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OMF! Baffling Creatures
Published by CHAN LEE PENG in Random
October 11, 2008
What’re these confusing creatures? Have you seen them before? They’re not only weird, but cool.
Unknown Insect Bought on eBay
Photos credit: Rothamsted Research Visual Communications Unit
This is an unknown species of aphid which was found by a scientist and vice-president of the Royal Entomological Society of London, Dr. Richard Harrington, who bought this fossil on an internet auction on eBay for £20 from a man in Lithuania. The fossil itself is measured 3 to 4mm in length and was encased in a 40 to 50 million-year-old piece of amber about the size of a small pill. It is said that this aphid became trapped in the resin as it seeped from a tree millions of years ago. An aphid expert in Denmark, Prof. Ole Heie confirmed that this insect is a new species which has turned out to be a long extinct aphid from the Earth and he named it as Mindarus Harringtoni after Dr. Harrington, who first named it as Mindarus ebayi. This fossil is now well-kept in the Natural History Museum.
A Spider Musician Called “Neil Young”
Photo credit: ECU News Services
This newly discovered arachnid or a trapdoor spider has been named in honor of a rock musician, Neil Young who is also an activist for justice and peace. Thereafter, this spider has become a famous “rock musician” in the nature. A biologist at East Carolina University, Jason Bond, has named it as Myrmekiaphila neilyongi. Bond discovered it in 2007 in Jefferson Co., Ala. and later this species was described in a journal. This spider lives in a burrow and crafts a trap door to keep out unwanted parasites and predators. Unlike other spiders which make webs out of silk, this spider uses silk to line burrows and an extension of the lining is part of its trap door.
A Genetically Modified Mosquito
Photo credit: PNAS Photo credit: Reuter
This is a genetically modified strain of malaria-resistant mosquito which has been created successfully by a scientist. Undoubtedly, it gives new impetus for controlling the most common and deadly parasitic disease, Malaria (spread by the single-celled parasite called Plasmodium which is passed to humans via the bite of Anopheles mosquito) which makes 300 million people ill, causes 2.7 million deaths and more than 500 million people are infected each year. This epidemic rages furiously particularly in parts of the central and South of America, Asia and Africa. Also, it was reported that children die of malaria every 30 seconds in sub-Saharan African in most cases. The creation of mosquitoes with green fluorescent testicles undoubtedly will help curb the spread of malaria carrying mosquitoes.
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18 Comments
This is a real OMG…what a great collection!
The genetically modified mosquito is a fantastic concept. Maybe in time, Malaria will become a thing of the past. The cat with four ears is amazing and odd looking. Cloning animals that glow in the dark…?
Very well written and informative article as usual, Chan.
Excellent, Chan. That’s really weird, but interesting. Thanks. Take care.
Wow. These are bizarre. I know the first item in the pictures ofmosquitoes in solid amber were used as movie props in Jurassic Park 1
very odd indeed. great job
these items are indeed weird, odd and bizarre nevertheless it’s a prized treasure to have any of them.
job well done,thanks
So interresting and very well done too.
This is usually an unpopular statement, but cats creep me out. A four eared cat? Even creepier.
Excellent article Chan.
Amazing pictures!
Thanks for sharing them with us.
Cool! Love the glow in the dark cats!
unusual, good article
Curious and rare,collection,goo job.
Baffling indeed. Never thought such creatures exist.
Just came across your website in a search. Your information about our cat Yoda is correct but the pictures and youtube are of Valerie Rock and her cat Yoda. If you’d like to see a picture of our 4-eared cat named Yoda, go to Flickr.com or http://www.rrstar.com/news/x1577095138.
You really put effort in all of your articles. This is very interesting,and I just love those pretty little kitties.
Strange creatures indeed, my friend. A well researched piece.