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 tools.
[A. Arborodytus pictured at left]
Like sea squid, land squid have a mantle that protects
the organs and brain. Land squid 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 other squid.
