Missouri is home to thousands of kinds of animals without backbones that live in the water. Learn about our crayfish, clams, snails, leeches and aquatic insects.
You know them as frogs, toads, snakes, turtles, and lizards. Get acquainted with all of Missouri's fascinating herptiles, including 43 amphibians and 75 species and subspecies of reptiles.
These animals (along with crabs, shrimp, crayfish and others) are arthropods — invertebrates with jointed legs. Learn about Missouri's most common arthropods here.
Nearly 70 species of wild mammals live in Missouri. Use this page to get acquainted with the mammals you're most likely to see in your neighborhood or at a conservation area.
Mushrooms look a lot like plants, but they lack chlorophyll and have to take nutrients from other materials. Learn about Missouri's more common mushrooms here.
Often, there are no sharp dividing lines between trees, shrubs and woody vines, and between woody and nonwoody plants. Learn how to identify Missouri's most common plants.
Wild animals don't make good pets, and it is illegal to possess many wild animals without a valid state or federal permit. If you encounter young wildlife, leave it where you find it.