Western Keeled Snake

Reptiles > Serpentes

The Western Keeled Snake (Pythonodipsas carinata) is an enigmatic, rupicolous (rock-dwelling) colubrid serpent endemic to the arid coastal deserts and rugged granite canyons of western Namibia and southwestern Angola. Representing a monotypic genus, this highly...

Helmeted Iguana

Reptiles > Squamata

The Helmeted Iguana (Corytophanes cristatus), also called the helmeted basilisk or crested lizard, is a prehistoric-looking arboreal reptile native to the dense, humid rainforest understories of Mesoamerica. Equipped with an exaggerated, blade-like cranial casque...

Derby’s Woolly Opossum

Mammals > Didelphimorphia

Derby’s Woolly Opossum (Caluromys derbianus) is an enchanting, strictly arboreal marsupial native to the lush tropical rainforests of Central and northwestern South America. Distinguished by its remarkably dense, woolly coat, large forward-facing lustrous eyes,...

Common House Spider

Invertebrates > Araneae

The Common House Spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum), also known as the American house spider, is one of the most familiar and ubiquitous arachnids on the planet. Belonging to the cobweb weaver family (Theridiidae), this modest spider has formed an extraordinarily...

Northern Spectacled Salamander

Amphibians > Caudata

The Northern Spectacled Salamander (Salamandrina terdigitata) is an enigmatic, ancient caudate amphibian endemic strictly to the forested Apennine mountain valleys of the Italian Peninsula. Together with its southern sister species, it represents the only extant...