Leptolinae Collection

Physalia pelagica, Portugese-man-of-war
Illustration by Rene Primevcre Lesson from Voyage of the Coquille (1826-1338)

Physalia pelagica, jellyfish model
A glass model of a jellyfish, created by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka in the late nineteenth century and held at the Natural History Museum, London

Physophora hydrostatica, jellyfish model
A glass model of a jellyfish, created by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka in the late nineteenth century and held at the Natural History Museum, London

Physophora hydrostatica, jellyfish
A glass model of a jellyfish, created by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka in the late nineteenth century and held at the Natural History Museum, London

Physalia pelagica, jellyfish
A glass model of a jellyfish, created by Leopold and Rudolf Blaschka in the late nineteenth century and held at the Natural History Museum, London

Physalia physalis, Portuguese man-of-war
Ff. 38 Vol 3. Watercolour painting by Sydney Parkinson made during Captain James Cooks first voyage to explore the southern continent 1768-1771

Physalia physallis, Portuguese man-of-war
Portuguese man-of-war painting by Pieter de Bevere. From the Loten Collection (dated 1754-57) held at the Natural History Museum, London

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Leptolinae, also known as the Portuguese-man-of-war or Physalia pelagica, is a fascinating creature that resembles a jellyfish but is actually a colony of organisms working together. Its vibrant blue and purple tentacles can reach up to 30 feet in length, making it an awe-inspiring sight. The Physalia pelagica has a unique floating structure that allows it to drift along the ocean currents. Despite its beautiful appearance, this marine organism should be approached with caution as its tentacles deliver venomous stings capable of causing severe pain and even paralysis. Another member of the Leptolinae family is the Physophora hydrostatica, which shares similarities with jellyfish models. With long trailing tentacles and a translucent body, this species captures prey by paralyzing them with venom before consuming them. Although they may look similar at first glance, it's important to note that there are differences between these creatures. The Physalia physalis, commonly referred to as the Portuguese man-of-war, belongs to the same family but possesses distinct characteristics such as its sail-like crest that helps it navigate through water. Despite their potentially dangerous nature for humans who come into contact with their tentacles while swimming or walking on beaches where they wash ashore, Leptolinae play an essential role in marine ecosystems. They provide food for various predators and contribute to nutrient cycling in oceans worldwide. Next time you encounter one of these mesmerizing creatures during your beach visit or while exploring underwater habitats, remember to admire them from afar and appreciate their unique beauty while respecting their potential danger.