The Modern Bestiary

**'An illuminating compendium of some weird and wonderful creatures.' Observer From the familiar to the improbable, the gross to the endearing, The Modern Bestiary is a compendium of curious creatures. It includes both animals that have made headlines and those you've probably never heard of, such as skin-eating caecilians, harp sponges, or zombie worms - also known as bone-eating snot flowers. Arranged by elements (Earth, Water, Air), The Modern Bestiary contains well-known species told from new, unexpected angles (rats that drive cars; fish that communicate by passing wind), as well as stranger and lesser-known creatures, including carnivorous mice that howl at the moon, cross-dressing cuttlefish, and antechinuses - small marsupials that literally mate themselves to death. Finally, there are the 'aliens on Earth' - the incredible, the surreal, the magical - such as tardigrades, tongue-eating lice and immortal jellyfish, creatures so astonishing that they make unicorns look rather commonplace. Written by a zoologist with a flair for storytelling, this is a fascinating celebration of the animal kingdom. **' [A] beautifully written book to make you laugh, squirm and - perhaps most importantly - appreciate how lucky we are to not have to live inside an anus.' Yussef Rafik 'The Modern Bestiary provides a fascinating, accessible and humorous insight into the wonders of the natural world.' Amy Dickman, director of Oxford University's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit** 'If you love animals, especially ones with unsavoury habits, this book is for you. Entries are crafted with affection, cast-iron scholarship and an unyielding dedication to exposing as much hilarious weirdness as the animal kingdom can offer.' Tom Moorhouse, author of Elegy for a River **'Everyone who loves wildlife - especially fantastically weird and cringingly gross wildlife - should read this masterful book. ' Mark Carwardine, author/presenter of Last Chance to See 'If ever there was a book that highlighted the bewildering wonders of the natural world, and the need for their conservation, this is it.' Michael Brooke, author of Far from Land**