Listen: the world is kinda rough right now. But scientists just discovered a GLITTER-COVERED WORM at the bottom of the ocean and we need to talk about it! Time for a wonder break! [mini thread]

These gorgeous creatures are called a scale worm, and scientists found, among other places: ON UNDERWATER VOLCANOES, near scalding hydrothermal vents and around THE BODIES OF DEAD WHALES. These worms = badass. And they're hungry...
Study: https://bit.ly/3dIP6sC 

They munch around "food falls" (aka SUNKEN BODIES) and scientists literally gave them the name "hungry" to reflect their ravenous appetite. But these aren't just passive scavenger, they FIGHT! Check out these epic battle worm bite marks:
Study: https://bit.ly/3dIP6sC 

Ok, so we've got volcano-dwelling body-seeking glitter-covered fighting worms. But what's with the shine? I mean, it's not exactly bright down there...

Enter BATTLE OF THE SCIENTISTS. Some think the shine is totally an accident. I mean, imagine if every person in the world put on makeup in the dark: most will look terrible (here's looking at you anglerfish) but a few will look really good, just by chance. But....BUTTTT....

BUTT LIGHT! Some deep-sea fish literally shine light out of their butts. And the glitter on glitter worms may actually deter predators by creating a beautiful butt-light reflection so bright it temporarily blinds them!
You can read more about it here: https://www.insidescience.org/news/new-worm-species-jewel-scales-discovered-deep-ocean-darkness

There's still so much we don't know about these creatures. But if glitter worms teach us anything, it's that even in the harshest places there is still wonder and beauty. Times are tough, but never forget the awe and majesty of life on this strange blue planet.

And for more glitter worm info be sure to check out @Scripps_Ocean & @Sorbonne_Univ_ (where the glitter worm biologists are), @MBARI_News, & the fantastic and picture-filled worm paper below.
end of thread https://zookeys.pensoft.net/article/48532/