We think we’re the most attractive species. Or at least those of us who are well-adjusted do. But it would be hubris to forget the fact that apart from a few rogue dogs and excited farm animals, animals basically universally opt for their own species when it comes to sexual activity.

Of course, a lot of this has to do with biology. There are fundamental barriers here: we will never really understand why one hagfish takes another to bed. Yet life goes on.

Yes, it’s a big wide world out there, with many odd looking organisms. And while we should seek professional help if we feel sexually attracted to them, we would be remiss not to enjoy the spectacle of their appearance. Here are a few of those spectacles.

Anolis Aquaticus

Better known (although still not that widely) as a water anole, this natively Costa Rican lizard has a lot of fast predators. Not particularly speedy itself, the lizard has adapted to go (and stay) where its ops can’t follow. Anolis forms an air bubble around its head that it uses to store air and prolong its dives, which can last upwards of fifteen minutes. A scuba diving lizard. Generally green and brown in color, the Anolis can alter its color selectively, and at certain angles appears chrome.

Akhal-Teke

​​The Akhal-Teke is a rare horse breed from Turkmenistan. Their shining metallic-sheen coats earned them the nickname ‘Golden Horses.’ Also known for their speed, endurance, and intelligence, it is no surprise that these are some of the most expensive horses one can own. One Chinese billionaire has spent over 300 million on them since 2009.

Chrysina Limbata

Another Costa Rica native, the Chrysina Limbata is a species of scarab beetle from the ‘shining leaf chafers’ subfamily. Picky in habitat, the beetle is found only in mid-altitude forests.

Like most beetles, the Limbata’s shell is constructed of chitin. Like basically no other beetles, this chitin shell is ‘chirped’ (a technical mirror-related term referring to depth difference which creates different wavelength reflection), and creates the shiny metallic color it is known for. If you think it looks cool now, imagine being the zoologists who found it in the 1800s, or the probably many people who knew about its existence far before then.

Flatid Planthopper Nymph

Flatid Planthopper Nymphs cover themselves in waxy filaments as a form of protection which is shed along with their last juvenile molt, revealing a sleek, gossamer-winged adult.

Peacock Spider

Many of us would like to consider our minds colorful. The Peacock Spider, whose mind is like the size of a grain of sand, does much more than most of us to give this appearance. What appears to be a sort of big brain is actually an abdomen-based flap on which colorful scales are bordered by white hairs.

This visual interest is to the ends that it often is in the animal kingdom: mating. Of course, for the multi-colored display to mean anything, potential mates have to be able to see it. They can, thanks to the fact that the Peacock Spiders have evolved to reach the physical upper limit of optical resolution for their size, and can see the entire visible light spectrum. They can also jump 40 times their body height, and that’s only when they’re observed.

The Harpy Eagle

One of the largest eagles out there. Huge talons, and strong enough in the air to snatch sloths out of trees. Plenty striking when it is calm, the Harpy Eagle flares its head feathers in states of agitation, expanding the appearance of its head and creating a nightmarish spirit mask look.

Orchid Mantis

Known by several names, and only one of several ‘flower mantis’ types, the Orchid Mantis resembled a flower in more than appearance. They sway in the breeze, mimicking the gentle movements of flowers in the wind. It’s the lethal sort of camo rather than the self-preserving sort: the Orchid Mantis preys on unsuspecting pollinators drawn to either the real flowers it positions itself near, the fake ones that are really the mantid’s hind legs, or the small black dot on its abdomen that is meant to mimic a small fly.

Unsurprisingly, insect breeders go crazy for these things, and they can cost upwards for seventy dollars. Some people keep them as pets, which is probably socially unadvisable.

Vietnamese Mossy Treefrogs

Vietnamese Mossy Tree Frogs. Known for their mottled green and brown skin that resembles moss growing on rocky surfaces. This forms an effective camouflage against predators, especially when the frog is crouched in water with only its eyes protruding. You’ve got to wonder how this one was discovered in the first place.

Tripod Fish

Also known as the ‘stilt walker’ this fish obviously resides close to the sea-floor. Found at depths of up to 6000 meters, poised on its tripod, the Bathypterois Grallator uses tactile sense to locate food.

It’s lonely at these sorts of depths, so it’s a good thing that in addition to its tripod, these fish have both male and female sex organs, and can reproduce without mating.

Canadian Lynx

Beautiful like most lynx, this variety has developed broad paws to distribute their weight and aid in navigating their snowy environments. Snowshoe-like function, hilarious to look at. Less hilarious are their shrieking screams, which they let loose when they encounter each other during mating season.

Giant Phantom Jellyfish

Said to have been seen only 110 (ish) times in the last 110 years, but also apparently widespread in the deep oceans of the world, the elusive Giant Phantom Jellyfish is a terrifying reminder of how little we know about our seas.

Residing largely in the ‘Midnight Zone,’ the Phantom Jellyfish is one of the world’s largest invertebrate predators. And nightmare fuel.

Image curation by Carly Mills