6 Animals with Very Strange Names

While some animals are known for their looks, others are known because of their strange names. Some of these names sound unbelievable and made-up, but these are actual names of certain species in the wild.

Wunderpus Photogenicus

Although it sounds like a magic spell, these are actually a rare octopus specie that’s found in the shallow waters of Bali and Sulawesi north, the Philippines and east to Vanuatu. They’re characterized by their long arms and small eyes located on an elongated stalk. Every specimen has a different spot pattern so it’s easy for researchers to identify individuals.

Spiny Lumpsucker

These little suckers use their pelvic fins, which have evolved into an adhesive disc, and stick themselves into surfaces like rocks in the sea bed. They’re mainly found in cold waters, specifically around the North Pacific, north Atlantic and Arctic. Their coloration makes it perfect of them to camouflage while they stick to rocks and they spend most of their time in the near or on the bottom of the water.

Pleasing Fungus Beetle

There are around 1,800 species of pleasing fungus beetle that are known. Also known as erotylidae, they live off fungal material and plants. They’re known to be important pollinators, however, some sub-species have been tagged as pest. Most of the pleasing fungus beetles are inoffensive insects that have little significance or threat to humans.

Pink Fairy Armadillo

It’s real and it exists. It’s also cute and furry, making it a hot choice as an exotic pet. They’re commonly seen in central Argentina and areas around it. They have two large set of claws, for their hind and front limbs, which they use to burrow. They live off ants, small insects and worms.

Raspberry Crazy Ant

They might have a cute name, but these ants are known to be an invasive species that originally came from South America. They’re turning into a big problem in parts of the southeast United States and Texas. These ants got their name from Tom Raspberry, an exterminator who first noticed them back in 2002.

Tasseled Wobbegong

This is a one-of-a-kind specie of carpet shark that’s commonly seen in waters around Australia and New Guinea. The Tasseled Wobbegong is a carpet shark, which are named after the ornate and detailed patterns on their skin that resembles carpets. They spend most of their time hiding near rocks in the sea beds which makes the patterns on their skin helpful for camouflage.