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The land squid, order Terrateuthidae, is the only known non-aquatic order of Decapodiform,

class Cephalopoda.  It is most

closely related to order

Teuthidae, or Squid, which

is exclusively aquatic.  The

order comprises around

33 species in 8 genera.

Species of particular note include:

Giant Land Squid (Brachioterrateuthis Giganteus) –

largest of the land squid, and most critically threatened. Four known specimens exist; only one living.

Pygmy Land Squid (Arboroterrateuthis Pygmaeus) – smallest of the land squid, widely bred as companion animals and occasionally used in culinary practices.

Deeptree Land Squid (Amphiterrateuthis Arborodytus) –

vulnerable and arguably the most advanced species of land squid; known to exhibit troop hunting, highly complex social relationships, and use of types of tools.

[A. Arborodytus pictured at left]

Like squid, land squid have a mantle that protects the organs and brain.  Land squid also have a very high brain-to-body proportionality and are among the most intelligent of all cephalopods.  Land squid also share the chromatophoric camouflaging abilities of the squid.

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