Slimeback – [Fearsome Critter]

Description

Slimeturtle – [Fearsome Critter] – aka: “Slimeback” “Gusher Turtle” – (Latin: Musocas dunctus)

• About this critter: A true peril to any fly fisher in Maine; unexpectedly found in remote streams & lakes across new England. These large long nosed turtles find their kins standing camouflaged amongst sturdier rocks wich they are often mistaken for, their shells instantly generate a thick coat of slime causing whoever steps on em to suddenly get dunked! These critters especially flourish in acidic H₂SO₄ polluted streams!

• Origin: Another one of several critters first spoken of & illustrated by Maine author, Peter Farrow in his “Ghastly perils of the Great Outdoors: A New England Bestiary” [1984] – The entry is the first in “PERILS OF THE FEILD & STREAM” which goes as follows:

“The Slimeturtle (Musocas Dunctus) – Craftily camouflaging themselves as large, firm rocks in the beds of trout-burgeoned streams. The dunctus instantly exudes a thick inelegant coating of slime whenever stepped on. While many public spirited indusrtries have selflessly contributed H2SO4 and other rare and costly effluents in efforts to control this Peril, the Slimeturtle not only survives but flourishes. In many streams fish populations have had to be eradicated to avoid accidents.”

I picture this one originating perhaps as an in-joke between fishermen at somepoint. “Slipped on a slimeback again ‘eh George?” But jokes aside, It seems that this entry was most likely intended to be a jab at industrial runoff! – “H₂SO₄” is in-fact, sulfuric acid!!! – Acidic wastewater from facilities like fertilizer plants, metal pickling operations, or battery recycling centers; can cause Low pH levels and acidify nearby streams and lakes! – Furthermore, turtles tend to “get slimy” & will grow algae on their shells especially when they’re living in poor water quality!!! – To say the least of it; Maine certainly had an acid rain problem in the 1980’s caused by these sorts of industrial runoffs! – So, As with the “whitewater porcupine” This one also seems to have a definitive environmental message!

…Though i suppose that it should most certainly not be overlooked that the base “moral” behind this critter boils down to “watch out where you step while out fishing.” – Anyone savvy to fishing has surely slipped on a slick river rock! (With Vancouvers rocky beaches, I can certainly relate!) The man in the illustration is wearing ridged boots or cleats which is a very common solution!) furthermore, The critters latin name is a rather obvious play of both “musus” & “dunk” as in; “you’re about to get dunked in slimy water!”

[art sticker by samkalensky part of my fearsome critters collection of stickers]