Art, obsession, and identity
When threatened, members of the pufferfish family are able to inflate themselves into a virtually inedible ball several times their normal size. Some are armed with large external spines that further provide a formidable defense against predators. And the coup de grâce? The majority of pufferfish species are toxic and number among the most poisonous vertebrates in the world.
The porcupine is the prickliest of rodents. Sharp spines, or quills, that protect them against predation serve as a sharp reminder that this animal is no quick snack.
One of the most recognized of spiky mammals, the hedgehog is densely covered with spines except for the underside, legs, face, and ears. When threatened, the hedgehog rolls itself into a near impregnable ball of thorns.
A small lizard native to Australia, the thorny devil is covered entirely with an intimidating array of conical spines.
Stingrays come in all shapes and sizes, and are among the ocean's most graceful residents. All are possessed of a barred spinal blade known as a stinger, which can deliver a painful jab.
Sometimes called the porcupines of the sea, sea urchins number an astonishing 950 species. Most of these prickly marine animals have two series of spines, primary (long) and secondary (short), distributed over the surface of the body. Some tropical sea urchin species are venomous.
With their exquisitely patterned shells, cone snails appear innocuous enough. But these colorful gastropods possess a harpoonlike tooth capable of injecting a potent neurotoxin that can be dangerous to humans.
The echidna, often called a "spiny anteater," is covered in course hair almost completely hidden by a blanket of hollow, barbless quills on its back and sides. When threatened out in the open, echidnas will adopt the same defensive strategy as that of the hedgehog.
The aptly named crown-of-thorns starfish is a sea star named for the spines that cover its body and arms. A visually stunning creature, this echinoderm is one of the largest starfish in the world.
Named after the armored mammal, the armadillo, this spiny tailed lizard endemic to the desert regions of South Africa has an unusual defensive mechanism: it rolls itself into a ball and takes its tail in its mouth. This posture accentuates its thick, thorny scales.
This bizarre-looking critter is a species of spider. Females are brightly colored with six prominent spines on their broad, hardened, shell-like abdomens. They are distributed worldwide in tropical and subtropical climates.
As well as its distinctive kite-shaped body, the thornback ray is distinguished by its blotchy brown or gray back and the collection of 'thorns' on its back and tail.
Jellyfish have stinging cells in their tentacles called cnidocytes. Each cell contains a spiky barb, which is coiled and sensitive to touch. In fact, many jellyfish species can give a nasty sting, including the compass jellyfish.
Endemic to Australia, these incredible insects mimic the leaves on which they feed. Female adults are covered with thorn-like spikes for defense and camouflage.
The three horns found on the heads of adult males lend this species of chameleon a truly imposing character. The saw-tooth shaped dorsal ridge only reinforces its alarming appearance.
Native to Mexico and the Southwest United States, the regal horned lizard certainly looks like it can take care of itself, its body studded with spikes. But this lizard's main defense is the ability to squirt blood from its eyes!
Beware the saddleback caterpillar. The larva of a species of moth native to eastern North America, the saddleback is colorful and dangerous, the spines on its body attached to poison glands.
Native to part of continental Europe, gypsy moth caterpillars are recognized by their long, hair-like setae that resemble bristling wire. They can also be identified by a row of distinctive blue and red spots.
The lionfish is an attractive but invasive predator easily identified by conspicuous warning coloration with red or black bands, and showy fins armed with venomous spines.
Also known as the Indonesian forest dragon, this large reptile is cloaked in large scales and a spine of intimidating, canine-like barbs.
This diminutive member of the leaf beetle family is more at home on the Mediterranean coast. But in 2022 it was found in the United Kingdom for the first time. While only a few millimeters across, the insect is easily identified by its ruby-red body and cluster of long black spines.
So named because its coat is endowed with unusually stiff guard hairs similar to the spines of a hedgehog, the spiny mouse is a unique species in that it's able to regenerate damaged skin.
Another member of the spiny rodent family is the nutria, also known as the coypu. This large semiaquatic herbivore is considered an invasive species for its destructive burrowing and feeding habits.
Scorpionfish have spines that are packed with dangerous venom. Their color usually matches their surroundings, making this tropical reef-dweller hard to spot.
One of the world's largest beetles, this amazing critter is known for its tremendous strength. Only males exhibit the characteristic horns, which are used to settle mating disputes.
The spines protecting this fish species are very effective venomous apparatus. Their habit of burrowing into muddy and sandy seabed, often in shallow water, make them difficult to see. As such, many a hapless swimmer and beachcomber has fallen victim to its potent sting.
Frogfish species bristle with small spines that resemble hairs, a coat that serves as effective camouflage against coral and seaweed. Unusually, these fish don't swim. Instead, they walk on the seafloor using their wide, paddle-like fins.
A native of Malesia, Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines, the spiky grouse locust is wrapped in a coat that appears as weather-worn leather studded with short, blunt spikes.
Endemic to the island of Grand Cayman, this handsome reptile changes its color to blue when in the presence of other iguanas to signal and establish territory. Males have more dominant dorsal crests, a feature that lends them a fearsome, dragon-like appearance. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists the blue iguana as Endangered.
This tough-looking insect is armed with several sharp, conical spines and powerful jaws that can inflict a painful bite. The species is native to parts of Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
See also: Are we facing an insect apocalypse?
Found only in Madagascar, tenrecs resemble hedgehogs in their overcoats of spiny quills.
Numerous animals are distinguished by their coats of spines and quills. Countless insects, too, are wrapped in tough, thorny skin. And several species of fish are known for their showy, lance-like fins. Spines, spikes, and hair serve many functions including insulation, camouflage, and defense. They add character and quite often color to creatures that many of us have probably never heard of. And some are truly bizarre in appearance!
Interested to learn more? Click through and get to the point.
Spike-tacular! Spiny and thorny wildlife you just have to see
From oceans to deserts, these adorable creatures are found all around
LIFESTYLE Animal kingdom
Numerous animals are distinguished by their coats of spines and quills. Countless insects, too, are wrapped in tough, thorny skin. And several species of fish are known for their showy, lance-like fins. Spines, spikes, and hair serve many functions including insulation, camouflage, and defense. They add character and quite often color to creatures that many of us have probably never heard of. And some are truly bizarre in appearance!
Interested to learn more? Click through and get to the point.