Boisduval’s Blue

Invertebrates > Butterflies

Boisduval’s Blue (Plebejus icarioides) is an enchanting, jewel-toned butterfly that graces sunny montane meadows, coastal dunes, and sagebrush flats across western North America. Named in honor of the famed 19th-century French entomologist Jean Alphonse...

Western Red-backed Salamander

Amphibians > Woodland Salamanders

The Western Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon vehiculum) is an abundant, quintessential woodland amphibian that inhabits the dripping, moss-covered forests of the Pacific Northwest. Like all members of the lungless salamander family (Plethodontidae), it completely...

Santa Cruz Garter Snake

Reptiles > Colubrids

The Santa Cruz Garter Snake (Thamnophis atratus), also widely known as the Aquatic Garter Snake, is a handsome, semi-aquatic predator native to the rocky streams and coastal woodlands of California and Oregon. Frequently observed swimming with effortless grace through...

Forest Sharp-tailed Snake

Reptiles > Colubrids

The Forest Sharp-tailed Snake (Contia longicauda) is a diminutive, secretive woodland reptile endemic to the ancient, fog-drenched redwood and conifer forests of northern California and southern Oregon. Named for the sharp, thorn-like spine at the very tip of its...

Redside Shiner

Fish > Minnows & Carps

The Redside Shiner (Richardsonius balteatus) is an active, shimmering native minnow ubiquitous across the lakes, reservoirs, and river backwaters of the Pacific Northwest. Renowned for its stunning breeding display, when mature adults develop a blazing crimson-red and...