A type of iguanid lizard, this species can reach up to 2.4 inches in length. Males are more brightly colored than females and distinguished by blue flecks spread over their backs and tails and yellow/orange sides. Females are more earth-colored with occasional stripes along the back and sides. This lizard has an interesting “rock-paper-scissors” mating mechanism. Based on coloration, males fall into three categories (ultradominant, dominant, or sneaker) which determine their mating strategies.

This is a monocotyledonous tree, defined by its pointed, bayonet-shaped, evergreen leaves and found almost exclusively in the Mojave desert. In terms of desert plants, Joshua Trees are relatively fast growing (3 cm/year for the first ten years of its life). While appearing like wood, the Joshua tree’s trunk is actually made up of a series fibers. Interestingly, the tree has a mutualistic relationship with the yucca moth -- a yucca moth deposits its eggs in its white flowers in exchange for pollination.

An iconic prickly pear cactus, this plant consists of many blue-grey, fleshy, flattened pads which it uses to store water. The cactus is generally spineless, but has small, clumped, barbed bristles to ward off herbivores. Visit the desert in the spring to early summer to see its magnificent pink to rose flowers.

One of the most common bushes of this Mojave, this plant is distinctive for its reflective silver-gray, twisted, oblong, and many-pointed leaves. The color of the leaves is due to an accumulation of salt and helps the plant reflect sunlight. The leaves are also drought-deciduous, meaning they can be dropped in periods of heat stress.

This bush is an evergreen shrub known for its transitioning flower stages. The creosote can also be identified by its smell which has been characterized as the “smell of rain.” To survive in the harsh desert conditions, creosote bushes have adapted to germinate exclusively in prolonged wet seasons. Outside of the chuckwalla and occasionally the jackrabbit, few species consume the creosote’s leaves because they are too bitter. A ring of creosote bush near Lucerne Valley, CA dubbed ‘King Clone’ is considered one of the oldest living organisms on earth (approximately 11,700 years old)!

This terrestrial lizard has many tiny scales that give its skin a silky smooth texture. Ranging between 4-6 inches, the western banded gecko can be identified by its sandy color and patchy, dark crossbands. A sneaky and nocturnal animal, this gecko is one of the few species that will consume baby scorpions. When threatened, the western banded gecko may attempt to mimic a scorpion by raising its tail over its head in attempts at scaring away predators.

This small (few centimeters tall) species of mariposa lily is primarily native to the Mojave desert and considered a vulnerable species. Its name is a reference to its soil preference, as this plant is commonly found in alkaline soils in wetland-riparian areas, Shadscale scrub, and chaparral habitats. It is identified by its blooms which have three rounded, dark pink/lilac/purple petals.

The Townsend’s big-eared bat is a medium-sized bat characterized by large flexible ears and lumps on the side of its snout. These bats can be found in large crevices; however, only the females roost together in colonies with their pups (male bats roost individually). A female will give birth to only one pup, which is born without the ability to fly. This species specializes in eating moths but will eat other small insects as well.

This creepy crawler is the largest scorpion in North America, reaching up to 5.5 inches! Mostly yellow but with a black top, this species easily blends in with its desert surroundings. It is also a burrowing scorpion, and can dig tunnels up to 8 feet deep! If you want to spot one of these creatures, go on a night walk, as this species is nocturnal and emerges at night to hunt large insects, spiders, and small vertebrates.

This plant is an annual herb known for its bright blue, funnel-shaped flower. The body of the plant can reach up to 2.3 ft in height and is covered with glandular hairs. It is thought that the hairs produce a scent that deters herbivores.

This lizard species is large and flat-bodied. The coloration of the chuckwalla depends on both the sex and the age of a chuckwalla but, in general, the species is covered with small, dark-colored scales. The chuckwalla is an ectotherm, meaning it warms itself from the environment and not metabolically, as an adaptation to the hot desert climate. For this reason, these lizards are often found in rock crevices on hotter days and basking in the sun on cooler days.

This is a perennial plant endemic to the slopes of the Panamint Range. Reaching up to 40 inches tall, this species sprouted from a woody rootstock. The silver color and wooly nature of the leaves help the plant regulate its thermal balance. The flower can be identified by its bright yellow ray florets.

This species, endemic to the Mojave and Sonoran desert, can live between 50 and 80 years! To survive in the desert, this tortoise can store up to a liter of water in its urinary bladder to help it survive the desert climate. It will also bury itself and go through periods of extended dormancy to regulate body temperature and reduce water losses. The relatively low reproductive rate of this species in combination with its decreasing habitat from urbanization/agriculture has led to this species’ endangerment.

This small fish species, also known as the Salt Creek pupfish, is exclusively found in two Death Valley locations (Salt Creek and Cottonball Marsh). This fish is an average size of 1.5 inches and a silvery color with dark side bands. In the mating season (April to October), males can turn bright blue. These are hearty fish and live in conditions temperature and salinity conditions almost no other species can!

This sheep, native to North America, is most known for its large curved horns on male individuals. While females also grow horns, they do not have as much curvature/weight. Typically weighing around 30 lbs, these horns make up almost 10% of the sheep's body weight! Bighorn sheep are typically light brown, gray, or dark brown. If you are looking to spot one of these sheep, look towards rocky bluffs as the bighorn sheep will graze on the shrubs and lick the salt rocks found there.

At first glance, this species may appear to be a cactus; however, it is in fact classified as a shrub with stem succulence. Growing like a mat in sandy or rocky soils, this species can be identified by its pink and white spines. The Parish's club-cholla only blooms between May and June and produces pink-tipped, bright yellow flowers. This species is currently listed as endangered due to habitat destruction from solar energy development.

The Mojave dotted-blue butterfly is a small (¾-⅞ of an inch) species defined by its orange hindwing and blue-colored base. This species likes to stay close to its host plant (typically low-lying Eriogonum species), so keep an eye out for this plant. Mojave dotted-blues are endangered primarily due to invasive cheatgrass outcompeting and excluding their host plants.

Considered the only native palm species to California, the California fan palm (or desert fan palm) can grow up to 66 ft tall. The species was given the name ‘filifera’ (meaning thread bearing) for the fibrous threads on its leaf segments. This species is an indicator of water as it is usually found near desert oases. This plant species provides an important habitat for the giant palm-boring beetle, western yellow bat, hooded oriole, and many other bird species.

Although this may look like a cactus, this species is surprisingly classified as a succulent and shrub. It is native to the Mojave desert and the much larger Sonoran desert. The pencil cholla can reach up to 2 meters (6 feet) in height. Like other species, the pencil cholla has a flowering plant that can either be orange, pink or a brownish in color (3).

This plant is a small shrub-like, perennial plant. This is a short, low growing plant that rarely exceeds 12 inches in height. When in bloom it can have purple to blueish flowers (4).

This is a large lizard can grow to be up to 142mm in length. They are often found in the colors of gray, tan or brown, but some males can have a large longitudinal purple patch on their underside. Their diet mainly consists of small insects however can occasionally include plant material. These lizards are diurnal (meaning they're most active during the day) so spotting these guys should be easy (5)!

This small furry animal has a brown-gray fur. It is most active during the early mornings and evening. During periods of extreme heat, such as mid day, it spends its time under cover. Its diet mainly consists of grasses and cacti. Their clutches can be in sizes of 1-6. Fun fact, desert cottontails can reach speeds of 15 miles per hour (6).

This small little rodent is often found in many arid regions of the Southwest U.S. These rodents only grow up to 247mm while the tail is usually 144mm or larger. They have a relatively long life span of 9 years. Their diet consists of mainly seeds, which provide them with an important source of water. On occasion, they have been known to eat insects. These species tend to be nocturnal but can be spotted during the day (7). Check out a cool video here.

This is a common moth that can be found throughout North America and parts in Canada. This moth can not survive the harsh winter, so migration is a natural part of its life-history. Once they are fully grown they can reach a wingspan of 2½ to 3½ inches. They tend to be nocturnal but can be seen flying during the day. These can easily be mistaken as a humming bird because they beat their wings at a rapid pace. They are often found in desert communities because of the warm temperatures which they are able to handle well compared to the extreme cold (8).

This is a type of rattle snake and is poisonous so extreme caution should be taken when searching for one. These snakes will not strike for any reason unless provoked. Adults will give a warning rattle while many juvenile snakes will not because they have not fully developed a rattle. These snakes feed mainly during the night but can feed during the day if temperatures are moderate. This snake mainly eats young lizards and small rodents. They are great at camouflage and often use an ambush approach to catch their prey (9). Check out a cool video here.

These owls are often a brown shade with sandy pale spots on their underparts. They can be distinguished by their bright yellow eyes. They spend most of their time on the ground or low perches and are quite active during the day. They use burrows as their nesting site. These owls eat small invertebrates as well as small lizards, birds and mammals (10)

These scorpions can be found in open deserts or dunes. Most of its time is spent in burrows -- up to 92-97% of its life! These scorpions tend to be nocturnal and mainly feed on insects. It is an ambush predator that relies on its venom to paralyze its prey. This scorpion has been known to sting people. While its toxins may not be enough to kill you, it can cause serious pain and shortness in breath so approach with caution. Cool fact: this scorpion can fluoresce under UV light (11).

This is a very docile and native spider. It is not poisonous but, like all spiders, does have a small amount of venom it will use to subdue its prey. These arachnids can live up to 25 years. These spiders tend to hunt at night to avoid the desert heat and possible predators (12). Check out a cool video here.

This is one predator that you do not want to mess with but cool to spot from a safe distance. These bobcats often eat birds, owls and small rodents. They can also prey on larger species, such as deer and bighorn sheep.These bobcats tend to be solitary and are often most active at night; however, in rare instances they can be spotted roaming during the day (13). Check out a cool video here.

These iguanas are endemic only to the Sonoran desert/Colorado desert. Their preferred habitat includes the creosote flats and thorn scrub forests. Since they are ectotherms, they tend to be most active during the hottest times of the day and less active at night. During the night, they tend to take shelter in small mammal burrows. These iguanas typically only grow to be 33-36 centimeters (13-14 inches) in length but can grow up to 40.6 centimeters (16 inches). Their diets mainly consists of plant material but can also eat insects (14).

This is a perennial plant in the aster family. It is native to Southern California and is classified as a shrub like plant. It often grows in rocky and sandy substrates but can grow in clay or alkaline soils. When fully grown, it can reach a height of 1.5 meters (5 feet). It often flowers in late fall to early winter, giving it a beautiful purple flower that can measure up to 3 centimeters in size (15).

This cactus is usually a single cylindrical stem, meaning one barrel comprises the entire cacti. This cactus flowers can reach a size of 2-4 cm and is usually a pink color but may be lavender as well. Although the name suggests it is common, this plant is currently labeled as endangered because of the removal by collectors. This plant is also a common victim of off-roading (16)

This bird gets its name from its sooty gray-brown color that has a mix of olive tones. The colors mix and form a vest-like pattern on the flycatcher's body. These birds stay perched in high trees looking for large flying insects as their next meal. Currently, olive-sided flycatchers are listed as near threatened (17). Check out a cool video here.

The sandstone night lizard has a flattened head, soft skin and a long tail. They can reach a total length of 2.0 - 2.8 inches from snout to vent. The color pattern (white-yellowish tone with dark brown spots) distinguishes this lizard. This is a nocturnal species of lizards, and it can be found taking refuge under slabs of sandstone or cracks during the hot summer days (18). Currently this species of lizard is listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.

Ever think a snail could live in the desert? The Coachella desert snail is able to survive in this arid environment because its shell protects it from desiccation and allows it to maintain high internal moisture (19). Currently this snail species is listed as imperiled (meaning that it is a species close to extinction).

Although this bird is currently listed as least concern by the IUNC, their populations are decreasing by 3% every year for a total population decline of 76% as of 2015. Their diet consists of small lizards to insects. The loggerhead shrike is infamous for its impaling behavior: it will immobilize its prey by sticking it onto thorns or man made spikes. They tend to nest in shrubs but in areas that lack that vegetation they nest in brush piles or tumbleweeds (20). Check out a cool video here.

Like other cacti, the pricklypear cactus is known as a succulent plant, plants that are able to absorb large amounts of water whenever it is available. Additionally, it is also has the ability to open and close the tiny openings known as stomata present throughout the plant. Cacti are also able to flower producing beautifully colored flowers such as the yellow one pictured above. (Desertmuseum.org)

The western rattlesnake is an extremely common snake found within many areas of the Great Basin desert region. As its name implies, one of the defining characteristics of this snake, and others of its species is the rattle organ attached to the end of its tail. The snake is capable of emitting sound from this organ by voluntarily vibrating it. This is a way for the snake to warn potential predators that it is dangerous. Though a very interesting spot, its best to observe from a distance, and to remain aware if you encounter any. (desertmuseum.org)

As its name suggests, this species of lizard possesses thorny growths that appear in the back of the head and smaller ones throughout their body. The horns of the lizard help to deter predators (such as snakes) from eating them and act as a sort of armor. Additionally, these lizards have flat and squat bodies which help them to collect heat whenever they become too cold. In response to high temperatures, the horned lizard will burrow into the ground where its cooler for them. (desertmuseum.org)

One the California Quail's most recognizable feature is its headplume attached to their foreheads. These birds spend a large majority of their time on the ground looking for food and using shrubs as cover. They are well adapted to living in arid environments that characterize deserts. They are able to go for a period of time without water, and they have the ability to gather water from the insects and succulent vegetation they consume. (allaboutbirds.org, 2019)

There are many different species of sagebrush that dominate the valleys of the Great Basin. This is just one of the many types of sagebrush you'll see while exploring. To overcome the harsh desert conditions, the sagebrush has a wide root system. Rather than a deep root system, this allows the plant to catch as much water as possible during precipitation events. The hairy leaves of the sagebrush is another adaptation to desert environments as they slow down the rate of evaporation by functioning as a windbreaker. (USU.edu,2006)

The Gopher snake is a nonvenomous species that is often confused with rattlesnakes because of its unique defense behavior. This involves mimicking the rattling of its tale, as well as the pattern of its scale. The Gopher snake is considered a carnivore with its diet mainly consisting rodents, birds, and even smaller snakes. During the high temperatures of the Summer, these snakes will become nocturnal, choosing to hunt during the cool of the night rather than the heat of the day. (desertusa.com)

The Red tailed Hawk are present in the desert all year round. If you're lucky you may see them perched on high places such as telephone poles or circling high above in the sky in search of prey. This bird species is carnivorous, and their prey mainly consists of other birds, rodents, and even snakes. The colors of their feathers can range from shades of black, brown, and red which is mostly found in the tail region of the bird. (desertmuseum.org)

The Great Horned Owl has a large wingspan that can range from 3.3 to 4.8 feet in length! Like many other species of owls, the Great Horned Owl is a nocturnal hunter. They posses not only great night vision, and powerful claws for grabbing onto pray, but also have the ability to fly quietly. This silent flight enables them to retain the element of surprise when hunting prey. Being carnivorous, these birds mainly prey an animals such as small mammals, and other birds. (Nationalgeographic.com)

Though only reaching heights of 3- 3.5 feet, the average length of the mule deer can reach upwards of 6.5 feet. The color of their coat is well adapted to desert environments as it predominantly uses different shades of brown along with some yellow and red helping it camouflage from predators. Rather than run as other deer species do, the mule deer chooses to leap over the ground. Using this method, these deer are able to achieve speeds of up to 45 m.p.h in short bursts. (desertmuseum.org)

Coyotes like many members of the canine family are social animals often gathering into small family groups centered around a home den. Coyotes are not exclusively carnivores, rather they are omnivores. This means that they eat anything from cactus fruit and seeds, to other animals, and even carrion such as roadkill. Their coats make use of various shades of brown and gray in order to effectively blend in to the desert environment. Additionally, these animals have a keen sense of hearing as well as smell. (desertmuseum.org)

The desert globemallow is classified as a perennial plant meaning that they can live for more than two years which is different than annual plants who have a life cycle that lasts a year. These plants most noticeable characteristic are the beautiful orange- apricot colored flowers that appear during seasonal blooms. In order to survive in desert environments, one of this plant's major adaptation are its star shaped hairs that help to reflect sunlight and act as a windbreaker. (NPS.gov)

Like other species of tarantula, the Desert Tarantula belongs to the arachnid family. This animal makes its home within deep burrows underground that is lined with silk to prevent the structure from collapsing. Desert Tarantulas are nocturnal hunters whose diet often consist of other insects and even small lizards. To aid them in nighttime hunting, are very sensitive to vibrations in the ground which could either inform the tarantula of prey, or of any incoming danger. (desertmuseum.org)

The Greater sage grouse is one of the more unique looking birds on this list. The male members of this species are able to achieve this puffed up look due to the using the air sacs located on their chest. The air sacs can be identified on males as the two yellow objects that are located on its chest. The act of puffing itself up is a form of display done by males, and can be occur even in the absence of female sage grouse. In early Spring male and female grouse gather on open ground known as leks to where males will display to females. (allaboutbirds.org)

This species of bat is relatively small compared to others, with it only reaching a total wing span of 8-11 inches, and not exceeding half an ounce in weight. Little brown bats live in large colonies that often number in the thousands, in nesting sites known as roosts. These bats can have several different roosts based on what purpose they serve such as day or night roosts. Their diet primarily consists of insects, and like many other bat species the little Brown Bat is able to utilize echolocation in order to find its prey. (nfw.org)

The desert Elfin, like other species of butterfly are herbivores during their larval stage and nectavores (consume nectar from flowers) during their adult stage. While not having as many vibrant colors as other butterfly species, the desert Elfin's wing patterns and coloration are still considered a beautiful site to see within regions of the Great Basin desert. The coloration which uses different shades of brown, gray also aid the butterfly by by blending into the environment and functioning as camouflage from predators. (socalbutterflies.com)

The fishhook cactus posses many of the same adaptations to living in desert environments as the pricklypear cactus described earlier. This cactus species is considered a succulent and also has the ability to open and close its stomata. However there are some differences between the two such as the shape of the spines which for this cactus look like fish hooks granting its name. Additionally, the coloration of the flowers of the fishhook cactus are reddish pink rather than yellow.

Pictured above is a male Grosbeak who is colored predominantly yellow but with strips of black and patches of white on each wing. Female grosbeaks, like juvenile members of its species, are mainly gray and don't exhibit as many colors. Additionally, the evening Grosbeak is a social bird and can be found gathered together in flocks. Their diet mainly consists of spring buds, berries, as well as small fruits

This species of toad is endemic to the area of Deep Springs Valley located in California. It's range is very small as it essentially inhabits an oasis that is surrounded on all sides by the desert. The Black toad is heavily tied to its aquatic environment, and will only migrate to other springs during desert washes (which are caused by intense rainfall that leads to events such as flash floods). The migrations during desert washes aid in connecting the the various populations of Black toads within the area. (wildlife.ca.gov)