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Moths

Moths are insects in the order Lepidoptera. They are the nocturnal cousins of butterflies. While butterflies steal the daytime spotlight, moths dominate the night with incredible diversity and subtle beauty. Their distinctive characteristics are: a) wings often covered in tiny scales, often displaying muted or camouflaged colors; b) antennae that are typically feathery or threadlike (in contrast to butterflies, which have clubbed tips); c) a generally stout and furry body, which helps retain warmth during nighttime activity;and d) strong flight capabilities. Moths undergo complete metamorphosis: egg>larva>pupa>adult.

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Spiders

Orbweaver and cobweb spiders are web-building arachnids. Orbweavers (family Araneidae) are known for their large, symmetrical, wheel-shaped webs built out in open spaces. They are usually harmless to humans and help control insect populations. They are often brightly colored, with rounded abdomens. Cobweb spiders (family Theridiidae), by contrast, spin irregular, tangled webs often found in corners, under furniture, or in sheltered outdoor spots. While their webs appear messy, they are highly effective at trapping prey.

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Wasps

Wasps are flying insects in the order Hymenoptera, which also includes bees and ants. They are known for: a) two pairs of membranous wings, with the forewings larger than the hindwings; b) narrow waists separating the thorax and abdomen, giving them a distinctive body shape; c) chewing or lapping mouthparts, though some species also have stingers derived from ovipositors; and d) complete metamorphosis—developing through four stages: egg → larva → pupa → adult.

Wasps vary widely in behavior: some are solitary hunters, while others are social and live in colonies. Many species play key roles as pollinators or natural pest controllers.

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Crustaceans

Crinocheta

Crinocheta (woodlice), also known as sowbugs and pillbugs, are terrestrial crustaceans often mistaken for insects. Key characteristics include: a) a segmented, armored exoskeleton made of overlapping plates, allowing flexibility and protection; b) seven pairs of legs—more than insects, which have six; c) two pairs of antennae; and d) a preference for damp, dark environments, as they breathe through gill-like structures that require moisture.

Woodlice undergo simple metamorphosis, hatching as miniature versions of adults and molting as they grow. Some species can roll into a ball as a defense mechanism.

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Crayfish

The crayfish is a freshwater crustacean closely related to lobsters and shrimp. It has a hard exoskeleton, two large front claws, a segmented body, and eight walking legs. The claws are used for defense and for capturing food, while its tail allows it to swim backward quickly when escaping danger. Crayfish are opportunistic, omnivorous scavengers, with the ability to filter and process sediment in order to ingest animal and vegetable matter. Crayfish are used by scientists to monitor water quality because they’re sensitive to pollution.

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Birds

Birds are warm-blooded vertebrates belonging to the class Aves. They are found on every continent, in almost every habitat. To enable flight (although not all species fly), birds have these characteristics: a) forelimbs that have evolved into wings; b) feathers, which provide thrust, insulation and camouflage; c) a high metabolic rate to supply energy demands; and d) hollow bones for flight efficiency. As well, their vision is often keener than that of humans, which is vital for hunting and navigation.

Birds exhibit a wide variety of calls and songs used for communication, territory defense, and mating. Migration is common, with many species travel thousands of kilometers seasonally. They play important roles as pollinators, seed dispersers, and insect controllers.