I loved this creature from the first time I ever saw it–probably 6 years old, blissfully paging through an illustrated book on dinosaurs.
This is Diplocaulus, three feet long, and not a dinosaur but an amphibian. Dig that head! The first time my aunts took me to the American Museum of Natural History, and I saw the Diplocaulus fossils on display–just like in the pictures!–I could hardly contain my joy. And no other animal ever had a head like that.
These animals lived in Texas, in swamps and bayous which aren’t swamps and bayous anymore.
Now, imagine my surprise when I saw this picture:
Holy cow! Somebody’s got a live Diplocaulus–right there, in a bucket!
But it was only a photo-shop job. In all the places that I’ve looked, I’ve never found a living Diplocaulus.
Please let me know if you do.
That’s so awesome!! It gives me excitement to think of the creatures that God has hidden somewhere on earth.
REMEMBER ESCHER—THAT GUY WHO DREW FANTASTIC, MIND WARPING DRAWINGS? THIS CREATURE REMINDS ME OF HIS WORK!
Who could forget M.C. Escher?
I DID—HIS FIRST TWO INITIALS!
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
LIKE AN ESCHER DRAWING!
That is one wild looking critter.
Yes, it sure is! I’d like to meet it someday!
Well, you do have the Japanese giant salamander to tide you over.
That’s true!! 🙂
Now I can’t decide which creature is cooler, this Diplocaulus or the Water Bear. When it comes to favorite creatures, it is kind of like favorite songs, they keep changing.
All amphibians are awesome, but the tardigrade is probably cooler simply because it can survive in a vacuum.
Cool