Nature has a stranger side full of fascinating oddities and mysteries unseen. Science Source offers an incredible collection of microscopic and macroscopic stock photos showcasing some of the planet's most peculiar animals. Here are a few standouts.
Gallery of Extraordinarily Strange Animals
This species of Grimpoteuthis, or flapjack octopus, is a deep water species. © Dante Fenolio / Science Source
Flapjack Octopus
With its round, cartoonish body, the flapjack octopus looks like it belongs in an animated movie. Found in deep-sea environments, this quirky creature flattens itself on the ocean floor, giving it its iconic name.
Star-Nosed Mole (Condylura cristata) Alpena County, Michigan. © Rod Planck / Science Source
Star-Nosed Mole
The star-nosed mole's 22 fleshy snout appendages give it an alien-like appearance. These sensitive "tentacles" help it navigate the darkness of its underground habitat.
Axolotl
MEXICAN AXOLOTL Ambystoma mexicanum Neotenic (reproductive) larva. © Stephen Dalton / Science Source
This "walking fish" remains in its larval stage its entire life and can regenerate limbs. With feathered gills and translucent skin, the axolotl is a scientific marvel.
Tardigrade
Water bear (Macrobiotus sapiens) in moss. © Eye of Science / Science Source
Microscopic but incredibly resilient, tardigrades can survive the most extreme environments, even space!
Frilled Lizard
Frilled lizard (Chlamydosaurus kingii) with frill fully extended in threat display. © B. G. Thomson / Science Source
The frilled lizard is famous for the dramatic, prehistoric-looking frill around its neck, which it displays when threatened.
Glass frog (Centrolenella sp.) with eggs. Costa Rica. © Dr. Paul A. Zahl / Science Source
Glass Frog
With translucent skin revealing their internal organs, glass frogs are as eerie as they are beautiful. Their ability to blend into their surroundings makes them almost invisible to predators.
Fangtooth moray eel (Enchelycore anatina). © Alex Mustard/NaturePL / Science Source
Fangtooth Moray Eel
The fangtooth moray eel’s serpentine body and menacing fangs makes it a creature of nightmares.
These are just a few examples of the extraordinary creatures in Science Source's vast stock photo library. Whether its for science, education, or creative projects, we have the perfect content for your project.