Apr 1, 2010

Isopodmania

I got barraged with links to several giant isopod articles. That means two things: 1) you folks think of me (or my blog) when you see something ugly, and that's heart-warming (I think), and 2) there's consensus that the giant isopod has a permanent home here.

The giant isopod is the deep-sea cousin to the wood louse, or roly poly or pillbug, that you'll find in your backyard. This particular specimen is a good two and a half feet long, which is large or its kind, but not out of the ordinary.

Photo source: Ross Gwynn











































Yahoo! Editor's have a great gallery on Flickr of various isopod photos they've found on the web. Here's one such, to give you a sense of proportion:





























But I didn't just get sent links. Sherry also sent me this post on how to make a plush giant isopod, from Deep Sea News.






















But Sherry didn't stop there. Her photoshop-errific friend Lisa Halverson made for us a photo of isopods playing poker. It's destined to become a classic. We just need a large supply of black velvet.

Thanks to co-producers Reed, Sherry, Lisa, Leslie, Terri, Julie, and Judy.

9 comments:

Sabina E. said...

fookin' prawns!! (District 9)

Unknown said...

Also, Tshirts! http://www.topatoco.com/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=TO&Product_Code=QC-PRETTY&Category_Code=QC

Jaden Walker said...

Beca beat me to it. I actually have that t-shirt and was going to share a link to it :)

Unknown said...

H.. H.. HEEEE. Fookin Prawns is exactly what i think as well whenever a see a picture of one of these. They are my favourite ugly under sea critters and there are so many i love. I wish there was a way i could have a pet one perched on my shoulder as i walk down the street Waving all it's little legs and anntenae thing about endearingly.

Anonymous said...

People eat these, BTW. Supposed to taste better than crab, shrimp or lobster.

Raging Wombat said...

Better than crab, shrimp, or lobster? Does that mean that they'll start showing up on the counter at our local Indian Casino seafood buffet nights?

AnaDrea said...

If it's better than lobster... I'd eat it. That'd be a tough shell to crack though, wouldn't it?

Raging Wombat said...

It's all about having the right tools. A reciprocating saw should work just fine.

FallenAngel said...

Damn i just saw this and came on here to post a link. People beat me to it! Makesme think of kafka!