Strange and hideous creatures can be found lurking in the darkest corners of our imaginations. They possess twisted forms and grotesque features that defy explanation. Their eerie presence instills fear and unease, as their alien bodies defy the laws of nature. The 7 of strange and hideous creatures:
Star-nosed mole
The star-nosed mole will remind you of Jeff, the gigantic worm-like alien with scary appendages ringing its mouth, from Men in Black. This mole from northeastern America and eastern Canada is characterized by 11 pairs of pink fleshy appendages round its snout, forming a star-like structure. These have sensory organs to help it feel its way round and catch vibrations. The body of the mole has thick fur of blackish-brown colour. It has scaled feet and a long tail.
Wrinkle-faced bat
This Central American bat species has an unusual shape of the skull which is quite short and wide, and helps make a wider range of foods edible for the species in comparison to other bats. Their hairless face is covered with convoluted outgrowths of skin, giving its face a wrinkly appearance, which is its distinguishing feature. In case of males, the skin flaps are even more pronounced. Even though it eats fruits, it is not classified as a fruit bat. Despite being classified as a leaf-nosed bat, it does not have a leaf nose.
Thorny dragon
Also known as the thorny lizard, mountain devil, thorny devil and moloch, the thorny dragon is an Australian lizard with its body covered with hard, conical spikes to discourage predators, as well as ridges to collect water from any body part. The ridges and spikes together give it quite an intimidating look, enhanced by a ‘false head’ at the back of its neck which it presents before the predator while dipping its real head between its legs, as a form of defence.
Naked mole rat
Also known as the sand puppy or desert mole rat, the naked mole is an East African rodent that may be confused to have been shaved. The eusocial mammal has unique physical aspects with tiny eyes, thin and short legs and protruding teeth that seal the lower lip, to make it well-adapted to underground living. Their almost hairless body is covered with wrinkled skin of pale pink or yellow shade.
Aye-aye
The largest nocturnal primate in the world, the aye-aye is a lemur from Madagascar, characterised by teeth like that of rodents, and a specially thin and long middle finger. It taps on trees for grubs, and gnaws holes in the wood of the trees with its incisors to create small holes. It then inserts its long middle finger into the hole and pulls out grubs. The gremlin-like look is further enhanced by strands of hair here and there, and large eyes.
Purple frog
This Indian frog has a robust and round structure. It appears like a bloated and flattened mass of purplish grey. It has an unusually small head and a peculiar, pointed snout. Its legs and arms are splayed out and short. Its hoarse cry resembles the clucking of a chicken. It has oral suckers like rheophilic fish.
Tarsier
The smallest known primate, the tarsier has very large and round eyes that appear to be bulging out, and its feet and toes are enormous. The hair on its body has a patchy appearance, which adds to the oddity of its disproportionate appearance, along with large and pointed ears. They jump from tree to tree to catch snakes and birds, even in motion. It is found mostly in South East Asia.
