Spring breakers heading to Texas beaches are encountering an unexpected visitor: the blue dragon (Glaucus atlanticus), a venomous sea slug with dazzling blue hues. 🌟 While their jewel-like appearance might tempt selfies, experts warn these tiny creatures pack a powerful sting!
Why the Buzz?
These 1-inch ‘dragons’ prey on Portuguese man o’ war tentacles—yes, those floating nightmares with 30-foot stinging arms! 🦑 Blue dragons steal their prey’s toxins, storing them in feathery appendages to unleash when threatened. 💥 ‘Touch one, and you’ll regret it,’ says marine biologist Jace Tunnell of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
Surf’s Up, Toxins Too
Southeastern winds are washing these rare slugs ashore, turning beach days into mini wildlife documentaries. 📸 Tunnell’s advice? ‘Admire from afar—your Instagram feed will thank you.’ So, skip the TikTok daredevil act and keep those hands in your pockets! 🚫
Pro tip: If you spot one, snap a pic (zoom in!) and tag #BlueDragonAlert. Your spring break story just got a mythical twist. 🧜♂️✨
