Box Contents - East Texas Piney Woods
Alligator mississippiensis, (3) copies
American alligator
classification: reptile
modifiers: n/a
preferred habitat: lentic & lotic waters
The American alligator makes its home in the southeast wetlands of the United States, and is the largest member of the Alligaetoridae family.
Ardea herodias, (2) copies
Great Blue Heron
classification: bird
modifiers: n/a
preferred habitat: lentic water
The great blue heron is the largest heron native to North America, and has adapted to all wetland climates from freshwater lakes and brackish estuaries to marshes and mangroves.
bayou, (5) copies
bayou
classification: water resource
modifiers: biome backbone - lentic water
preferred habitat: lentic water
Bayous fill large areas of southeast Texas, springing forth from slow, meandering rivers or streams. Bayous offer shelter to all manor of creatures seeking respite from the heat.
Caddo Tribe, (4) copies
Caddo Tribe
classification: human
modifiers: n/a
preferred habitat: floodplain forest
The Caddoan Mississippian peoples flourished for hundreds of years before European exploration of the area in the 16th century. The Caddo were a people deeply tied to the land they worked, constructing sophisticated earthen mound complexes throughout east Texas.
Chlorophyllum molybdites, (3) copies
False parasol mushroom
classification: fungi
modifiers: inedible & mycorrhizal network
preferred habitat: floodplain forest
The false parasol mushroom is often mistaken for the edible parasol mushroom but is highly toxic, causing severe gastrointestinal distress when consumed.
Dasypus novemcinctus, (3) copies
Nine-banded armadillo
classification: mammal
modifiers: nocturnal
preferred habitat: floodplain forest
The nine-banded armadillo is a unique mammal known for its armor-like shell and the ability to roll into a ball for protection, primarily found in the Americas.
Dryophytes squirellus, (2) copies
Squirrel tree frog
classification: amphibian
modifiers: insectivore
preferred habitat: lentic & lotic waters
The squirrel tree frog is a small, arboreal amphibian native to the southeastern United States, recognized for its distinctive high-pitched calls during mating season.
flowing river, (5) copies
flowing river
classification: water resource
modifiers: biome backbone - lotic water
preferred habitat: lotic water
Rivers are dynamic and interconnected environments that support a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial life, playing crucial roles in freshwater conservation and providing essential services to human communities.
Gryllus spp., (3) copies
Field cricket
classification: insect
modifiers: n/a
preferred habitat: floodplain forest
Field crickets are known for their distinctive chirping sounds produced by rubbing their wings together, primarily serving as a mating call among males.
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, (2) copies
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora
classification: microorganism
modifiers: pesticide
preferred habitat: floodplain forest
H. bacteriophora is a considered beneficial nematode - a microscopic organism employed in gardening for biological pest control. H. bacteriophora targets a wide range of pests.
hurricane Harvey, (3) copies
Hurricane Harvey
classification: water resource & weather event
modifiers: destructive - fungi/plants & temporary
preferred habitat: n/a
Hurricane Harvey, a catastrophic Category 4 hurricane that struck Texas in 2017, caused unprecedented rainfall and flooding, making it one of the costliest and most destructive hurricanes in U.S. history.
moonlight, (2) copies
moonlight
classification: weather event
modifiers: nocturnal hunters & tidal influence
preferred habitat: n/a
The Moon, Earth's natural satellite, is approximately 1/6th the size of Earth and plays a vital role in shaping our planet's tides and has been a subject of human fascination and exploration for centuries.
Phlox nivalis, (3) copies
Pineland Phlox
classification: flowering plant
modifiers: n/a
preferred habitat: floodplain forest
Phlox nivalis not only thrives as ground cover in Texas pine forests, but is also known for its drought resistance.
Pinus taeda, (3) copies
Loblolly pine
classification: tree
modifiers: biome backbone - floodplain forest
preferred habitat: floodplain forest
Loblolly pine is a large and economically valuable tree species native to the southeastern United States, known for its fast growth and widespread use in the timber industry.
Pueraria montana, (3) copies
Kudzu
classification: plant
modifiers: invasive species & transplant
preferred habitat: temperate deciduous forest
Kudzu is a fast-growing vine native to Asia. It has become an invasive species in the United States, its vigorous growth have led to significant ecological and agricultural problems.
remove the invader, (2) copies
remove the invader
classification: action
modifiers: tile removal
preferred habitat: n/a
If you can’t eat it, kick it!
Sciurus carolinensis, (3) copies
Eastern gray squirrel
classification: mammal
modifiers: n/a
preferred habitat: floodplain forest
The eastern gray squirrel, is a widespread and adaptable rodent species found throughout North America, known for its distinctive gray fur and bushy tail.
sunlight, (2) copies
sunlight
classification: weather event
modifiers: cold-blooded, photosynthesis, & shade required
preferred habitat: n/a
Sunlight consists of visible light, ultraviolet light, and infrared radiation. It is essential for sustaining life on Earth through photosynthesis and providing warmth and illumination.
Tadarida brasilensis, (3) copies
Mexican free-tailed bat
classification: mammal
modifiers: insectivore & nocturnal
preferred habitat: floodplain forest
The Mexican free-tailed bat is a widely distributed bat species found throughout the Americas, known for its distinctive tail and its communal roosting behavior in large colonies.
Tibicen tibicen, (4) copies
Swamp cicada
classification: insect
modifiers: n/a
preferred habitat: floodplain forest
Swamp cicadas are a large insect species known for its loud summer chorus and distinctive molting patterns, with some individuals emerging in synchronized, periodic broods.