There are certain natural wonders that are so unusual they are hard to believe. Flowers are already awe-inspiring in themselves, but there are some breeds that look remarkably like animals. Conversely, there are creatures that actually resemble some of the most beautiful blooms. Here are just a few examples of these strange living things that resemble one another:
Critters that mimic flowers:
The scientific name for flower animals, anthozoa, makes sense: It stems from the Greek words for both animals and flowers, according to Discovery news. It’s a fitting name considering these sea creatures look much like flowers during their initial phases of growth. The source reported that their relatives, which date back at least 570 million years, are one of the most ancient types of animals on the planet.
The star-nosed mole appears to have a pink flower blooming from its snout – meaning when it emerges from the ground by its nose, it looks like a growing plant. PBS noted that this creature is blind, but tentacles on its nose give it heightened sensory perception. In fact, every tentacle has nearly 25,000 tiny touch receptors, one of which can even sense microscopic texture, helping the animal to quickly evaluate prey.
Star-nosed mole. Photo credit:Discovery News
While butterflies are typically known for their vibrant hues and designs that resemble beautiful flowers, the pale tussock caterpillar could easily be confused for a yellow blossom. This “flower disguise,” according to Discovery, serves as a caution to other creatures so that they don’t eat it. Once it transitions into a moth, the electric colors fade into neutral brown and beige shades.
There are some stunning blossoms that look like animals as well.
Don’t be fooled by the exotic petals of a lionfish. According to Discovery News, this venomous fish may look like an innocent exotic flower, but its spikes are actually filled with poison. Its electric colors are meant to warn other creatures of the lionfish’s potential danger.
The flower hat jellyfish is another sea creature that resembles a flower. Discovery News noted that its tentacles, which mimic petals, are able to trap smaller fish and sting them.
Flowers that mimic critters:
Animals and insects aren’t the only ones that can fool you with their appearance – flowers also sometimes take on the appearance of animals.
Incredible Things cited the monkey orchid as one example. This white and lavender flower, which only grows at high altitudes on the mountainsides of Peru and Ecuador, looks almost identical to a primate. It’s awe-inspiring nature doesn’t stop there, though: Once it blooms, it gives off the aroma of a ripe orange.
You might be hesitant to touch a bee orchid, and with good reason: This blossom, which is found in England and Ireland, looks as if a female bumblebee has landed on a pink flower. However, Before It’s News explained that this is simply the plant’s tactic to attract male bees, which will flock to the bloom, pick up its pollen and spread it elsewhere.
The white egret orchid has the same grace as the bird after which it is named. In fact, Before It’s News noted that with white petals that look like feathery wings, it almost looks like the flower is about to take flight. That’s not the only one, either. The news outlet reported that the flying duck orchid, which grows in Australia and typically reaches approximately 19.68 inches, resembles a mid-air mallard.
You’ll have to look closer to find the creature hiding within the holy ghost orchid, though. Before It’s News noted that if you peer inside the petals, you’ll find what looks like a whole bird sitting inside of it.
Source: Teleflora – Animals and Flowers that Resemble Each Other
