Widow Skimmer

Invertebrates > Dragonflies

The Widow Skimmer (Libellula luctuosa) is one of the most striking and easily recognized dragonflies in North America. Named for the conspicuous, steely-black bands covering the base of all four wings—which historically reminded early naturalists of dark mourning...

Promethea Silkmoth

Invertebrates > Moths

The Promethea Silkmoth (Callosamia promethea), also affectionately known as the Spicebush Silkmoth, is an enchanting giant silk moth native to the deciduous forests of eastern North America. Named after Prometheus from Greek mythology, this regal lepidopteran exhibits...

Desert Night Lizard

Reptiles > Lizards

The Desert Night Lizard (Xantusia vigilis) is a secretive, miniature reptile renowned for its lifelong ecological partnership with the iconic Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia). Despite its historic name suggesting nocturnal activity, scientific research revealed that...

Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake

Reptiles > Snakes

The Sonoran Mountain Kingsnake (Lampropeltis pyromelana) is a dazzling, non-venomous constrictor restricted to the isolated ‘sky island’ mountain ranges of the American Southwest and Mexico. Famous for its brilliant, high-contrast tricolor bands of fiery...

Arctic Grayling

Fish > Salmonids

The Arctic Grayling (Thymallus arcticus), celebrated as the ‘Sailfish of the North,’ is an incomparably elegant cold-water sportfish native to the pristine tundra rivers of Alaska and northern Canada. Famous for its colossal, sail-like dorsal fin that...