American Pelecinid Wasp

Invertebrates > Wasps

The American Pelecinid Wasp (Pelecinus polyturator) is an unmistakable, glossy black parasitoid hymenopteran native to the temperate woodlands and fields of eastern North America. Belonging to the ancient, relictual family Pelecinidae (of which it is the only species...

Puritan Pirate Spider

Invertebrates > Araneae

The Puritan Pirate Spider (Mimetus puritanus) is a stealthy, specialized predatory arachnid belonging to the family Mimetidae. Unlike typical web-weaving spiders that construct intricate silk snares to capture airborne insects, this diminutive woodland hunter...

Half-free Morel

Fungi > Morels & Cup Fungi

The Half-free Morel (Morchella punctipes) is a distinctive and highly sought-after spring ascomycete mushroom native to the rich deciduous woodlands of eastern North America. Appearing in early to mid-spring alongside blooming trilliums and unfurling fiddlehead ferns,...

Salmon Unicorn Pinkgill

Fungi > Entolomataceae & Pinkgills

The Salmon Unicorn Pinkgill (Entoloma quadratum), also known popularly as the ‘salmon unicorn mushroom,’ is an exquisite, brightly colored basidiomycete fungus native to the damp, shaded woodlands of eastern North America. Rising from emerald-green...

Orange Mycena

Fungi > Mycenaceae & Bonnet Mushrooms

The Orange Mycena (Mycena leaiana), affectionately known as Lea’s bonnet, is one of the most brilliant and visually arresting macrofungi found in the temperate deciduous forests of eastern North America. Named in honor of 19th-century Cincinnati botanist Thomas...