36 Different Spiders That Jump (Jumping Spiders)

Jumping spiders belong to the family Salticidae, which is part of the order Araneae, class Arachnida, and phylum Arthropoda. With over 6,000 recognized species, Salticidae is the largest family of spiders in the world. Members of this family are commonly known for their excellent eyesight, agile movements, and distinctive jumping behavior, which they use for … Read more

21 Different Types of Thuja Trees (Conifers)

Thuja trees belong to the Cupressaceae family, which includes other conifers like cypress, juniper, and cedar. Within this family, the genus Thuja consists of five recognized species, with three native to North America (Thuja occidentalis, T. plicata, and T. standishii) and two from East Asia (T. koraiensis and T. sutchuenensis). These evergreen trees are commonly … Read more

Techny Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Techny’): Facts & Care

Techny Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Techny’) is a popular cultivar of the Eastern Arborvitae, classified botanically under the Cupressaceae family and the species Thuja occidentalis. It is a cultivated variety selected for its hardiness, dense foliage, and excellent winter color retention. Like other members of its species, it is a cold-hardy conifer native to North America, … Read more

American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis): Facts & Care

American Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) is a widely recognized evergreen conifer belonging to the Cupressaceae family, which includes cedars and cypresses. It is botanically classified under the genus Thuja and species occidentalis. This species is native to eastern North America and has been cultivated for centuries due to its hardiness and practical value in landscaping. It … Read more

Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’): Care & Facts

Emerald Green Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis ‘Smaragd’) is a compact, evergreen conifer that belongs to the Cupressaceae family. It is a cultivar of Thuja occidentalis, commonly known as Eastern Arborvitae or Northern White Cedar, which is native to eastern North America. The cultivar name ‘Smaragd’ is derived from the Danish word for “emerald,” referencing the tree’s … Read more

15 Types of Huckleberry – Identification Guide

Huckleberries are small, round berries that grow wild across various regions, particularly in North America. They belong to the Ericaceae family, sharing lineage with blueberries and cranberries, and are known for their vibrant colors, ranging from red to deep blue or black. Their flavor is a distinctive sweet-tart balance, often more intense than cultivated berries. … Read more

8 Types of Carpenter Ants (Camponotus spp.)

Carpenter ants are classified within the order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees and wasps. They are part of the family Formicidae, a diverse group that encompasses all true ants. Like their relatives, they are social insects that live in structured colonies with complex roles and behaviors. Their scientific classification highlights their evolutionary connection to other … Read more

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus): Identification, Life Cycle & Habit

The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) is a large and striking butterfly belonging to the order Lepidoptera and the family Papilionidae, which includes all swallowtails. Its genus Papilio is known for species that often display tail-like extensions on their hindwings, a feature thought to confuse predators. While not a plant, this butterfly is closely associated … Read more

48 Birds With Long Necks – (Identification Guide)

Birds with long necks are uniquely adapted creatures that have evolved this feature for various ecological advantages. Their extended necks enhance their field of vision, allowing them to spot predators or prey from a distance. This trait also contributes to their elegant posture and balance, especially in flight or while wading through water. The length … Read more

14 Types of Chickadees – Identification Guide

Chickadees are small, energetic songbirds known for their curiosity and friendly nature. They belong to the tit family and are commonly found across North America and parts of Eurasia. Their distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call is both a form of communication and a warning system, varying in intensity based on the level of threat. Species found in … Read more