Wild Giants and Miniature Marvels
In honor of three of Arlington ’ s smallest watersheds , the species highlighted here are known for their size -- whether large or small . Flowing to Joe Pool Lake , these watersheds are home to a variety of diverse species and are an essential part of Arlington ’ s urban ecosystem .
Photo by Edgar Salazar
Meadow Garlic
Meadow Garlic is native to Texas and can be found along the damp ground near lakes and streams . It has a strong , onion-like odor and characteristically has small clusters of flowers .
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Great Horned Owl
The Alligator Snapping Turtle is one of the largest freshwater turtles in the world . They are also the only turtle to lure prey into striking distance with their wormlike tongue .
The Great Horned Owl is the largest owl species in North Texas . This nocturnal hunter is known for its role in natural pest control and its deep , booming , “ whoo ” call .
Downy Woodpecker
The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker found in North America . These woodpeckers are acrobatic foragers -- mostly eating beetles and ants .
Blanchard ’ s Cricket Frogs
Blanchard ’ s Cricket Frogs are small frogs that grow up to 0.6 inches long and are masters of camouflage . It is not recommended to pick them up because they can easily get sick from the bacteria on our hands .
Photo 461563014 , ( c ) Brent Franklin
Western Mosquitofish
Western Mosquitofish females grow to a maximum length of 7 cm and males up to 4 cm . They control the mosquito population by eating mosquito larvae and are resilient in inhospitable conditions .
Western Honey Bee
The Western Honey Bee is the most common honey bee species in the world . It is valued for its honey production and pollination . They are known for their black and yellow abdomens and zigzagging flight patterns .
Rough Earthsnake
The Rough Earthsnake is a nonvenomous snake that grows up to 7-10 inches long . This little guy eats earthworms and other tiny things like snails and insect eggs .
Photo 427787211 , ( c ) Brandonbest
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