
Fun things to do and great places to discover nature.
Looking for more ways to have fun outside? Find out about Discover Nature programs in your area at mdc.mo.gov/events.
With large, powerful claws, the devil crayfish digs deep tunnels along wooded streams and ditches. It eats plants, worms, insects, snails, and dead animals. Why do we call it a devil? Maybe because people once thought it burrowed into coffins. Truth is, devil crayfish “wells” can serve as temporary homes for other little water critters during dry spells.
Missouri’s longest lizard looks like a snake, but it isn’t. Unlike snakes, it has eyelids and ear openings. Glass lizards can grow up to 26 inches long. Most of this length is tail, which can break off in a predator’s (or kid’s) grip. The glass lizard can regenerate its tail, but it will be shorter and darker. Look for it in pastures, prairies, and open woods on dry, rocky hillsides. Learn more at mdc.mo.gov/field-guide.
Bonnie Chasteen
Les Fortenberry
Karen Hudson
Angie Daly Morfeld
Noppadol Paothong
Marci Porter
Mark Raithel
Laura Scheuler
Matt Seek
David Stonner
Nichole LeClair Terrill
Stephanie Thurber
Cliff White