Nature's Grossest Creatures

Science loves them, but don't look at this gallery on your lunch break

By Jeremy Hsu Posted 12.11.2008 at 3:03 pm 10 Comments

Stinkhorn Brings Sexy Back

Ok, so the phallaceae family name may mislead a bit. Stinkhorn mushrooms have long horrified urban gardeners by springing up rapidly and providing a whiff of fresh carrion or dung scent. Appearances vary from phallic to sea-creature-like, but all the mushrooms emit their foul-smelling slime at some point. The odor attracts eager flies that eventually help spread the fungal spores to other locations, and the beautiful circle begins anew.

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10 Comments

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ahap134

12/11/08 at 5:14 pm

Except for the algae it isn't that disgusting.

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LinkinPark Fan

12/11/08 at 6:05 pm

SO COOL!!
I loved the "blobfish"

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Everyday Normal Kid

12/11/08 at 6:14 pm

Oh dear god!......the only thing that scares me is the bot fly, wouldn;t want to find THAT in you!

-THE KID

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Ophiguris

from Upsala, Ontario

12/12/08 at 8:40 pm

Hmm, Only the Bot fly really seems disgusting X_X. Especially because, from the looks of it, that thing tears right through flesh and burrows /IN/ your body. That's what creeps me out most Oo. As for the rest, they're not so bad. The Blob Fish DOES look a little creepy though, I suppose underwater, they might have some mass and may be able to support themselves, as whales do until they are on land.

And seriously, why is there no Port Jackson Shark?

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sappha58

12/14/08 at 3:20 am

Okay, I'm a trekkie geek. That blobfish reminds me of the Videans from Star Trek: Voyager!

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jarstar1

12/14/08 at 7:08 pm

the blob fish is hysterical! none of them were too bad. except the bot fly.... jesus, thats creepy. i would NOT want that thing in my back.

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animemaster

12/16/08 at 2:22 pm