Silver-haired Bat

Mammals > Bats

The Silver-haired Bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans) is one of the most distinctive and solitary tree bats inhabiting North America’s temperate woodlands. Easily recognized by its dark chocolate-brown to jet-black coat frosted with shimmering silver-tipped hairs,...

American Pygmy Shrew

Mammals > Shrews

The American Pygmy Shrew (Sorex hoyi) is one of the smallest living mammals on Earth, holding the record as the lightest native mammal in North America. Tipping the scales at a mere two to four grams, this minuscule, high-octane insectivore inhabits the damp...

Hooded False Morel

Fungi > Discinaceae & False Morels

The Hooded False Morel (Gyromitra infula), also known as the saddle-shaped false morel or elfin saddle, is an intriguing ascomycete fungus native to the vast boreal and montane coniferous belts of the Northern Hemisphere. Unlike true morels (Morchella), which fruit...

Pretty Red Cup

Fungi > Sarcoscyphaceae & Cup Fungi

The Pretty Red Cup (Microstoma protractum) is an enchanting, jewel-like spring ascomycete fungus emerging from damp forest litter immediately following winter snowmelt. Belonging to the cup fungus family Sarcoscyphaceae, this striking species produces slender, upright...

Rayed Earthstar

Fungi > Geastraceae

The Rayed Earthstar (Geastrum quadrifidum), often called the four-footed earthstar, is an architecturally astounding gasteroid fungus celebrated for its unique arched morphology. Emerging from deep needle beds in coniferous woodlands during late summer and autumn,...