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An illustration of a brown pelican with a fish in it's mouth and a sea gull resting on his back. The brown pelican is the smallest of the eight species of pelican, although it is a large bird in nearly every other regard. It lives strictly on coasts from Washington and Virginia south to northern Chile and the mouth of the Amazon River, as well as the island of Saut d'Eau in Trinidad and Tobago. Some immature birds may stray to inland freshwater lakes. After nesting, North American birds move in flocks further north along the coasts, returning to warmer waters for winter. Their young are hatched in broods of about 3, and eat around 150 lbs. of fish in the 8-10 month period they are cared for. Gulls (often informally Seagulls) are birds in the family Laridae. They are typically medium to large birds, usually gray or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They typically have harsh wailing or squawking calls. They have stout, longish bills, and webbed feet.

Brown Pelican and Sea Gull

An illustration of a brown pelican with a fish in it's mouth and a sea gull resting on his back. The…

The manta ray (Manta birostris), is the largest of the rays, with the largest known specimen having been more than 7.6 m (about 25 ft) across, with a weight of about 2,300 kg (about 5,000 lbs). It ranges throughout all tropical waters of the world, typically around coral reefs. Mantas have been given a variety of common names, including Atlantic manta, Pacific manta, devilfish, and just manta. Some people just call all members of the family stingrays, though stingrays comprise a separate family of rays (Dasyatidae). Recent studies have discovered that what is called manta ray are at least two different species, one smaller local and one much larger and migratory.

Manta Ray

The manta ray (Manta birostris), is the largest of the rays, with the largest known specimen having…

An illustration of a family holding bundles.

Family

An illustration of a family holding bundles.

Catherine II, called Catherine the Great, reigned as Empress of Russia for 34 years, from 9 July [O.S. 28 June] 1762 until her death. Marrying into the Russian Imperial family, she came to power with the deposition of her husband Peter III and then presided over a significant period of growth in Russian influence and culture. She exemplified the enlightened despot of her era.

Catherine II of Russia

Catherine II, called Catherine the Great, reigned as Empress of Russia for 34 years, from 9 July [O.S.…

Having taken holy orders in 1807, he took up the family living of Hodnet in Shropshire. In 1809 he married Amelia Shipley, daughter of the Dean of St Asaph. He was made prebendary of St Asaph in 1812, appointed Bampton lecturer for 1815, preacher at Lincoln's Inn in 1822, and Bishop of Calcutta in January 1823. Before sailing for India he received the degree of D.D. from the University of Oxford. In India, Bishop Heber laboured indefatigably - not only for the good of his own diocese, but for the spread of Christianity throughout the East. He toured the country, consecrating churches, founding schools and discharging other Christian duties. Heber was a pious man of profound learning, literary taste and great practical energy. His fame rests mainly on his hymns.

Bishop Reginald Heber

Having taken holy orders in 1807, he took up the family living of Hodnet in Shropshire. In 1809 he married…

The Phasmatodea (sometimes called Plasmodia) are an order of insects, whose members are variously known as stick insects (in Europe), walking sticks or stick-bugs (in the United States of America), phasmids, ghost insects and leaf insects (generally the family Phylliidae). The ordinal name is derived from the Greek "phasma" meaning an apparition or phantom, and refers to the resemblance of many species to sticks or leaves. Their natural camouflage can make them extremely difficult to spot. A few species (for example those in the genus Anisomorpha) are capable of secreting a substance from glands on the metathorax that can cause an intense burning irritation of the eyes (and in some cases temporary blindness) and mouth of potential predators on contact.

Stick Insect

The Phasmatodea (sometimes called Plasmodia) are an order of insects, whose members are variously known…

The Ichneumonoidea are insects classified in the hymenopteran suborder Apocrita. The super family is made up of the ichneumon wasps (often inaccurately called "ichneumon flies"; family Ichneumonidae) and the braconids (family Braconidae). Like other parasitic wasps, they were long placed in the "Parasitica", variously considered as an infraorder or an unranked clade, but actually not a monophyletic group.

Ichneumon Fly

The Ichneumonoidea are insects classified in the hymenopteran suborder Apocrita. The super family is…

The longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae; also known as long-horned beetles or, more archaically, llongicorns) are a cosmopolitan family of beetles, typically characterized by extremely long antennae, which are often as long as or longer than the beetle's body. The family is large, with over 20,000 species described, slightly more than half from the Eastern Hemisphere. Several are serious pests, with the larvae boring into wood, where they can cause extensive damage to either living trees or untreated lumber.

Longhorn Beetle

The longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae; also known as long-horned beetles or, more archaically, llongicorns)…

Parktown prawn is the familiar term South Africans use for Libanasidus vittatus, a monotypic king cricket species found in South Africa, belonging to the Anostostomatidae family. It is not considered a true cricket. Adults are usually around 4 to 5 centimeters in length, with an antennae of 2 cm. Parktown is an affluent suburb in Johannesburg, where these crickets are commonly found, hence the name.

Partown Prawn

Parktown prawn is the familiar term South Africans use for Libanasidus vittatus, a monotypic king cricket…

An illustration of a Calabash tree and ways to utilize the shell of the fruit it produces. Crescentia (Calabash tree, huingo, krabasi, or kalebas) is a genus of six species of flowering plants in the family Bignoniaceae, native to southern Florida, the Caribbean, southern Mexico, Central America and northern South America. The species are small trees growing to 10 m tall, and producing large spherical fruits up to half a meter in diameter.

Calabash Tree

An illustration of a Calabash tree and ways to utilize the shell of the fruit it produces. Crescentia…

Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha, found in several parts of the world. There are seven different genera in the family classified as rabbits.

Rabbits

Rabbits are small mammals in the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha, found in several parts of…

An illustration of a large family dinner.

Family Dinner

An illustration of a large family dinner.

The Saltator magnus is an American songbird in the cardinal family.

Saltator

The Saltator magnus is an American songbird in the cardinal family.

Callitris quadrivalvis (or Tetraclinis articulata) is a coniferous tree in the cypress family known as the Sandarac.

Sandarac Tree

Callitris quadrivalvis (or Tetraclinis articulata) is a coniferous tree in the cypress family known…

Trichodon trichodon is a species of fish in the Gonorynchidae family.

Sandfish

Trichodon trichodon is a species of fish in the Gonorynchidae family.

The pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos (or Actodromas maculata) is a small wading bird of the Scolopacidae family.

Pectoral Sandpiper

The pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos (or Actodromas maculata) is a small wading bird of the Scolopacidae…

An illustration of a family taking their livestock to the market to sell.

Going to Market

An illustration of a family taking their livestock to the market to sell.

An illustration of a family surrounding the father who is sketching on a notepad.

Family

An illustration of a family surrounding the father who is sketching on a notepad.

Ground beetles or carabids are collective terms for the beetle family Carabidae. This is a large family, with more than 40,000 species worldwide, approximately 2,000 of which are found in North America and 2,700 in Europe.

Ground Beetle

Ground beetles or carabids are collective terms for the beetle family Carabidae. This is a large family,…

A weevil is any beetle from the Curculionoidea superfamily. They are usually small, less than 6 mm (¼ inch), and herbivorous. Due to the shape of their heads, weevils are commonly known as snout beetles. There are over 60,000 species in several families, mostly in the family Curculionidae (the true weevils). Some other beetles, although not closely related, bear the name "weevil", such as the biscuit weevil (Stegobium paniceum), which belongs to the family Anobiidae.

Weevil

A weevil is any beetle from the Curculionoidea superfamily. They are usually small, less than 6 mm (¼…

Predaceous diving beetles is a family of water beetles. They are about 25 mm (one inch) long on average, though there is much variation between species. Dytiscus latissimus, the largest, can grow up to 45 mm long. Most are dark brown, blackish or dark olive in color with golden highlights in some subfamilies. They have short, but sharp mandibles. Immediately upon biting they deliver digestive enzymes. The larvae are commonly known as water tigers. The family has not been comprehensively cataloged since 1920, but is estimated to include about 4,000 species in over 160 genera.

Predaceous Beetle

Predaceous diving beetles is a family of water beetles. They are about 25 mm (one inch) long on average,…

Predaceous diving beetles is a family of water beetles. They are about 25 mm (one inch) long on average, though there is much variation between species. Dytiscus latissimus, the largest, can grow up to 45 mm long. Most are dark brown, blackish or dark olive in color with golden highlights in some subfamilies. They have short, but sharp mandibles. Immediately upon biting they deliver digestive enzymes. The larvae are commonly known as water tigers. The family has not been comprehensively cataloged since 1920, but is estimated to include about 4,000 species in over 160 genera.

Predaceous Beetle

Predaceous diving beetles is a family of water beetles. They are about 25 mm (one inch) long on average,…

The Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is a member of the family Bombycillidae or waxwing family of passerine birds. It breeds in open wooded areas in North America, principally southern Canada and the northern United States.

Cedar Waxwing Hatchling

The Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is a member of the family Bombycillidae or waxwing family of…

The Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is a member of the family Bombycillidae or waxwing family of passerine birds. It breeds in open wooded areas in North America, principally southern Canada and the northern United States.

Cedar Waxwing (3 Weeks)

The Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is a member of the family Bombycillidae or waxwing family of…

Grouse are a group of birds from the order Galliformes. Often considered a family Tetraonidae, the American Ornithologists' Union and many others include grouse as a subfamily Tetraoninae in the family Phasianidae. Grouse inhabit temperate and subarctic regions of the northern hemisphere, from pine forests to moorland and mountainside. Most species are year-round residents, and do not migrate. These birds feed mainly on vegetation, but also on insects, especially when feeding young. Several of the forest-living species are notable for eating large quantities of conifer needles, which most other vertebrates refuse

Young Grouse

Grouse are a group of birds from the order Galliformes. Often considered a family Tetraonidae, the American…

The American Robin, Turdus migratorius, is a migratory songbird of the thrush family. It is named after the European Robin because of the male's bright red breast, though the two species are not related. The American Robin is widely distributed throughout North America, wintering south of Canada from Florida to central Mexico and along the Pacific Coast. It is the state bird of Connecticut, Michigan and Wisconsin. It has seven subspecies, but only T. m. confinis in the southwest is particularly distinctive, with pale gray-brown underparts.

Young American Robins

The American Robin, Turdus migratorius, is a migratory songbird of the thrush family. It is named after…

The true crows are large passerine birds that comprise the genus Corvus in the family Corvidae. Ranging in size from the relatively small pigeon-sized jackdaws (Eurasian and Daurian) to the Common Raven of the Holarctic region and Thick-billed Raven of the highlands of Ethiopia, the 40 or so members of this genus occur on all temperate continents (except South America) and several offshore and oceanic islands (including Hawaii).

Crows

The true crows are large passerine birds that comprise the genus Corvus in the family Corvidae. Ranging…

An illustration of a chipping sparrow feeding its young. The Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) is a species of American sparrow in the family Emberizidae. It is widespread, fairly tame, and common across most of its North American range.

Chipping Sparrow Feeding Young

An illustration of a chipping sparrow feeding its young. The Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) is…

Crickets, family Gryllidae (also known as "true crickets"), are insects somewhat related to grasshoppers and more closely related to katydids or bush crickets (family Tettigoniidae). They have somewhat flattened bodies and long antennae. There are about 900 species of crickets. They tend to be nocturnal and are often confused with grasshoppers because they have a similar body structure including jumping hind legs.

Cricket

Crickets, family Gryllidae (also known as "true crickets"), are insects somewhat related to grasshoppers…

The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a passerine bird, and a member of the family Corvidae native to North America. It belongs to the "blue" or American jays, which are, among the Corvidae, not closely related to other jays. It is adaptable, aggressive and omnivorous, and has been colonizing new habitat for many decades

Blue Jay

The Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata) is a passerine bird, and a member of the family Corvidae native to…

A bark beetle is one of approximately 220 genera with 6,000 species of beetles in the subfamily Scolytinae. Traditionally this was considered a distinct family Scolytidae, but nowadays it is understood that bark beetles are in fact very specialized members of the "true weevil" family (Curculionidae).

Bark Beetle

A bark beetle is one of approximately 220 genera with 6,000 species of beetles in the subfamily Scolytinae.…

The woodpeckers, piculets and wrynecks are a family, Picidae, of near-passerine birds . Members of this family are found worldwide, except for Australia and New Zealand, Madagascar, and the extreme polar regions. Most species live in forests or woodland habitats, although a few species are known to live in desert areas.

Woodpecker

The woodpeckers, piculets and wrynecks are a family, Picidae, of near-passerine birds . Members of this…

The cecropia moth is one of the largest moths found in North America. It is a member of the Saturniidae family, or giant silk moths. Females with a wingspan of 130 mm or more have been documented. It is found as far west as the Rocky Mountains and north into the maritime provinces of Canada. The larvae of these moths are most commonly found on Maple trees, but they have been known to feed on Wild Cherry and Birch trees among many others.

Cecropia Moth

The cecropia moth is one of the largest moths found in North America. It is a member of the Saturniidae…

An illustration of the larva of a ceropia moth. The cecropia moth is one of the largest moths found in North America. It is a member of the Saturniidae family, or giant silk moths. Females with a wingspan of 130 mm or more have been documented. It is found as far west as the Rocky Mountains and north into the maritime provinces of Canada. The larvae of these moths are most commonly found on Maple trees, but they have been known to feed on Wild Cherry and Birch trees among many others.

Larva of Cecropia Moth

An illustration of the larva of a ceropia moth. The cecropia moth is one of the largest moths found…

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 Brown-tail (Euproctis chrysorrhoea) is a moth of the family Lymantriidae. It is distributed throughout Europe. The wings of this species are pure white, as is the body, apart from a tuft of brown hairs at the end of the abdomen. The brown colouration extends along most of the back of the abdomen in the male. In the female, the back of the abdomen is white but the tuft of brown hairs is much bigger. Ths wingspan is 36-42 mm. The species flies at night in July and August and is attracted to light.

Brown-tail Moth Web

The Brown-tail (Euproctis chrysorrhoea) is a moth of the family Lymantriidae. It is distributed throughout…

The Nashville Warbler, Vermivora ruficapilla, is a small songbird in the New World warbler family. They have olive-brown upperparts, a white belly and a yellow throat and breast; they have a white eye ring, no wing bars and a thin pointed bill. Adult males have a grey head with a rusty crown patch (often not visible); females and immature birds have a duller olive-grey head

Nashville Warbler

The Nashville Warbler, Vermivora ruficapilla, is a small songbird in the New World warbler family. They…

The tits, chickadees, and titmice comprise Paridae, a large family of small passerine birds which occur in the northern hemisphere and Africa. Most were formerly classified in the genus Parus. These birds are called "chickadees" (onomatopoeic, derived from their distinctive "chick-a dee dee dee" communication or alarm call) or "titmice" in North America, and just "tits" in the rest of the English speaking world. The name titmouse is attested from the 14th century, composed of the Old English name for the bird, mase (Proto-Germanic *maison, German Meise) and tit, denoting something small. The spelling was influenced by mouse in the 16th century.

Tit Bird

The tits, chickadees, and titmice comprise Paridae, a large family of small passerine birds which occur…

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 Brown Creeper (Certhia americana), also known as the American Tree Creeper, is a small songbird, the only North American member of the treecreeper family Certhiidae. Adults are brown on the upperparts with light spotting, resembling a piece of tree bark, with white underparts. They have a long thin bill with a slight downward curve and a long tail. The male creeper has a slightly larger bill than the female. The Brown creeper is 11.7-13.5 cm long (4.6-5.3 in).

Brown Creeper

The Brown Creeper (Certhia americana), also known as the American Tree Creeper, is a small songbird,…

The Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) is a species of thrasher, part of a family of New World birds (Mimidae) that includes New World catbirds and mockingbirds. The Brown Thrasher is brown or reddish-brown above, with a white breast and throat streaked with brown, and two white bars on each wing. It has a long tail, and its beak is also relatively large and somewhat curved. Adults average about 29 cm (11.5 inches) in length.

Brown Thrasher

The Brown Thrasher (Toxostoma rufum) is a species of thrasher, part of a family of New World birds (Mimidae)…

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-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 Pine Warbler, Dendroica pinus, is a small songbird of the New World warbler family. These birds have white bellies, white wing bars, dark legs and thin, relatively long pointed bills; they have yellowish lines over their eyes. Adult males have olive upperparts and bright yellow throats and breasts; females and immatures display upperparts which are olive-brown. Their throats and breasts are paler. The song of this bird is a musical trill. Their calls are slurred chips.

Pine Warbler

The Pine Warbler, Dendroica pinus, is a small songbird of the New World warbler family. These birds…

The Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is a member of the family Bombycillidae or waxwing family of passerine birds. It breeds in open wooded areas in North America, principally southern Canada and the northern United States.

Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is a member of the family Bombycillidae or waxwing family of…

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.…

A Towhee is any one of a number of species of birds in the genus Pipilo within the family Emberizidae (which also includes the buntings, American sparrows, and juncos). Towhees typically have longer tails than other emberizids. Most species tend to avoid humans, so they are not well known, though the Eastern Towhee P. erythrophthalamus is bolder as well as more colorful. This species, and some others, may be seen in urban parks and gardens.

Towhee (Male)

A Towhee is any one of a number of species of birds in the genus Pipilo within the family Emberizidae…

The American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis), also known as the Eastern Goldfinch and Wild Canary, is a North American bird in the finch family. It is migratory, ranging from southern Canada to North Carolina during the breeding season, and from just south of the Canadian border to Mexico during the winter. The only finch in its subfamily which undergoes a complete molt, the American Goldfinch displays sexual dimorphism in its coloration; the male is a vibrant yellow in the summer and an olive color during the winter months, while the female is a dull yellow-brown shade which brightens only slightly during the summer. The male displays brightly colored plumage during the breeding season to attract a mate.

American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis), also known as the Eastern Goldfinch and Wild Canary, is…

The pea weevils or seed beetles are a subfamily (Bruchinae) of beetles, now placed in the family Chrysomelidae, though they have historically been treated as a separate family. They are granivores, and typically infest various kinds of seeds or beans, living for most of their lives inside a single seed. The family includes about 1,350 species found worldwide.

Pea Weevil

The pea weevils or seed beetles are a subfamily (Bruchinae) of beetles, now placed in the family Chrysomelidae,…

Tent caterpillars are moderately sized species in the genus Malacosoma in the moth family Lasiocampidae. Species occur in North America, Mexico, and Eurasia. Twenty-six species have been described, six of which occur in North America. Some species are considered to have subspecies as well. Although most people consider tent caterpillars only as pests due to their habit of defoliating trees, they are among the most social of all caterpillars and exhibit many noteworthy behaviors.

Tent Caterpillars

Tent caterpillars are moderately sized species in the genus Malacosoma in the moth family Lasiocampidae.…

An illustration of tent caterpillar eggs. Tent caterpillars are moderately sized species in the genus Malacosoma in the moth family Lasiocampidae. Species occur in North America, Mexico, and Eurasia. Twenty-six species have been described, six of which occur in North America. Some species are considered to have subspecies as well. Although most people consider tent caterpillars only as pests due to their habit of defoliating trees, they are among the most social of all caterpillars and exhibit many noteworthy behaviors.

Tent Caterpillar Eggs

An illustration of tent caterpillar eggs. Tent caterpillars are moderately sized species in the genus…

An illustration of a tent caterpillar cacoon. Tent caterpillars are moderately sized species in the genus Malacosoma in the moth family Lasiocampidae. Species occur in North America, Mexico, and Eurasia. Twenty-six species have been described, six of which occur in North America. Some species are considered to have subspecies as well. Although most people consider tent caterpillars only as pests due to their habit of defoliating trees, they are among the most social of all caterpillars and exhibit many noteworthy behaviors.

Tent Caterpillar Cocoon

An illustration of a tent caterpillar cacoon. Tent caterpillars are moderately sized species in the…

The family Elateridae is commony called click beetles (or "typical click beetles" to distinguish them form the related Cerophytidae and Eucnemidae), elaters, snapping beetles, spring beetles or "skipjacks". They are a cosmopolitan beetle family characterized by the unusual click mechanism they possess. There are a few closely-related families in which a few members have the same mechanism, but all elaterids can click. A spine on the prosternum can be snapped into a corresponding notch on the mesosternum, producing a violent "click" which can bounce the beetle into the air. Clicking is mainly used to avoid predation, although it is also useful when the beetle is on its back and needs to right itself. There are about 7000 known species.

Click Beetle

The family Elateridae is commony called click beetles (or "typical click beetles" to distinguish them…

The gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, is a moth in the family Lymantriidae of Eurasian origin. Originally ranging from Europe to Asia, it was introduced to North America in the late 1860s and has been expanding its range ever since.

Gypsy Moth

The gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar, is a moth in the family Lymantriidae of Eurasian origin. Originally…

Tortricidae is a family of moths in the order Lepidoptera. They are commonly known as tortrix moths. It is a large family with over 6,300 species described, and is the sole member of the superfamily Tortricoidea. Many of these are economically important pests. Olethreutidae is a junior synonym. The typical resting posture is with the wings folded back producing a rather rounded profile.

Tortricidae

Tortricidae is a family of moths in the order Lepidoptera. They are commonly known as tortrix moths.…

Tussock Moths, Lymantriidae or Liparidae, are a family of moths with about 350 known genera and over 2,500 known species found all over the world, in every continent except Antarctica. They are particularly concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa, India, Southeast Asia and South America; one estimate lists 258 species in Madagascar alone (Schaefer, 1989). Apart from oceanic islands, notable places that do not host Lymantriids include New Zealand, the Antilles, and New Caledonia.

Tussock Moth

Tussock Moths, Lymantriidae or Liparidae, are a family of moths with about 350 known genera and over…

The genus Sayornis is a small group of medium-sized insect-eating birds in the Tyrant flycatcher family Tyrranidae native to North and South America.

Phoebe

The genus Sayornis is a small group of medium-sized insect-eating birds in the Tyrant flycatcher family…