BIRGITTE WILMS / MINDEN PICTURES (BATFISH); LOCKWOOD, C.C. / ANIMALS ANIMALS (ALLIGATORS); NICK
HAWKINS / NATURE PICTURE LIBRARY (BUTTERFLY AND TURTLE); KONRAD WOTHE / MINDEN PICTURES (MANTIS) MAY 2022 • NAT GEO KIDS
7GET MORE
MOMENTS!
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moment-of
Scientists aren’t sure why Cocos batfish
have bright red lips, but they do know
that the fish’s four leg-like fins help
them move along the seafloor.
A sweet moment? Try
salty instead. This Julia
butterfly is drinking the
salt-filled tears of a black
wood turtle, lapping up
a mineral the insect can’t
get from flowers.
What’s this Mediterranean mantis
trying to say? Boo! The insect startles
predators by appearing larger and
flashing bluish purple wing spots so
it can make an escape.
No need to call a cab:
This American alligator
hatchling can hitch a ride
inside its mom’s mouth.
Pucker
Up!
Butterfly
Kiss
Big
Surprise
Carry
On
BY PAIGE TOWLER
Moment of
Huh?
These pics will make you
wonder what’s up.