Creatures

The Yellowjacket wasp, belonging to the genus Vespula, is a member of the family Vespidae, under the order Hymenoptera, which also includes ants, bees, and other types of wasps. These insects are classified as social wasps, meaning they live in colonies with a caste system including a queen, workers, and drones. There are numerous species … Read more

The Luna Moth (Actias luna) is a striking member of the order Lepidoptera, which includes both butterflies and moths. It belongs to the family Saturniidae, commonly known as giant silk moths, and is one of the most recognizable moths in North America. Like other members of its family, it is known for its large size, … Read more

The Cabbage White Butterfly (Pieris rapae) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, the same group that includes all butterflies and moths, and is a member of the family Pieridae, known for its white and yellow butterflies. This species is native to Europe and parts of Asia but has spread widely and become one of the most … Read more

The Gypsy Moth, now officially known as the Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar), belongs to the order Lepidoptera, which includes all moths and butterflies. It is a member of the family Erebidae, subfamily Lymantriinae. Originally native to Europe and parts of Asia, this species has gained widespread attention as an invasive pest in North America, where … Read more

Bumblebees belong to the genus Bombus within the family Apidae, under the order Hymenoptera, which also includes honeybees, wasps, and ants. This classification places them among some of the most efficient and complex pollinators in the insect world. They are easily recognized by their stout, hairy bodies and deep buzzing flight, traits that set them … Read more

Orb weaver spiders belong to the order Araneae, which includes all spiders, and the family Araneidae, one of the largest and most diverse spider families in the world. This family is defined by the spiders’ ability to build characteristic wheel-shaped webs, which are among the most intricate and visually striking web structures found in nature. … Read more

The Common Green Bottle Fly (Lucilia sericata) is a member of the order Diptera, which includes all true flies. Within this order, it belongs to the family Calliphoridae, commonly known as blow flies. These flies are closely related to other carrion- and decomposer-associated species, and are well-known for their ecological role in decomposition. Though not … Read more

Ladybugs belong to the animal kingdom and are classified within the order Coleoptera, which includes all beetles. They are part of the family Coccinellidae, a group known for their domed, often brightly colored bodies and beneficial role in ecosystems. Despite their common name “bugs,” ladybugs are beetles and exhibit the hard forewings and chewing mouthparts … Read more

Classification The Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus) belongs to the order Lepidoptera, which encompasses all butterflies and moths. Within this order, it is a member of the family Nymphalidae, often referred to as the brush-footed butterflies. Its genus, Danaus, includes other milkweed butterflies, but plexippus stands out due to its striking coloration and long-distance migratory behavior. … Read more

Tarantulas are among the most captivating arachnids in the world, known for their large size, hairy bodies, and often intimidating appearance. Despite their fearsome reputation, these spiders are typically docile and prefer to avoid confrontation. They use their impressive physical traits not just for defense, but also for communication, courtship, and survival in a wide … Read more