Hello "Mystery Macro" Judges: The following is a description of your very unusual critter:

Mystery Macro Name: "Clamath Man"

Scientific Name: Homosapien clamath.

Distinctive Characteristics:
Males possess scalloped exterior "wings". Rugged outward appearance, sometimes with wrinkled epidermis. Mature males also may or may not have facial hair. Mature male specimens may obtain a length of 150 to 180 cm.cm and weight between 88.9 and 111.0 kgs. Females of the species have more delicate features and lack both the facial hair and scalloped "wings". They may obtain a length of between 24.8 and 28 cm. and a weight of between 44.4 to 54.4 kg.

Habitat:
This species is endemic to the Pacific Northwest inhabiting freshwater ponds, lakes and slow moving rivers around Klamath Falls, Oregon.

Habits:
Occasionally seen swimming in the moonlight of its' environment. Otherwise, secretive in nature until the Spring when the breeding season begins at which time they become very aggressive and territorial towards other males of the species. The breeding season lasts for about six weeks from early May until mid-June. During the breeding season it is possible to find "hot spots" where males gather in search of females. It is only during this short time period of the year that it possible to find both male and female specimens of this species co-inhabiting. Since this species is by nature very secretive no data exists on the gestation period, the number of young which are conceived or the life expectancy of this species. Thank goodness for some privacy!! There have been very few specimens collected, let alone "positively" identified. Some experts say this species should be listed on the Federal Endangered Species for invertebrate taxa. Similar Species: There are no other species that come close to looking this "ugly". The closest thing maybe the "Sasquatch" of the Pacific Northwest but at least he has a beer commercial!!. I hope that this information I was able to compile after an exhaustive internet search etc. sheds light on this particular "Mystery Macro". An important reminder that these are unique and possibly very rare specimens so it is important that if you find one of these "critters" to quickly return it to its' environment so as to not harm it or cause irreversible psychologically trauma.

Regards,

Bill Anderson

Bill, Here is your special prize. Thank you for your exhaustive search of the literature!

Bill will receive an official EcoAnalysts Solar Flare Deflector, T-shirt, gel pen, and field loupe for his contribution to science. You are free to move about the galaxy. Live long and prosper!

About our Winner:
Bill Anderson:
I have a BSc (Specialization in Zoology) and a Diploma in Fish, Wildlife and Recreation. Over the years I have participated in aerial and land surveys of ungulates, waterfowl, and Great Blue Herons. I have also worked as a Seasonal Park Naturalist for both Parks Canada and the British Columbia Provincial Parks. During the time that I worked for Parks Canada I helped to develop the data recording methods and bird check list for Kootenay National Park. I have worked also for Duck Unlimited, Alberta Fish and Wildlife, as it was previously known, and Alberta Environment to whom I contract my services. I have been involved with benthic invertebrate work since the early 1980's. In my spare time I enjoy golf, fly-fishing, fly-tying, bird watching, photography and spending time with my wife!

To share in Bill's joy for having correctly identified this month's mystery macro, click on his picture.