A note on Lear's Nastiscreechia

[Geoff Read]

I became interested in  _Nastiscreechia krorluppia_ Lear, 1872 since
coming across a mention of this lifeform recently. My curiosity is now
satisfied as I am gratified to report to those that don't know of it that it can
be seen online, just below the _Minspysia deliciosa_ at:

http://utenti.tripod.it/elear/MN/nb.html

With my interest in creeping things I was a little disappointed that it
turned out to be a plant, albeit with a unique specialisation. However, I
believe some plants do produce structures that are imitation insects  (I
wonder if Lear knew that?), and of course there is the reverse case,
which we find less remarkable.

Others after Lear have continued these parodies. I have a copy of
"Halbritter's plant-and-animal world" in which parts of the human anatomy
often appear in the 'organisms.' It's less innocent than Lear's work and
unfortunately I find most of the creations more  nightmarish than
amusing. Halbritter does convincing latin names though (Lepus nasutus -
the Nosehare).




--
   Geoff Read <gread at actrix.gen.nz>