Nature is full of fascinating and bizarre creatures that often don’t receive the attention they deserve. UNDERDOGS, a new wildlife documentary series narrated by Ryan Reynolds, aims to spotlight these unsung heroes. From peculiar predators to surprisingly resourceful animals, this series takes a humorous yet enlightening look at the quirky side of the natural world.
One of the standout characters in this collection of oddities is the velvet worm, a creature whose bizarre abilities could be straight out of a science fiction story.
The Velvet Worm’s Gooey, Freezing Superpower
Among the most memorable animals featured in UNDERDOGS is the velvet worm. Despite its name, this invertebrate is not actually a worm but belongs to a group called Onychophora. With two antennae giving it a look reminiscent of the movie monster Zuul, the velvet worm may appear harmless, but it has an extraordinary weapon.
When the velvet worm senses an opportunity to hunt or defend itself, it does something truly unique: it shoots a gooey, gross, and surprisingly potent slime.
According to Ryan Reynolds, who narrates the series, “It shoots this gooey, gross, juicy thing that freezes its enemies.” This sticky substance is no ordinary slime; it’s unlike anything seen in nature. At first, it’s a viscous goo, but within seconds, it solidifies into a glassy fiber, as tough as synthetic nylon. What’s even more remarkable is that when the slime is soaked in water, it dissolves back into a goo, allowing the fibers to be re-drawn and reused.
Scientists have been captivated by this substance, which has potential applications for human use. It seems the velvet worm’s humble appearance hides a superpower we can only dream of, and it all comes from a creature that is often overlooked.
Ryan Reynolds and a Fresh Take on Wildlife Documentaries
In UNDERDOGS, Reynolds celebrates nature’s underappreciated creatures with a touch of levity, making the documentary both entertaining and educational.
Reynolds himself is quoted in the article, saying, “The velvet worm is my favorite freak. I kinda like that. If you were to be mugged on the streets of New York City that way, well that – that would stay with you.”
His casual yet engaging style makes the strange behaviors of these animals more accessible to viewers, blending humor with facts. The documentary doesn’t just focus on the elegance and grace of wildlife; it showcases the raw, weird, and wonderful behaviors that are often overshadowed by the more majestic creatures.
More Quirky Creatures
Also, the documentary highlights several other animals that defy the typical expectations of the natural world. For instance, one of the most memorable creatures featured is the pearlfish, which, in Reynolds’ words, “reverse parks” into the colons of sea cucumbers. There’s also the honey badger, known for its indestructibility, even when facing off against the notoriously tough African wild dog.
Among other bizarre moments, the documentary includes a segment on slugs and their surprisingly strange sex lives, as well as monkeys who have learned to beg, barter, and even steal tourist phones. Each of these creatures has found a unique way to survive and thrive in the natural world, often by defying conventional expectations of animal behavior.
