Critters

A stick bug climbing from leaf to leaf.
May 2026 Issue

Stick Bugs Are Masters of Disguise

These insects, which can grow up to seven inches long, survive by blending in.

Story by Pam LeBlanc
A Snowberry clearwing moth getting nectar from a flower.
April 2026 Issue

Snowberry Clearwing Moths Masquerade As Bumblebees To Deter Predators

These chunky moths are harmless — and helpful pollinators.

Story by Denise Viosca Gary
A view of a jackrabbit from behind.
January/February 2026 Issue

Black-Tailed Jackrabbits Use Their Speed to Escape

Long ears and long legs give jackrabbits their distinctive look.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
Scalloped hammerhead shark swimming in the gulf with a school of fish above.
December 2025 Issue

Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks Gain Advantage From Their Head Shape

These remarkable ocean predators help maintain the health of the Gulf and its seafood.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
Velvet ant that is orange and black on white background
October 2025 Issue

An Ant That’s Not an Ant

Velvet ants are wasps that pack a powerful sting.

Story by Katie Potter
Light red western coachwhip with head off ground in a rocky clearing in west Texas
August/September 2025 Issue

The Western Coachwhip Moves Like Lightning

The western coachwhip is one of the fastest snakes in North America.

Story by Gwendolyn Reed
Two baby eastern gray squirrels in nest surrounded by red fall leaves
August/September 2025 Issue

Keeping Count of East Texas Squirrels

An East Texas WMA maintains the state’s longest-running squirrel population database.

Story by Eva Frederick
Trans-Pecos Copperhead snake on rock at nighttime in West Texas
July 2025 Issue

Snake Days Is an Annual Celebration of All Things Reptile and Amphibian

The "herpers" who attend form close-knit community of dedicated snake lovers.

Story by Eva Frederick
Rio Grande beaver swimming along forested bank of the Rio Grande River
July 2025 Issue

A Smaller Subspecies of American Beaver Makes its Home Along the Rio Grande

The Rio Grande beaver was identified as a subspecies of the American beaver in 1913.

Story by Melissa Gaskill
Comal Springs Riffle Beetle (Heterelmis comalensis) on rock
June 2025 Issue

The Comal Springs Riffle Beetle Is Perfectly Suited to Central Texas Springs

This tiny-but-mighty beetle is endemic to only two Edwards Aquifer springs.

Story by Bill Rhodes
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The October 2024 cover of Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, featuring a surfer riding a wave along the Texas Gulf Coast

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