Creature 340: Sula

Sula is a genus of six species of birds.

The cammon name for these bizarre looking bird is booby. Boobys look like they should be in a comedy with their awkward appearance and their feet which dramatically contrast in color. They are large birds with some species nearly reaching 1 meter tall. on some islands like the galapogas boobies don't display much fear and like the dodo were used by sailors as easy meals.

Distribution:
Various species of boobies can be found throughout the world's tropical coastal areas, but they are most diverse in the East Pacific.

Classification:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Sauropsida
Order: Suliformes
Family: Sulidae
Genus: Sula

Image Links:

http://imgur.com/gallery/nhjtg56

http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/red-footed-booby/

Creature 338: Dracorex hogwartsia

The dragon king of hogwarts
Dracorex hogwartsia is a recognised dinosaur species which has been recently (2006) described.

It is the only species in the genus Dracorex, meaning dragon king. The specific epithet hogwartsia is a tribute to the Harry Potter series. Its spiky head and long muzzle probably gave it a dragon-like appearance.

The name might be pretty cool, but it may not exist forever.  Some scientists believe they it is not a separate genus or species but that it is the juvenile form of a species of Pachycephalosaurus. Apparently the bizarre horns and bumps on the head changed quite dramatically as the dinosaur matured. I have no idea which hypothesis is correct.

Distribution:

The only fossil which has ever been uncovered was found in South Dakota and is from the late Cretaceous.

Classification:
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class: Sauropsida
Order: Ornithischia
Family:Pachycephalosauridae
Genus:Dracorex
Species: Dracorex hogwartsia

Image Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracorex

http://visitcryptoville.com/2013/11/04/dracorex-hogwartsia-another-candidate-for-an-actual-dragon/

Creature 333: Coleodactylus

Tiny floating Gecko

Chatogekko amazonicus is known as the Brazilian pygmy Gecko formerly in the genus Coleodactylus.

They only grow to around 24mm in size. This little lizard has strongly hydrophobic skin which enables it to walk on water indefinitely. They can even rest on water without falling in, but a well aimed raindrop can break the water's surface tension and cause the lizard to fall in.

Dustribution:
The Brazilian pygmy gexko is native to the Amazon rainforest.

Classification:
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class: Sauropsida
Order: Squamata
Family: Sphaerodactylidae
Genus: Chatogekko
Species: Chatogekko amazonicus

Image Links:

http://www.herpetofauna.com.br/LagartosBrasil.htm