Ghost Slug

Selonochlamys ysbryda

The Ghost Slug is a relatively new species to science, having only been discovered in 2006. Similar slugs had been previously found in Turkey and Georgia, so the discovery of this little guy in Wales was quite interesting! It's species name, S. ysbryda, means "ghost" in Welsh.

Ghost Slugs are interesting because unlike most other slugs, they are carnivores. These guys feed off worms, cutting them up with their teeth and sucking them down. They hunt at night and live underground, sporting pale white skin and no external eyes.

Ghost Slugs may have arrived in Wales via potted plants, as they have only been found in gardens and similar areas. It is still unknown if they are actually an alien species. Biologists are collecting information from residents to help them learn more about Ghost Slugs. An identification guide can even be found on their website.

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IUCN Status : Not Listed

Location : Europe

Size : Length 2.5in (6.5cm)

Classification : Phylum : Mollusca -- Class : Gastropoda -- Superfamily : Parmacelloidea
Family : Trigonochlamydidae -- Genus : Selenochlamys -- Species : S. ysbryda

Pekingese

Malachy the Pekingese

The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show took place earlier this week, and they crowned a tiny ball of fur named Malachy as the Best in Show. The toy breed, known as a Pekingese, is one of the oldest breeds of dog out there! (And no, they don't always have fur that crazy!)

The Pekingese originated in China some 2,000 years ago, and their name derives from the former name of Beijing, Peking. Their flat face gives them a strong resemblance to the Guardian Lions, and they are considered to be one of the "Foo Dogs," along with breeds such as the Chow Chow and Shar Pei.

Early 20th Century Pekingese

Pekingese were kept exclusively by members of the Chinese nobility for hundreds and hundreds of years. Stealing one was actually a crime punishable by death! The first of the dogs to leave China didn't do so until 1860, when British troops occupied the Forbidden City during the Opium Wars. Five Pekingese were found within the palace, and were sent back to England to live with members of the British aristocracy. One of the five even went to Queen Victoria. Additional Pekingese left China as gifts from the Dowager Empress Cixi during the end of the 19th century. Famous recipients of these dogs include J.P. Morgan and Alice Roosevelt, daughter of Theodore Roosevelt.

The breed was recognized by the AKC in 1906, and was placed within the Toy Group. Pekingese are described as being brave, intelligent, and independent dogs, but they can be difficult to housebreak. Not every Pekingese has that long, perfectly placed coat. That hairstyle is the one favored for confirmation; many house pets have shorter, spaniel-like coats. Regardless of length, the Pekingese has a double coat and will need to be brushed frequently.

And to wrap today's article up, check out this Slideshow of the Westminster Winner. It reminds me that under all that fur and impeccable grooming, a champion show dog is just like any other puppy happy to get a treat.

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Status : Domesticated
Location : China
Size : Height up to 9in (22cm), Weight must be under 14lbs (6.3kg)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Carnivora
Family : Canidae -- Genus : Canis -- Species : C. lupus -- Subspecies : C. l. familiaris

Morganucodon

Morganucodon

Meet some of the very first mammal-like creatures, members of the genus Morganucodon. Fossils of these tiny rodent-resembling animals have been found across Europe, Asia, and North America.

Morganucodon is named for Glamorgan, Wales, where it was first discovered in 1941. The remains date back over 200 million years, to the late Triassic period! For some perspective, that is over 100 million years before T-Rex even showed up!

Members of the genus are so interesting because they have both mammalian and reptilian characteristics, though they are classified as mammals. They have hair and teeth like mammals, but their lower jaw is reptilian. They also laid eggs and had venomous spurred feet like modern Platypuses do! Morganucodon ate insects and was most likely nocturnal, based on the eye size.

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Status : Extinct for 200 million years
Location : Europe, Asia, North America
Size : Body Length around 4in (10cm)

Classification : Phylum : Chordata -- Class : Mammalia -- Order : Morganucodonta
Family : Morganucodontidae -- Genus : Morganucodon