Ugly Dog and Smug Pig

This duo was put on display at a shopping mall in Hong Kong to celebrate the upcoming change of the year from the Year of the Dog to the Year of the Pig.

One might think that this sharpei's expression stems from his jealousy that the pig will now be in the limelight. But I think it comes more from the shock that, possibly for the first time ever, the change from Dog to Pig will result in a better looking animal. What is this world coming to?

The piglet looks a bit smug, too.

Photo courtesy: Yahoo

UV Love

This may be of some interest to those of you hoping to cash in on the booming industry of jumping spider breeding. Per this article, a study done by the journal Science demonstrates that members of the cosmophasis umbratica species of jumping spiders can not only see UV light, but they also reflect the light off certain parts of their bodies. The presence of UV lighting turns out to be vital in the mating process.

Great. Now someone is going to add 'UV-infused jumping spider faces' to the list of aphrodisiacs, along with the spanish fly, tiger parts, sea urchins, sea horses, and rhino horns. Sorry, Mr. & Mrs. Jumping Spider, but you are pretty much doomed to extinction now.

Photo courtesy: Yahoo

Orcs Riding Guinea Pigs

Here is a bonus post for y'all.

Jack saw my post on the baldwin guinea pig and thought that the beast would serve well as a frightening mount for an orc or a behorned Viking, a la Frank Frazetta. To demonstrate this truth, both he and Ian provided us with visual proof. I think these dramatic renderings say it all.

Thanks for the orc-riding-guinea pig action, Jack.
























Thanks for the orcish plug for UgO, Ian.

Quick Follow Up

Just a quick follow up to the frilled shark post from a couple of days ago - here is what that bad boy looks like from the side. See what happens when eel meets shark? A double post on this blog, that's what.

Photo courtesy: Yahoo

1 of 125

Of the roughly 125 species of monkey out there, most are known for being mischievous and naughty, not for being evil. Any primatologists know what this fello is? I think this species will provide for a few more posts, and a few more nightmares.

Update: This appears to be a Drill.

Photo courtesy: Knuttz.net

Carpathian Edibles

Alcessa encountered this pair of Hungarian Mangalica pigs in a German Zoo last year. You can also call them poodle pigs, or blonde pigs - just check out their luscious locks. According to my online sources, this swine was bred in the Carpathian basin for its edibility.

These pigs have a certain charm to them. I'll be a bit less eager to partake of a BLT the next time I'm offered one.

Thanks for the photos, alcessa.

Dogs, Dogs, Dogs

Peer sent these photos in. What can I say? They speak for themselves. This blog is making develop an affection for pet owners who take on such uglies.

Thanks for the pooches, Peer.

Move Along

This post isn't for the squeamish. Seriously. If you have an aversion to maggots or parasites, move along.

Phlimm sent me this beastie, and it has made me never want to travel abroad. Behold the bot fly, or rather, its lavae. There are several varieties of this pest, but the one you probably care most about is the one that can end up in you.

What happens is an adult bot fly lays its eggs on a mosquito (why the mosquito hangs around for that, I don't know). Then, when the mosquito lands on its next victim, maybe you, the egg(s) is deposited on the new host. And, ta-da, you end up with a maggot living in your scalp or back (or anywhere the mosquito decided to take a sip).

For the daring, trying searching for 'bot fly' on YouTube. You'll lose your appetite.

Thanks for this monster, Phlimm. The world is a grosser place now.

Photo courtesy: Armed Services Pest Management Board