Slate Grey Saddle

Fungi > False Morels & Saddles

The Slate Grey Saddle (Helvella lacunosa), commonly known as the fluted black elfin saddle, is an architectural and dramatic ascomycete fungus native to temperate woodlands across the Northern Hemisphere. Instantly recognized by its convoluted, saddle-shaped...

California Slender Salamander

Amphibians > Salamanders

The California Slender Salamander (Batrachoseps attenuatus) is an elongate, worm-like lungless amphibian endemic to the damp coastal forests and fog-shrouded woodlands of western North America. Resembling a tiny, agile serpent with diminutive limbs, this plethodontid...

Plateau Pika

Mammals > Pikas

The Plateau Pika (Ochotona curzoniae), also known as the black-lipped pika, is a small, non-hibernating lagomorph native to the sweeping, windswept alpine steppes of the Tibetan Plateau. Resembling a rounded, tailless guinea pig with short, rounded ears, this...

Black-mouthed Cup

Fungi > Cup Fungi

The Black-mouthed Cup (Plectania melastoma) is a fascinating operculate ascomycete fungus that fruits on mossy decaying twigs in moist coniferous woodlands throughout the temperate Northern Hemisphere. Featuring deep, soot-black, goblet-shaped fruiting bodies accented...

Broad-fronted Planthopper

Invertebrates > Hemipterans & Planthoppers

The Broad-fronted Planthopper (Platybrachys leucostigma) is a master of camouflage belonging to the true bug family Eurybrachidae, endemic to the sun-drenched eucalyptus woodlands of eastern Australia. Resembling a flat, mottled flake of tree bark or a dry lichen...