Critters
August 9, 2023
Swimmers, Beware the Texas Toe-Biter
I recently had a terrifying run-in with one in a West Texas stock tank.
What in Tarnation
Critters
July 14, 2023
The Blue Button Jellyfish Washing Up on Our Beaches Aren’t Jellyfish at All
They’re colonies of tiny creatures that drift with the tides.
Critters
June 14, 2023
We Salute Hardhead Catfish Dads, Which Protect Eggs by Carrying Them in Their Mouths
Anglers love to hate this slimy Texas fish, but its parental skills are unmatched.
Critters
May 18, 2023
Meet Your New Nightmare, the Hammerhead Worm
If you try to kill it with a shovel, it’ll just split into two.
By Rose Cahalan![Rose Cahalan's Profile Photo]()
Critters
May 9, 2023
Definitely Don’t Touch the “Blue Sea Dragons” Washing Up on Texas Beaches
This bizarre species has a more potent sting than a Portuguese man-of-war.
Critters
April 18, 2023
The Ringtail Is Texas’s Nighttime Ninja
Count yourself lucky if you catch a glimpse of this common but shy nocturnal mammal.
Critters
March 22, 2023
Mosquito Hawks Are Flitting All Over Texas
Favorable weather led to scads of the insects this spring. (And no, they don’t eat mosquitos.)
Critters
February 13, 2023
Beware the Mighty Mantis Shrimp
It’ll punch you with a tiny spear that has the force of a .22 rifle.
Critters
January 23, 2023
After a Long Saga, a Weird Little Texas Cave Critter Is Staying on the Endangered Species List
The blind, elusive Bone Cave harvestman was at the center of a right-wing attempt to weaken the Endangered Species Act.
Critters
November 22, 2022
Please Do Not Touch the “Toxic Toupee,” a.k.a. the “Mortal Mustache,” a.k.a. Texas’s Most Venomous Caterpillar
It’s furry and cute, but it can cause intense, throbbing pain for up to twelve hours!
Critters
April 1, 2022
Apocalyptic, Acid-Spewing Crazy Ants Invaded Texas. Now Scientists Have a “Silver Bullet” to Obliterate Them.
Even nastier than fire ants, the insects disable electronics and swarm over people and animals. UT researchers have found a pathogen that destroys them.
Critters
July 28, 2021
Do Not Fear the “Land Lobster From Hell” Skittering Across West Texas
Yes, it has fearsome pincers and shoots acid when threatened. But it’s essentially harmless!