The Question: I came upon these while at a waterfall in Tennessee. Any help finding out what they are would be appreciated. Submitted by: Starlon, Tennessee, USA The Short Answer: These are the eggs of a toad in the genus Anaxyrus. According to amphibian egg expert Ronald Altig, who studies the development of amphibians at [...]
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What is this mud creature?
The Question: I found these creatures in mud. They were approximately 30 cm (1 ft). The head is 4-5 mm (0.25 inch) in diameter. They don’t look like worms. I wonder if they might be snakes. What are they and what do they eat? Submitted by: Madhumita, Chhattisgarh, India The Short Answer: This is definitely [...]
Is this spider venomous?
The Question: This spider crawled out of a vent at my daughter’s home and moved quickly towards the door where she opened it and watched it go outside. My daughter is terrified and wonders if she needs an exterminator? Is this spider venomous? She’s scared to have her baby on the floor. Please help identify [...]
Are There Ducks in Antarctica?
The Question: I have searched for the one species of duck that is said to be able to live in Antarctica, but I have yet to find anything more about it. My guess is that if such a duck exists it would possibly survive on one of the subantarctic islands, or on Ross Island which, [...]
What is this spider – and how to identify a brown recluse?
The Question: We found this large spider in our auto repair shop today. He caused quite an exciting afternoon, that’s for sure. Can you please help us identify him? Submitted by: Michelle , Virginia, USA The Short Answer: First, before we can talk about this spider, we’ll have to refer to it as “she” because [...]