Featured Creatures

What plant generates energy without photosynthesis, thrives in darkness, is said to quell anxieties, and was cherished by American poet Emily Dickinson?

That would be Monotropa, also known as “Ghost Pipes”, “Ghost Plants”, “Indian Pipes”, and “Corpse Plants”, among other names!

What creature comes from Southeast Asia, is the biggest of its kind, eats animals we need, and  has been tried and convicted of murder in the court of public opinion?

Meet the Asian Giant Hornet!

Which fungi creature gets its name from a bird, helps heal internal wounds, and benefits people worldwide? Turkey tails! This year I took two trips – one to Nashville, Tennessee and another to the Northeast, specifically to White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire (Abenaki Penacook land). Both of these places have more trees than…

What psychedelic sea creature is known for its amazing array of colors, its creative survival tactics, and its wide dietary range that even includes its own kind? The nudibranch! (Pronunciation: Nood – eh – brank) I first became acquainted with nudibranchs due to a fellow nature lover in my life. A few months ago, my…

Which creature has a pair of built-in eye goggles, gives birth underwater, and uses their flippers to “walk” on the seafloor? The Manatee! A few months ago, I found myself sitting around campus with friends for Senior Week after all the other students had moved out. Left behind was a plush animal that resembled a…

What creature is the largest of its kind, sports beautiful patterns, and holds a reputation for being a ‘gentle giant’?  The whale shark! Filter feeding for giants  The majestic whale shark is famed for being the largest fish in existence. With a length of up to 33 feet and weight up to 20 tons, they…

Which marine creature is named after a terrestrial one, possesses a unique facial feature, and has inspired crowds of people to visit California’s central coast? Elephant seals! One sunny morning (which is normal for California), I woke up to drive up the coast from Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo. I had one goal in…

Which creature is a master of architecture, contributes to human food sources, and has a mutually beneficial relationship with numerous plant species? Wasps! When creatures possess a defense mechanism capable of hurting us (like a sting), we categorize them as ‘dangerous.’ When they look differently than we do, we categorize them as ‘strange,’ and when…

What creature is an ecosystem engineer, a hero of carbon capture, and a standout among its relatives for its unique environment?  Seagrass! Sorting out our relationships  Recently, I’ve been marveling at the strange science of taxonomy, and all of the examples of organisms that have defied classification or created challenging puzzles of how to name,…

Which creature weighs less than a coin, travels hundreds of miles alone, and contributes to the reproduction of thousands of plants? Hummingbirds! I didn’t know how blessed I was to be seeing hummingbirds all around me until I researched this Featured Creature. As soon as I read that these graceful, speedy birds exist only in…

Which creature is composed of four organisms in a symbiotic relationship, floats across the ocean because it lacks propellers, and stings prey with venom-producing tentacles? The Portuguese Man O’War! Last weekend, during a conversation on a camping trip up in the Berkshire mountains, one of my friends shared how he had learned about a creature…

Which large creature has a toothy smile, a surprising family tree, and a name inspired by a piece of dishware?  The Gharial! I stumbled upon this creature when looking at various crocodiles and alligators, marveling with a friend at how funky reptiles can be (a typical Saturday night activity, naturally). I was captivated by the…

This week we ask: Which creature loves to wallow in mud, has two horns, and communicates through whistling and whining noises?  The Sumatran Rhino!  I believe that the Sumatran Rhino is one of the most beautiful species on this planet.  I adore rhinos. They are beautiful, majestic, and grand. Each rhino is literally a knight…

Which creature enjoys climbing cliffs, blends in with mountain slopes, and carries an iconic headpiece? Bighorn sheep! Bighorn sheep are somewhat common where I live in Southern California (maybe it’s why the NFL Rams decided to come to Los Angeles). They can be seen in various mountain ranges, coming down to valleys for water or…

What small creature found throughout the world is often mistaken for a cousin, evolves dramatically during its life cycle, and broadcasts ecosystem health?  The damselfly! Recently I’ve been finding a lot of solace and inspiration in nature, taking long walks into the late evening around the beautiful green spaces in my neighborhood. Though I’ve lived…

Which creature is nonvenomous, changes color throughout its lifetime, and is native to the Nearctic region?  The Smooth Greensnake! (a.k.a. Grass Snake)  During Memorial Day weekend several weeks ago, I went on a camping trip with my partner and two friends, Sophie and Griffin. Griffin has a special affinity for snakes, and so as we…

Which keystone species creates intricate burrows, is aggressive towards its own species, and hibernates from October to May?  The European Hamster! Did you know that there are multiple species of hamster in the wild? I didn’t know this until recently, when I stumbled upon a BBC Earth video of a European Hamster foraging for food…

Which species is known for its world-renowned beauty, has a special connection to Colombia, and inspired the creation of two delicious dessert flavors? Orchids! Beauty comes with age Orchids are one of the oldest flowering plants on the planet. Since there are a variety of subspecies around the world (excluding Antarctica), botanists believe that the…

Which creature enjoys social gatherings, is well adapted to its habitat, and can be very altruistic? The Banded Mongoose is a small mammal with a mass of approximately ≤2kg (or 4 lbs) found in (and indigenous to) various parts of Africa. While most other mongoose species live a solitary life, the banded mongoose is gregarious…

Which creature has an invisibility cloak, built-in snowshoes, and an important role in Central Asia’s mountainous ecosystems? Snow leopards! Mountain climber Snow leopards live throughout 12 countries in Central Asia, from China to Russia. The mountain ranges they inhabit are typically cold, dry, and arid. In the summer, these mountains are mostly yellow-brown, so snow…

This week we ask: What plant is used around the world for its immunity-boosting properties, loves shady and moist habitat, and is loved in turn by all sorts of pollinators?  The Common Elderberry!  I first learned about the healing properties of the elderberry plant when I was talking with a family member, Ilma, in Finland.…

This week we ask: What large member of the deer family is a fast runner, an excellent swimmer, and can be found across North America and Eurasia?  The Moose! This past weekend, I was hiking the Pine Cobble trail in Williamstown with my hiking class from my school, the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA).…

What tiny bird fits in the palm of your hand, can kill a bird twice its size, nests in a hole carved out of a cactus plant by another species, and is named for earth itself? That would be the Ferruginous Cactus Pygmy Owl, or Glaucidium brasilianum. What a long name for an owl so…

What magnificent warm-blooded creature moves as fast as a freight train, feeds voraciously in large groups, and is often enjoyed at the beach? This would have to be the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna, thunnus thynnus, or “tunny” for short! Incredible Adaptation  The body of the Atlantic bluefin tuna is football-shaped and strong, with a conical head and large mouth. The placement of…

What creature is the only marsupial in North America, plays dead when threatened, and has a whopping 50 teeth?  The Opossum!  I am currently in my senior year studying at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA). Last semester here began with a bit of a rocky start. Within the first two weeks of school, there…

Which creature is the largest terrestrial predator on the planet, has the most adorable cubs, and makes its own fresh water? Polar Bears!  Wintry Beauties Polar bears, also known as Ursus maritimus, or “sea bears,” live in the Arctic Circle and on nearby land masses and sea ice in the U.S. (Alaska), Canada, Russia, Greenland, and Norway. These mammals are…

Which creature is a combination of two other organisms, comes in bright colors, and helps us measure air quality? Lichen! Master of symbiosis Though we know lichens as creatures in and of themselves, lichens are actually a result of symbiosis, a mutually beneficial relationship between two or more species. In the lichen’s case, algae and fungi come together to form…

Which creature creates forests underwater, provides food and shelter for countless species, and helps stabilize the climate? Giant Kelp! Under the sea To witness the beauty of kelp, and watch how it contributes to the survival of numerous marine and terrestrial creatures, you have to go underwater. Although kelp looks like a plant, it is actually a type of…

What reptile loves to sunbathe, has an instinctual ability to always find its way back home, and can close its shell completely for protection? The Eastern Box Turtle! Let’s Start With The Basics… Chances are, you’ve probably come across an Eastern Box Turtle before. Box Turtles as a subspecies are one of the most common turtle species in the United States, and the Eastern Box Turtle is widespread…

Which creature is a land animal closely related to marine mammals, has a portable pharmacy, and recently celebrated a holiday? Hippopotamuses!  River Horse Hippos are often described as large water pigs or cows, due to their appearance and water-loving nature. But their namesake, hippopotamus, comes from the Ancient Greek term for ‘river horse.’ Despite all these links…

What long misnamed creature develops complex social structures and offers many lessons for the human species?  The Bonobo! The bonobo, or Pan paniscus, is a small primate native to the Congo. For a long time, it was known as the “pygmy Chimpanzee” and thought simply to be a smaller type of chimp. However, bonobos comprise their own species, and possess…

Which creature lives across the globe, has a unique escape mechanism, and a muscle like no other? Scallops! Worldwide Scallops live in every ocean and amount to over 300 living species! They live in between and on top of rocks, coral, rubble, sea grass, kelp, sand, and mud. They are one of the largest families of…

Which creature is the most widespread of its kind, tries to stay in warmer climates, and has a name perfect for an artistic masterpiece? Painted Lady Butterflies! The cosmopolitan butterfly Painted ladies are the most widespread butterfly species. Their range covers every continent except Antarctica and Australia. Painted Ladies tend to stay in warmer climates, although they may also migrate to colder…

What woody creature lives for hundreds of years, is known for its fall colors, and produces a fragrant substance to protect and care for itself? The sweet gum tree! The spiky balls they shed were a staple sight throughout my childhood in New York City, but sweet gum, like many other trees, really caught my eye this past year as…

What creature has incredible flexibility, prevents the spread of diseases, and is not as dangerous as often portrayed? Rattlesnakes! I’m a firm believer in perfect timing. I don’t believe in coincidences. Instead, I believe that things happen when they’re meant to be, and that’s exactly how it felt when I encountered a rattlesnake.  Once I started getting…

What miraculous plant, revered by ancient Israelites and once thought to be extinct, sprouted from 2,000 year old seeds in 2005?  The Judean Date Palm!  For as long as I can remember, I have been enthralled by ancient history and cultures. Even as early as elementary school, I would sit on the floor of my local public library…

What iconic creature can pull sleighs, see with superhero talent, and shape whole ecosystems? The reindeer! A very special deer The majestic reindeer is a member of the deer family found in Arctic forests and tundra. Native to Scandinavia and Northern Russia, they were later introduced to Alaska, Canada, Greenland, and Iceland. Their species, Rangifer tarandus, includes both reindeer and caribou,…

What creature smells like lilies, is particular about the type of soil it resides in, and is the largest of its kind in North America? The Oregon Giant Earthworm! A fews days after moving into college this past August, I took a long walk in search of solitude and refuge from the chaos of move-in week. I found…

What creature is a state flower, is celebrated throughout the months of March to May, and is famous in the West Coast for picture-perfect annual blooms? California poppies! I didn’t know the California poppy was my home state’s flower until I was about 12 years old. A rumor started going around school that picking a California poppy was illegal, and you can…

Which creature promotes healthy soil, is often seen as a pest, and has cheeks perfect for storing leftovers? Pocket gophers! On my weekend hikes, I stay alert for any tiny movement. Rustling noises often lead me to discover an interesting creature, but only if I pay close attention. One animal I would often hear, but rarely…

What dapper creature enjoys formal wear, is most active in the evenings, and is an indicator for wetland ecosystem health? Black-crowned Night Herons! During quarantine, I decided to take up photography as a new hobby. I wanted to know more about the creatures I encountered on my hikes and snorkel sessions. Photography allows me to…

What sort of creature lives in the mud, digs holes with its mouth, spits out mudpies, climbs trees and will jump for attention? The mudskipper, of course (or periophthalmus)! Photo from fishes-world.blogspot.com Photo from badmanstropicalfish.com Tell me about this strange creature, then… There are 32 living species of mudskippers, an amphibious goby-like fish that can live both in and…

What beautiful but smelly tree has outlived its relatives and become an iconic species beloved across the world?  The Ginkgo biloba, also known as the “maidenhair tree.”  As the nickname suggests, the ginkgo is known for its beauty and unique leaf shape, which may look like a mane of unfurling golden hair when the tree makes…

What sort of voracious creature cannot see or smell well, feels its way around, and looks like someone’s nightmare enlarged? The star-nosed mole, of course, or condylura cristata! So what is a star-nosed mole and what is that horrible thing on its nose? The star-nosed mole is a very distinctive mammal, covered in dark brown, water-repellent fur, and wide…

Which creature stays in the cold Arctic waters year-round, is nicknamed after a mythological creature, and has a distinct feature with an unknown purpose? Narwhals! I have been fascinated by the Arctic ever since I was a young girl. Being from California, I don’t generally thrive in cold weather, but the creatures of Arctic lands…

What brightly-colored bird has a punk orange hairdo, doesn’t clean its dirty nest, and is a flying version of a skunk? The hoopoe bird, of course, or upupa epops (which is a great name in itself)! Three species: There are three species of hoopoe birds, identified by location, native to Africa, Eurasia and Madagascar.  These three species show…

What sort of worm is festooned with sensitive tentacles all the way down its sides and – though it can’t bark – has a nasty bite? That would be the “clam worm” or alitta succinea, a denizen of estuarial waters. Alternative names I’ve always called them “seaworms” but they are normally known as “clam worms,” “ragworms,”…

What creature is one of Earth’s natural pest controllers, yet one of the most trafficked mammals in the entire world? The Pangolin! Let’s roll together! Pangolins are a unique scaly-skinned mammal living in Africa and Asia. They have scales all over their body to protect themselves, no teeth but mobile long tongues to prey on…

What creature is a forest and swamp dweller, rarely seen in the wild, and treasured for its consummate beauty? The lady slipper, of course, or cypripedium reginae! The lady slipper is so named for its distinctive shape – its flowers have white upper petals and a little pouch, or labellum, of about 1-2” in length…

What small, spiky creature restores landscapes through ecosystem engineering? The Echidna! Nature’s Excavators Echidnas are native to Australia, a nation with plenty of semi-arid landscapes due to centuries of extractive and destructive agricultural practices. Thankfully, Australians have a soil superhero in their midst that can turn this legacy around. Echidnas love to dig (and dig…

What creature can live for over two decades, was revered by Baltic-Finnish pagan tribes, and is Finland’s national bird?  The Whooper Swan!  There are many creatures on Earth that are very much entwined with human culture, and this week’s Featured Creature is an excellent representation of this. The Whooper Swan has been a part of…

What creature grows tall and sturdy, cleans up its neighborhood, and defends itself from predators – all without moving a muscle? The Giant Barrel Sponge, or Xestospongia muta! A Giant Barrel by any other name…  Giant barrel sponges are aptly named for their shape and great size. They grow over 1 m tall, but only grow…

What creature is the second largest of its kind, a ruler of the sub-Antarctic, and is named after a feline lookalike? The leopard seal! Massive and Mighty The leopard seal is the second largest seal in the world, right after the elephant seal. Leopard seals primarily live along the icy shelves of Antarctica and nearby…

What tiny creature brings luck to farmers and other folks all over the globe? The ladybug!  One Lucky Lady Ladybugs, or beetles of the family Coccinellidae, are small, often colorful rounded insects beloved by children’s rhymes and gardeners alike.  Ladybugs are thought to be a sign of luck in many cultures and urban myths. Whether it’s…

What species has a diet that includes small wasps, may be helping to spread an invasive species, and can predict hurricane season intensity?  The veery!  Living The Dream If you live in North or South America, particularly in the Northern United States, chances are you’ve seen a veery before! This creature is a member of…

What creature has no mouth, is known for colorful patterns, and is famous for mimicking a deadly predator? The Atlas Moth! The insect with a reputation Atlas moths live throughout India, China, Indonesia and Malaysia. This wide distribution covers secondary forests, shrublands, tropical areas, and rainforests.  The name “Atlas” likely came from the moth’s vibrant,…

What creature recently took social media by storm (allegedly), enjoys feasting at night, and is an under-appreciated pollinator? The Golden-Capped Fruit Bat! Also known as the giant golden-crowned flying fox (read on to find out why). The Megabat, and Fox? The golden-capped fruit bat is one of 150 species of megabats. Megabats live throughout Australia,…

What creature can regenerate limbs, is sought for research, and has the largest animal genome known? The axolotl, or mbystoma mexicanum, of course! What is so unusual about the axolotl, beyond its funny name? Axolotls, known as “Mexican walking fish”, are not a fish at all, but a type of amphibious salamander. There are lots of…

What South American creature has super long legs, urine that smells like a skunk, and is a faithful mate for life? The Maned Wolf!  I first learned about the maned wolf when I stumbled upon its species profile on the Smithsonian website. When I saw the first picture on the page, I was immediately reminded…

What is one of our oldest creatures – dating back to the Dinosaurs – that tolerates no pollution, lives underwater for up to 4 years and then takes flight for a few weeks to mate, and is beloved by trout and mimicked by anglers? This would be the stonefly, called Plecoptera, which means “braided wings”! So…

What iconic creature thinks beyond its lifespan, navigates new terrain with grace, and stuns North America with its migrations? The monarch butterfly!  Living life in cycles The monarch butterfly is famous for its beauty and for its unique patterns of breeding, migrating, and hibernating. There are two main populations of monarch butterflies in North America:…

What noisy creature consumes only liquids, lives by safety in numbers, and can enhance CO2 production in streams? The periodical cicada!  The Periodical Cicadas’ 15 Minutes of Fame You may have noticed that the news cycle has recently been dominated by stories about cicadas as some regions in North America excitedly await the arrival of the…

What creature is named after a unique talent, is famous for a cool ‘hairdo,’ and stands out from the rest of the relatives? The Rockhopper Penguin! Not all penguins live on ice Scientists are still debating how many species of Rockhopper penguins exist, but generally there are three: Southern, Northern, and Eastern. Despite the lack…

What creature flocks together to produce a living Aurora?  The Starling! What is a starling, and how does it model good group behavior? The Starling is a moderate-sized bird about 8 inches long at maturity with a shiny, sometimes iridescent, dark coat and a raucous repertoire of chirps and cackles. It’s distributed across Europe, West…

Which creature comes in a variety of fluorescent colors, provides habitat for thousands of other species, and is essential to keeping our blue planet blue? The polyp! An animal inside a colony inside an ecosystem Polyps are the animals that make up corals. A variety of corals, each with its own name, color, texture, etc.…

What creature is the only known lizard to go foraging in the ocean, resides off the coast of South America, and is changing the definition of adaptation? The Marine Iguana! One of a Kind Marine iguanas are the only lizards that live partly in the ocean. They are endemic (meaning they only exist in one…

Which creature is the largest known tree dwelling mammal, has a mother-child relationship like no other, and can memorize pathways through an entire forest? Orangutans! Ape-like but Not Quite Although orangutans are considered one of the four great apes, alongside gorillas, bonobos, and chimpanzees, they have characteristics that set them apart from these other species.…

What tiny fish is resistant to toxins, can breathe air when necessary, has more names than is easy to count, and was the first piscine space explorer? The mummichog, of course! We had the chance to interview a few of these amazing creatures; we found them to be unassuming, humble, and tough as nails when…

What creature has no heart and no brain, and is the only known immortal animal? Turritopsis dohrnii! Otherwise known as the immortal jellyfish. Working As a Team All jellyfish lack hearts and brains. Despite this, these creatures have adapted to a variety of environments. They live in saltwater and freshwater, near the surface and throughout…

What creature can survive outer space, extreme temperatures, water scarcity, and even mass extinctions?  Tardigrades! These ancient beings, which have existed on earth for over 500 million years, are hardier than even the infamously indestructible cockroach.  Known as “water bears” or “moss piglets,” these microscopic creatures can be quite cute. Tardigrades actually make up their…

Which fish is named after a tool, can scan the sea floor like a metal detector, and is harmless to humans? The Hammerhead Shark! Hammering the Name Down As you might imagine, the Hammerhead Shark was named after the shape of their heads. All sharks have electroreceptors which can detect signals that living organisms radiate.…

Which creature existed before the dinosaurs, is an aerial genius, and can detect things we can only witness through slow-motion cameras? The dragonfly! Predecessors to the Dinosaurs Dragonflies were some of the first winged insects to evolve, about 300 million years ago. When they first evolved, their wingspans measured up to two feet! In contrast,…

What brainless creature can learn, problem solve, and even hold down a job?  The slime mold! What is a slime mold, and how does it learn?  Slime molds are eukaryotic organisms (a type of organism with membrane bound organelles, like nuclei) that can live either as single-celled individuals or clumped together in large aggregates, called…

What creature is named after a fictional animal, has venomous properties, and is the ruler of five islands? The Komodo Dragon! The Top Lizard Komodo Dragons are actually lizards (despite their dragon-like features). But not just any lizard- the biggest lizard on Earth! They can reach the size of a small car, and their average…

What creature the size of a paperclip is lethal enough to kill ten grown men? The poison dart frog! What makes the poison dart frog so powerful? Poison dart frogs – so named because the Indigenous Emberá people of Colombia traditionally used the venom in blow darts – are some of the most toxic creatures…

Which creature looks like a snake, is actually a fish, and has shocking abilities? The Electric Eel! Misnamed Electric eels are not actually eels. They are a type of (scaleless) freshwater fish found mostly in the Amazon and Orinoco Rivers of South America. They live along coastal plains and swamps, in very muddy water. Add…

Which creature shares the name of a fruit and the term locals from a certain island nation call themselves? A Kiwi! Meet the Cousins The kiwi, a relatively small bird, is related to some of the largest birds that grace our planet, including: Emus and Australia’s Cassowaries How’s that for getting the short-end of the…

What invertebrate has blue blood and multiple brains? An octopus! What does it mean for an octopus to have multiple brains? Octopuses have a distributed nervous system, with nerve bundles in each arm in addition to a central brain in the head, for a total of nine brains. Up to two thirds of all of their nerves…

What would you get if you crossed a duck, a chipmunk, and a dolphin? A platypus! The duck-billed platypus Platypuses spend most of the day sporting webbed feet while they hunt for food in fresh waterways. After a long day of swimming, they climb onto land, where they retract their webbed feet to show off…