New Amphibious Giant Centipede Discovered in Southeast Asia

The Animal Kingdom adds another member to its growing list of bizarre creature. And this time it is neither a land animal or a water dweller. It is the combination of both environment! amphibious centipede, which can thrive both on land and in water.

Turning over rocks beside streams, George Beccaloni, honeymooning with his bride in Thailand in 2011 accidentally came across a giant amphibious centipede.

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Considered as a “historic” discovery, the creature named Scolopendra cataracta was recently fully described, in the online science journal ZooKeys.World The new species belonging to the Scolopendra group of centipede behemoths behemoth measures a monster measuring 20 cm (7.9 inches) is found in Southeast Asian freshwaters.

Upon seeing the monster centipede for the first time, Beccaloni uttered “It was pretty horrific-looking: very big with long legs and a horrible dark, greenish-black color.”

He managed to capture the specimen and put it in a large container of water where it swam like an eel. Beccaloni brought his centipede back to the Natural History Museum in London to undergo further studies.

10 Funny-looking Dogs that will Make Your Day

So tired with the day's work... Then go check out these funny looking dogs that will complete your day.

1. The Smiley Dog

Isn't he adorable flashing his cute smile.

2. The Classy Dog

Check out the wild and scruffy big ears of this small brown dog who looks like he could do with some good brushing and combing for his coat.

3. The Stylish Dog

The retro style rounded shades with narrow metal handles looks really cool on this stylish dog.

4. I Believe I can Fly

Check out this funny dog picture in which this small white poodle enjoys a high jump in the bright sun.

5. Scared to the Max

Look at the reaction of the small dog seeing a big one for the first time.

6. The Marathon Runner

Nothing to sniff on, so to kill time, this cutie joins the marathon.

7. The Lover Boy

Check out the absolutely macho look this handsome golden dog gives as he awaits his girlfriend to pass by.

8. The Facebook Dog

This handsome pug is definitely fond off Facebook apps.

9. The Bigear

With long ears stretching out like giant radars it is quite possible to look so sad.

10. The Ultimate Guard Dog

Enter at your own risk, thieves will really think twice before entering this house.

10 Dog Breeds Nutrition Facts That Will Surprise You

10 Dog Breeds Nutrition Facts That Will Surprise You

1. St. Bernards are beautiful dogs with a history of being the heroes of the dog world, but they are also very large dogs whose natural preference is to live in cold places. Needless to say, their nutrition requirements are demanding.

St. Bernards need to eat a lot, and they need to eat often. Because they are cold-blooded dogs, they tend to eat less when the weather is warm. A St. Bernard should be given plenty of water and about 6 ½ cups of food per day; this is the best way to ensure that they are properly fed.

They often need high amounts of protein, and St. Bernards that are not fed enough in quantity or quality will have issues with their bones. Dry kibble is a good option for these dogs, and they will eat a lot of it to keep up with their need for food. Pet care for St. Bernards requires patience and commitment.

2. Miniature Schnauzers are on the smaller side of the breed spectrum and as might be expected require less food than the average medium-sized dog. What is important for a Miniature Schnauzer’s diet is food that is low in fat and quality proteins. They tend to have liver problems when fed an excess of proteins, so a diet that is rich in minerals and vitamins is also important.

 

  3. A pit bull is a unique kind of dog with unique nutritional needs. One important part of the pit bull’s diet is meat. They will eat a number of other ingredients, but animal protein is a key component of a pit bull’s healthy diet. While feeding pit bulls a small amount of grains and plant food is acceptable, pit bulls—as is the case with many dogs—need a diet full of animal-rich foods.

 

  4. Huskies may be a medium-sized breed, but feeding them in the same way as any other medium-sized dog is a no-no. Huskies require small amounts of high quality and high nutrient foods. Overfeeding them is detrimental to their health.

The most important ingredient to a husky’s diet is protein. Protein and fat should make up the majority of its diet with a small amount of fruits and vegetables included. Huskies tend to only eat around two times a day, which is a noticeable difference from larger dogs who can eat up to six cups of food a day. Feeding a husky high quality foods is the best way to keep this beautiful creature happy and healthy.

 

  5. Labradors are fun-loving dogs that require a lot of love and attention, but give it back as well. Labs are choosy about what they eat, so it can be difficult to feed them the nutritional value they require. Like any other dog, Labradors will need a diet rich in protein. They also need a diet that includes vitamins and calcium, but in moderation, as too much causes stress on their digestive system.

 

  6. Dobermans are large dogs with large appetites. They enjoy a diet high in protein, but beef-based products should not be fed to these dogs as it is hard on their digestive systems. Lamb or chicken-based products are usually the suggested protein, and grains are not good for them. While Dobermans should be fed a hearty amount, overfeeding them should be avoided at all costs.

  7. A French bulldog can eat meat, although some bulldogs may have meat allergies to watch out for. Salmon and other types of fish may be an ideal substitute. Just like many people, some French bulldogs have allergies to gluten, and oats may be a better option for a healthy bulldog diet.

“Frenchies” can eat a well-prepared raw diet but are sensitive to many foods that may cause flatulence. These dogs require a well-planned diet that is balanced and nutritional.

  8. An English Mastiff is one of the largest dogs around and as such needs a diet that is rich in proteins such as beef, with high fiber foods included. Oats and barley are a good option for English Mastiffs, and feeding them potatoes can also help to keep them healthy and strong.

Many owners of large dogs tend to overfeed them, but this can be detrimental to the English Mastiff’s health. The right amount of proteins and fibers will ensure that the dog grows to its proper height and weight without needing overly excessive amounts of food.

  9. Great Danes are big dogs, but they often have sensitive stomachs and are easily susceptible to allergies. Taking care to avoid feeding them certain foods is important to their health and longevity. A diet with a 20-22% protein level with 15-19% fat level is suggested for Great Danes. Food that is high in poultry is good for Great Danes, but by-product based foods are not suggested for these large dogs.

Great Danes surprisingly will also enjoy eating yoghurt, cottage cheese, and carrots. High calcium foods and vitamins are an important part of a Great Dane’s diet. Great Danes are susceptible to heart problems, and providing them with a heart-healthy diet is key to their healthy and well-rounded nutrition.

 

  10. Golden Retrievers love food and require a healthy amount to keep them happy. While they should eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, their main source of food should be animal-based protein. Dogs are carnivores, and the Golden Retriever is no exception. Because Golden Retrievers love to eat they are not very choosy in what they eat, so it is easy to provide them with a rich nutritional diet with plenty of variety in meats.

Most dogs and especially Golden Retrievers should not eat foods such as onions, raisins, and nuts. Some of these foods contain toxins that can be harmful to the digestive system of a Golden Retriever; others are hard to digest and can cause discomfort and pain. Salty foods, chocolate, and avocado are other potentially dangerous foods for Golden Retrievers and other dogs.

 http://www.goldenretrieverstraining.com/foods-you-should-not-feed-your-dog/

Veterinary Specialities You may Not have Known Existed

Veterinarians play an essential part in the lives of animal lovers. The thought of having to take our companions, whatever species they are, to visit a vet is upsetting, but there is nobody better able to care for creatures great and small.

Whenever the pets we care for become ill or injured, a trip to our local vet is a priority, regardless of how difficult we may personally find it. Depending on the species of animal needing treatment, a specialist veterinarian may well be needed to provide medical aid.

While most pet-owners gravitate towards dogs and cats, US citizens welcome a huge variety of animals into their homes: reptiles, birds, and more. Small-animal vets are generally based in clinics or hospitals, whereas large-animal specialists travel to see patients at their home (whether this is a domestic setting, a farm, or a zoo).

Veterinary specialists focus on a particular clinical field, dedicated to treat specific species. In order to pursue a specialism, vets must have completed a one-year internship, or two years of practicing in a clinic, before being able to start a residency. Once qualified in a specialism, a vet can be consulted when a patient's condition demands a level of care exceeding that of a veterinarian working in a clinic or hospital.

There is a wide range of veterinary specialist areas, some of which you might not be aware of.

What Type of Vet Specialists are there?

The many veterinarian specialties cover numerous types of medicine, species, and treatment areas. These include obvious areas like cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, and chiropractic.

However, some of those you may not know about are:

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Equine

Equine vets specialize in the care of horses, and are responsible for diagnosing conditions, performing operations, and undertaking any other medical treatments as needed.

Equine veterinarians work with ranchers, horse breeders, competitive horse-owners, and others to keep these magnificent animals in the best of health. This may include performing internal and external examinations, with the former demanding the use of endoscopes.

An equine endoscope is used to investigate the stomach, airways, esophagus, and bladder. Like endoscopes used in human-specific procedures, an equine endoscope provides the vet operating the tool with a clear image of the horse's internal system on a video screen or monitor.

Using vet scopes, an equine specialist can identify any potential or existing problems in a horse's airways or esophagus, diagnosing the source of medical complaints affecting their health.

Preventive Medicine

Vets specializing in preventive medicine play a key part in the health of animals, focusing on the prevention of diseases and conditions. They will also help to promote good health in pets, giving carers the information they need to reduce the risk of their animals becoming ill.

Just as in human patients, trying to maintain a good level of health through proper nutrition and habits is very important.

Toxicology

Veterinarians specializing in toxicology focus on poisons affecting animals, particularly hazards to animals within their food and environment. This may relate to animals in domestic and wild settings, or both.

Veterinary toxicologists research these hazards in-depth, but not all dangers affect all species. As a result, vets may specialize in how toxins affect specific species or types, such as pets or working animals. Toxins cause damage in different ways, such as attacking the central nervous system, causing heart difficulties, and more.


Theriogenology

This branch of veterinary medicine is based around the act of reproduction. The physiology of both genders' reproductive systems and associated areas (gynecology, andrology) is incredibly important to this, with vets required to develop an exceptional level of knowledge on animals' breeding habits.

Parasitology

As the name suggests, this involves studying parasites affecting animals, particularly relationships between the parasites themselves and the hosts. Specialists in these areas will look into parasites affecting domestic and wild animals, covering the parasites' origins and developmental process.

Veterinarians specializing in parasitology use various research methods to identify, diagnose, and treat parasites. Information gathered in this process will also allow them to further prevent cases in the future, and in situations where a parasite may be transmitted from an animal to a human, public health will be considered just as important.

Regardless of the specialist area a veterinarian chooses to focus on, the dedication and focus demanded for this career is considerable. As a nation of animal-lovers, we place a great deal of faith in vets, and are willing to pay high fees to ensure the secure treatment of our pets. By allowing veterinarians to undertake additional training into diverse areas of treatment, the industry makes sure that professionals are always on hand to care for animals with a huge variety of medical issues.

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10 Eye-catching Rufous Colored Birds

Below is a list of Rufous-colored birds, where the color Rufous (reddish-brown) is the more prominent color of its plumage.

1. Rufous Hummingbird

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Described as one of the feistiest hummingbirds in North America, the Rufous hummingbird (Selasphorus rufus) is a fairly small hummingbird with short wings, and a slender, straight, black bill. Also known for their extraordinary flight skills, the species measures about 8–9 cm (3.2–3.7 in) long. Adult males are easily recognized by its bright Rufous (reddish-brown) overall with white breast and ear patch, vivid iridescent-red throat, and green shoulders. Females are green above, white belly and Rufous flanks.

2. Glossy Ibis

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The Glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) is a medium-sized wading bird averaging around 59.4 cm (23.4 in) with an 80–105 cm (31–41 in) wingspan. It is a striking bird with iridescent bronze and Rufous (red-brown overall) plumage, and shiny bottle-green wings and tail. It has a strongly down-curved bill and long black legs. The glossy ibis is widely distributed throughout most warm temperate and tropical regions of the world.

3. Ruddy Quail-Dove

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The Ruddy quail-dove (Geotrygon montana) is a medium-sized dove widespread in the tropical Americas. The species measures around 19–28 cm in length. The bird is distinguished by having Rufous overall with rust colored back, pale buff throat, streak under eye, and belly. Black tipped red bill, red legs and feet.

4. Rufous Motmot

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The Rufous motmot (Baryphthengus martii) is a large near-passerine bird measuring 46 cm (18 in) long and weighs 195 g (6.9 oz). It is the second largest and arguably the most spectacular of the motmots. The species is a resident breeder in rain forests from northeastern Honduras south to western Ecuador, northeastern Bolivia, and southwestern Brazil. It is mainly cinnamon-rufous, with a black face mask and iridescent patches of turquoise blue on its head. It has a greenish-blue underparts, green wings and flanks, and dark blue tail and flight feathers.

5. Chestnut Munia

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The Chestnut munia (Lonchura atricapilla), also known as Chestnut Muni, is a small Rufous (red-brown) finch found in Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Burma, Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. It is easily identified by the black head, Rufous (red-brown) body, light grey beak, and blue-gray eyering. This passerine bird averages 11–12 cm in length. Both sexes look alike - but only the male sings. Before 1995, it was the national bird of the Philippines, where it is known as mayang pula ("red maya").

6. Nankeen Night Heron

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The Nankeen night heron (Nycticorax caledonicus), also known as Rufous Night-Heron, is a medium, stocky heron found in Indonesia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Melanesia, and throughout much of Australia. The striking bird measures around 55–65 cm and weighs 550–1014 g. It is a thick-necked heron, with a stooped appearance. It has reddish-brown upperparts, white-buff underparts, a black crown and bill, as well as yellow legs and feet.

7. Ferruginous Hawk

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The Ferruginous hawk (Buteo regalis) is the largest of the North American Buteos. This species is a large, broad-winged hawk with white head, streaked, Rufous-red shoulders and back; pale rust, gray, or white tail and feathered legs. Adults measure from 51 to 69 cm (20 to 27 in) and weigh around 977–2074 g (34.5–73.2 oz).

8. Orchard Oriole

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The Orchard oriole (Icterus spurius) is the smallest North American orioles. The species averages 16 cm (6.3 in) long and weighs 20 g (0.71 oz). Adult males are black above and rich reddish-chestnut below. It has a black rounded head and throat; short, squared-off tail, and a straight, sharply pointed bill.

9. Philippine Eagle-Owl

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The Philippine eagle-owl (Bubo philippensis) is a vulnerable owl species endemic to the Philippines. It is one of the largest owls in the world, with an impressive wingspan of around 120 centimetres. Full grown averages 40–50 cm (16–20 in) in length. The plumage is predominantly Rufous coloured, Rufous-buff facial disc, tawny-Rufous crown, small ear-tufts and huge yellow eyes.

10. Rufous Woodpecker

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The Rufous woodpecker, (Micropternus brachyurus) is a reddish brown woodpecker found in South Asia. It is a medium-sized bird with a short crest, slightly curved black bill and reddish eye. Adults average 21–25 cm (8.3–9.8 in) long and weigh between 55–114 g (1.9–4.0 oz).

The New Breakthrough in Racehorse Scoping

Racehorses are amazing creatures: strong, fast, in incredible shape. Considering the exertion they undergo on a regular basis, keeping them in the best possible fitness and condition is vital: this means they need to be given comprehensive examinations time and again.

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The most common areas of concern for racehorses are gastric and respiratory issues which will affect their ability to perform as they're trained to. Before a horse is purchased, or judged in a contest, vets or judges will want to assess their condition. How do they do this?

Vet Scopes – Exploring the Equine Respiratory System

For a long time, upper respiratory problems in horses were assessed through physical examinations involving treadmill-based and resting endoscopy. However, today, vets can get a clearer, more in-depth idea to form a diagnosis thanks to videoendoscopy – more specifically, dynamic videoendoscopy (DVE).

Videoendoscopy has been a fairly standard procedure in people for a long time now, used as a non-invasive alternative to exploratory surgery which can be costly, time-consuming, and traumatic for the body. When doctors need to diagnose conditions or locate the source of pain or unusual activity, they can use videoscopes to assess the patient's insides without needing to cut into the body itself.

As the health and fitness of racehorses needs to be checked on a regular basis, videoendoscopy is now a common method of checking racehorses' respiratory tract. DVE allows vets to identify and diagnose dynamic obstructions: previous endoscoping techniques had only allowed vets to assess respiratory problems while the horse was resting, using a treadmill (which doesn't offer identical circumstances as being out on a track, with a rider), or immediately after exercise. This means certain conditions or issues would remain undetected.

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Fitting an Equine Scope – Is it as Difficult as you May Think?

DVE should be preceded by a thorough exploration of the horse's history, to help ascertain how many races it has run, how many times it may have experienced injuries, its age, its diet – all the pertinent information. The videoendoscopy should be performed with the horse's usual rider, too, for the most accurate results.

This procedure should be given to a horse with no sedation for optimal accuracy, as some sedatives can affect the functions of the respiratory system. As the equine scope is inserted through the nostril, some horses may become agitated during the process, and knowing how a horse will react beforehand can be very difficult – so preparation is key.

To prevent the horse flinching and causing disruption to the procedure, using a neck or nose twitch is generally recommended, with sedation used only if the horse is demonstrating extreme resistance towards insertion. Using videoendoscopy during exercise offers the vet a chance to listen to the respiratory functions, and to hear any potential abnormalities.

To get the most accurate results, the rider should exercise the horse to its usual degree – any less will not allow the vet to get an accurate reading and form a proper diagnosis (if needed). Racehorses undergoing DVE should perform at their usual racing distance and speed, perhaps with another horse acting as a lead to mimic the usual situation. The rider may be fitted with a GPS device to give the vet more data to better analyze the overall performance.

A standard DVE system features:

A flexible insertion tube (with a diameter of 9.8mm), including an LED-fitted head, which eliminates the requirement for a bulky separate light

A robust permanent virtual circuit box, carrying the vital electronics

A bridle system to fix the tube, fitting over the standard tack

A lavage system with a pump, bottle, and necessary tubing

A remote receiver video display, relaying real-time footage

Looking to the Future of Equine Scopes

The technology used in DVE is certainly impressive, allowing the vet to control the scope's position remotely, using either a keyboard or a joystick to maneuver it as needed; in some cases, the vet may transmit the footage from the tube to other professionals (even on a global level), using basic computer equipment.

However, as technology evolves, so too will the endoscoping process. ProScope Systems, a company selling refurbished endoscopes, has created the Magic View: this is an innovative portable equine scope designed to revolutionize the entire procedure.

As a horse prepared for purchase, for contest, or undergoing a check-up will likely experience the scoping procedure multiple times, this can cause them considerable discomfort, especially if the tube causes abrasions during insertion and removal. The Magic View (patent pending) is a non-invasive alternative which provides a clear view of the horse's insides without the pain or complications.

The Magic View equine scope uses an auto iris camera and a 3.5 inch display to image the horse's respiratory system. The Upper Airway Exercise Scope provides a wireless view, with a 11.1 millimeter insertion tube, and the Lower Airway scope has a 10.5 millimeter diameter; for deeper examinations, the system includes a three-meter gastro scope.

Without the trauma of a thick scope entering their system, the horse will receive a thorough physical check in a more comfortable manner. There is 160GB internal storage for capturing plenty of footage (up to 40 hours can be recorded), and the scope itself is easily expandable. As more and more vets begin to use the Magic View, the risks involved with scoping – causing injury and distress to the horse, especially during multiple procedures – will be eliminated, and the process will be much quicker and easier.

More information on the Magic View can be found here, and it will be interesting to see how its arrival on the market redefines the process of videoendoscoping for racehorses in years to come.

About the author:

Kyle McManus is a freelance writer based in the UK.

10 Stunning Glow-in-the-Dark Animals

Whether to lure mates, detect prey, or to escape from predators, these bioluminescent animals glow in the dark. Check them out and learn how they do it.

1. Firefly

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Fireflies or lightning bugs are nocturnal beetles comprising the family Lampyridae. There are about 2,000 extant species of firefly.

Everyone knows how fireflies got their name, but many people don't know how the insects produce their signature glow. The answer is that fireflies have dedicated light organs situated below their abdomens. As oxygen enters into the abdomen, it combine with an organic compound called luciferin. A chemical reaction takes place and gives off the familiar yellow-green glow of a firefly.

This spectacular Glow-in-the-Dark insect can regulate the airflow into the abdomen producing a blinking pattern. Fireflies use their glow to attract mates.

2. Antarctic Krill

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Do Antarctic krill really glow in the dark at sea? How do they do this?

Yes, Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba) often referred to as light-shrimp really do glow in the dark. They have photophores ("light spots") along their sides, their ventral surface (facing downward), and beneath their eyes. These photophores produce a blueish-purple light using a special chemical reaction common to many light producing animals.

3. Green Bomber Worm

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Thousands of feet beneath the sea live segmented worms that can release green glowing body parts! This kind of glow-in-the-dark ability is called bioluminescence. In 2009, scientists found a new kind of glowing animal, a swimming worm. They call it a Green bomber worm (Swima bombiviridis).

To escape from predators, the "swimming green bomb" release little balloons of skin filled with a fluid that glows green. The glowing skin distracts predators, which allows the green bombers to swim away.

4. Crystal Jelly

The Crystal jelly (Aequorea Victoria) is a brightly luminescent jelly, with glowing points around the margin of the umbrella. When disturbed or threatened, it emits give a green-blue glow under special lighting because of more than 100 tiny, light-producing organs surrounding their outer bell. This emission of light comes from its ability to release calcium (Ca2) very quickly, which interacts with the photoprotein aequorin. Crystal jelly is able to glow in order to send a threat to its enemies. However, this jellyfish does not glow if it is not underwater.

5. Scorpion

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Scorpions are known to glow a vibrant neon blue when exposed to ultraviolet (‘black’) light. This transformation is due to the presence of several chemicals, including beta-carboline, that cause it to glow under UV light. Scientists still can't figure out the reasons why scorpions glow. Perhaps to lure their prey, byproducts of normal chemical reactions or to attract mates. one thing is sure, scorpions lose this ability temporarily when they shed their skins, but gradually regain it after their molts.

6. New Zealand Glowworm

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The New Zealand glowworms (Arachnocampa luminosa) are the larvae (maggots) of a special kind of fly known as a fungus gnat. They are found found only in the dark and damp areas of New Zealand, particularly the Waitomo Caves. The species construct a glowing canopy or a snare of sticky threads as they hang down to the ceilings or walls of caves. As night descends, they glow a radiant blue color to lure unsuspecting prey.

The glow-worm’s tail-light shines from an organ which is the equivalent of a human kidney. All insects have this organ but the glow-worm has a unique ability to produce a blue-green light from it.

The chemical reaction that produces the light consumes a lot of oxygen. An airbag surrounds the light organ, providing it with oxygen and acting as a silvery reflector to concentrate the light. The New Zealand glowworm can glow at all stages of its life cycle (except as an egg), but the larva has the brightest light.

7. Flashlight Fish

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The Flashlight fish (Photoblepharon palpebratus) is a nocturnal fish of the Indo-Pacific. The species is well known for the photophores (light emitting organ) found under its eye, which harbours bioluminescent bacteria, allowing them to produce an eerie glow when seen in the dark. The fluorescent white to bluish-green glow is used to navigate, lure prey, communicate with one another and avoid predators.

8. Firefly Squid

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The Firefly squid (Watasenia Scintillans) or the sparkling enope squid is found throughout the western Pacific Ocean. It gets its name from the flashing lights that resemble those of a firefly.

This spectacular glow-in-the-dark squid is equipped with special light-producing organs called photophores. Each tentacle has a photophore attached to it, which emits a deep blue light. The lights can be flashed in unison or alternated in an endless number of animated patterns. When flushed, the Firefly squid can even control these lights to scare off other predators, communicate with other members of its species, or lure in prey!

9. Clusterwink Snail

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Terrestrial snails produce a glowing light from their foot to attract mates. But the Clusterwink snail (Hineas Brasiliana) is the first discovered to use the shell-flashing trick as a form of self-defense. This sea snail can flicker their spiral shells like dim, blue-green light bulbs. It emits bright blue-green flashes of light like an alarm when other creatures rub past its shell. The light is produced from the mantle tissue and shines through the pale translucent shell, which acts to diffuse the light so that the whole shell glows.

10. Sierra luminous millipedes

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The eight species of millipedes in the genus Motyxia are the only millipedes that glow in the dark. Emission of a greenish-blue light is uniform across the exoskeleton, and all the appendages (legs, antennae) and body rings emit light. Luminescence is generated by means of molecules called photoproteins which generate light upon combination with oxygen or other oxidizing agents. These bugs use bioluminescence as a defence strategy to outwit predators, according to a new study.

10 Exotic Animals With Unexpected Colors

Yes, you read it right! Here is a list of animals that are naturally blessed and dressed with striking color that make them truly stand out from the rest.

White Peacock

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The White peacock (Pavo cristatus mut. alba) is not considered albino because it is simply just white. This elegant-looking bird is actually a subspecies of the Indian Blue Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) created by a genetic mutation. The species does not possess the albino gene. It has overall white plumage, blue eyes and can mate to produce white offspring. On the other hand, Albino peacock has a weaker feather structure and pink eyes. Albino peacocks, even if successful at mating, would not automatically produce white offspring.

Red Velvet Ant

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The Red Velvet ant (Dasymutilla occidentalis), also called Cow killer ant, is a wasp that resembles an ant. These critters are mostly found in Eastern and Western US. They are black overall and the body is densely covered with short, soft hair. Velvet ants are brightly coloured.

Aside from red, shades of red and black or yellow and brown hair overlay the body. The males have two pairs of transparent black wings. The females are wingless, and are often confused with ants. The females have a very toxic sting, but males do not sting.

Nicobar Pigeon

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The Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica) is a pigeon mainly found in South East Asia and the Pacific, from the Indian Nicobar Islands east towards Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Papua New Guinea. The species is the closest living relative of the extinct dodo and is classified as Near Threatened.

A large, mainly ground-dwelling bird, the Nicobar pigeon measures 40 cm (16 in) in length. The body-weight is around 600 g. The bird's striking appearance features a metallic green back and wings, dark blackish grey with a silvery purple bloom head and chest feathers and a very short white tail. The feet are purplish red with yellow or buff claws.

Pink Katydid

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Normally katydids are green and somewhat leaf-shaped, but there is an extremely rare Pink katydid. The pink coloration is the result of erythrism -- a rare genetic mutation that either leads to excessive production of red pigment or the absence of normal pigment. Little is known about pink katydids.

Rainbow Grasshopper

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The Rainbow grasshopper (Dactylotum bicolor), also known as the painted grasshopper, is a species of grasshopper in the family Acrididae. The species is widespread in North America and northern Mexico. It is mainly black with distinctive bold color pattern - reddish and yellowish markings, a pale green prothorax and pale green wingpads. Adults grow to an average length of about 20 mm (0.8 in) for males and 35 mm (1.4 in) for females. Rainbow grasshopper does not develop wings and is unable to fly.

Pink Orchid Mantis

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The Pink orchid mantis (Hymenopus coronatus), also known Walking flower mantis, is a mantis native to Malaysia and Indonesia. This master of disguise orchid mantis got its name because it resembles the flower of an orchid. The four walking legs resemble flower petals. This clever insect also changes color from pink to brown according to its environment.

Halloween Crab

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The Halloween crab (Gecarcinus quadratus), also known as red land crab, moon crab, or harlequin land crab, is a colourful land crab found in mangrove, sand dunes and the coastal rainforests of Central America. The species has a dark brown upper carapace, a bright orange-red body and limbs and purple claws. Also, it has a pair of yellow, orange or reddish spots behind the eyes. Two bright yellow to white, triangular 'eyes' decorate the front of the upper carapace, while there are two white spots at the rear of the carapace.

Purple Snail

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The Violet snail (Janthina janthina), also known as purple bubble raft snail, is a marine gastropod that spends its entire life cycle floating freely on the ocean surface in warm seas. The Violet sea snail inhabits the ocean surface by secreting a raft of mucus bubbles to keep it afloat. The species is often found blown ashore by strong winds.

Violet snail is easily recognized by its almost smooth, shell - light purple at the narrow top and a darker purple on the ventral side. Its shell is 3-4 cm in size. The snail's large head has a long cylindrical snout on a very flexible neck. Its body ranges from dark purple to black. Violet snails are born males but become females over time.

Indian Bull Frog

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The Indian bullfrog or Asian bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus tigerinus) is a large frog found in the wetlands of South and South East Asia. This striking frog has pointed snout, long hind limbs and entirely webbed toes. During most of the season, they are a dull olive-green colour and have dark irregular markings. But during the mating season, its appearance can change dramatically. A male Indian Bullfrog will turn bright yellow except for the vocal sacs, which turn bright blue.

Black Rooster

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The Black Rooster (Ayam Cemani) is a rare breed of chicken native to Indonesia. This breed of chicken is characterized by its ink-black feathers that shimmer with a metallic sheen of beetle green and purple. Even its beak, meat, bones and internal organs are black. Ayam Cemani is referred to as the “Lamborghini of poultry.”