Merriam’s Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo merriami)

Taxonomy Merriam’s Wild Turkey, scientifically named Meleagris gallopavo merriami, is one of the recognized subspecies of the Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). It belongs to the family Phasianidae, which includes pheasants, quails, and other ground-dwelling birds. Within the order Galliformes, turkeys are distinguished for their large size and complex social behavior. This subspecies was first described … Read more

Rio Grande Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia)

Taxonomy The Rio Grande Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) is one of six recognized subspecies of the wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), which itself belongs to the class Aves, order Galliformes, family Phasianidae, and genus Meleagris. This subspecies was described in the 19th century, with its Latin name “intermedia” reflecting its intermediate position in range and … Read more

Osceola Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo osceola)

Taxonomy The Osceola Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo osceola) is one of six recognized subspecies of the North American wild turkey, belonging to the class Aves, order Galliformes, family Phasianidae, and genus Meleagris. It was formally described in 1890 by ornithologist W.E.D. Scott, who named it after Florida’s famous Seminole leader, Osceola. The Osceola is genetically … Read more

Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris)

Taxonomy The Eastern Wild Turkey, scientifically known as Meleagris gallopavo silvestris, is one of the six recognized subspecies of the Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), a large upland ground bird native to North America. Belonging to the order Galliformes and the family Phasianidae, the species was first formally described by Carl Linnaeus in 1758, with the … Read more

12 Common Types of Wild Turkeys – (With Pictures)

Wild turkeys are large, ground-dwelling birds belonging to the species Meleagris gallopavo, native to North America and parts of Mexico, and are one of two extant turkey species, the other being the ocellated turkey in Central America. They are the heaviest members of the order Galliformes, with males (toms or gobblers) weighing up to 30 … Read more

17 Types of Centipedes (With Pictures)

Centipedes are elongated arthropods belonging to the class Chilopoda, characterized by their segmented bodies where each segment bears a single pair of legs, distinguishing them from millipedes which have two pairs per segment. They are ancient creatures, with over 8,000 species worldwide, and are more closely related to crustaceans and insects than to worms. Centipedes … Read more

24 Types of Bugs That Fly – (Identification Guide)

Flying bugs represent a diverse group of insects characterized by their ability to move through the air using wings. These insects can vary greatly in size, from tiny ones barely visible to the eye, to large, colorful species that glide powerfully. Their wings may be transparent, patterned, or even covered in fine hairs or scales, … Read more

12 Spiders That Look Like Ticks – (Identification Guide)

Some spiders resemble ticks due to their small, rounded bodies and short legs. This mimicry can cause confusion, especially when spotted on skin or clothing. Their compact build and slow movement contribute to their tick-like appearance, often leading to mistaken identity. These spiders are usually ground dwellers or found in leaf litter. They adopt a … Read more

16 Spiders That Carry Their Babies On Their Back

Some spiders exhibit unique parental behavior by carrying their babies on their back after they hatch. This practice offers the young protection during their vulnerable early stages of life. The spiderlings cling tightly to the adult’s body as they develop strength and mobility. This behavior is not common among all spiders, making it a distinctive … Read more