'Alien shrimp' emerges in Australia after heavy rain

This strange-looking creature has been spotted in increasing numbers around Central Australia.

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It belongs to a crustacean species called 'shield shrimp', which Australia's ABC News describes as an 'alien tadpole with a double-pronged tail'.

A Facebook post from the Northern Territory Parks and Wildlife stated: "The shrimp are well adapted to desert conditions as their eggs will remain dormant for years until there is significant rain, which triggers a population explosion.

"Now is the best time to see the Shielf Shrimp as the recent heavy rain in the Central Australia region has brought them to life."

Once they have hatched the creatures can reach a maximum length of about 3.5 inches.