Earthworms move using muscles that create wavelike motions through their bodies. There are more than 2700 kinds of earthworms including some giants like one in Australia that can grow up to 12 feet long. The longest ever recorded was 22 feet. One acre of land can hold up to 1 million worms. While they are not required for healthy soil their presence is a good sign that the soil is healthy.

Muskrats and beavers look similar in the water, but muskrats are much smaller, weighing 2 to 5 pounds compared to a beaver’s 35 to 65 pounds. Muskrats live mostly in water, especially in marshes where food is plentiful. They are omnivores but mainly eat plants like cattails, bulrush and waterlilies. They also eat animals such as crayfish, frogs, fish and clams.

Cacti once had leaves (which rely on rainfall) but adapted to their dry environment and evolved to have spines. They're modified leaves that reduce water loss, direct moisture to roots, provide shade, and deter predators. Cacti store water in their stems and have shallow roots to absorb the smallest amount of moisture quickly. Even Illinois has native cacti like the eastern prickly pear, which supports pollinators and produces edible fruits and pads.

Mosquitoes are the deadliest animals on Earth because they spread diseases like malaria and West Nile virus. Only females bite, using the protein in blood to make eggs. Out of 200 mosquito species in the U.S., only about 12 spread illness to humans. Bites itch due to an allergic reaction to their saliva. To avoid bites, use insect repellent and wear long sleeves and pants in mosquito-prone areas.

Earthworms, non-native to the Midwest, are vital to soil health. These segmented annelids tunnel through soil, eating organic matter and enriching it with its waste. Despite enhancing soil quality, some species - like jumping worms - can harm ecosystems. Worms are either epigeic, endogeic, or anecic depending on the soil depth they live at. Their burrowing improves soil structure, drainage, plant growth and help prevent pollution.

Striped skunks defend themselves with a powerful spray that can reach over 10 feet and smell travels miles. Most animals avoid them because of this. Before spraying, skunks warn by lifting their tails, stomping feet, hissing, and growling. If you see these signs, it’s best to back away to avoid the foul-smelling spray.

Common in North America, giant mayflies have been around for 300 million years. They live for a few days as adults, existing only to mate and create offspring. Uniquely, they have two winged stages. Their nymph stage can last from four months to two years. As adults, they may swarm in large groups. Since they are sensitive to pollution, giant mayflies are indicator species giving humans insight of water quality.

Animals can’t escape to air conditioning, but they have clever ways to beat the heat. Many seek shade or cool water. Birds pant using gular fluttering to release excess body heat, reptiles burrow into the ground or dive deeper in water, and mammals may wallow in mud or cool off in ponds. Some birds even poop on their legs to cool down! Rabbits and elephants use their ears to release heat. You can help by leaving clean water out for wildlife during hot days.