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An illustration of a yellow woolly bear caterpillar. The Yellow woolly bear caterpillar, Spilosoma virginica, is the larva of the Virginia tiger moth. It has a diet of a wide range of low-growing plants, including ground cover like grass and clover. This species tends to have two to three life cycles per year, with one hibernating for the winter in temperate climates.

Yellow Woolly Bear Caterpillar

An illustration of a yellow woolly bear caterpillar. The Yellow woolly bear caterpillar, Spilosoma virginica,…

Orgyia leucostigma, the White-marked tussock moth, is a moth in the family Lymantriidae. The caterpillar is very common especially in late summer in eastern North America, as far west as Texas, Colorado, and Alberta. There are two or more generations a year in eastern North America (Wagner 2005). They overwinter in the egg stage. Eggs are laid in a single mass over the cocoon of the female, and covered in a froth (Wagner 2005). Up to 300 eggs are laid at a time. he larvae are brightly coloured, with tufts of hair-like setae. The head is bright red, the body has yellow or white stripes, with a black stripe along the middle of the back. There are bright red defensive glands on the hind end of the back. Four white toothbrush-like tufts stand out from the back, and there is a grey-brown hair pencil at the hind end. Touching the hairs will set off an allergic reaction in many humans (Wagner 2005). Young larvae skeletonize the surface of the leaf, while older larvae eat everything except the larger veins (Rose and Lindquist, 1982). They grow to about 35 mm.

White-marked Tussock Caterpillar

Orgyia leucostigma, the White-marked tussock moth, is a moth in the family Lymantriidae. The caterpillar…

The Golden-crowned Kinglet, Regulus satrapa, is a very small songbird. Adults are olive-gray on the upperparts with white underparts, with thin bills and short tails. They have white wing bars, a black stripe through the eyes and a yellow crown surrounded by black. The adult male has an orange patch in the middle of the yellow crown.

Golden-crowned Kinglet

The Golden-crowned Kinglet, Regulus satrapa, is a very small songbird. Adults are olive-gray on the…

The White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) is a small songbird of the nuthatch family which breeds in old-growth woodland across much of temperate North America. It is a stocky bird, with a large head, short tail, powerful bill and strong feet. The upperparts are pale blue-gray, and the face and underparts are white. It has a black cap and a chestnut lower belly. The nine subspecies differ mainly in the color of the body plumage.

White-breasted Nuthatch

The White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) is a small songbird of the nuthatch family which breeds…

The nuthatches are a genus, Sitta, of small passerine birds belonging to the family Sittidae. Characterised by large heads, short tails, and powerful bills and feet, nuthatches advertise their territory using loud, simple songs. Most species exhibit grey or bluish upperparts and a black eye stripe. Most nuthatches breed in the temperate or montane woodlands of the Northern Hemisphere, although two species have adapted to rocky habitats in the warmer and drier regions of Eurasia. However, the greatest diversity is in Southern Asia, and similarities between the species have made it difficult to identify distinct species. All members of this genus nest in holes or crevices. Most species are non-migratory and live in their habitat year-round, although the North American Red-breasted Nuthatch migrates to warmer regions during the winter. A few nuthatch species have restricted ranges and face threats from deforestation.

Nuthatches

The nuthatches are a genus, Sitta, of small passerine birds belonging to the family Sittidae. Characterised…

The Red-breasted Nuthatch, Sitta canadensis, is a small songbird. Adults have blue-grey upperparts with reddish underparts; they have a white face with a black stripe through the eyes, a white throat, a straight grey bill and a black crown. This bird is smaller than the White-breasted Nuthatch.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

The Red-breasted Nuthatch, Sitta canadensis, is a small songbird. Adults have blue-grey upperparts with…

The Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) is a medium-sized northern American perching bird of the mimid family. It is the only member of New World catbird genus Dumetella. Like the Black Catbird, it is among the basal lineages of the Mimidae. Adults are dark gray with a slim, black bill and dark eyes. They have a long dark tail, dark legs and a dark cap; they are rust-colored underneath their tail.

Gray Catbird

The Grey Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis) is a medium-sized northern American perching bird of the mimid…

The Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapillus, is a small songbird of the New World warbler family. Ovenbirds are 14 cm long and weigh 18 g. They have white underparts streaked with black, and olive-brown upperparts. They have white eye rings, pinkish legs and thin pointed bills. They have orange lines on the top of their crowns, which are bordered on each side with dark brown.

Ovenbird

The Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapillus, is a small songbird of the New World warbler family. Ovenbirds are…

The Black-and-white Warbler, Mniotilta varia, is a small New World warbler. It breeds in northern and eastern North America from southern Canada to Florida. This species is migratory, wintering in Florida, Central America and the West Indies down to Peru. This species is a very rare vagrant to western Europe, mainly to Ireland and Great Britain. This species is 13 cm long and weighs 11 g. The summer male Black-and-white Warbler is boldly streaked in black and white, and the bird has been described as a flying humbug. There are two white wing bars. Female and juvenile plumages are similar, but duller and less streaked.

Black and White Warbler

The Black-and-white Warbler, Mniotilta varia, is a small New World warbler. It breeds in northern and…

The Black-throated Green Warbler, Dendroica virens, is a small songbird of the New World warbler family. It is 12 cm long and weighs 9 g, and has an olive-green crown, a yellow face with olive markings, a thin pointed bill, white wing bars, an olive-green back and pale underparts with black streaks on the flanks. Adult males have a black throat and upper breast; females have a pale throat and black markings on their breast.

Black-throated Green Warbler

The Black-throated Green Warbler, Dendroica virens, is a small songbird of the New World warbler family.…

The Red-eyed Vireo, Vireo olivaceus, is a small American songbird, 13-14 cm in length. It is somewhat warbler-like but not closely related to the New World warblers. Adults are mainly olive-green on the upperparts with white underparts; they have a red iris and a grey crown edged with black. There is a dark blackish line through the eyes and a wide white stripe just above that line. They have thick blue-grey legs and a stout bill. They are yellowish on the flanks and under their tail. This bird, not always seen, may sing for long periods of time; it appears to be endlessly repeating the same question and answer. It holds the record for most songs given in a single day among bird species

Red-eyed Vireo

The Red-eyed Vireo, Vireo olivaceus, is a small American songbird, 13-14 cm in length. It is somewhat…

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus, is a large seed-eating bird in the cardinal family. The adult is 19 cm long and weighs 47 g. It has dark upperparts, white underparts and a large pale bill. The adult male has a black head, wings and upperparts and a bright rose-red patch on its breast; the wings have white patches and rose red linings. The adult female has dark grey upperparts, a white stripe over the eye, streaked underparts and yellowish wing linings. The song resembles a more refined version of the American Robin's. The call is a sharp pink.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Male)

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus, is a large seed-eating bird in the cardinal family.…

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus, is a large seed-eating bird in the cardinal family. The adult is 19 cm long and weighs 47 g. It has dark upperparts, white underparts and a large pale bill. The adult male has a black head, wings and upperparts and a bright rose-red patch on its breast; the wings have white patches and rose red linings. The adult female has dark grey upperparts, a white stripe over the eye, streaked underparts and yellowish wing linings. The song resembles a more refined version of the American Robin's. The call is a sharp pink.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak (Female)

The Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus, is a large seed-eating bird in the cardinal family.…

The Downy Woodpecker, Picoides pubescens, is the smallest woodpecker in North America. Adults are mainly black on the upper parts and wings, with a white back, throat and belly and white spotting on the wings. There is a white bar above and below the eye. They have a black tail with white outer feathers barred with black. Adult males have a red patch on the back of the head.

Downy Woodpecker

The Downy Woodpecker, Picoides pubescens, is the smallest woodpecker in North America. Adults are mainly…

David Emanuel Twiggs (1790 – July 15, 1862) was a United States soldier during the War of 1812 and Mexican-American War and a general of the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He was one of the oldest generals on either side in the Civil War.

David Emanuel Twiggs

David Emanuel Twiggs (1790 – July 15, 1862) was a United States soldier during the War of 1812…

The Black-billed Cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus, is a cuckoo. Adults have a long brown tail and a black bill. The head and upper parts are brown and the underparts are white. There is a red ring around the eye. Juveniles are drabber, and the eye ring is greenish. Their breeding habitat is edges of wooded areas across North America east of the Rockies. They nest in a low tree or shrub, sometimes on the ground. They sometimes lay eggs in the nests of other birds.

Black-billed Cuckoo

The Black-billed Cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus, is a cuckoo. Adults have a long brown tail and a…

The Indigobirds and whydahs, are small passerine birds native to Africa. Some species are also known as widowbirds. These are finch-like species which usually have black or indigo predominating in their plumage. The birds named as "whydahs" have long or very long tails.

Indigobird (Male)

The Indigobirds and whydahs, are small passerine birds native to Africa. Some species are also known…

The Indigobirds and whydahs, are small passerine birds native to Africa. Some species are also known as widowbirds. These are finch-like species which usually have black or indigo predominating in their plumage. The birds named as "whydahs" have long or very long tails.

Indigobird (Female)

The Indigobirds and whydahs, are small passerine birds native to Africa. Some species are also known…

The White-throated Sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis, is a passerine bird of the American sparrow family Emberizidae. The White-throated Sparrow is 17 cm (6.75 inches) in length with a wingspan of 23 cm (9 inches) Typical weight is 26 grams (0.91 oz). There are two adult plumage variations known as the tan-striped and white-striped forms. On the white-striped form the crown is black with a white central stripe. The supercilium is white as well. The auriculars are gray with the upper edge forming a black eye line.

White-throated Sparrow

The White-throated Sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis, is a passerine bird of the American sparrow family…

Meadowlarks are birds belonging to the genus Sturnella in the New World family Icteridae. This genus includes seven species of largely insectivorous grassland birds. In all species the male at least has a black or brown back and extensively red or yellow underparts

Meadowlark

Meadowlarks are birds belonging to the genus Sturnella in the New World family Icteridae. This genus…

The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a passerine bird of the family Icteridae found in most of North and much of Central America. It breeds from Alaska and Newfoundland south to Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico and Guatemala, with isolated populations in western El Salvador, northwestern Honduras and northwestern Costa Rica. It may winter as far north as Pennsylvania and British Columbia, but northern populations are generally migratory, moving south to Mexico and the southern United States. The Red-winged Blackbird is sexually dimorphic; the male has all black with a red shoulder and yellow wing bar, while the female is a nondescript dark brown. Seeds and insects make up the bulk of the Red-winged Blackbird's diet.

Red-winged Blackbird

The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a passerine bird of the family Icteridae found in…

The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a passerine bird of the family Icteridae found in most of North and much of Central America. It breeds from Alaska and Newfoundland south to Florida, the Gulf of Mexico, Mexico and Guatemala, with isolated populations in western El Salvador, northwestern Honduras and northwestern Costa Rica. It may winter as far north as Pennsylvania and British Columbia, but northern populations are generally migratory, moving south to Mexico and the southern United States. The Red-winged Blackbird is sexually dimorphic; the male has all black with a red shoulder and yellow wing bar, while the female is a nondescript dark brown. Seeds and insects make up the bulk of the Red-winged Blackbird's diet.

Red-winged Blackbird (Female)

The Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a passerine bird of the family Icteridae found in…

The Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus, is a small New World blackbird and the only member of genus Dolichonyx. Adults are 16-18 cm long with short finch-like bills. Adult males are mostly black, although they do display creamy napes, and white scapulars, lower backs and rumps. Adult females are mostly light brown, although their coloring includes black streaks on the back and flanks, and dark stripes on the head; their wings and tails are darker. Their breeding habitats are open grassy fields, especially hay fields, across North America. In high-quality habitats, males are often polygynous. Females lays 5 to 6 eggs in a cup-shaped nest, which is always situated on the ground and is usually well-hidden in dense vegetation. Both parents feed the young.

Bobolink (Male)

The Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus, is a small New World blackbird and the only member of genus Dolichonyx.…

The Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus, is a small New World blackbird and the only member of genus Dolichonyx. Adults are 16-18 cm long with short finch-like bills. Adult males are mostly black, although they do display creamy napes, and white scapulars, lower backs and rumps. Adult females are mostly light brown, although their coloring includes black streaks on the back and flanks, and dark stripes on the head; their wings and tails are darker. Their breeding habitats are open grassy fields, especially hay fields, across North America. In high-quality habitats, males are often polygynous. Females lays 5 to 6 eggs in a cup-shaped nest, which is always situated on the ground and is usually well-hidden in dense vegetation. Both parents feed the young.

Bobolink (Female)

The Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus, is a small New World blackbird and the only member of genus Dolichonyx.…

The Whip-poor-will or whippoorwill, Caprimulgus vociferus, is a medium-sized (22-27 cm) nightjar from North and Central America. The Whip-poor-will is commonly heard within its range, but less often seen. It is named onomatopoeically after its call. This bird is sometimes confused[1] with the related Chuck-will's-widow (Caprimulgus carolinensis) which has a similar but lower-pitched and slower call. Adults have mottled plumage: the upperparts are grey, black and brown; the lower parts are grey and black. They have a very short bill and a black throat. Males have a white patch below the throat and white tips on the outer tail feathers; in the female, these parts are light brown.

Whip-poor-will

The Whip-poor-will or whippoorwill, Caprimulgus vociferus, is a medium-sized (22-27 cm) nightjar from…

The Swamp Sparrow, Melospiza georgiana, is a medium-sized sparrow. Adults have streaked rusty and black upperparts with a grey breast, light belly and a white throat. They have a rust-coloured cap and wings. Their face is grey with a dark line through the eye. They have a short bill and fairly long legs. Their breeding habitat is marshes, including salt marshes, across eastern North America and central Canada. The bulky nest is attached to marsh vegetation, often with leaves arching over the top. On the central Atlantic coast, in the southern parts of their summer range, they are permanent residents. Other birds migrate to the southern United States.

Swamp Sparrow

The Swamp Sparrow, Melospiza georgiana, is a medium-sized sparrow. Adults have streaked rusty and black…

The Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) is a small bird of the Tyrant Flycatcher family (Tyrannidae).

Black Phoebe

The Black Phoebe (Sayornis nigricans) is a small bird of the Tyrant Flycatcher family (Tyrannidae).

The chigoe flea (Tunga penetrans) is a parasitic arthropod found in tropical climates, especially South America and the West Indies. At 1 mm long, the chigoe flea is the smallest known flea. Breeding female chigoes burrow into exposed skin and lay eggs, causing intense irritation. After this point, the skin lesion looks like a 5 to 10 mm white spot with a central black dot, which are the flea's exposed hind legs, respiratory spiracles and reproductive organs.

Chigoe Flea (Male)

The chigoe flea (Tunga penetrans) is a parasitic arthropod found in tropical climates, especially South…

The chigoe flea (Tunga penetrans) is a parasitic arthropod found in tropical climates, especially South America and the West Indies. At 1 mm long, the chigoe flea is the smallest known flea. Breeding female chigoes burrow into exposed skin and lay eggs, causing intense irritation. After this point, the skin lesion looks like a 5 to 10 mm white spot with a central black dot, which are the flea's exposed hind legs, respiratory spiracles and reproductive organs.

Chigoe Flea (Female)

The chigoe flea (Tunga penetrans) is a parasitic arthropod found in tropical climates, especially South…

"Palmar aspect of left fore foot of a black bear (Ursus americanus). scl, scapholunar; c, cuneiform; p, pisiform; tr, trapezium; t, trapezoid; m, magnum; u, unciform. The phalanges show a full series of sesamoid bones (unmarked)." -Whitney, 1911

Bear Foot

"Palmar aspect of left fore foot of a black bear (Ursus americanus). scl, scapholunar; c, cuneiform;…

Coots , are medium-sized water birds which are members of the rail family Rallidae. They constitute the genus Fulica. Coots have predominantly black plumage, and, unlike many of the rails, they are usually easy to see, often swimming in open water. They are close relatives of the moorhen. The greatest species variety is in South America, and it is likely that the genus originated there. They are common in Europe and North America.

Coot

Coots , are medium-sized water birds which are members of the rail family Rallidae. They constitute…

The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds. It occurs along inland waterways as well as in coastal areas, and is widely distributed across North America, from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska down to Florida and Mexico. Measuring 70–90 cm (28–35 in) in length, it is an all-black bird which gains a small double crest of black and white feathers in breeding season. It has a bare patch of orange-yellow facial skin. Five subspecies are recognized.

Double-crested Cormorant

The Double-crested Cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) is a member of the cormorant family of seabirds.…

The Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus), is Africa's largest eagle and is the only member of the genus Polemaetus. t is a very large eagle, with a length of 76-90 cm (30-36 in), an average weight of 5.2 kg (11.6 lbs) and a wingspan of 190-260 cm (6.25-8.5 ft). The adult's plumage has dark brown upperparts, head and upper chest. The body underparts are white streaked with black. The underwing coverts are brown, with pale flight feathers, also streaked with black. The female is usually larger and more streaked than the male. The immature is paler above and has white underparts. It reaches adult plumage in its seventh year.

Martial Eagle

The Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus), is Africa's largest eagle and is the only member of the genus…

The Black-Tailed Leaftosser (Sclerurus caudacutus) is a small bird in the Furnariidae family of Ovenbirds.

Black-Tailed Leaftosser

The Black-Tailed Leaftosser (Sclerurus caudacutus) is a small bird in the Furnariidae family of Ovenbirds.

The Black Rock Scorpion (Scorpio (Buthus) Afer), "seen from above. At, the chelicerae, or chelate antennae; the large claws are chelate pedipalpi; Cth, cephalothorax; the first two legs are cephalic appendages, the next two thoracic; Tn, the telson or sting." -Whitney, 1911

Black Rock Scorpion

The Black Rock Scorpion (Scorpio (Buthus) Afer), "seen from above. At, the chelicerae, or chelate antennae;…

The Olive (Olea europaea) is a species of small tree in the family Oleaceae, native to the coastal areas of the eastern Mediterranean region, from Lebanon, Syria and the maritime parts of Asia Minor and northern Iran at the south end of the Caspian Sea. Its fruit, the olive, is of major agricultural importance in the Mediterranean region as the source of olive oil. The Olive tree is an evergreen tree or shrub native to the Mediterranean, Asia and parts of Africa. It is short and squat, and rarely exceeds 8–15 meters in height. The silvery green leaves are oblong in shape, measuring 4–10 cm long and 1–3 cm wide. The trunk is typically gnarled and twisted. The small white flowers, with four-cleft calyx and corolla, two stamens and bifid stigma, are borne generally on the last year's wood, in racemes springing from the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a small drupe 1–2.5 cm long, thinner-fleshed and smaller in wild plants than in orchard cultivars. Olives are harvested at the green stage or left to ripen to a rich purple colour (black olive). Canned black olives may contain chemicals that turn them black artificially.

Olive Branch

The Olive (Olea europaea) is a species of small tree in the family Oleaceae, native to the coastal areas…

Cubeb (Piper cubeba), or tailed pepper, is a plant in genus Piper, cultivated for its fruit and essential oil. It is mostly grown in Java and Sumatra, hence sometimes called Java pepper. The fruits are gathered before they are ripe, and carefully dried. Commercial cubebs consist of the dried berries, similar in appearance to black pepper, but with stalks attached — the "tails" in "tailed pepper". The dried pericarp is wrinkled, its color ranges from grayish-brown to black. The seed is hard, white and oily. The odor of cubebs is described as agreeable and aromatic. The taste, pungent, acrid, slightly bitter and persistent. It has been described as tasting like allspice, or like a cross between allspice and black pepper.

Cubeb

Cubeb (Piper cubeba), or tailed pepper, is a plant in genus Piper, cultivated for its fruit and essential…

Madder is the common name of the plant genus Rubia, the type genus of the madder family Rubiaceae. The genus contains about 60 species of perennial scrambling or climbing herbs and sub-shrubs native to the Old World, Africa, temperate Asia and America. The best known species are Common Madder (Rubia tinctorum), Wild Madder (Rubia peregrina), and Indian Madder (Rubia cordifolia). The Common Madder can grow to 1.5 m in height. The evergreen leaves are 5-10 cm long and 2-3 cm broad, produced in whorls of 4-7 starlike around the central stem. It climbs with tiny hooks at the leaves and stems. The flowers are small (3-5 mm across), with five pale yellow petals, in dense racemes, and appear from June to August, followed by small (4-6 mm diameter) red to black berries. The roots can be over a metre long, up to 12 mm thick and the source of a red dye known as rose madder. It prefers loamy soils with a constant level of moisture. Madders are used as food plants for the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Hummingbird hawk moth.

Madder

Madder is the common name of the plant genus Rubia, the type genus of the madder family Rubiaceae. The…

Eastern Black oak (Quercus velutina), or more commonly known as simply Black Oak is an oak in the red oak (Quercus sect. Lobatae) group of oaks. It is native to eastern North America from southern Ontario south to northern Florida and southern Maine west to northeastern Texas. It is a common tree in the Indiana Dunes and other sandy dunal ecosystems along the southern shores of Lake Michigan. It is most often found in dry well draining upland soils which can be clayey or sandy in nature in most of the rest of its range. In the northern part of its range, black oak is a relatively small tree, reaching a height of 20-25 m (65-80 ft) and a diameter of 90 cm (35 in), but it grows larger in the south and center of its range, where heights of up to 42 m (140 ft) are known. Black Oak is well known to readily hybridize with other members of the red oak (Quercus sect. Lobatae) group of oaks being one parent in at least a dozen different named hybrids. he inner bark of the black oak contains a yellow pigment called quercitron, which was sold commercially in Europe until the 1940s.

Eastern Black Oak Branch

Eastern Black oak (Quercus velutina), or more commonly known as simply Black Oak is an oak in the red…

A lynx is any of four medium-sized wild cats. All are members of the genus Lynx, but there is considerable confusion about the best way to classify felids at present, and some authorities classify them as part of the genus Felis. The Caracal, despite sometimes being called Persian Lynx or African Lynx, does not belong to this genus. Lynx have short tails and characteristic tufts of black hair on the tip of the ears. They have a ruff under the neck, which has black bars (not very visible), resembling a bow tie. They have large paws padded for walking on snow and long whiskers on the face. The body color varies from medium brown to gold-ish to beige-white; and occasionally, is marked with dark brown spots, especially on the limbs. All species of lynx also have white fur on their chests, bellies and on the insides of their legs which are extensions of the chest and belly fur. Also, the lynx's coloring, fur height and paw size varies by its climate range- in the Southwest US, the fur and color are short-haired, dark and the paws are smaller and less padded, as the lynx ranges to its colder Northern climes, the fur gets progressively thicker (for warmth), the color gets lighter (for camouflage) and its paws enlarge and become more padded for snowy environments.

Lynx

A lynx is any of four medium-sized wild cats. All are members of the genus Lynx, but there is considerable…

The Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata) is a fish in the Grouper family native to New York, Maine, Florida, and the Gulf of Mexico.

Black Sea Bass

The Black Sea Bass (Centropristis striata) is a fish in the Grouper family native to New York, Maine,…

The Great Seal of the State of California. The seal shows Eureka with a bear cub. In the background are mountains and ships.

Seal of California

The Great Seal of the State of California. The seal shows Eureka with a bear cub. In the background…

The Great Seal of the State of Missouri. Two grizzly bears hold a shield with the national seal and icons symbolizing growth and strength. The scroll holds the state motto, 'Salus Populi Suprema Lex Esto' meaning "Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law."

Seal of Missouri

The Great Seal of the State of Missouri. Two grizzly bears hold a shield with the national seal and…

The Sea Snake (Pelamis bicolor) is a tropical sea snake known for its black color on top and yellow belly.

Sea Snake

The Sea Snake (Pelamis bicolor) is a tropical sea snake known for its black color on top and yellow…

An illustration of a fossil containing Chirotherium tracks. Chirotherium (also known as Cheirotherium) or 'hand-beast', is the name of a creature which may be known only from fossil imprints of its tracks (trace fossils). These look, by coincidence, remarkably like the hand of an ape/human or bear, with the outermost toe having evolved to extend out to the side like a thumb, although probably only providing a firmer grip in mud. Its tracks were first found in 1834, in red sandstone in Thuringia, Germany, dating from 240 million years ago (mya). This creature was probably an archosaur, related to the ancestors of the dinosaurs.

Chirotherium Tracks

An illustration of a fossil containing Chirotherium tracks. Chirotherium (also known as Cheirotherium)…

The Zöllner illusion is a classic optical illusion named after its discoverer, German astrophysicist Johann Karl Friedrich Zöllner. In this figure the black lines seem to be unparallel, but in reality they are parallel. The shorter lines are on an angle to the longer lines. This angle helps to create the impression that one end of the longer lines is nearer to us than the other end. This is very similar to the way the Wundt illusion appears. It may be that the Zöllner illusion is caused by this impression of depth.

Zollner Illusion

The Zöllner illusion is a classic optical illusion named after its discoverer, German astrophysicist…

Troy weight is a system of units of mass customarily used for precious metals, black powder, and gemstones.

Troy Weight

Troy weight is a system of units of mass customarily used for precious metals, black powder, and gemstones.

The Twelve-Wired Bird of Paradise (Seleucidis melanoleucus) is a black and yellow bird of paradise named for its twelve wire-like feathers near its tail.

Twelve-Wired Bird of Paradise

The Twelve-Wired Bird of Paradise (Seleucidis melanoleucus) is a black and yellow bird of paradise named…

Pogonias chromis, a name of several fish so called from the drumming noise they make, said to be due, in part at least, to the grinding of bones upon each other.

Saltwater Drum

Pogonias chromis, a name of several fish so called from the drumming noise they make, said to be due,…

Great Black Woodpecker (Drycopus martius). This bird of one of the largest of its tribe, black with a scarlet crest, and resembles somewhat the ivory-billed and pileated woodpeckers of the United States. It inhabits northerly portions of Europe.

Great Black Woodpecker

Great Black Woodpecker (Drycopus martius). This bird of one of the largest of its tribe, black with…

An diagram of the anatomy of a sea urchin. Sea urchins are small, globular, spiny sea creatures, composing most of class Echinoidea. They are found in oceans all over the world. Their shell, or "test", is round and spiny, typically from 3 to 10 cm across. Common colors include black and dull shades of green, olive, brown, purple, and red. They move slowly, feeding mostly on algae. Sea otters, wolf eels, and other predators feed on urchins. Sea urchins are harvested and served as a delicacy.

Sea Urchin

An diagram of the anatomy of a sea urchin. Sea urchins are small, globular, spiny sea creatures, composing…

Darkling beetles (also known as Darkening beetles) are a family of beetles found worldwide, estimated at more than 20,000 species. Many of the beetles have black elytra. Darkling beetles eat both fresh and decaying vegetation. Major predators include birds, rodents, sun spiders, and lizards.

Darkling Beetle

Darkling beetles (also known as Darkening beetles) are a family of beetles found worldwide, estimated…

The Goliath beetles are among the largest insects on Earth, if measured in terms of size, bulk and weight. They are members of subfamily Cetoniinae, within the scarab beetle family. Goliath beetles can be found in many of Africa's tropical forests, where they feed primarily on tree sap and fruit. Little appears to be known of the larval cycle in the wild, but in captivity, Goliathus beetles have been successfully reared from egg to adult using protein-rich foods such as commercial cat and dog food. Goliath beetles measure from 60–110 millimetres (2.4–4.3 in) for males and 50–80 millimetres (2.0–3.1 in) for females, as adults, and can reach weights of up to 80–100 grams (2.8–3.5 oz) in the larval stage, though the adults are only about half this weight. The females range from a dark brown to silky white, but the males are nomally brown/white/black or black/white.

Goliath Beetle

The Goliath beetles are among the largest insects on Earth, if measured in terms of size, bulk and weight.…

Coccinellidae is a family of beetles, known variously as ladybirds (British English, Australian English, South African English), ladybugs (North American English) or lady beetles (preferred by some scientists). Lesser-used names include ladyclock, lady cow, and lady fly. The family name comes from its type genus, Coccinella. Coccinellids are found worldwide, with over 5,000 species described, more than 450 native to North America alone. Coccinellids are small insects, ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm (0.04 to 0.4 inches), and are commonly yellow, orange, or scarlet with small black spots on their wing covers, with black legs, head and antennae. A very large number of species are mostly or entirely black, gray, or brown and may be difficult for non-entomologists to recognize as coccinellids (and, conversely, there are many small beetles that are easily mistaken as such, like tortoise beetles).

Ladybug

Coccinellidae is a family of beetles, known variously as ladybirds (British English, Australian English,…

Ferrocolumbite, also called niobite, niobite-tantalite, columbate and columbite [(Fe, Mn)(Nb, Ta)2O6] is a black mineral that is an ore of niobium and tantalum. It has a submetallic luster and a high specific gravity and is a niobate of iron and manganese, containing tantalate of iron. This mineral was first found at Haddam, Middlesex County, Connecticut in New England, USA. It forms a series with the tantalum-dominant analogue Ferrotantalite and one with the manganese-dominant analogue Manganocolumbite.

Ferrocolumbite

Ferrocolumbite, also called niobite, niobite-tantalite, columbate and columbite [(Fe, Mn)(Nb, Ta)2O6]…

"Ehrlich's diagrams illustrating the mechanism of immunity and cytolysis. The figures in black indicate substances with toxic action. a and b illustrate the excessive production of receptors in response to the action of toxins, and their escape from the cells." -Whitney, 1911

Cytolysis, Stage 1

"Ehrlich's diagrams illustrating the mechanism of immunity and cytolysis. The figures in black indicate…

"Ehrlich's diagrams illustrating the mechanism of immunity and cytolysis. The figures in black indicate substances with toxic action. a and b illustrate the excessive production of receptors in response to the action of toxins, and their escape from the cells; in b they are seen to combine with toxin outside the cell, preventing its union with the cell." -Whitney, 1911

Cytolysis, Stage 2

"Ehrlich's diagrams illustrating the mechanism of immunity and cytolysis. The figures in black indicate…

"Ehrlich's diagrams illustrating the mechanism of immunity and cytolysis. The figures in black indicate substances with toxic action. c shows the structure of the complement and intermediary body of bacteriolytic and cytolytic sera." -Whitney, 1911

Cytolysis, Stage 3

"Ehrlich's diagrams illustrating the mechanism of immunity and cytolysis. The figures in black…

"Ehrlich's diagrams illustrating the mechanism of immunity and cytolysis. The figures in black indicate substances with toxic action. d shows the amboceptor, while attached to the cell, uniting the complement to a large molecule." -Whitney, 1911

Cytolysis, Stage 4

"Ehrlich's diagrams illustrating the mechanism of immunity and cytolysis. The figures in black…

Sea urchins are small, globular, spiny sea creatures, composing most of class Echinoidea. They are found in oceans all over the world. Their shell, or "test", is round and spiny, typically from 3 to 10 cm across. Common colors include black and dull shades of green, olive, brown, purple, and red. They move slowly, feeding mostly on algae. Sea otters, wolf eels, and other predators feed on urchins. Sea urchins are harvested and served as a delicacy.

Sea Urchin

Sea urchins are small, globular, spiny sea creatures, composing most of class Echinoidea. They are found…