| Juliet Whitsett Image |
Common Name & Link to Deeper Dives/ Palette |
INFO |
# Travis Co. Observ. & Link iNat. |
Scientific Name |
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Kretschmarr Cave Mold Beetle
Federally Endangered Insect
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Deep beneath Texas’ Edwards Plateau, the tiny Kretschmarr Cave mold beetle (Texamaurops reddelli) lives in total darkness. Less than 1/8 inch long, this reddish-brown rare beetle has no use for eyes. Instead, it relies on sensitive antennae and legs to detect air currents, vibrations, and scents. Found in only a few caves in Travis County, Texas, its survival is threatened by urban development, pollution, and invasive red imported fire ants. Road construction and land clearing can destroy caves and disrupt the delicate underground ecosystem. Listed as endangered since 1988, the beetle’s future depends on protecting its habitat. Conservation efforts focus on preserving caves, managing invasive species, and safeguarding groundwater. By protecting these hidden ecosystems, we help ensure this unique species—and many others—continue to survive. - Colin Strickland & Mark Sanders, City of Austin Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Environmental Scientists |
1 |
Texamaurops reddelli |
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Migratory Monarch Butterfly
Federal Candidate for Listing | IUCN Red List Insect |
"One of North America’s most astounding insects, the charismatic monarch butterfly accomplishes an annual, multi-generational, long distance migration. Reliant on milkweed as the sole food source for its caterpillars, the adult finds nourishment in the nectar of many flowering plants. Spring and summer breeding monarchs are widespread across North America, from grasslands to roadsides to gardens. Millions of butterflies that emerge in the fall take part in an extraordinary migration, landing in the oyamel fir forests of central Mexico or coastal California overwintering groves. People across the continent have come together to protect this beloved butterfly and the many other organisms that share its habitat. Drastic population declines threaten the monarch migration to the extent that the species is currently a Candidate Species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and migratory monarchs have been added to the IUCN Red List."- Wendy Caldwell Executive Director, Monarch Joint Venture |
34 |
Danaus plexippus plexippus |
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Tooth Cave Ground Beetle
Federally Endangered Insect |
Named after Persephone, queen of the underworld, the Tooth Cave ground beetle (Rhadine persephone) spends its life in the karst caves beneath North Austin, perfectly adapted to the darkness. This reddish, flightless beetle uses its long legs and antennae to navigate its subterranean habitat, hunting microarthropods and digging up cricket eggs. Measuring just 7–8 mm (1/3 inch), it is found only in a few caves in Travis and Williamson counties. Urban development, pollution, and invasive species such as red imported fire ants threaten its survival, but with conservation efforts like protecting green spaces, reducing pesticide runoff, and invasive species management, we can help ensure this unique beetle continues to thrive in its ancient underground home. - Colin Strickland & Mark Sanders, City of Austin Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Environmental Scientists |
0 |
Rhadine persephone |
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Tricolored Bat
Federally Proposed Endangered Mammal |
"Tricolored bats were once among the most common bats in North America, ranging from the Northeastern US and Canada down to the Yucatan Peninsula. However, since the arrival of white-nose syndrome (WNS), tricolored bat populations have plummeted more than 90% in some regions. These bats are some of the smallest in North America, weighing a mere 4-5 grams (equivalent to a paperclip). Remarkably, mother bats often give birth to twin pups, each weighing as little as 1.5 g (equivalent to a postage stamp), and nurtures them during the warmer months when insects are plentiful. WNS affects bats primarily when they are roosted during their winter hibernation. Conservation initiatives currently under development include treating hibernation sites to prevent the fungus that causes WNS from infecting bats and a vaccine that helps bats' immune systems fight off infections." - Nate Fuller, PhD, Bat Biologist |
18 |
Perimyotis subflavus |
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Bee Creek Cave Harvestman
Federally Endangered Arachnid |
"The Bee Creek Cave harvestman is a federally endangered karst, or cave invertebrate. They are related to daddy longlegs (Opiliones), but are troglobitic, meaning they only live underground. Due to limited nutrients in the subterranean environment, they often appear dormant while hiding under rocks. Little is known about the behavior or diet of these reclusive animals. They are found only in a few caves in Travis County south of the Colorado River and are endangered due to rapid urbanization in this region. Protecting the mixed Ashe Juniper and oak woodlands above ground helps ensure nutrients make their way down into the caves and contaminants stay out of their sensitive underground habitats."
-Colin Strickland, Biologist |
6 |
Texella reddelli |
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Bone Cave Harvestman
Federally Endangered Arachnid |
"The Bone Cave harvestman is a federally endangered karst, or cave invertebrate. They are related to daddy longlegs (Opiliones), but are troglobitic, meaning they only live underground. Due to limited nutrients in the subterranean environment, they often appear dormant while hiding under rocks. Their range extends from northern Travis County to northern Williamson County, and they are endangered due to rapid urbanization in this region. This species has a gradation in morphology across its range with more troglobitic individuals in the north (more reduced eyes, longer legs) and less troglobitic individuals in the south."
-Colin Strickland, Biologist |
0 |
Texella reyesi |
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Tooth Cave Pseudoscorpion
Federally Endangered Arachnid |
Hidden deep within the limestone caves of western Travis County, Texas, the Tooth Cave pseudoscorpion (Tartarocreagris texana) is a tiny yet formidable predator. Measuring just 4 mm (5/32") long, this eyeless arachnid thrives in total darkness, using its sharp pincers to capture small prey like tiny cave cricket nymphs. As a troglobite—an organism that lives exclusively underground—it is uniquely adapted to the karst environments of the Jollyville Plateau. However, habitat destruction and fragmentation from urban development threaten its survival. Protecting both its subterranean home and the surface ecosystems that sustain it is crucial, and conservation efforts with landowners and local governments can help ensure this rare species endures. - Colin Strickland & Mark Sanders, City of Austin Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Environmental Scientists |
0 |
Tartarocreagris texana |
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Tooth Cave Spider
Federally Endangered Arachnid |
The Tooth Cave spider (Tayshaneta myopica) is a nearly translucent, cave-dwelling arachnid that spends most of its life suspended beneath small, delicate sheet webs. Measuring just 1.6 mm (1/16 in), it is notoriously difficult to spot, though its delicate legs and body shimmer with a blue reflection under light. Its name, myopica, meaning "short-sighted," reflects its adaptation to total darkness, where vision is unnecessary. Found only in a few caves in Travis and Williamson counties, this endangered species faces threats from urban development that endanger its fragile limestone habitat. Listed as endangered in 1988, conservation efforts now focus on preserving these cave ecosystems to ensure its survival. - Colin Strickland & Mark Sanders, City of Austin Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Environmental Scientists |
0 |
Neoleptoneta myopica to Tayshaneta myopica |
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Austin Blind Salamander
State & Federally Endangered Amphibian |
"In 1837, the village of Waterloo was founded on the banks of the Colorado River. The name Waterloo would later change to Austin becoming the capital of The Republic of Texas. Biologist adopted Austin’s former epithet in the description and scientific name of the Austin blind salamander (Eurycea waterlooensis). This species occupies the deep regions of the Edwards Aquifer, and is only observed at a couple of localities overlying fissures in the limestone where the Austin blind salamander is occasionally ejected from its deeper residence. The Austin blind salamander is one of two recognized species (the other being E. rathbuni) within the sub-clade Typhlomolge, best known for their obligate subterranean life history and fascinating characteristics (e.g. highly reduced eyes and pigmentation, and broad heads) attributed to their evolution in complete darkness."
-Ruben Tovar, Evolutionary Developmental Biologist |
2 |
Eurycea waterlooensis |
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Barton Springs Salamander
State & Federally Endangered Amphibian |
"The scientific name, Eurycea sosorum, was given to the Barton Springs Salamander in honor of the Austinites that initiated the Save Our Springs (SOS) ordinance, to protect the Edwards Aquifer that feeds Barton Springs. These salamanders spend their entire lives in the water, sporting external gills and a broad tail fin. They are covered in a cosmic array of mottling which is unique to each individual, like a fingerprint. Females lay about 20 eggs at a time, each one is carefully stuck onto a rock or vegetation."
- Brittany A. Dobbins, Department of Biology, Texas State University |
27 |
Eurycea sosorum |
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Jollyville Plateau Salamander
State & Federally Threatened Amphibian |
"The Jollyville Plateau Salamander is part of a species radiation in Central Texas driven by historical climate change: a once broad-ranging species of Eurycea that inhabited creeks and streams was only able to survive in underground aquifers or in springs as the streams ran dry. Isolated springs led to isolated populations of salamanders, and genetic differences accumulated over generations, leading to the formation of separate species from a single ancestor. The Jollyville Plateau Salamander is found in springs in northeast Travis County and southwest Williamson County. It has tiny brown markings all over its body that are like fingerprints; each individual has a unique pattern."
- Robert Deans, PhD, Ecologist |
39 |
Eurycea tonkawae |
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Balcones Spike
State & Federally Endangered Mollusk |
Balcones Spike is an endangered freshwater mussel found in spring-fed streams and rivers of Central Texas. Of the 52 freshwater mussel species in Texas, 25% are found nowhere else in the world—including the Balcones Spike. Like other mussels, it has a unique reproductive cycle that relies on host fish to transport its parasitic larvae, known as glochidia. These larvae attach to the gills or fins of fish, where they develop before detaching and settling into the riverbed as juvenile mussels. This process aids their dispersal and helps sustain mussel populations in rivers and streams. Unfortunately, the Balcones Spike faces serious threats from habitat loss and pollution. Protecting this species and others is essential to preserving Texas’ freshwater ecosystems. - Charles Randklev |
0 |
Fusconaia iheringi |
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False Spike
State & Federally Endangered Mollusk |
False Spike is a rare freshwater mussel native to the Guadalupe River drainage in Texas. It plays a crucial role in maintaining river ecosystem health. As filter feeders, mussels improve water quality by removing particles and pollutants. Their shells provide habitat for aquatic insects and other small organisms, and they serve as a food source for fish, birds, and mammals. Despite their ecological importance, mussels are among the most imperiled animal groups worldwide. Many species, including the False Spike, are experiencing population declines due to habitat loss, pollution, and environmental changes. Protecting these mussels means safeguarding the health of freshwater ecosystems—and ensuring the future of the rivers and streams we all depend on. - Charles Randklev |
0 |
Fusconaia mitchelli |
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Texas Fatmucket
State & Federally Endangered Mollusk |
"The Texas fatmucket is only found in Hill Country Rivers in Central Texas and nowhere else on Earth! Mussel’s burrow into the stream bed and filter feed on river water, earning the nickname “Livers of the Rivers”. In the spring, female Texas fatmuckets “fish” for host fish using a small minnow like lure to attract a host fish close enough. Immature tiny mussels, called glochidia, must spend a few weeks attached to fish gills where they draw nutrients before falling to the stream bed and growing into adults. Don’t worry, the fish won’t even know they are there."- Gary Pandolfi, Aquatic Biologist |
13 |
Lampsilis bracteata |
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Texas Fawnsfoot
State & Federally Threatened Mollusk |
"Texas Fawnsfoot is a freshwater mussel species found only in the Colorado, Brazos and Trinity River basins of Texas.The health of the more than 50 mussel species of Texas, including the Texas Fawnfoot, are of critical importance to maintaining the integrity and function of aquatic ecosystems for other fish and wildlife species and the people of Texas. This is because freshwater mussels help to maintain clean and clear water, cycle nutrients, and provide benefits and balance for other aquatic life. This species is a state-listed threatened species and is currently under review for receiving status as a federally Threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. Researchers and conservation professionals within Texas and across the southeast are working diligently to learn more about this species’ life cycle, habitat requirements, and sensitivity to environmental conditions so that we can work to protect existing populations and restore those that have declined over time." - Kaelyn Fogelman, Assistant Professor of Ecophysiology, Troy University Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences |
2 |
Truncilla macrodon |
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Texas Pimpleback
State & Federally Threatened Mollusk |
The Texas Pimpleback is a rare freshwater mussel found in the spring-fed rivers and streams of the Colorado River basin in Texas. These mussels belong to an ancient group of aquatic animals that evolved from marine mollusks over 400 million years ago. As filter feeders, Texas Pimpleback plays a curial role in protecting water quality, providing habitat for aquatic insects and small organisms, and serving as a food source for fish, birds, and mammals. Their reproductive cycle is equally fascinating as this species relies on a host fish to develop and transport its larvae (called glochidia) before transforming into juvenile mussels and settling in riverbeds. Sadly, the Texas Pimpleback is one of the most imperiled mussels in Texas, threatened by habitat degradation and environmental changes. - Charles Randklev |
0 |
Cyclonaias petrina |
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Black Rail
State & Federally Threatened Bird |
COMING SOON |
0 |
Laterallus jamaicensis |
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Golden-cheeked Warbler
State & Federally Endangered Bird |
"The Golden-cheeked Warbler is an endangered migratory songbird. All Golden-cheeked Warblers are native Texans. They build their nests from the bark of the Ashe Juniper tree and breed exclusively in the oak-juniper woodlands of Central Texas. Golden-cheeked Warblers eat insects. As Fall approaches and food becomes scarce, they embark on a long, perilous journey to their wintering grounds in the pine-oak forests of Central America. There they forage in mixed species flocks with other migratory and resident birds. Their habitat in both homes is under threat from human development, resource extraction, and climate change."
-Darrell Hutchinson, Wildlife Biologist |
453 |
Setophaga chrysoparia |
| COMING SOON |
Interior Least Tern
State Endangered Bird |
COMING SOON |
0 |
Sternula antillarum athalassos |
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Piping Plover
State & Federally Threatened Bird |
The Piping Plover is a small, yet charismatic shorebird that spends its lifetime on the shorelines of lakes, rivers, and oceans of central and eastern North America. In Texas, Piping Plovers overwinter along the vast stretches of algal flats and beaches from the Louisiana to Tamaulipas borders. Preferring the flats, they spend a majority of their time resting or foraging on the ample supply of invertebrates and biofilm present. When tides rise, they head to the beach where they have to dodge cars, people, and pets. The public can help by giving them the space they need to forage and rest. We all have a part to play in the conservation of this threatened species. - Brooke Hill, Avian Conservation Ecologist, Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program |
19 |
Charadrius melodus |
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Rufa Red Knot
State & Federally Threatened Bird |
In 1999, 1,400 to 2,800 rufa red knots were identified at several sites in Texas, including Mustang Island Beach Airport and Padre Island National Seashore. The status of this population is uncertain, but actual numbers are believed to have dropped substantially since the 1980s. The populations wintering in South America decreased by more than 50 percent from the mid-1980s to 2003. Calidris canutus is currently listed by the IUCN as Least Concern. However, Calidris canutus rufa is currently a candidate for the Endangered Species Act, and as North American migratory birds, they are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.Texas Saltwater Magazine |
0 |
Calidris canutus rufa |
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Swallow-tailed Kite
State Threatened Bird |
"The American Swallow-tailed Kite ranges throughout much of South America through Middle America into southeastern United and western Mississippi river valley. These birds were extirpated in the early 20 th century from the Gulf coastal plains and from the western Mississippi river forests. No explanation has been accepted for the contract of the northern breeding areas, but human activity and habitat loss seem likely. In the 1970s, an active nest was discovered in southeast Texas. Since then, these birds have reoccupied much of their former range. Migrants begin arriving in early March, while these birds leave for their winter homes beginning in early August. Whether in migration or foraging in family groups, these graceful aerial flyers are often chasing their flying insect prey. Given the continuing expansion of these kites in Texas, their future looks bright."- Kieth Arnold |
2 |
Elanoides forficatus |
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White-faced Ibis
StateThreatened Bird |
"The White-faced Ibis is a prime example of our tendency to take certain birds for granted because of their seeming abundance until our eyes open to the shock of not seeing as many of them as we used to. White-faced Ibises stand two feet tall and strut on long, spindly legs while probing the mud with long, decurved beaks. The “white-faced” name derives from a white line encircling red facial skin. In breeding plumage, the legs and eyes have a reddish hue, and the wings become iridescent bronze with a rosy cast. The birds are losing breeding grounds in coastal marshes and prairie wetlands that have been supplanted by runaway housing development. Our eyes must now be open to the reality that Texas has designated the White-faced Ibis a threatened species as the Federal Government considers the ominous label of endangered species."- Gary Clark, Author of Book of Texas Birds, Texas A&M University Press |
66 |
Plegadis chihi |
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Whooping Crane
State & Federally Endangereded Bird |
"In the early 20th century, we nearly lost the Whooping Crane. Unregulated shooting, habitat loss, and other human disturbance led to a precipitous decline in numbers, and in 1944-45, there were only 21 Whooping Cranes left in the world. The Whooping Crane was listed as endangered in 1970. There have been four reintroduction attempts, two of which are still ongoing. While the reintroduction attempts have seen both successes and setbacks, none of these populations are self-sustaining yet. Today there are over 800 Whooping Cranes in the world, split between three re-introduced populations, captive breeding programs, and the last remaining natural population."- Carter G. Crouch, PhD, Director of Gulf Coast Programs, International Crane Foundation |
1 |
Grus americana |
| COMING SOON |
Wood Stork
State Threatened Bird |
COMING SOON |
4 |
Mycteria americana |
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Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Federally Threatened Bird |
(*** UPDATE Travis County's yellow-billed cuckoos are not federally listed because the Endangered Species Act listing applies only to the western Distinct Population Segment (DPS), which is geographically separated west of the Continental Divide and includes western Texas, but not the birds found in Travis County. The eastern population birds ARE found in Travis County, but are listed as a "Species of Greatest Conservation Need"***)
Yellow-billed cuckoos are reclusive riparian birds that visit North America briefly during the summer breeding season. They undertake an arduous migration to and from South America’s Grand Chaco region, where they spend winter. The onset of breeding is correlated to large insect prey abundance on the breeding grounds--cuckoos need this rich nutrient source as their young grow quickly: from egg to fledging in 17 days.
The secretive Yellow-billed Cuckoo is difficult to monitor, but current research shows that populations continue to decline precipitously, especially in the western U.S. Drought and land use changes have greatly reduced this birds’ historic breeding range and protections are
needed to guard remaining habitat strongholds.
Western Yellow-billed Cuckoos are recognized by the USFWS as a Distinct Population Segment and have protection under the Endangered Species Act as a federally threatened species west of the continental divide and in portions of western Texas. The Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo Working Group unites partners across the species’ breeding and wintering areas to work towards recovering this unique bird. You can help by speaking up to protect your local waterways and participating in local habitat restoration efforts. |
140 |
Coccyzus americanus |
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Zone-tailed Hawk
State Threatened Bird |
"The Zone-tailed Hawk is distributed from southwestern United States through Middle America to South America east of the Andes. In Texas, it ranges from the central mountains of the Trans-Pecos and along the southern part of the Edwards Plateau at least to the Colorado river. These birds are rare winter residents in the lower Rio Grande Valley and southern South Texas Brush Country, on the Edwards Plateau and in the Concho River Valley. Summering birds usually occur from late March through October. These hawks are very volant and often are associated with Turkey Vultures. One might mistake them for vultures until the white tail bars (in the adults only) are noted. Their low population numbers are a reason for concern and why they are found on the Texas threatened list."
- Keith A. Arnold, Ornithologist, Professor Emeritus, Texas A&M University |
38 |
Buteo albonotatus |
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Bracted Twistflower
State & Federally Threatened Plant |
"Bracted twistflower is an annual herbaceous plant in the mustard family (Brassicaceae) that occurs only along the southeastern edge of the Edwards Plateau of Texas. It is currently listed as threatened by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) because many of its populations have been lost to development, browsing by white-tailed deer and feral hogs, juniper encroachment, and other causes."- Info quoted from Brazos River Authority website |
55 |
Streptanthus bracteatus |
| COMING SOON |
American Alligator
Federally Listed Threatened by Similarity of Appearance Reptile |
COMING SOON |
1 |
Alligator mississippiensis |
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Texas Horned Lizard
State Threatened Reptile |
The Texas horned lizard has been admired by humans for centuries and are especially beloved by Texans. They are symbols of strength and healing for Indigenous peoples of the American Southwest and Mexico, and have undoubtedly bewildered and amused anyone that has been lucky enough to have one scamper across their path. Masters of camouflage, Texas horned lizards spend their day roaming through short grass prairie habitat, laden with bare patches of sandy soils, in search of food. Their favorite delicacy are harvester ants, but will eat a variety of other different types of invertebrates such as beetles, termites, and spiders. Texas horned lizards are declining in areas where their habitat has been altered for agricultural use or urbanization. Introduced red imported fire ants are also a contributor to the lizard’s decline, as they kill hatchling horned lizards, and eliminate, or out compete native species of ants the lizards depend upon for survival.' - Diane Barber, Senior Curator of Ectotherms, Fort Worth Zoo |
0 |
Phrynosoma cornutum |
