Stomatopod

The mantis shrimp is a difficult origami subject, owing to the irregular lengths and separations of the appendages. I probably will not be diagramming this one soon. While researching images for the stomatopod, I found a lot of interesting facts. Did you know? -Certain species are have claws that are so powerful they can punch through 1/4" aquarium glass, or split your hand to the bone? -Other species are capable of flourescing or sending signals by polarized, reflected light. -It follows that their eyes are considered THE most complex eyes in the animal kingdom. Each eye is capable of its own binocular vision, and has 8 different visual pigments (humans have 3, if I remember correctly) -Certain species can reach up to 40 cm long. These are monogamous and can live more than 20 years. Click here for a video of the stomatopod in action: mantispunch.wmv (800KB) more links: The Lurker's Guide to Stomatopods

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