7 Stunning North American Lepidoptera Few people would dispute the opinion that the Order of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) contains some of the most incredibly beautiful invertebrates in the world. They are also among the most widespread of all insects. Various species live throughout virtually all temperate and tropical portions of the Earth. It remains […]
Cecropia Moth
Cecropia Moth Facts The most noteworthy fact about the beautiful Cecropia Moth comes as no surprise. It ranks as the largest species of moth endemic to North America. This gorgeous insect displays a moderate degree of sexual dimorphism, much as many other Lepidoptera. However, this distinctive moth species display it in several ways. The female […]
Menzies’ Wallflower
The delicate Menzies’ Wallflower serves as the common name of a very rare plant species. This lovely small plant currently appears to be endemic to only four known small individual areas in California, in North America. Currently, biologists only know of four recognized subspecies. Also, all known varieties of the Menzies’ Wallflower presently officially list […]
Death Valley
Death Valley remains the name of a severe desert valley located in Eastern California, in the United States. Its unique geology makes it the driest, lowest, and hottest region in North America. Death Valley itself contains numerous unique features. Among them sits the appropriately named Furnace Creek. In this location, in 1913, the highest air […]
Fall Webworm
This unassuming and cuddly-looking little insect is the adorable caterpillar form of the Fall Webworm. The species remains best known, as well as more popular, at this stage as opposed to the adult. Though endemic to North America, this Lepidoptera is now present in many other areas of the world, including parts of Asia and most of […]
Question Mark Butterfly
Question Mark Butterfly Facts Importantly, the Question Mark Butterfly remains one of the lesser-known Lepidoptera in its endemic range. Yet its distinct characteristics make it easily recognizable. It also ranks as one of the largest butterfly species within their range. That endemic range covers a large portion of North America, and individuals often travel extensively […]
Lady Slipper Orchid
Lady Slipper Orchid Facts First of all, the beautiful and diverse Lady Slipper Orchid family contains more than 50 species, over 30 of which claim North America as their habitat range. In addition to the diversity of its family, each species varies from other orchids in that they have been classified as diandrous. Each of these unique plants […]
Greater Sage Grouse
The Greater Sage Grouse has perhaps justification for the name. This is the largest species of grouse in North America. Sadly, they are also in decline. Yet despite this fact, they have not been listed as Threatened by the IUCN. The primary threat to their existence is habitat loss. No great surprise there. Only a century ago the population of […]
Arctic Tern
The lovely Arctic Tern holds a unique distinction within the animal kingdom. This seabird ranks as the most highly migratory of any known species, and in fact, spends the majority of its life in the air. Their migration patterns show a high degree of convolution, generating enormous distances traveled. As they relocate south for the […]
Mandarin Duck
The Mandarin Duck ranks as an extraordinarily beautiful, not to mention colorful, variety of duck. They bear a close relationship to the wood duck of North America. This unique animal now lists as Threatened in its endemic range. The primary reason for this remains habitat loss, due to the destruction of native forests. However, and in […]
