Frankenstein Insect Discovered

Ok, ok, I know. The monster is not actually called Frankenstein, but rather is Frankenstein’s monster, but this title just seemed more eye-catching. So sue me. Anyways, scientists have discovered an insect fossil that appears to be a compilation of a number of different insects, much like Frankenstein’s monster. The critter has the forelegs of a praying mantis, wing veins formed like a mayfly’s, and a dragonfly’s wings and middle body. These different insect body parts are all from completely unrelated groups. It seems that some mad insect scientist patched this creature together one day, clearly not considering whether these different attributes would look freakish, and brought it to life, probably cackling and yelling in triumph. I wonder if this creature was also on a mission to find its maker when it sadly died.

Scientists are calling it a Coxoplectoptera. Thankfully for us, it is long gone and has no modern descendants. Based on the insect’s different body parts, scientists believe that it probably burrowed slightly into the mud underwater to hide themselves so they could then ambush any smaller insect that happened to pass by them. They also think they were definitely carnivorous…I, for one, and quite happy I don’t have to worry about stumbling across one of these freaks today.

Can you think of any other insects or animals today that have body parts that appear to be a mixture of a few different species?