Cute But Armed...!

Nature has some fairly unique ways of helping critters defend themselves. This cutie is one of those cases!

Despite the cute name, this little rascal is pretty smart when it comes to self defense. Not something I would want to tangle with!

The Teddy Bear Crab Makes Living Weapons

The teddy bear crab is a small crustacean covered in bushy, white bristles. While a furry crab is curious enough, the species Polydectus cupulifer also has an unusual behavior. It picks up stinging anemones, one in each claw, and wields them as weapons. The crab doesn’t just stand there looking like a miniature yeti with red pain-pompoms, though. It can tell which anemones are useful, and turns the anemone around so it can grip it from the right angle. Then, the crab is able to strike with just the right part of its weapon.

The anemone isn’t just something to attack predators with, either—it’s also a food source. The crab will happily collect food from its “companions,” even going so far as to reach inside the anemone’s digestive system to pull out anything the anemone has already eaten.

Maybe I'm wrong, but it seems to me that the crab has this whole Surviving thing down pretty pat! I had never heard of this guy until I ran across him over at Listverse!Thanks to them, I learn something new every day!

Coffee out on the patio this morning. Moving to the high 50's already and high 60's later, so seems safe to be outside!