reaches 5 centimeters in length and is lemon-yellow with pink, gray, or dark brown hues. At the end of its body is a small red or brown appendage.
The creature lives in Afghanistan, Asia Minor, the Volga region, the Caucasus, Kazakhstan, Western Siberia, Central and Asia Minor, and Ukraine.
Lion's Mane Jellyfish
The Cyanea jellyfish is another name for the jellyfish. It is considered the largest in the world. Its tentacles can reach 37 meters in length, and its dome can reach a diameter of 2.3 meters. The lobes of adults range in color from red to brown, and the cap can have a yellowish tint. Younger specimens have more vibrant colors.
The Lion's Mane Jellyfish inhabits cold waters in the northern seas of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its dome is divided into eight sections, resembling a distinctive star. The Lion's Mane Jellyfish is a predator, injecting venom into its prey, which is typically plankton, fish, or other jellyfish.
Gambian flower mantis
This species' ability to mimic various colors helps it lure its prey. Climbing a flower, the insects freeze and wait until their prey is very close.
These mantises also use their coloration to deter potential predators. The Gambian flower mantis is native to the tropical forests of Southeast Asia. The insect itself is pink or white.
Australian purple worm
This creature inhabits the tropical waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans at depths of several dozen meters. It is considered one of the largest worms, reaching up to 3 meters in length and weighing approximately 450 grams.
It's an omnivore, but its main diet consists of small fish and mollusks. It hunts by burrowing, leaving only its head above the surface.
As soon as prey approaches, it strikes with lightning speed and drags it into the sand, then injects venom and digests the victim. The worm can survive without food for about a year.
