Critters

July 24, 2025

Aquatic Caterpillars Turn Into Beautiful Moths

Caterpillars can be pesky, but their transformations into moths are worth the trouble.

Story by
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
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
June 2025 Issue

Scientists Unravel the Mysteries of American Eels in Texas

Eels change appearance several times in a lifetime; project has yielded data on their life cycle.

Story by Eva Frederick
June 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
May 2025 Issue

Biologists Discover Alligator Snapping Turtles Pack Bite and Brain

Scientists continue to study the animal as it recovers from overharvesting.

Story by Eva Frederick
May 2025 Issue

Backyard Wildlife Become YouTube Stars

With cameras and website, an Austin couple share their animal videos with the world.

Story by Sheryl Smith-Rodgers
March 2025 Issue

Southern Stargazers Have Adapted to Life Under the Sand

These ocean fish bury themselves in the sand and can deliver a shock.

Story by Karina Kumar
June 2024 Issue

The Search for the Lost Salamander

A pale, eyeless amphibian swims beneath our feet, and one herpetologist is determined to find it.

By Eva Frederick
March 2024 Issue

Vinegaroons Sport Whip-Like Tails and Spray Acid

These weird and wonderful arachnids live in West Texas.

Story by Bill Rhodes
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