Today we"re meeting one of a motley group of sea slugs called the nudibranchs (rhymes with "thanks"), known for their unique, often complex shapes and neon-bright colors that help discourage predators. The Spanish shawl"s fire-orange mane is made up of tendrils called cerata that mainly act as gills. But that mane also retains venom from the slug"s prey—sea anemones—treating any would-be devourers to a painful sting. Should a ravenous sea star disregard these defenses and get too close for comfort, the Spanish shawl has a Plan B: By flapping its whole 2- to 3-inch body like a gelatinous wing, the nudibranch can flutter into open water for a quick escape.
The stylish Spanish shawl
Today in History
More Desktop Wallpapers:
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Go Fly a Kite Day
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Don’t get lost in there
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Life goes on at the Beatles Ashram
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Is there a bug-egg emoji for this?
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Cordouan Lighthouse, France
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International Lighthouse Weekend
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Anniversary of Natural Bridges National Monument, Utah
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Iguazu Falls at the border of Argentina and Brazil
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Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia
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Christmas Bird Count turns 125
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Dunes at White Sands National Park, New Mexico
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Porto Cathedral, Portugal
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It s World Poetry Day
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A day of service for Dr. King
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Balloon Ascension Day
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Lavender field, Hertfordshire, England
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A prison fit for a count
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The Colosseum of Rome, Italy
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Shark Awareness Day
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Rooftops in the walled city of Urbino, Italy
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It’s Weihnachtsmarkt time!
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Forward-thinking women of history
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Dog days of summer
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Short-eared owl
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Amelia Earhart
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The migrating monarchs of Michoacán
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Last day of National Park Week
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Birds of the Drömling
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Megalong Valley, Blue Mountains National Park, Australia
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India Republic Day
Bing Wallpaper Gallery

