Gallery: Absurd Creature of the Week: This Toad Grows a Spiky Mustache and Stabs Rivals for the Ladies

  • Image may contain Animal Wildlife Amphibian Frog Reptile and Lizard
    Photo: Cameron Hudson
    01

    frog-4

    This is the world's most dangerous mustache. Well, I guess it's the world's *only* dangerous mustache.
  • Image may contain Outdoors Nature Ocean Water Sea Animal Sea Life Reef Coral Reef and Invertebrate
    Photo: Cameron Hudson
    02

    frog-5

    Emei mustache toads grow spikes in the mating season to battle rivals underwater. Their skin will also loosen, allowing them to absorb more oxygen and to look hilariously like raisins.
  • Image may contain Animal Reptile Lizard Wildlife Amphibian Frog and Toad
    Photo: Cameron Hudson
    03

    OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

    Female mustache toads choose mates based on the quality of their dens and how much they look like Burt Reynolds in *Cannonball Run*.
  • Image may contain Animal Reptile Sea Life Turtle Sea Turtle Slate and Lizard
    Photo: Cameron Hudson
    04

    frog-6

    Up to 90 percent of males are wounded in mustache battles. The other 10 percent probably have superpowers of healing, like Wolverine.
  • Image may contain Rock Ground Animal and Fish
    Photo: Cameron Hudson
    05

    OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

    An Emei mustache toad tadpole. Like most frogs and toads, this species mates in the water. So, like, stay out of that water.
  • Image may contain Animal Wildlife Toad Amphibian Reptile and Lizard
    Photo: Cameron Hudson
    06

    OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

    At the end of the breeding season, their spikes fall off. Until then, they're the most dapper amphibians ever, save for Kermit when he actually [puts an effort into things.](http://static2.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20060407170908/muppet/images/1/1d/ProdcerKermit.JPG)
Read More
The Best Ski Clothes for Staying Warm and Having Fun
From weatherproof jackets and pants to puffers, gloves, and socks, WIRED’s winter sports experts have you covered.
Chris Haslam
The Best Apple Watch Accessories
You finally caved and bought an Apple Watch. These are our favorite bands, screen protectors, and chargers to go with your new smartwatch.
Adrienne So
The Best Automatic Litter Boxes Tested by Our Spoiled Cats
With these high-tech automatic litter boxes, gone are the days of scooping and smells. Welcome to the future.
Molly Higgins
The Best Fitness Trackers Check Your Sleep, Heart Rate, or Even Your Blood
With almost ten years of hands-on testing, WIRED knows what separates the best fitness trackers from the rest.
Adrienne So
Give Your Back a Break With Our Favorite Office Chairs
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
The Best Game Controller for Every Kind of Player
A great gamepad instantly levels up your play. These are our top picks for Switch, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
Brad Bourque
The Best Heart Rate Monitors Check Your Cardiac Health
These chest straps and watches will help you keep your finger on your pulse—and many other heart-related metrics.
Michael Sawh
The Best Kids' Bikes for Every Age and Size
The WIRED Reviews team has kids, and we tested all types of kids’ bikes. Here are our top picks.
Adrienne So
Death to Dry Skin. These Humidifiers Are Better Than Chapstick
From models for traveling to humidifiers that double as planters or air purifiers, we've tested a dozen of them.
Matthew Korfhage
The 11 Best Electric Bikes for Every Kind of Ride
I tested the best electric bikes in every category, from commuters and mountain bikes to foldables and cruisers.
Adrienne So
The Best Podcasts for Everyone
Get your fix of tech, true crime, pop culture, or comedy with these audio adventures. 
Simon Hill
The Best iPad to Buy (and a Few to Avoid)
We break down the current iPad lineup to help you figure out which of Apple’s tablets is best for you.
Luke Larsen