North America Habitat

Beautiful but bitter-tasting monarchs use their warning coloration to tell potential predators to back off. The milkweed leaves that they eat as caterpillars contain cardenolides, or cardiac glycosides, a toxin that is harmless to the monarchs, but toxic and bad tasting for most predators. Monarchs are famous for their long migratory routes across the U.S. and Mexico and rely on resource-rich habitat to sustain them on their journey. Monarchs are important pollinators throughout North America, and we can help them here, and along their migration route by planting common milkweed in yards or containers.

Tiny, but mighty, the American burying beetle is one of nature’s recyclers and the largest carrion (dead meat) beetle in North America and native to 35 states. By night, these beetles will find a mate, locate the carcass of a deceased animal, bury it, then construct a brood chamber around the carcass in which to lay their eggs. The carcass will feed this next generation who will grow up and repeat this cycle themselves. These beetles are considered threatened or endangered throughout their range, mostly due to habitat loss. Our animal care staff at the World of the Insect habitat is helping out by raising beetles behind the scenes and relocating them to safe, suitable habitat in Ohio.

Also known as a “snot otter,” this amphibian is the America’s largest salamander and is found in 15 states, including Ohio. Not only are these amphibians big, but they are also long lived, with a lifespan of up to 25 years in the wild and longer than that in human care. Active at night, these ambush predators rely on clean, swift moving waterways in which to hide and hunt. We can help them by properly disposing of our trash and being mindful of the chemicals we use on our lawns that may contribute to water pollution through runoff into our local waterways.

Thanks to the camouflage coloring on its hard shell, you may have never seen this common reptile in the wild. Eastern box turtles prefer to live in forested areas with access to water for cooling off on hot days. The box turtle gets its name from a special hinge on its plastron (lower shell) that allows it to close up against the turtle’s carapace (top shell) so it is closed tightly like a box. This helps keep box turtles’ soft bodies safe from most predators. We can also help keep box turtles safe by being “turtle aware” when we are driving and watch out for turtles crossing roads.

Averaging about 2 feet long, the Eastern Massasauga rattlesnake is distinguishable from other local snakes by their shorter, thicker bodies, heart shaped heads, and vertical pupils. These shy, solitary snakes prefer to live in wetlands and other low-lying, poorly drained areas. They bring balance to the ecosystem by helping control populations of small mammals. The Eastern Massasauga rattle snake is an endangered species, but we can help these and other native snakes by giving them their space, spreading respect, and understanding for the crucial role they play in an ecosystem.

Feisty, bold, and agile, kestrels are the smallest falcon in North American. These pint-sized predators prefer short-grass habitats with sparse trees where they can perch or hover above and use their keen eyesight to scan the ground for their preferred prey, insects. They will also eat small animals such as voles, frogs, and lizards. Once their prey is spotted, the kestrel will dart down and pounce on their meal, grabbing it with their taloned feet. Kestrels are cavity nesters, relying on holes in trees to raise their young. We can help by building and mounting nest boxes in areas with ample prey to provide additional spaces for them to utilize.

Indiana bats, named for the first state in which they were recorded, have a wide home range that includes Ohio. These endangered, nocturnal predators utilize echolocation to find their food on the wing, preying upon mosquitos, moths, and many agricultural pests. During most of the year, Indiana bats roost in maternity colonies under the bark of trees in forested areas, but in winter, they congregate in caves and mines to hibernate. In total, 11 species of bats call Ohio home. We can help them all by avoiding the use of pesticides that can contaminate their food source and steering clear of caves in the winter so as not to disturb hibernating bats.

These squirrel-sized, solitary, nocturnal rodents are found in rocky areas such as cliffs, caves, and rocky fissures throughout the eastern US. They navigate their habitat though a system of small, elaborate tunnels serving as a secure connection between food, nest, and latrine sites. Telltale signs of a woodrat are their middens, a collection of food (plant material such as seeds, acorns, nuts, leaves, and stems) and nonfood items (such as bottlecaps, shells, coins, feathers, and bones). These collections found in middens are the source of this rat’s nickname, “pack rat.” The Allegheny woodrat has fully disappeared or is significantly decreased in 35% of its range and is considered endangered in Ohio.

Wild turkeys are far better camouflaged for their woodland habitats than their domesticated cousins. These omnivorous foragers were a staple food source for the Myaamia People of this region, which is reflected in their original name, Pileewa, now the Myaamia word for chicken. With colonization and human expansion came overhunting and habitat loss, resulting in significant wild turkey populations declines. Thankfully, due to conservation efforts, wild turkey populations in the U.S. are now abundant and can be found in 49 states!

This small, rare amphibian can be found near entrances of limestone caves (known as the “twilight zone”) and outcroppings as well as in mature woodlands with spring-fed streams. Endangered in Ohio, the salamanders here are in the most northeastern tip of their range which extends throughout the central-eastern US. When threatened, the cave salamander releases a noxious substance from glands in its skin that works well to deter many predators. Both as larvae and adults, these tiny salamanders’ preferred prey is invertebrates.

These common and easily recognizable amphibians depend on both land and water for their lifecycle. Females can lay as many as 12,000 eggs in jelly-like strands in freshwater. Tiny, black tadpoles hatch and undergo a 50–60-day metamorphosis, after which they emerge onto land as adults. All life stages are especially vulnerable to pollutants, which are easily absorbed through their highly permeable skin.

Black bear scat can be identified as the largest example (about the size of your hand) of native wildlife scat and, depending on the time of year, it may contain blueberries, seeds, fur, grass, and insect exoskeleton pieces.

Porcupine pellets look similar in size to deer scat (about an inch long) but are curved like a cashew instead of straight like a coffee bean. They also contain visible plant matter. If you are lucky, you might find a discarded quill nearby!

White-tailed deer scat is oval-shaped and resembles black jellybeans or Raisinettes. It is usually dark brown/brownish-green or black in color and found in scattered piles.

Coyote scat resembles medium-sized domestic dog scat in shape (tubular) but is distinguished by being curled and tapered at the ends. The presence of hair and bones can give it a more fibrous, rope-like appearance.

Often confused with deer scat, rabbit scat is almost completely spherical in shape and pea- sized. The scat is usually found in small piles, though larger piles may occur in spots where the animal rested. Rabbit scat is also rougher (from the high grass content) in appearance whereas deer scat is smooth.

Because raccoons use “latrines” – areas they specifically choose and reuse to deposit waste – this scat is usually found in groups with other raccoon scat. Latrines are usually located on logs, stumps, and rocks. Their scat is identified by its dark brown, lumpy, tubular shape and remnants of undigested food such as exoskeletons, berries, seeds, and sometimes even wrappers from human trash.  This scat may also contain parasites that can be contagious to humans, so look but don’t touch!

Scientific Name: Asclepias syriaca  

Conservation status

• This once-common plant has been eradicated from much of its native range due to changes in land management and pesticide use. Initiatives exist to replant milkweed, especially along monarch migration highways, to help provide the resources monarchs need to rebuild their population numbers.

Ecological importance

• Adult monarchs will only lay their eggs on milkweed plants and once hatched, their caterpillars rely exclusively on milkweed leaves for food. Thankfully, there are several dozen species of milkweed, including the common milkweed, which are native to North America, making it easy to plant for monarchs no matter which state you call home.

• Plant for Pollinators Challenge

Cultural importance

• Although full sized milkweed is not edible, this plant can be safely eaten when very young and cooked as a spring green.

• Strong twine and rope can be made by twisting the stringy fibers from the stem together as well as fiber for woven clothing.

• The fluff found inside the seed pods can be used for:

• Stuffing pillows, mattresses, and quilts

• A buoyant filler for life jackets in WWII when the original stuffing was in short supply

• Tinder for starting fires

Medicinal importance

• Sap was used as a wart remover

• Roots were chewed to treat dysentery

• Root and leaf infusions were used to treat coughs, asthma, and typhus

Scientific Name: Sambuca canadensis

Ecological importance

• This plant is useful for stabilizing soil from erosion.

• The plant provides nesting material for native bees and birds use its branches for perching and shelter.

• The flowers are an important source of nectar for pollinators

• Mammals and songbirds eat the fruit.

Cultural importance

• Blue and purple berries are edible but must be cooked before consumption

• Berries used by some Indigenous people to make beverages, baked products, and pudding

• Berries are often made into jam, jellies, pies, and wine

• Branches used as arrow shafts

• Twigs and berries used to make dye

• The hollowed-out stems were used to

• blow on kindling from a safe distance when lighting fires.

• make flute-like instruments or percussive sticks.

Medicinal importance

• The Myaamia people use the fruit of the plant to make a cough syrup

• Flowers contain compounds that improve immune function

• Often brewed into tea to treat diarrhea, congestion, and fever

• The foliage can be fatally poisonous if ingested

Scientific Name: Hierochloe odorata

Ecological importance

• Serves as an important food source and nesting material for rodents and other small herbivores.

• Useful in wetland restoration projects to provide shelter to nesting wildlife.

• Roots are good for stabilizing soil on hillsides and preventing erosion

Cultural importance

• Leaves were mixed with tobacco for ceremonial use

• When braided into women’s hair, it signified Mother Earth with each of the three strands representing either mind, body, or spirit.

• Used to make baskets, mats, rugs, bedding, and cradleboards

Medicinal importance

• Smoke from its burning was used to treat colds

• Tea or soup was used to remedy colds, coughs, fever, and congestion

• Used in a salve to treat chapped skin

Scientific Name: Sagittaria latifolia

Ecological importance

• Can be planted to restore a wetland.

• Food source for a variety of wetland wildlife

• Waterfowl consume the seeds

• Muskrats, beavers, and porcupine eat the entire plant, including the tubers

Cultural importance

• Wetland tuberous plants, like broadleaf arrowhead, were a large portion of Myaamia diet prior to European contact

• Tubers prepared much like potatoes as well as sliced and dried to store for winter food

Medicinal importance

• Tea made from this plant was used to treat a variety of illnesses

• Smashed tubers were applied to wounds

Scientific Name: Monarda fistulosa

Ecological importance

• The plant is an important food source for seeds for songbirds as well as pollen and nectar for pollinators such as butterflies, bumblebees, and hummingbirds

Cultural importance

• Used as a spice in food preparation

• Tea made from brewing leaves

• Although Myaamia people have historically used wild bergamot, the Myaamia term for this plant is not known.  Because the Myaamia language is being revitalized from archival documents, it is possible that the term will be found in the future, or that a new term will be created for this plant

Medicinal importance

• Tea used to treat a variety of ailments

• Ointment made from the plant applied to skin to relieve illnesses

Scientific Name: Lindera benzoin

Ecological importance

• Primary hostplant for the caterpillar of the spicebush swallowtail butterfly

• Fruit is a food source for game birds, songbirds, and woodland mammals.

• Pollinators such as flies, small bees, butterflies, and moths depend on the flowers as an early-season source of nectar

Cultural importance

• Essential oil in leaves and bark create a spicy fragrance

• Dried pulp and skin of the fruit is used as a sweet spice or replacement for allspice

• The berries of this plant, which turn red in the fall, have a spicy smell and flavor, which can be used to flavor food. The Myaamia term refers to its aroma

Medicinal importance

• Oil from fruit used to make a liniment for sore muscles and joints

• Tea made from the twigs and berries has been used to treat colds, stomach upset, and fever

• Tea made from the leaves was used to aid digestion.

Scientific Name: Cercis canadensis

Ecological importance

• Flowers appear early in spring and serve as an important food source for pollinators.

• Seed pods are a food source for songbirds and small mammals.

• Serves as the primary host plant for the redbud leaf-folder moth and the leaves serve as a food source for additional moth and butterfly caterpillars

Cultural importance

• The young branches are used for basketry

• In addition to being beautiful, the purplish buds of this tree are edible and high in vitamin C. They can be eaten raw, or dried for future use

• The leaves and seedpods are also edible to humans

Medicinal importance

• Inner bark was used to make tea for treatment of a variety of ailments such as fevers and diarrhea.
• An infusion of the roots and inner bark was used to treat whooping cough and congestion.

Scientific Name: Acer saccharum

Ecological importance

• All parts of the plant serve as a food source to wildlife. The seeds are eaten by birds and small mammals and the twigs, buds, and leaves are eaten by deer.

• The tree provides shelter to many kinds of animals from varying taxa. The tree canopy is a nesting spot for birds and squirrels, and the crevices in the bark provide overwintering spaces for invertebrates such as insects and spiders.

• These trees also stabilize the soil with their roots while also drawing moisture from deeper in the ground to exude into drier soil near the surface. This moisture benefits smaller plants growing nearby.

Cultural importance

• The Ojibwe, Ottawa, and Potawatomi Tribes were among the first to engage in the process of maple sugaring.