We often grow up learning about the same popular animals—lions, elephants, dogs, monkeys—but there are so many underappreciated species that are left behind!

Spread across the four corners of the Earth are strange and intriguing creatures that often exceed our imagination, exhibiting shapes and colors that only Mother Nature could design.

Read on for a thorough introduction to the world’s weirdest and most wonderful animals!

Black snub-nosed monkey

The most peculiar thing about this primate, besides its nose, is its big lips. They can be found in the south of China, as well as Vietnam and Myanmar.

Amazonian royal flycatcher

This beautiful species of bird, with a bright headdress-like plume of feathers, is found in regions of South America.

Grimpoteuthis

Nicknamed the Dumbo octopus in a nod to Disney’s flying elephant, this extraordinary-looking animal has a pair of protruding ear-like fins attached to its head and is armed with eight tentacles.

Saiga

This species of antelope, with a flexible nose similar to that of an elephant, is under threat of extinction. It has been found in parts of Mongolia, as well as other areas of Asia and Africa.

Star-nosed mole

The nose of this mole species is definitely weird looking, but it serves an important purpose. Moles have terrible vision, so the nose helps them to feel things.

Venezuelan poodle moth

This species of moth is found in Venezuela, and it especially intrigued scientists because of its furry legs.

Maned wolf

Found in South America, this wolf has long, thin legs, that distinguish it from all the others of its genus.

Red-lipped batfish

This curious animal looks like it’s ready for a night out. Native to the Galapagos Islands, this species is also known for being able to “walk” on the seabed, using its fins as extra pairs of legs.

Pacu

A bite much, isn’t it? Even though this toothed fish is a relative of the fearsome piranha, its not-so-pearly whites are quite harmless. In fact, it feeds on aquatic vegetation, snails, and fallen nuts.

Jerboa

This tiny, jumping rodent can be found in China, Mongolia, and northeastern Africa.

Mantis shrimp

This colorful crustacean is one of the most intriguing animals in the world. The small beady-eyed creature is actually an accomplished predator and literally clubs its prey to death.

Shoebill

Also known as a whalehead stork, this bird has some similar characteristics to a stork and a toucan, and can be found in Sudan and Zambia.

Zebra duiker

Also known as the banded duiker or the striped-back duiker, this animal can be found in the Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.

Aye-aye

This tiny nocturnal primate is native to Madagascar. Besides a fun name and an over-caffeinated look, it also has one finger that is longer than the others to better reach the larvae in the holes of trees.

Lowland streaked tenrec

This species of mammal, similar to a hedgehog, can be found in the tropical forests of Madagascar. It is the only mammal that uses stridulation to generate sound, similar to that of a rattlesnake.

Fossa

This carnivorous mammal, resembling a cross between a cat and a hyena, can be found on the island of Madagascar.

Thorny devil

This small reptile sports a coat of ridges and spines, is around 20 cm (less than 8 in) in length and lives in Australia. Though it seems quite tough, it actually just eats ants.

Colugo

This mammal gets as close to flying as mammals can, with flaps of skin like wings. Colugos can be found in Southeast Asia.

Colugo

This is what it looks like when it flies from tree to tree!

Lamprey

Lampreys are freshwater fish, similar to eels, just with mouths that resemble a terrifying sea monster.