Eastern Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americanum): Identification & Lifecycle

Classification The Eastern Tent Caterpillar belongs to the family Lasiocampidae, commonly known as the tent moths or lappet moths. Its scientific name is Malacosoma americanum. This family includes moths whose larvae are known for constructing communal silk tents. Like other Lepidoptera, the species undergoes complete metamorphosis, progressing through egg, larva (caterpillar), pupa, and adult stages. … Read more

Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar (Hypercompe scribonia): Identification & Life Cycle

Classification The Giant Leopard Moth Caterpillar belongs to the family Erebidae, a diverse group of moths that includes tiger moths, lichen moths, and other colorful species. Its scientific name is Hypercompe scribonia. Like other members of the family, it undergoes complete metamorphosis, progressing from egg to larva (caterpillar), pupa, and finally to adult moth. This … Read more

16 Types of Swallowtail Caterpillar – (Identification, With Pictures)

Swallowtail caterpillars belong to the butterfly family Papilionidae, which includes over 550 species worldwide. This family is divided into several genera, with each genus exhibiting unique larval traits, feeding habits, and ecological adaptations. The most prominent genera include Papilio, Battus, Iphiclides, and Parides, among others. These caterpillars are famous for their remarkable defensive strategies, including … Read more

Zebra Longwing Caterpillar (Heliconius charithonia): Identification & Life Cycle

Classification The Zebra Longwing Caterpillar (Heliconius charithonia) belongs to the family Nymphalidae, under the order Lepidoptera. It is the larval stage of the Zebra Longwing butterfly, a species celebrated for its elongated black wings striped with yellow, resembling zebra markings. Within its classification, it falls under the genus Heliconius, a group known for their unique … Read more

Io Moth Caterpillar (Automeris io): Identification, Life Cycle, Habitat & Distribution

Classification The Io Moth Caterpillar, Automeris io, is a member of the family Saturniidae, also known as the giant silk moths. This family is distinguished by its large-bodied species, many of which have striking wing patterns and vibrant larvae. Within Saturniidae, the genus Automeris is particularly noted for moths with bold hindwing eyespots, a key … Read more

32 Types of Squirrels And Where They’re Found

Squirrels are small to medium-sized rodents belonging to the family Sciuridae, which includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, and flying squirrels. They are known for their bushy tails, sharp claws, and remarkable agility, traits that allow them to navigate trees, burrows, and rocky terrain with ease. Found almost everywhere except Antarctica and some remote islands, squirrels … Read more

18 Types of Cougars – (Their Identifying Characteristics & Pictures)

Cougars (Puma concolor), also known as mountain lions, pumas, or panthers, are large felids native to the Americas. They are among the most adaptable and widespread wild cats, inhabiting environments ranging from deserts and forests to mountains and tropical rainforests. Despite being a single species, cougars display remarkable variation in size, coloration, and habitat preference … Read more

2 Types of Beaver Species- (Indentification & Photos)

Beavers are large, semi-aquatic rodents known for their impressive dam-building abilities and significant impact on freshwater ecosystems. They belong to the genus Castor and are divided primarily into two recognized species: the North American beaver (Castor canadensis) and the Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber). Both species share similar characteristics such as flattened tails, webbed hind feet, … Read more

18 Insects That Eat Grass – Identification Guide

Insects that eat grass play a significant role in both natural ecosystems and human-managed environments. They range from leaf-chewing species to sap-sucking pests, and even root feeders. While some help recycle nutrients and serve as prey for other animals, others can damage lawns, pastures, and cereal crops when their populations grow too large. Grasshoppers are … Read more