This is a repeat of one of my first Saturday Surprise’s back in August 2017. Wow! It doesn’t seem like it’s been nearly 5 years since I first added ‘Saturday Surprise’ to my weekly lineup! I remember that when I was pondering the idea, one of my readers at the time, Bushka, suggested that perhaps I was taking on too much, spreading myself too thin, but over the years I’ve found that I enjoy finding fun things to share and it’s a welcome break from my normal weekly posts. I hope you’ll forgive me for this repeat post, but I’m quite tired tonight and couldn’t seem to come up with anything new, so I decided to give myself a break and at the same time, give you some unique critters to enjoy!
One of the suggestions for the new Saturday Surprise feature came from Eschudel of Zombie Flamingos who suggested a ‘Snapshot Saturday’ with unusual or interesting pictures from the week. Sounded like a good idea, so I went in search of and found a hodge-podge of unusual, touching pictures, but as I was loading them onto this post, I concluded that there needed to be a theme. So, I sat down and ate dinner, responded to comments from the day, chatted a bit with the family, and then when I came back to work, a theme hit me! (No, it didn’t hurt … at least not much.) What about unusual animals? So, I once again went in search of … and I found some really, really strange creatures (no, I wasn’t in a bar!!!). So … sit back and take a look at some of these guys!
The Panda Ant

The Mutillidae are a family of more than 3,000 species of wasps (despite the names) whose wingless females resemble large, hairy ants. Found in Chile, they are known for their extremely painful stings, hence the common name cow killer or cow ant. Black and white specimens are sometimes known as panda ants due to their hair coloration resembling that of the Chinese giant panda. (Image credits: Chris Lukhaup)
Hummingbird Hawk-Moth

As this hawk-moth feeds on flowers and makes a similar humming sound, it looks a lot like a hummingbird. Whatβs interesting is that it is surprisingly good at learning colors. (Image credits: Jerzy Strzelecki | unknown)
Glaucus Atlanticus (aka Blue Dragon)

Also known as the blue dragon, this creature is a is a species of blue sea slug. You could find it in warm waters of the oceans, as it floats on the surface because of a gas-filled sac in its stomach. (Image credits: unknown | unknown | paulhypnos)
Venezuelan Poodle Moth

Discovered in Venezuela in 2009, this new species of alien-looking moth is still poorly explored. Waiting for more info about them! (Image credits: Arthur Anker | imgur)
The Blue Parrotfish

This bright blue fish can be found in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and spends 80% of its time searching for food. (Image credits: imgur | depalmadise)
Okapi

This mammal is native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa. Despite the zebra-like stripes, it is actually more closely related to giraffes. (Image credits: marylandzoo.org | baynews9.com)
Sea Pig

Scotoplanes live on deep ocean bottoms, specifically on the abyssal plain in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean, typically at depths of over 1000 meters. They are deposit feeders, and obtain food by extracting organic particles from deep-sea mud. (Image credits: imgur | thedailygreen.com | realcoldfish)
Aye-aye

Due to its bizarre appearance and unusual feeding habits, the aye-aye is considered by many to be the strangest primate in the world. It is the worldβs largest nocturnal primate. Unusual physical characteristics include incisors that are continually growing (unique among primates), extremely large ears, and a middle finger which is skeletal in appearance, and is used by the animal as a primary sensory organ.
Aren’t they all just adorable? Which was your favourite? I am torn between the Okapi and the Aye-aye. I had fun finding these guys … there are many, many more, so we shall do this again sometime soon.
Stay tuned for next week’s Saturday Surprise!
These are so interesting Jill. I actually had a hummingbird moth in my garden this year. I thought it was am odd hummingbird until I did some research.
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Awesome!!! I’ve never seen a hummingbird moth … or any of these other critters … up close and personal! I’m glad you enjoyed the unique critters, Carla!
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Very cool!
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Care for a pet Panda Ant or Poodle Moth? π
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I thinkI’ll pass..π
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But you must admit they’re cute … yes?
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Yes!
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Wow! Nature has many differences in what fashion should look. Lol I love the Aye-aye, it remindes me on the movie “E.T.”, and maybe very soon we will get a visit from outer space. xx Michael
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Indeed, isn’t nature wonderful? I loved all of these, but felt a special affinity for the Aye Aye, because it is similar to what I see in the mirror each morning! If we get a visit from outer space, I’m going to beg them to take me back with them!!! π½π½π½π xx
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Lol – Really! Dont underestimate yourself, Jill! π Yes, i will also follow them to the outer space, because it seems all crazy people now congregated here on earth. Have a nice start of the week! xx Michael
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π Well, in truth, the Aye Aye is far cuter than I am! I agree … some days I wonder if sanity has left the majority of this planet! Be fun to start out somewhere else, learn to live with little green men! You too, Michael! I have a feeling it will be another stressful week for us all, but find something to smile about each day. xx
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Reblogged this on NEW BLOG HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
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Thanks, Michael!!!
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:-))
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LOVE this! Thanks for making me smile!! The Aye Aye is my favorite. I had thought about doing a story around it before and I think you just inspired me for tonight’s story. π
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Awwwww … knowing I made you smile, makes me smile! π As I told somebody a bit ago, I think the Aye Aye is my favourite because surely I must be related to him … it’s what I see in the mirror every morning! And now, I must go check out tonight’s story!
Oops … couldn’t find it! I’ll try again tomorrow!
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Sorry, was late tonight! Just posted it and decided on the Axoloti tonight, but still plan to do the Aye Aye! Stay tuned.
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No worries! I went, I smiled, I commented! β€
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I saw, I replied. π
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They are interesting for sure. Thanks, Jill.
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My pleasure, John!
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I came across Okapis in a picture book on animals back in the late 1950s, and it’s always been a favourite of mine.
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Cool!!! Did you see Jeannie’s comment that they have Okapis at the zoo in Rotterdam?
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I remember this blog, who could forget those pictures! Okapi has a certain fashion daring, but is out classed by all those moths.
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Wow … what a memory! I think you’re the only one who remembered it. I agree … that Poodle Moth and Panda Ant are pretty touch competition!
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Blue Dragon! It looks really cool. Talking about blue: The Okapi has a very long blue tongue π We have seen Okapis in Rotterdam zoo. Amazing creatures. – Wishing you a lovely weekend, Jill! Here, we have been bathed in sunshine the whole week! It is still quite cool though, with a cold wind. But my garden is in spring mode, with daffodils and crocuses providing color and green bits sprouting from all bushes… π Hugs&Cheers!
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Awesome! Yes, it does look cool … except for the sea pig, I loved them all and think perhaps I am related to the Aye Aye, for that is very similar to what I see in the mirror each morning! How cool to have seen the Okapis up close and personal!
We have had clouds and cold temps, although today the temps were milder, but still cloudy with rain predicted for the next several days. Ah well, it’s not as if I could go out walking anyway! Ooooohhhh … your garden is already starting to bloom … now I’m jealous!!! We haven’t anything springing up yet, but might see the crocuses sometime this month. Take care and enjoy those flowers, dear friend! Hugs ‘n cheers to you!!!
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the blue parrot fish and I have something in common – I also spend 80% of my day looking for food…
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πππ Good one, Jim!
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π
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Cool pictures, Jill; we don’t mind reruns. The okapi’s cute and the blue dragon is pretty, but the panda ant was the one I found most interesting.
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I’m so glad you enjoyed them! My favourite is the Aye Aye, and frankly when I look in the mirror in the morning, I see a definite resemblance! I like them all … couldn’t choose an absolute favourite, but the sea pig is likely my LEAST favourite!
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Yeah, mine, too.
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They are all so strange looking. Some weirdly cute, some almost nightmarish.
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Yes, some are strange looking to us, but probably only because we’ve never seen them before. The sea pig was the only one that rather turned my stomach … the rest I thought were cute, especially the Aye Aye and the poodle moth!
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Thanks, Ned!!!
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Jill, this is amazing. And, the question remains the same, are these real creatures, especially that blue dragon? Keith
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Indeed they are real critters, Keith! It’s hard to imagine how many species and sub-species we’ve never even heard of, or the ones who have become extinct.
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Very unusual and interesting animals! Thanks for sharing
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My pleasure! I do much prefer writing about animals than people!!! π
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Well some animals are more fun than humans. ππ
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Yes! π
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π
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Iβm smiling. So cute ππ
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Good … if I’ve made you smile, then my mission is accomplished! π€
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The Blue Dragon for me, but the Aye Aye looks so cute!
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I think my favourite is the Aye Aye! Thanks for visiting … long time, no see, but I haven’t been visiting many blogs of late, as I’ve been dealing with some heart problems since September.
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I can relate, as Anita has the same problems and that has taken up a lot of time…
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Time, energy, and stress. I hope Anita is doing better now?
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Thanks for asking, Jill… I think Anita is doing really well, considering she only has half a working heart these days. One day at a time…
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That’s great! Give her a hug from me, and here’s one for you, my friend π€
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Hugs are very welcome, Jill…
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