Lumbricus castaneus may be one of my favorite local earthworm species for its small size, active nature, and strong iridescence, which varies in color from deep blue to yellowish green.

BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE

A new Rain Frog (Anura: Brevicipitidae; Breviceps) from the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, South Africa

du Preez, Minter, et al.

ABSTRACT

Breviceps, an African genus of fossorial frogs, comprises 20 species most of which occur in South Africa. In this study we describe a new species that differs morphologically from its closest congener Breviceps verrucosus, in the position of the mouth and relative size of the inner and outer metatarsal tubercles. Its taxonomic status as a separate species is placed beyond doubt by very significant differences in the structure of the advertisement call and substantial genetic divergence (7.5% uncorrected p-distance) in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. This study demonstrates the value of an integrative approach in taxonomy and that, when assessing the reliability of distribution data, it is better to err on the side of caution.

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European wild pig Sus scrofa scrofa

Appearances can be deceiving. 👀 Though it may look like a close relative of rabbits or mice, the bush hyrax (Heterohyrax brucei) is actually more closely related to manatees and elephants! All three animals are members of the clade Paenungulata. And just as in elephants, the hyrax’s front incisors grow continuously to form tusks. Unlike its larger cousins, this small mammal only weighs about 10 lbs (4.5 kg). It inhabits rocky areas, and can be found in parts of Africa including Egypt and Angola. 

Red-spotted Slipper Lobster (Parribacus holthuisi), family Scyllaridae, found in the South Pacific