Plan of Attack
Desert
Saguaro Cactus
Scientific Name: Carnegiea gigantean
Habitat: desert slopes and flats
Range: Sonoran Desert
Observations: The shape and appearance of the Saguaro Cactus is easily recognizable in countless movies set in the desert. The cactus is a producer, using photosynthesis to create its energy needs. Since it doesn't have leaves, its photosynthesis takes place in the top layer of its green stem. The cactus uses a number of adaptations to survive in the dry desert conditions. They include a large root system that collects water after rain, and an expandable stem that stores the collected water.
Velvet Ant
Scientific Name: Dasymutilla occidentalis
Habitat: deserts, semi-arid environments
Range: throughout US and Canada
Observations: The Velvet Ant is actually a wasp. "Velvet Ant" is the common name for any of a family of wasps whose appearance is similar to that of large furry ants. The wasps live primarily in deserts and hot, semiarid environments. There are thousands of species of Velvet Ants throughout the world, including nearly 500 species in North America alone. All Velvet Ants in North America are parasites. They invade the nest of bees and other wasps, then lay their eggs in the host's cocoon. As adults, the ants feed on green shrubs, cacti, and other available plants.
Cactus Wren
Scientific Name: Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
Habitat: desert, arid scrubland
Range: Southwestern U.S.A. to central Mexico
Observations: The cactus wren lives in cacti, trees, and thorny shrubs. It is the largest wren in North America, and has an easily recognizable white stripe over each eye, as well as a long tail. The wren feeds on beetles, wasps, ants, fruit, berries, lizards, and small frogs. It can run swiftly for short distances.
Diamondback Rattlesnake
Scientific Name: Crotelus Atrox
Habitat: desert, rocky hillsides
Range: Southwestern U.S.A.: Southern California, Nevada and Utah, south to Mexico
Observations: The
Saguaro Cactus
Scientific Name: Carnegiea gigantean
Habitat: desert slopes and flats
Range: Sonoran Desert
Observations: The shape and appearance of the Saguaro Cactus is easily recognizable in countless movies set in the desert. The cactus is a producer, using photosynthesis to create its energy needs. Since it doesn't have leaves, its photosynthesis takes place in the top layer of its green stem. The cactus uses a number of adaptations to survive in the dry desert conditions. They include a large root system that collects water after rain, and an expandable stem that stores the collected water.
Velvet Ant
Scientific Name: Dasymutilla occidentalis
Habitat: deserts, semi-arid environments
Range: throughout US and Canada
Observations: The Velvet Ant is actually a wasp. "Velvet Ant" is the common name for any of a family of wasps whose appearance is similar to that of large furry ants. The wasps live primarily in deserts and hot, semiarid environments. There are thousands of species of Velvet Ants throughout the world, including nearly 500 species in North America alone. All Velvet Ants in North America are parasites. They invade the nest of bees and other wasps, then lay their eggs in the host's cocoon. As adults, the ants feed on green shrubs, cacti, and other available plants.
Cactus Wren
Scientific Name: Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus
Habitat: desert, arid scrubland
Range: Southwestern U.S.A. to central Mexico
Observations: The cactus wren lives in cacti, trees, and thorny shrubs. It is the largest wren in North America, and has an easily recognizable white stripe over each eye, as well as a long tail. The wren feeds on beetles, wasps, ants, fruit, berries, lizards, and small frogs. It can run swiftly for short distances.
Diamondback Rattlesnake
Scientific Name: Crotelus Atrox
Habitat: desert, rocky hillsides
Range: Southwestern U.S.A.: Southern California, Nevada and Utah, south to Mexico
Observations: The