Missouri Department of Conservation
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Common Plants and Animals

Learn about Missouri's common plants, animals and mushrooms, and get tips on how to avoid outdoor pests, such as chiggers, ticks and poison ivy.

Amphibians and Reptiles

You know them as frogs, toads, snakes, turtles and lizards. Get acquainted with all of Missouri's fascinating "herps," including 43 amphibians and 75 species and subspecies of reptiles. More

Aquatic Invertebrates

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. More

Avoid Outdoor Pests

Take precautions against Missouri's worst summertime pests: chiggers, mosquitoes, poison ivy, ticks and yellow jackets. More

Birds

More than 390 birds are known to occur in Missouri. Learn which species live here year-round and which visit or pass through annually. More

Butterflies and Moths

Image of a monarch
Learn about Missouri's beautiful and important butterflies and moths. More

Don't Adopt Wildlife

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. More

Fishes

More than 200 kinds of fish occur in Missouri. Learn how Missouri's different kinds of fish are adapted to different kinds of habitat. More

Insects, Spiders and Kin

These animals (along with crabs, shrimp, crayfish and others) are arthropods—invertebrates with jointed legs. Learn about Missouri's most common arthropods here. More

Mammals

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. More

Mushrooms

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. More

Trees, Shrubs and Vines

Learn about Missouri's trees, shrubs and woody vines. More

Wildflowers and Grasses

Learn about Missouri's wildflowers and grasses and tips for identifying them. More

Caves and Karst

Missouri has more than 6,300 caves that support over 900 species of animals. Cave-dependent species have always been rare because their habitat is limited. Protecting the fragile balance of cave environments is critical to the survival of these communities. More

Forests

Browse topics about Missouri's forests, including our forest history, the structure of a leaf, why leaves change color and forests for the future. More

Related Information

  • Field Guide

    What plant or animal is that? Identify and learn more about Missouri's plants, animals, and mushrooms.

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MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.

We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.

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MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.

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