Cameroon Scaly-tail

Mammals > Rodents

The Cameroon Scaly-tail (Zenkerella insignis), also known as Zenker’s anomalure, is one of the most remarkable ‘living fossils’ in the class Mammalia. Belonging to the family Anomaluridae, this secretive creature has survived almost completely...

Ashy Inky Cap

Fungi > Inky Caps

The Ashy Inky Cap (Coprinopsis cinerea), historically known as Coprinus cinereus, is an iconic, rapidly developing coprophilous agaric fungus belonging to the family Psathyrellaceae. Celebrated throughout scientific history as the premier model organism for studying...

Pinesap

Plants > Parasitic Plants

Pinesap (Monotropa hypopitys), sometimes known as Dutchman’s pipe or false beechdrops, is a mysterious, ghost-like woodland plant belonging to the heather family (Ericaceae). Lacking even a single trace of green chlorophyll, this fascinating perennial herb does...

Salt-Dwelling Living Stone

Plants > Succulents & Cacti

The Salt-Dwelling Living Stone (Lithops salicola) is an extraordinary miniature mimicry succulent plant native to the arid interior plains of South Africa’s Free State and Northern Cape provinces. Belonging to the ice plant family (Aizoaceae), this master of...

Flying Spaghetti Monster Siphonophore

Invertebrates > Siphonophores

The Flying Spaghetti Monster Siphonophore (Bathyphysa sibogae) captured the imagination of the global internet and deep-sea biologists alike when stunning high-definition video of the creature was filmed by deep-ocean research submersibles off the coast of Angola....