Creature features

For some people, one of the less desirable things about fall is that insects start making their way indoors as temperatures begin to drop.

Muskrats are skilled swimmers that make their homes near water. Learn about their favorite foods, their babies and how they survive winter.

Meet the elf owl, the world’s smallest raptor. Learn how these tiny desert birds compare to Illinois owls and discover what they eat, where they live and more.

Praying mantises and walking sticks are masters of camouflage. Learn how to tell these look-alike insects apart and why they blend in.

Coatis may look a little like raccoons, but these wild relatives have plenty of traits that make them unique.

The black and gold bumble bee is the state bee of Illinois. Learn where you might see if buzzing by.

Ospreys are impressive birds of prey that are built for catching fish. Learn all about these impressive birds.

Discover how caddisfly larvae use silk, sticks, stones and leaves to build underwater homes, and learn why these tiny bugs are important to healthy waterways.