Happy Halloween! You get an African soft tick (Argas brumpti) :D
(Photo by Jonathan Cohen)
Back in 1976, a vial of these were gifted to entomologist Julian Shepherd. For a couple of years he dutifully took care of them, feeding them every so often. But eventually he ran out of food for them. Because this species is harmless, little, and boring-looking, virtually nothing is known about it. Figuring they’d eventually enter a torpor and die, Shepherd decided to just leave them be.
For 8 years they ate nothing and continued to go about their business as if nothing was wrong, breeding and socializing and resting. Shepherd decided to feed them again. Another year passed, the last male died of old age, and only females remained. But they continued to breed, right up until their death, 27 years after they were first caught!
Turns out this species can survive years of starvation, can carry around sperm for their whole life, and have a lifespan of decades! And no one knew because everyone thought they were too boring and insignificant to study!!!
cursedbeasts asked : 
