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
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The Old City of Bern
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In praise of bogs, swamps, and marshes
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A glittering diamond in the rough
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Big Bend National Parks birthday
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Hezké svátky
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Reflections on Memorial Day
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Ingenuity in action on the Santa Monica Pier
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Bernina Pass, Graubünden, Switzerland
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Travel Sunday: Liverpool
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Life carries on, rising from a ship s skeleton
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Beech trees and wild anemones, Jutland, Denmark
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A river runs through it
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Old Fortress, Corfu, Greece
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National Cherry Blossom Festival
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Diwali
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Union Square, Manhattan
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World Meteorological Day
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Let’s celebrate
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Just another day in paradise
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Après-ski in the Dolomites
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Celebrating the Day of the Dead
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Winter Olympics in Beijing