From the field
Specimen Files
Deep-dives into the grossest creatures on the planet — verified by Dr. Icky, dangerous to read before lunch.
EWW 100Specimen of the WeekThe Toad That Gives Birth Through Its Own Back
The Surinam toad doesn't lay eggs in a pond. The eggs sink into the skin of the mother's back, seal over, and grow there — until dozens of fully formed toadlets erupt out of her, all at once.
EWW 100Specimen of the WeekThe Fungus That Turns Ants Into Zombies
Ophiocordyceps unilateralis doesn't just kill ants. It hijacks their brains first, walks them to a specific leaf at a specific height, and then — and only then — detonates.
EWW 100Field ReportField Report: A Creature That Replaces Your Tongue
Dr. Icky files a report from the Gulf of California. The Cymothoa exigua enters through the gills, severs the tongue, and installs itself as a replacement. The fish keeps eating. It pays rent in blood.
EWW 100Specimen of the WeekWhy the Hagfish Is the Grossest Fish That Is Not Actually a Fish
In 0.4 seconds, one hagfish produces enough slime to fill a bucket. Scientists have measured this. Some of them regret it.
EWW 80Field ReportField Report: The Vampire Catfish of the Amazon
Dr. Icky investigates the candiru — a tiny, translucent catfish that lodges itself inside the gills of other fish to drink their blood. And yes, we'll talk about the legend.
EWW 100Specimen of the WeekThe Parasite That Turns Snails Into Pulsing Caterpillars
The Leucochloridium flatworm takes over a snail's mind, drives it into the sunlight, and turns its eyestalks into colorful, pulsating tubes that birds can't resist eating.
EWW 100Specimen of the WeekThe Meter-Long Worm That Escapes Through Your Foot
The Guinea worm grows silently inside the body for a year, eventually causing a painful blister so it can slowly, agonizingly push its way out. It has to be wound out on a stick.
EWW 80Field ReportField Report: The Bug That Drinks Other Bugs
Dr. Icky details the hunting tactics of the Assassin Bug. It doesn't chew its food. It stabs its prey, liquefies their insides, and drinks them like a smoothie.
EWW 100Specimen of the WeekThe Shark with a Spring-Loaded Face
Hidden in the deep sea, the goblin shark has a special trick for catching fish: its entire jaw detaches from its skull and shoots forward to snatch prey.
EWW 100Specimen of the WeekThe Tiny Octopus with a Venom Warning Light
The blue-ringed octopus is small enough to hide in a shell, but when its electric-blue rings flash, the message is simple: back away before the painless bite becomes a paralysis problem.
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