Rare Blue Dragons Are Washing Up On Texas Seashores

As if we didn't have enough to worry about right now, Mother Nature is adding something else to the mix: blue dragon sea slugs. These beautiful, yet potentially dangerous creatures have been spotted on Padre Island National Seashore, posing a threat to beachgoers who aren't aware of their existence.

With summer drawing nearer, many Texans look forward to hitting the beach for some fun in the sun. On South Padre Island, in particular, we eagerly anticipate the hatching of Kemp's ridley sea turtles, a heartwarming event that takes place throughout the season.

Unfortunately, the Padre Island National Seashore is hosting a much less friendly creature. The rare "blue dragon" sea slug was first spotted on beaches in the park several weeks ago.

Called Glaucus atlanticus, this small nudibranch is only about three centimeters long -- but don't let its size fool you. Handling the slug could result in a painful, and potentially dangerous, sting.

Glaucus atlanticus feed on animals like the Portuguese man o' war, a tentacled marine invertebrate whose sting is venomous enough to kill fish (and, occasionally, humans). This unique hydrozoan actually consists of many different multicellular organisms that work together and function as one.

Instead of producing their own venom, blue dragon slugs actually get it from the creatures they consume. They store the stinging nematocysts, within their own tissues as defense against predators.

Symptoms from a Glaucus atlanticus sting include nausea, pain, vomiting, acute allergic contact dermatitis, erythema, urticarial papules, potential vesicle formation and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The Portuguese man o' war causes similar reactions.

So if you see a blue dragon sea slug on the beach, make sure to keep your distance! Good thing this practice has become second nature to us during these crazy times.

Visit the Padre Island National Seashore Facebook page for updates.

Have you spotted a blue dragon sea slug on the beach? If so, are they as creepily stunning as pictures suggest? Let us know, and check out our previous article to learn more about the Kemp's ridley turtle: Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtles Are Beginning To Nest In Texas, And It's Looking Like A Busy Season.

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