Organisms Identification Manual: For The Western United States - Peyton Edwards - 11

Tiger Swallowtail: Papilio glaucus

Range: The Tiger Swallowtail can be found
across North America.

Typical Size: The wingspan of an adult Tiger

Swallowtail can be around 5”

Distinguishing/Key Features: A Tiger

Swallowtail caterpillar can be green, brown, or
orange in base pigment. They will have yellow
or orange spots that mimic snake eyes. Adult Tiger Swallowtails are commonly yellow with
black tiger-like stripes. Females often have blue on the
base of their tails. Females are unique also because
occasionally, they will be a black color instead of yellow.
This adaptation makes them look similar to another
species of butterfly that is considered poisonous to some
predators.

Habitat: The habitat of the Tiger Swallowtail varies but

it is often found in gardens or open fields.

Interesting Observations: When the Tiger

Swallowtail caterpillar becomes frightened or
agitated it will appear to stand up waving it’s
front back and forth. When viewing this it
appears as if the caterpillar is waving it’s
“snakehead” with two large angry yellow
“eyes” staring at you.
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Bobcat: Lynx rufus

Range: Bobcats can be found from southern Canada down through the United States and into
central Mexico.

Typical Size: Bobcats on average have

a body length between 20 to 50 inches
with males being larger than females.

Distinguishing/Key Features: A
notable feature of the Bobcat is its short
bob-tail which has black fur on the tip
and white fur on the underside. Bobcats
have a notable wide flat face that
features longer fur on the cheek area. Bobcats range in coloration between gray or
orangish-brown. The bobcat often is patterned with black spots on its body including spots and
bar patterns on the legs.

Habitat: Bobcats can often be found in rocky areas as well as mountain forests, canyons, and
brushland.

Interesting Observations: The coat of the Bobcat acts as a great camouflage against the tan
cliff outcropping.

Interesting Facts: Bobcats live an average of 10 to 12 years in the wild. They are also
considered skilled hunters since they can potentially kill creatures much bigger than themselves.
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Coyote: Canis latrans

Range: Coyotes can be found
throughout most of North America and
into Central America.

Typical Size: The Coyote is around 48

to 53 inches in length on average.

Distinguishing/Key Features: Coyotes range in color of light tan to tanish-grey.

Habitat: Coyotes can be found in prairies, deserts, forests, and mountains.

Interesting Observations: The coyote I observed was alone sunbathing on a rock. Usually
they are in family groups so I found that this one was alone to be interesting. Also the bark of
Coyotes sounds strangely like screaming children, the noise can be difficult to fall asleep to.

Interesting Facts: Coyotes can run up to 40 miles an hour.

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Desert Bighorn Sheep: Ovis canadensis nelsoni

Range: Desert Bighorn Sheep lives in the American
southwest in regions like the Grand Canyon, Mojave Desert,
and the Sonoran Desert.

Typical Size: On average Desert Bighorn Sheep are 5 feet

in length and anywhere from 2 ½ to 3 ¼ feet in height at their
shoulders. Male Desert Bighorn Sheep can weigh up to 250
pounds.

Distinguishing/Key Features: Desert Bighorn Sheep are muscular with brown coats. The fur
around their muzzle, on their rump, and belly is white. Male Desert Bighorn Sheep (rams) have
large curved horns whereas females have smaller horns (ewes).

Habitat: Desert Bighorn Sheep are often found on steep cliffs.

Interesting Observations: The shorter the horns on a male Desert Bighorn Sheep, the less
mature the individual is.

Interesting Facts: Male

Desert Bighorn Sheep
determine who is the most
dominant in the herd by
charging each other with
their horns until one male
retreats.
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Elk: Cervus canadensis

Range: Elk are native to most of North America. Today they are usually seen mostly in western
North America.

Typical Size: Antlers included the Elk stand around 9 feet tall.

Distinguishing/Key Features: Elk range in various shades of brown. Males grow antlers that
can reach up to 4 feet tall.

Habitat: Elk are often found

in mountain landscapes.

Interesting Observations:
Elk can be easily spooked. Do
not approach and do not move
away suddenly.

Interesting Facts: Elk are also known as wapiti, a Native American word that translates to
“light-colored deer.”