Cuban Tody

Birds > Todies

The Cuban Tody (Todus multicolor), locally revered as the ‘cartacuba,’ is a diminutive, jewel-like coraciiform bird endemic to the Cuban archipelago. Characterized by radiant emerald-green upperparts, a flaming ruby-red gorget, and vibrant lilac-blue ear...

Ocellated Icefish

Fish > Notothenioids

The Ocellated Icefish (Chionodraco rastrospinosus) is one of the most astonishing physiological wonders of the animal kingdom. Endemic to the sub-zero waters surrounding Antarctica, this deep-water fish is member of the crocodile icefish family (Channichthyidae), the...

Dragon Snake

Reptiles > Snakes

The Dragon Snake (Xenodermus javanicus), also commonly referred to as the Javan tubercle snake, is a non-venomous colubroid snake celebrated for its extraordinary, archaic physical appearance. Native to the damp tropical lowlands of Southeast Asia, this semi-fossorial...

Doll’s Eyes

Plants > Wildflowers

Doll’s Eyes (Actaea pachypoda), also known widely as white baneberry, is an arresting herbaceous perennial native to the rich temperate deciduous woodlands of eastern North America. Renowned for its eerie autumn fruit display, the plant produces clusters of...

Tentacled Snake

Reptiles > Aquatic Snakes

The Tentacled Snake (Erpeton tentaculatum) is a wholly aquatic reptile unique among all living snakes for possessing a pair of distinctive sensory tentacles protruding from the tip of its snout. Endemic to the murky freshwater habitats of Southeast Asia, this...