Michigan is home to a wide variety of wasp species that are active during the warmer months. While some people view wasps negatively, most species play important roles in controlling pest populations and pollinating plants. This article provides a comprehensive guide to identifying and understanding the most common wasps found in Michigan. Overview of Wasps … Read more
A minor league baseball team in Wisconsin is named after a snake — the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers — so there has to be plenty of those slithering creatures around us, right? While snakes arent as abundant in Wisconsin as they are in Texas or Arizona, dont be surprised if you encounter one when youre out … Read more
Bats aren’t the first creatures that come to mind when you think of charming, cuddly animals. However, despite their frequently negative reputation, bats are among the most fascinating creatures in the world. And there are well over 1,400 known varieties of bats. So, if you’re looking to learn more about these misunderstood mammals, you’ve certainly … Read more
Did you know that birds, on average, eat between ¼ to ½ of their body weight every day? That’s a lot of calories for a bird to scrounge up every day, especially in the barren winter months. Feeding the birds is such a great way to get kids involved with nature and teach our children … Read more
Black and red bugs are some of the most visually striking insects found across the United States. Their colorful patterns serve as a warning to predators that they may be toxic or unpalatable These bugs occupy a diverse array of habitats from forests to deserts, with some being native species while others are introduced This … Read more
Thanatosis is the animalistic art of playing dead. Creatures who use this strategy — such as the hognose snake — tend to be small and slow-moving. After all, against a bigger, faster predator, the typical “fight or flight” response doesnt always work. Hognose snakes are relatively small, making them easy prey for larger animals (including … Read more
Widow spiders are of the genus Latrodectus, feared by cultures worldwide because of their venomous bites, especially the black widow (the brown widow’s bite has milder symptoms). Because they are so feared, it doesn’t help most people to know that black and brown widows are non-aggressive. Widows will instinctively bite if they become trapped next … Read more
Blue monarch butterflies are one of the most striking butterflies, with their vivid blue wings outlined in black. These butterflies have profound symbolic meaning in many cultures and spiritual traditions In this article, we’ll explore the mystical meanings associated with blue monarchs and how they can inspire our own spiritual growth. An Overview of Blue … Read more
Green lizards are some of the most common and colorful lizards found around the world. Known for their vivid green coloring, these agile climbers and quick changers have captivated people’s imaginations for ages. In this article, we’ll explore some fascinating facts about these remarkable reptiles. An Abundance of Green Lizards Across the Globe There are … Read more
Not all lizards are brightly colored! Black tree monitors blend in with shadows cast by dense leaves and branches in the tropical forests where they live. Get to know these intelligent, elusive reptiles in this Q&A with Matt Evans, assistant curator of Reptile Discovery Center. Lizards come in a stunning array of colors and patterns. … Read more