American Lady

Invertebrates > Butterflies

The American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis) is an exquisite, brightly patterned brush-footed butterfly native to the sun-drenched meadows and flowering prairies of North America. Closely related to the Painted Lady, it is easily distinguished by the spectacular underside...

Boreal Chorus Frog

Amphibians > Tree Frogs

The Boreal Chorus Frog (Pseudacris maculata) is a tiny, charismatic harbinger of spring across the northern plains and boreal forests of North America. Emerging from winter dormancy while ice still coats northern marshes, its loud, vibrant breeding chorus—famously...

Prairie Skink

Reptiles > Lizards

The Prairie Skink (Plestiodon septentrionalis) is a sleek, shiny, fast-moving lizard intimately tied to the native tallgrass prairies of the North American Great Plains. Reaching further north into Canada than almost any other lizard on the continent, this...

Southwestern Fence Lizard

Reptiles > Lizards

The Southwestern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus cowlesi) is a quintessential, spiny-scaled reptile native to the arid canyonlands, grasslands, and pinyon-juniper woodlands of the American Southwest. A proud member of the famous ‘blue-belly’ lizard group, this...

Brook Stickleback

Fish > Sticklebacks

The Brook Stickleback (Culaea inconstans) is a fascinating, small freshwater fish famous for the sharp, isolated dorsal spines lining its back and the intricate bird-like nests constructed by breeding males. Inhabiting the quiet, weed-choked brooks and cold springs of...