Author Archives: KnowledgeClips

Common Buckeye

Posted on by

Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)

  • Butterfly that resides in Central and North America
  • Wingspan is 1 5/8 inches – 2 3/4 inches (4.2 cm – 7 cm) in length
  • They have eyespot patterns on its wings to deter predators
  • Adults feed on nectar from plants like: aster, gumweed, knapweed and tickseed sunflower
  • Buckeye caterpillar hosts on plants from the snapdragon family and the plantain family
  • They prefer open, sunny areas with low vegetation with some bare ground
  • Member of the Nymphalidae family

 

Continue reading →

Addax

Posted on by

Addax (Addax nasomaculatus)

  • Antelope that lives in the Sahara Desert
  • Stands just over 3 feet tall (91 cm) and weigh around 200 pounds (91 kg)
  • Long horns have up to 3 twists
  • Moves through desert in herds of 5-20
  • Greyish-brown coat in winter months, changing to mostly white or sandy blonde in summer
  • Feeds on grasses and leaves
  • Conservation Status (IUCN): Critically Endangered

 

Continue reading →

Black-Tailed Prairie Dog

Posted on by

Black-Tailed Prairie Dog (Cynomys lucovicianus)

  • Social rodent native to the western area of North America
  • Measure about 15 inches (38 cm) in length and weigh about 3 pounds (1.4 kg)
  • Live in communities with other prairie dogs
  • Use a sophisticated system of vocal communication to warn of specific predators
  • Do not hibernate and are diurnal
  • Diet consists of green vegetation and occasional insects
  • Homes are deep burrows which are bedded with leaves and grass
  • Conservation Status: Least Concern

 

Continue reading →

Aldabra Tortoise

Posted on by

Aldabra Tortoise (Geochelone gigantea)

  • Native to the Aldabra Atoll islands in the Indian Ocean
  • The second largest tortoise in the world
  • Male tortoise averages 550 lb (250 kg) and is 4 feet (120 cm) in length
  • Female tortoise averages 330 lb (150 kg) and 3 feet (90 cm) in length
  • Eat grasses, leaves, and vegetables
  • Has an average lifespan of 80 years, but some have lived 200 years
  • Conservation Status (IUCN): Vulnerable

 

Continue reading →