Speckled Padloper Tortoise

Reptiles > Tortoises

AT A GLANCECommon Name: Speckled Padloper TortoiseScientific Name: Homopus signatusCategory: ReptilesSubcategory: TortoisesSize: Carapace length 6 to 8 cm (2.4 to 3.1 in) in males; 8 to 10 cm (3.1 to 3.9 in) in femalesWeight: 95 to 165 g (3.4 to 5.8 oz; the smallest...

San Francisco Garter Snake

Reptiles > Colubrids

The San Francisco Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis tetrataenia) is universally celebrated as the most stunningly beautiful snake in North America. Endemic exclusively to the fragile wetlands of the San Francisco Peninsula, this breathtaking serpent flaunts an...

Old Man Cactus

Plants > Cacti

The Old Man Cactus (Cephalocereus senilis) is one of the most recognizable and charismatic columnar succulents in the Americas. Endemic strictly to the dramatic limestone gorges of Hidalgo and Guanajuato in central Mexico, this towering cactus is instantly...

King Sundew

Plants > Carnivorous Plants

The King Sundew (Drosera regia) is widely revered by botanists as the undisputed monarch of the sundew family (Droseraceae). Endemic to a single, isolated mountain valley high in the Western Cape of South Africa, this colossal carnivorous perennial produces sword-like...

Mexican Fireleg Tarantula

Invertebrates > Tarantulas

The Mexican Fireleg Tarantula (Brachypelma boehmei), also known as the Guerrero Orange Legs, is widely celebrated as one of the most stunningly beautiful arachnids on Earth. Endemic to the sun-baked thorn scrub of southwestern Mexico, this iconic New World tarantula...