Echidna

In Greek mythology it’s a “she viper” who mothered every single horrible monster in Greek myths. And looking at this horrid creature, it’s no surprise why this animal got this name. It is a mammal that lays eggs, eats ants, and is covered with spines (and you thought the platypus was weird). They have snouts that function as both the nose and the mouth. The male echidna has a penis with 4 heads, although 2 never fully mature. It’s basically what would happen if an anteater and a hedgehog mated… only uglier.

Almiqui

The almiqui is a mammal that looks like a rat with a long, naked, scaly tail. It is apparently aware of its extreme ugliness and went into hiding long ago. A hundred years ago some thought the almiqui had become extinct, but back in 2003 it was discovered the almiqui still lived. As if its looks weren’t enough to keep you away, its saliva is venomous. Fortunately, it’s believed they only live in Cuba.

Tarsier

Usually when people or animals have large eyes, it makes them appear extra cute. Well, here’s the exception to that rule. This Southeast Asian primate has eyes so big, just one eye ball is the same size as their brain. They have elongated fingers, with their middle finger being as long as their arms.  Not only are these guys ugly, they are apparently too stupid to evolve. Fossil records of tarsiers go back 45 million years… and according to scientists, they pretty much looked the same back then (I guess their key to species survival was to be so ugly, they made dinosaurs lose their appetites). I’m wondering if the tarsier was the inspiration behind Gollum in Lord of the Rings…or maybe Yoda.

Opossum

These buggers are so ugly, its first letter left in protest. The letter “O” refuses to be associated with this animal and that is the real reason why we pronounce them “possum”. Opossum have more teeth than any other land mammal and are almost completely immune to the venom of several deadly snakes. They cannot possibly be of terrestrial origin. I suspect aliens… or maybe alien spies?

Image via Wikipedia

Naked Mole Rat

For anyone who’s watched the Disney Channel, you may be aware of the cute and precocious naked mole rat named Rufus, the pet of Ron Stoppable in the Kim Possible cartoon. While Rufus may be incredibly precious, don’t be fooled! One look at a real naked mole rat may possibly scar you for life.

Warning. Scroll down only if you dare.

Image by livescience.com