Curious critters with bags of character

In the second of two features, Charlie Elder looks at some of our more startling species that stand out from the crowd in terms of appearance or behaviour – or both

From beneath the waves to the corners of our back gardens, there are a few species that don’t do normal when it comes to the way they look or act.

In a bid to deter potential predators, keep out of sight, attract mates or deter rivals, these eccentric oddities have taken things to evolutionary extremes and provide a source of fascination.

Last week explored a selection of bizarre insects, fish, birds and mammals. This week delves once again into the cabinet of curiosities with another assortment of remarkable creatures all of which can be found in and around the South West.