You might think you know what a black widow spider looks like, but do you know for sure? There are a few lookalikes that can be a relief if you… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 4 months ago
Sofia is a lover of all things nature, and has completed a B.S. in Botany at the University of Florida (Go Gators!). Professionally, interests include everything plant and animal related, with a penchant for writing and bringing science topics to a wider audience. On the off-occasion she is not writing or playing with her cats or crested gecko, she can be found outside pointing out native and invasive plants while playing Pokemon Go.
You might think you know what a black widow spider looks like, but do you know for sure? There are a few lookalikes that can be a relief if you… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 4 months ago
Distinguishing between birds with orange chests and bellies can be challenging when they're so abundant in nature. The quick and somewhat erratic temperament of birds can make identification difficult on… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 4 months ago
North Carolina is a perfect southeastern state in which to experience the best of all seasons. This might be one main reason many different species of birds call this location… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 5 months ago
Betta fish are common aquarium pets and command instant attention thanks to their beauty. Their bright, full range of colors and different fin and tail shapes make them a favorite… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 5 months ago
Shrimp are great additions to any aquarium to help keep a tank clean and also add some visual flair. They come in many different colors and breeds with varying levels… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 7 months ago
March is a time when spring begins to show up in most places. It's fitting that the birth flower of March is a daffodil, one of the early-blooming spring bulbs.… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 12 months ago
Finches are a widespread family of birds, mostly known for their beautiful songs and colors. Goldfinches are a common songbird throughout North America. The American goldfinch prefers to nest in… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
There are around 700 species of dinosaurs that we know of and have given suitable names. We all know the common ones: triceratops, tyrannosaurus rex, and velociraptors to name a… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Freshwater shrimps are fun, attractive additions to aquariums. They even make wonderful main features of your tank. There are tons of options at various price points. The cheapest shrimp option… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Hairless cats can be polarizing. People either find them adorable or hideous. You're likely to fall into the former category if you're a cat lover. The sphynx cat is the… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
There's no shortage of mythical creatures when it comes to Greek mythology, and some are more well-known than others. Centaurs and satyrs might be two that come to mind when… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Marans chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) vary in price depending on their color, sex, and age. Marans are friendly chickens and they also lay highly valuable, dark brown (almost chocolate) colored… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
The wolf is a common wild canid that lives throughout the United States. Despite the eradication of wolves in California in the early 1920's, new populations have emerged. Although exact… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Centaurs and minotaurs are well-known creatures of Greek mythology, but what is the difference between the two? Despite their names' similarities, both creatures differ in their origins and symbolism. However,… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
The Maui Ocean Center is one of the best aquariums the United States has to offer. With a beautiful setting and an even more tantalizing set of scenery and exhibits… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Coyotes are present in every U.S. state except for Hawaii, where there are no known wild coyote populations. These canids can be a nuisance to livestock, pets, and therefore, people.… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Whales are aquatic mammals known as cetaceans. Within the category of cetaceans are baleen whales, like humpback and blue whales, and toothed whales, like orcas, sperm whales, and dolphins. Whales,… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Spiders are not everyone's cup of tea, especially when it comes to the notorious black widow. However, learning about baby black widows might alleviate a smidge of arachnophobia. Below, you'll… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Almost any pet store you encounter will have brightly colored, dazzling betta fish. Bettas are often sold in tiny cups without filtration or movement, leading people to believe they can… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
If you're in pursuit of spotting some hummingbirds in January, don't fret. North America is home to many migratory birds, with most hummingbirds falling into this category. During the winter… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Hemlock trees are elegant conifers with a conical growth habit and slightly weeping branches. They're large parts of the landscape across the United States and into Canada. Though the genus… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
The alligators' gaping, toothy jaws, and heavily armored bodies are enough to steer people away from swamps and lake edges, fearing an encounter with these dinosaur-like beasts. However, if you've… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Cats spook their owners by staring into nothingness for extended periods of time, leading us to believe they're seeing something we can't. This is true, but it's not as sinister… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Coyotes are top-of-the-food-chain canines found in every U.S. state aside from Alaska. They are adaptable predators that thrive in the many different environments found in Oregon, making an encounter possible… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
New Mexico has a relatively stable climate all year round that can be a safe haven for many different species of birds throughout the winter. Below, you'll find a list… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Despite their similarities to water-loving frogs and other amphibians, toads live a bit of a different life. Interestingly, toads don't swim. However, this might not be the strangest thing you… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Indiana is home to almost half of North America's 20 species of owls. Some of these owls can be found in great numbers throughout the year. For others, you'll have… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Communication is necessary for all animal species, though it might not look familiar in every type of animal. For mammals and other land-dwelling animals, body language and sounds are important… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Lions are one of the most ferocious mammalian predators on land. Their large size, speed, and gymnast-like agility make them a force to be reckoned with in the wild. Not… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Minnesotans are fortunate to experience a variety of over 200 bird species throughout the year. Many of these birds brave the cold winter months in Minnesota to enjoy the abundance… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Cats of all sizes are known for their stealth, agility, and speed. We all know cheetahs take the cake when it comes to their record-breaking speed. But what about leopards?… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Growing any type of fruit or vegetable in your own garden can be immensely satisfying, but what if you grew a record-breaking fruit? By choosing the right variety and taking… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Reef aquariums can quickly lose their appeal once algae have started to take hold of the aquatic landscape. Here are some of the more common forms of algae you might… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Mosquitos are universally detested. Even the staunchest bug-lover might find themselves swatting the nuisance creature away without a second thought. Not only are they annoying, but mosquitos readily transmit diseases… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Earth is made up of mostly eight elements in various abundance. These elements make up the ground we stand on, the mountain terrain, and the inner layers of the planet.… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Winter doesn't have to be the bare-branch season that comes to mind. Quite a few winter-blooming shrubs boast magnificent flowers sure to cure anyone's winter blues. Consider adding these to… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Tall growing houseplants are a stunning addition to place in any room in your home. The touch of green and the natural shapes of the foliage can help create a… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
The natural world is extremely cutthroat; it's surprising there are any animals out there with no natural predators. Humans are one of them. Though without our intelligence, we are no… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
We all know humans cannot go without water for longer than three days, but how long can snakes go without water? As it turns out, there is not a universal… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
The Scoville scale is made to measure the heat of peppers. Since wasabi is a root of the wasabi plant, it doesn't technically place on the Scoville scale. However, there… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Wisconsin is home to many species of North American owls, from those passing by for the winter to those who make the state their home all year. Some owl species… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Tigers are known for their majesty and strength. These big cats rightfully strike fear into the hearts of animals and humans that might encounter them. When it comes to comparing… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Hummingbirds are dainty little birds that catch the adoration of anyone lucky enough to gaze upon their beauty. But did you know they're quite the predator? Hummingbirds don't survive on… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Venus flytraps (Dionea muscipula) and other carnivorous plants do not follow traditional plant "rules." Once you move away from conventional plant care, you'll be able to keep these peculiar plants… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Ribbon worms, or "proboscis worms," are in the phylum Nemertea. Most species in this phylum live in the water, but a few are terrestrial or parasitic. These are unique creatures… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
The immortal jellyfish is not hiding anything behind this larger-than-life name. This invertebrate has the ability to essentially live forever. Unfortunately, since predation is highly possible, there isn't really an… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
There are approximately 35 species of garter snakes living in the United States. Amongst these species, there are multiple defining features and ways to tell them apart. However, for the… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Behind every attractive garden is a gardener trying their best to keep pests away. Pests don't always mean bugs; in a lot of cases, deer can be just as destructive… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
Snake anatomy looks pretty different to the anatomy of animals we’re most used to seeing. Essentially, a snake is one long tube packed full of essential organs like lungs, a… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago
California is home to beautiful beaches, snowy mountains, and everything in between. For aquarium lovers, one of the best things to see in this magnificent state is the Aquarium of… Read More
By Sofia Fantauzzo 1 year ago