Desert Animals

Desert Animals

Description
Description

Desert animals are a diverse group adapted to survive in arid environments, characterized by extreme temperatures, scarce water, and limited food resources. Their habitats range from the sandy dunes of the Sahara to the rocky expanses of the Mojave. These animals have evolved remarkable adaptations; some are nocturnal to avoid daytime heat, others have specialized kidneys to conserve water, and many have a light-colored coat to reflect sunlight. Camels, scorpions, and various reptiles are quintessential desert dwellers. The evolution of these animals is a testament to life's resilience, showcasing a wide array of survival strategies in one of Earth's harshest environments.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Desert animals boast unique anatomical features tailored for extreme survival. Many have slender bodies and long limbs for efficient heat dissipation and swift movement across sand. Creatures like camels store fat in humps instead of throughout their bodies, preventing insulation that could cause overheating. Fennec foxes have large ears that radiate body heat and detect scarce prey. Snakes and lizards exhibit scales to minimize water loss, while nocturnal animals have evolved acute senses to navigate and hunt in darkness. Vocal communication is often limited, as it can attract predators. Instead, these animals rely on subtle sounds, body language, and vibrations to interact.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

The relationship between humans and desert animals is marked by adaptation and mutual benefits. Historically, nomadic peoples have relied on camels for transportation and sustenance in arid regions. In pop culture, desert animals like meerkats and scorpions symbolize resilience and mystery. Desert fauna, often portrayed in films and literature, captivate audiences with their unique adaptations.

Conservation efforts for desert animals are crucial due to threats like habitat loss and climate change. Organizations work to protect species and habitats, emphasizing sustainable human-animal coexistence. Ecotourism also plays a role, fostering appreciation and support for these remarkable creatures and their challenging environments.

Common Questions
Common Questions
How do desert animals survive without water?

Desert animals can survive without water through various physical adaptations. For example, the camel has a hump in which fats are stored and small insects absorb moisture from their surroundings or water droplets from xerophyte plants. Some animals also rest in the colder areas below the desert soil.

Why do desert animals have fur?

Desert animals may have fur to help provide some traction from the ground. Fur also helps the skin of desert animals from the hot sand and ground surfaces. The fur also helps protect them from the sun rays while serving as insulation during cold nights.

What do animals eat in the desert?

Typically, animals in the desert eat plants, insects, and carcasses. It is often easier for smaller animals to find food in the desert and stay satisfied. This is due to the scarcity of food and water as well as extreme climate conditions. Animals usually find food by scavenging around the desert.

5.7”-8.1” | 14.5-20.5 cm
19.7”-24” | 50-61 cm (Wingspan)
8.7”-12.2” | 22-31 cm
.18-.36 lb | .08-.165 kg
5-11 years
American Kestrel
20.500
61.000
31.000
0.165
11.00
25500
GUIDE
3D
American Kestrel
.55”-.67” | 1.4-1.7 cm
.51”-.63” | 1.3-1.6 cm
3.1”-3.9” | 7.9-9.9 cm
.02-.17 oz | .5-5 g
3-8 years
Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion
1.700
1.600
9.900
0.005
8.00
900
GUIDE
3D
Arabian Fat-Tailed Scorpion
43.3”-66.9” | 110-170 cm
13.4”-21.3” | 34-54 cm
59”-92.5” | 150-235 cm
143-165 lb | 65-75 kg
15-21 years
Arabian Oryx
170.000
54.000
235.000
75.000
21.00
15450
GUIDE
3D
Arabian Oryx
.16”-.22” | .4-.55 cm
.39”-.51” | 1-1.3 cm
2.56”-3.15” | 6.5-8 cm
2 oz | 57 g
5-7 years
Arizona Bark Scorpion
0.550
1.300
8.000
0.057
7.00
10800
GUIDE
3D
Arizona Bark Scorpion
.39”-.55” | 1-1.4 cm
.6”-.8” | 1.5-2 cm
3”-3.5” | 7.5-9 cm
1.8-3.5 oz | 50-100 g
10-25 years
Armadillo Lizard
1.400
2.000
9.000
0.100
25.00
53600
GUIDE
3D
Armadillo Lizard
30”-46” | 76-117 cm
4’7”-6’5” | 1.4-2 m
265-500 lb | 120-250 kg
12-18 years (wild); 18-20 years (captivity)
Asiatic Lion
117.000
200.000
250.000
20.00
7400
GUIDE
3D
Asiatic Lion
7’ | 2.13 m
7.42'-11.5' | 2.25-3.5 m
990-1100 lb | 450-500 kg
20-40 years; 50 (wild)
Bactrian Camel
213.000
350.000
500.000
50.00
12000
GUIDE
3D
Bactrian Camel
.18”-.22” | 4.5-5.5 mm
2.64”-3.5” | 67-89 mm (Wingspan)
.79”-1.1” | 20-28 mm
2-3 months
Black Swallowtail
0.550
8.900
2.800
0.25
20600
GUIDE
3D
Black Swallowtail
28”-31” | 71-79 cm (Shoulder)
11.8”-13.8” | 30-35 cm
39.4”-49.2” | 100-125 cm
84-104 lb | 38-47 kg
12-20 years
Brown Hyena
79.000
35.000
125.000
47.000
20.00
8100
GUIDE
3D
Brown Hyena
5.3”-8.9” | 13.5-22.5 cm
20”-24” | 51-61 cm (Wingspan)
6.7”-11” | 17-28 cm
.29-.57 lb | .13-.26 kg
6-11 years
Burrowing Owl
22.500
61.000
28.000
0.260
11.00
34200
GUIDE
3D
Burrowing Owl
3.7”-4.7” | 9.5-12 cm
10.6”-11” | 27-28 cm (Wingspan)
7.1”-9.1” | 18-23 cm
1.2-1.7 oz | 33-47 g
2-7 years
Cactus Wren
12.000
28.000
23.000
0.047
7.00
8620
GUIDE
3D
Cactus Wren
1.2”-2” | 3-5 cm
3’-6.5’ | .91-1.98 m
1-3.3 lb | .45-1.5 kg
10-20 years
California Kingsnake
5.000
198.000
1.500
20.00
16400
GUIDE
3D
California Kingsnake
.43”-.67” | 11-17 mm
.35”-.55” | 9-14 mm
5.51”-8.07” | 14-20.5 cm
1-1.5 years
Camel Spider
1.700
1.400
20.500
1.50
247060
GUIDE
3D
Camel Spider
1.6”-3.15” | 4-8 cm
6.5’-10’ | 1.98-3.05 m
26.4-33 lb | 12-15 kg
15-30 years
Carpet Python
8.000
305.000
15.000
30.00
27200
GUIDE
3D
Carpet Python
29.9”-39.4” | 76-100 cm
9.1”-11.4” | 23-29 cm
35.4”-47.2” | 90-120 cm
44-55 lb | 20-25 kg
12-15 years
Chinkara
100.000
29.000
120.000
25.000
15.00
20900
GUIDE
3D
Chinkara
.35”-.71” | .9-1.8 cm
.4”-.83” | 1-2.1 cm
3”-5.9” | 7.5-15 cm
1.6-2.5 oz | 45-70 g
3-8 years
Common House Gecko
1.800
2.100
15.000
0.070
8.00
136000
GUIDE
3D
Common House Gecko
8.1”-9.4” | 20.5-24 cm
26.8”-31.5” | 68-80 cm (Wingspan)
13”-15.4” | 33-39 cm
.31-.68 lb | .14-.31 kg
15-18 years
Common Kestrel
24.000
80.000
39.000
0.310
18.00
33500
GUIDE
3D
Common Kestrel
.71”-1.1” | 1.8-2.8 cm
.98”-1.38” | 2.5-3.5 cm
7.1”-11” | 18-28 cm
1.6-3 oz | 45-85 g
10-20 years
Common Leopard Gecko
2.800
3.500
28.000
0.085
20.00
300000
GUIDE
3D
Common Leopard Gecko
5.3”-6.3” | 13.5-16 cm (Hanging)
13.8”-15.75” | 35-40 cm (Wingspan)
2.6”-3.5” | 6.5-9 cm (Body)
.88-1.6 oz | 25-45 g
12-29 years
Common Vampire Bat
16.000
40.000
9.000
0.045
29.00
7100
GUIDE
3D
Common Vampire Bat
.6”-1.4” | 1.5-3.5 cm
2’-6’ | .61-1.83 m
1-2 lb | .45-.9 kg
10-23 years
Corn Snake
3.500
183.000
0.900
23.00
255000
GUIDE
3D
Corn Snake
Cougar
150000
21”-28” | 53-71 cm
42”-54” | 107-137 cm
65-200 lb | 30-91 kg
10-13 years (wild); Up to 20 years (captivity)
Cougar
71.000
137.000
91.000
20.00
150000
GUIDE
3D
Cougar
21”-24” | 53-61 cm
32”-37” | 81-94 cm
20-45 lb | 9-20 kg
10-15 years (wild); up to 20 years (captivity)
Coyote
61.000
94.000
20.000
20.00
600
GUIDE
3D
Coyote
5.3”-5.7” | 13.5-14.5 cm
13.4”-13.8” | 34-35 cm (Wingspan)
10.6”-11” | 27-28 cm
2.2-3.3 oz | 61-94 g
5-11 years
Curve-Billed Thrasher
14.500
35.000
28.000
0.094
11.00
1650
GUIDE
3D
Curve-Billed Thrasher
1.8”-2” | 4.5-5 cm
2.75”-3.1” | 7-8 cm
.35-.6 oz | 10-17 g
2-3 years (wild); 4-5 years (captivity)
Dark Kangaroo Mouse
5.000
8.000
0.017
5.00
8000
GUIDE
3D
Dark Kangaroo Mouse
.28”-.43” | .7-1.1 cm
.43”-.71” | 1.1-1.8 cm
2.75”-4.33” | 7-11 cm
.035-.09 oz | 1-2.5 g
4-12 years
Deathstalker
1.100
1.800
11.000
0.003
12.00
17200
GUIDE
3D
Deathstalker
1.1”-1.73” | 2.8-4.4 cm
1.06”-1.65” | 2.7-4.2 cm
10”-16” | 25.4-40.6 cm
2-3 oz | 57-85 g
7-14 years
Desert Iguana
4.400
4.200
40.600
0.085
14.00
6300
GUIDE
3D
Desert Iguana
.43”-.71” | 11-18 mm
.35”-.59” | 9-15 mm
1.97”-3.15” | 5-8 cm
3-12 months
Desert Locust
1.800
1.500
8.000
1.00
7100
GUIDE
3D
Desert Locust
.2”-.43” | 5-11 mm
3.9”-5.9” | 10-15 cm
7-10 years
Desert Millipede
1.100
15.000
10.00
1150
GUIDE
3D
Desert Millipede
Dingo
105000
20”-24” | 51-61 cm
28”-43” | 71-109 cm
30-45 lb | 14-20 kg
3-7 years (wild); up to 16 years (captivity)
Dingo
61.000
109.000
20.000
16.00
105000
GUIDE
3D
Dingo
Donkey
119000
43”-57” | 109-145 cm
57”-76” | 145-193 cm
400-500 lb | 180-225 kg
25-40 years
Donkey
145.000
193.000
225.000
25.00
119000
GUIDE
3D
Donkey
28.7”-36.2” | 73-92 cm
7.1”-9.1” | 18-23 cm
35.4”-43.3” | 90-110 cm
31-44 lb | 14-20 kg
15-24 years
Dorcas Gazelle
92.000
23.000
110.000
20.000
24.00
3100
GUIDE
3D
Dorcas Gazelle
7’ | 2.13 m
7.17'-11.17' | 2.19-3.41 m
880-1320 lb | 400-600 kg
40-50 years
Dromedary Camel
213.000
341.000
600.000
50.00
3400
GUIDE
3D
Dromedary Camel
1”-1.4” | 2.5-3.5 cm
3.5’-6’ | 1.07-1.83 m
1.1-4.9 lb | .5-2.2 kg
10-34 years
Eastern Black Rat Snake
3.500
183.000
2.200
34.00
1200
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Black Rat Snake
22”-25” | 56-64 cm
34”-39” | 86-99 cm
45-55 lb | 20-25 kg
10-15 years (wild); up to 20 years (captivity)
Eastern Coyote
64.000
99.000
25.000
20.00
3600
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Coyote
7”-9” | 18-23 cm
10”-16” | 25-41 cm
2-4 lb | 1-2 kg
8-10 years (wild); up to 10-14 years (captivity)
Fennec Fox
23.000
41.000
2.000
14.00
166000
GUIDE
3D
Fennec Fox
14.2”-19.5” | 36-49.5 cm
52”-59.8” | 132-152 cm (Wingspan)
19.7”-27.2” | 50-69 cm
2.2-4.6 lb | .98-2.08 kg
16-24 years
Ferruginous Hawk
49.500
152.000
69.000
2.080
24.00
10200
GUIDE
3D
Ferruginous Hawk
2.6”-4” | 6.6-10.2 cm
6”-9” | 15.2-22.9 cm
.9-1.3 lb | 400-600 g
2-4 years (wild), up to 6-10 years (captivity)
Four-Toed Hedgehog
10.200
22.900
0.600
10.00
3750
GUIDE
3D
Four-Toed Hedgehog
.28”-.55” | 7-14 mm
3”-6.3” | 7.5-16 cm
3-5 years
Giant Centipede
1.400
16.000
5.00
29040
GUIDE
3D
Giant Centipede
.47”-.63” | 12-16 mm
6.7”-7.9” | 17-20 cm
3-6 years
Giant Desert Centipede
1.600
20.000
6.00
7600
GUIDE
3D
Giant Desert Centipede
.39”-.67” | 1-1.7 cm
.75”-1.25” | 1.9-3.2 cm
3.94”-7.1” | 10-18 cm
.14-.25 oz | 4-7 g
7-10 years (wild); 15-20 years (captivity)
Giant Hairy Scorpion
1.700
3.200
18.000
0.007
20.00
4000
GUIDE
3D
Giant Hairy Scorpion
18”-20” | 46-51 cm
27”-33” | 69-84 cm
18-24 lb | 8-11 kg
8-10 years (wild); up to 16 years (captivity)
Golden Jackal
51.000
84.000
11.000
16.00
5000
GUIDE
3D
Golden Jackal
26”-33” | 66-84 cm
40”-72” | 102-183 cm
50-150 lb | 23-68 kg
6-8 years (wild); up to 17 years (captivity)
Gray Wolf
84.000
183.000
68.000
17.00
35000
GUIDE
3D
Gray Wolf
9.6”-14.2” | 24.5-36 cm
35.8”-59.8” | 91-152 cm (Wingspan)
16.9”-25.2” | 43-64 cm
2-5.5 lb | .9-2.5 kg
13-35 years
Great Horned Owl
36.000
152.000
64.000
2.500
35.00
106000
GUIDE
3D
Great Horned Owl
3”-3.9” | 7.5-10 cm
6’-9’ | 1.83-2.74 m
2.2-4.4 lb | 1-2 kg
10-20 years
Inland Taipan
10.000
274.000
2.000
20.00
79900
GUIDE
3D
Inland Taipan
Kit Fox
13000
10”-12” | 25-30 cm
17”-21” | 43-53 cm
4-6 lb | 2-2.7 kg
4-7 years (wild); up to 12-14 years (captivity)
Kit Fox
30.000
53.000
2.700
14.00
13000
GUIDE
3D
Kit Fox
5.1”-6.3” | 13-16 cm
2.75”-3.9” | 7-10 cm
11.4”-13.8” | 29-35 cm
.7-1.5 lb | .3-.7 kg
4-9 years
Marbled Polecat
16.000
10.000
35.000
0.700
9.00
8800
GUIDE
3D
Marbled Polecat
Meerkat
87000
5.7”-7.9” | 14.5-20 cm (Shoulder)
2.75”-3.5” | 7-9 cm
9.8”-13.8” | 25-35 cm
1.3-2.2 lb | .6-1 kg
8-20 years
Meerkat
20.000
9.000
35.000
1.000
20.00
87000
GUIDE
3D
Meerkat
3.9”-4.7” | 10-12 cm (Hanging)
11.4”-13.8” | 29-35 cm (Wingspan)
3.1”-3.9” | 8-10 cm (Body)
.25-.42 oz | 7-12 g
8-12 years
Mexican Free-Tailed Bat
12.000
35.000
10.000
0.012
12.00
7000
GUIDE
3D
Mexican Free-Tailed Bat
2.2”-2.7” | 5.6-6.8 cm
4.5”-5.7” | 11.5-14.5 cm
2-4.6 oz | 60-130 g
2-3 years (wild); 3-5 years (captivity)
Mongolian Gerbil
6.800
14.500
0.130
5.00
2700
GUIDE
3D
Mongolian Gerbil
41.3”-55.1” | 105-140 cm
55.1”-70.9” | 140-180 cm
441-573 lb | 200-260 kg
15-40 years
Mongolian Wild Ass
140.000
180.000
260.000
40.00
3180
GUIDE
3D
Mongolian Wild Ass
3.3”-4.1” | 8.5-10.5 cm
2.2”-2.75” | 5.5-7 cm
4.3”-5.1” | 11-13 cm (Body)
1.4-1.9 oz | 40-55 g
1-4 years
North African Elephant Shrew
10.500
7.000
13.000
0.055
4.00
100
GUIDE
3D
North African Elephant Shrew
16.9”-20.1” | 43-51 cm
42.1”-47.2” | 107-120 cm (Wingspan)
19.3”-22.8” | 49-58 cm
2-3.5 lb | .9-1.6 kg
18-30 years
Northern Crested Caracara
51.000
120.000
58.000
1.600
30.00
2700
GUIDE
3D
Northern Crested Caracara
1.8”-2.4” | 4.5-6 cm
3.5”-5.5” | 8-14 cm
2.1-3.4 oz | 60-95 g
2-5 years (wild); 5-10 years (captivity)
Ord’s Kangaroo Rat
6.000
14.000
0.095
10.00
26000
GUIDE
3D
Ord’s Kangaroo Rat
.055”-.07” | 1.4-1.8 mm
.06”-.08” | 1.5-2 mm
.28”-.35” | 7-9 mm
1 year
Peacock Spider
0.180
0.200
0.900
1.00
43000
GUIDE
3D
Peacock Spider
8.1”-13” | 20.5-33 cm
29.1”-47.2” | 74-120 cm (Wingspan)
14.2”-22.8” | 36-58 cm
.73-3.3 lb | .33-1.5 kg
15-25 years
Peregrine Falcon
33.000
120.000
58.000
1.500
25.00
205000
GUIDE
3D
Peregrine Falcon
56.3”-63” | 143-160 cm
66.9”-75.6” | 170-192 cm
441-573 lb | 200-260 kg
20-40 years
Persian Onager
160.000
192.000
260.000
40.00
1000
GUIDE
3D
Persian Onager
Pichi
20150
4.7”-7.1” | 12-18 cm
4.1”-5.9” | 10.5-15 cm
10.2”-13.8” | 26-35 cm (Body)
1.5-3.3 lb | .7-1.5 kg
9-13 years
Pichi
18.000
15.000
35.000
1.500
13.00
20150
GUIDE
3D
Pichi
1.2”-1.8” | 3-4.5 cm
.8”-1.2” | 2-3 cm
3.15”-4.7” | 8-12 cm (Body)
.22-.26 lb | .1-.12 kg
3-4 years
Pink Fairy Armadillo
4.500
3.000
12.000
0.120
4.00
27600
GUIDE
3D
Pink Fairy Armadillo
8.3”-10.6” | 21-27 cm
35.4”-44.5” | 90-113 cm (Wingspan)
15”-19.7” | 38-50 cm
1.1-2.1 lb | .5-.95 kg
15-20 years
Prairie Falcon
27.000
113.000
50.000
0.950
20.00
5970
GUIDE
3D
Prairie Falcon
51.2”-61” | 130-155 cm
63”-74.8” | 160-190 cm
551-794 lb | 250-360 kg
20-25 years
Przewalski's Horse
155.000
190.000
360.000
25.00
310
GUIDE
3D
Przewalski's Horse
Red Fox
112000
14”-18” | 35-46 cm
22”-34” | 56-86 cm
12-18 lb | 5-8 kg
2-4 years (wild); up to 10-12 years (captivity)
Red Fox
46.000
86.000
8.000
12.00
112000
GUIDE
3D
Red Fox
4’10”-6’10” | 147-208 cm
39”-63” | 99-160 cm
50-200 lb | 23-91 kg
8-16 years (wild); up to 25-27 years (captivity)
Red Kangaroo
208.000
160.000
91.000
27.00
132000
GUIDE
3D
Red Kangaroo
5.5”-7.9” | 14-20 cm
3.3”-4.7” | 8.5-12 cm
11.8”-16.5” | 30-42 cm (Body)
1.8-2.9 lb | .8-1.3 kg
7-19 years
Ringtail
20.000
12.000
42.000
1.300
19.00
4800
GUIDE
3D
Ringtail
1.1”-1.9” | 2.7-4.7 cm
2”-3” | 4.5-7.6 cm
.7-1 oz | 20-30 g
2-3 years (wild); 4-5 years (captivity)
Roborovski Dwarf Hamster
4.700
7.600
0.030
5.00
17000
GUIDE
3D
Roborovski Dwarf Hamster
.6”-1.2” | 1.5-3 cm
17”-36” | 43-91 cm
.8-1 lb | .36-.45 kg
18-31 years
Rosy Boa
3.000
91.000
0.450
31.00
25030
GUIDE
3D
Rosy Boa
44.1”-67.7” | 112-172 cm
14.2”-21.7” | 36-55 cm
59”-90.6” | 150-230 cm
198-463 lb | 90-210 kg
15-28 years
Scimitar Oryx
172.000
55.000
230.000
210.000
28.00
13200
GUIDE
3D
Scimitar Oryx
4.3”-8.3” | 11-21 cm
3.9”-7.1” | 10-18 cm
8.7”-16.5” | 22-42 cm (Body)
.66-2.9 lb | .3-1.3 kg
9-16 years
Screaming Hairy Armadillo
21.000
18.000
42.000
1.300
16.00
2650
GUIDE
3D
Screaming Hairy Armadillo
3.1”-5.9” | 8-15 cm
2.6”-4.5” | 6.5-11.5 cm
6.7”-12.2” | 17-31 cm (Body)
.9-2.1 oz | 25-60 g
1-4 years
Somali Elephant Shrew
15.000
11.500
31.000
0.060
4.00
410
GUIDE
3D
Somali Elephant Shrew
11”-12” | 28-30 cm
15”-21” | 38-53 cm
4-7 lb | 2-3 kg
3-6 years (wild); up to 10-14 years (captivity)
Swift Fox
30.000
53.000
3.000
14.00
7600
GUIDE
3D
Swift Fox
.4”-1” | 1-2.5 cm
2’-4’ | .61-1.22 m
2-5 lb | .9-2.3 kg
7-15 years
Texas Coral Snake
2.500
122.000
2.300
15.00
7700
GUIDE
3D
Texas Coral Snake
1.26”-1.69” | 3.2-4.3 cm
1.61”-2.4” | 4.1-6.1 cm
6”-8.5” | 15.2-21.6 cm
1.8-3.4 oz | 50-95 g
12-20 years
Thorny Dragon
4.300
6.100
21.600
0.095
20.00
7700
GUIDE
3D
Thorny Dragon
.28”-.47” | 7-12 mm
3.9”-7.1” | 10-18 cm
4-6 years
Tiger Centipede
1.200
18.000
6.00
2600
GUIDE
3D
Tiger Centipede
.13”-.17” | 3.2-4.3 mm (Male); .25”-.33” | 6.3-8.4 mm (Female)
.13”-.18” | 3.4-4.5 mm (Male); .26”-.35” | 6.7-9 mm (Female)
.75”-1.02” | 19-26 mm (Male); 1.5”-1.97” | 38-50 mm (Female)
2-3 years
Western Black Widow
0.840
0.900
5.000
3.00
10000
GUIDE
3D
Western Black Widow
1.4”-2.75” | 3.5-7 cm
3’-7’ | .91-2.13 m
2.6-14.8 lb | 1.2-6.7 kg
15-26 years
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
7.000
213.000
6.700
26.00
20800
GUIDE
3D
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria)
Comparison drawing of the Desert Locust compared to other insects

The Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria) is a locust species found mainly in Africa, through Arabia and West Asia, and extending into parts of South Asia. The Desert Locust can show periodic changes in its body in response to environmental conditions. The solitary phase insects have a green hue in early instars, and older adults are gray. Most species have the fastiguim deflexed and lack lateral carinae on the pronotum. The hind tibiae have smooth margins with numerous spines, and the second tarsal segment is half as long as the first. There are three stages of the Desert Locusts’ lifecycle: the egg, the nymph (known as a hopper), and the winged adult.

The Desert Locust has an overall body length between 1.97”-3.15” (5-8 cm), body width of .35”-.59” (9-15 mm), and body height of .43”-.71” (11-18 mm). The wingspan of the Desert Locust is in the range of 4.33”-7.09” (11-18 cm). The typical lifespan of the Desert Locust is between 3-12 months.

Set of scaled top and elevation drawings of the Desert Locust
The Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria) is a locust species found mainly in Africa, through Arabia and West Asia, and extending into parts of South Asia. The Desert Locust can show periodic changes in its body in response to environmental conditions. The solitary phase insects have a green hue.

The Desert Locust has an overall body length between 1.97”-3.15” (5-8 cm), body width of .35”-.59” (9-15 mm), and body height of .43”-.71” (11-18 mm). The wingspan of the Desert Locust is in the range of 4.33”-7.09” (11-18 cm). The typical lifespan of the Desert Locust is between 3-12 months.

Set of scaled top and elevation drawings of the Desert Locust
Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria)
Height:
.43”-.71” | 11-18 mm
Width:
.35”-.59” | 9-15 mm
Length:
1.97”-3.15” | 5-8 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:

Wingspan: 4.33”-7.09” | 11-18 cm

Scientific Name
Schistocerca gregaria
Lifespan
3-12 months

Drawings include:

Desert Locust top view, side

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Desert Millipede (Orthoporus ornatus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Desert Millipede compared to other myriapods

The Desert Millipede (Orthoporus ornatus) is a North American millipede species that is found in the US states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, and as far south as the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi. It lives in the deep, damp soil of the desert ecosystem, as it protects the millipede from any harmful biotic or abiotic events. The Desert Millipede is mostly nocturnal, and it spends most of its time in self-dug burrows. The main source of its food is bacteria, and it will feed on dead plant material and tissues of dead shrubs.

The Desert Millipede has an overall length between 3.9”-5.9” (10-15 cm) and width of .2”-.43” (5-11 mm). The typical lifespan of the Desert Millipede is between 7-10 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Desert Millipede
The Desert Millipede (Orthoporus ornatus) is a North American millipede species that is found in the US states of Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, and as far south as the Mexican state of San Luis Potosi. It lives in the deep, damp soil of the desert ecosystem, as it protects the millipede.

The Desert Millipede has an overall length between 3.9”-5.9” (10-15 cm) and width of .2”-.43” (5-11 mm). The typical lifespan of the Desert Millipede is between 7-10 years.

Set of scaled top view drawings of the Desert Millipede
Desert Millipede (Orthoporus ornatus)
Height:
Width:
.2”-.43” | 5-11 mm
Length:
3.9”-5.9” | 10-15 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Orthoporus ornatus
Lifespan
7-10 years

Drawings include:

Desert Millipede top view, side

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Mongolian Gerbil

The Mongolian Gerbil, also called a jird and originally recognized as the ‘desert rat’, is a small rodent with the scientific name Meriones unguiculatus. It’s adapted to a desert environment, having fur on its entire body, including the tail, to protect itself from the sun.

The Mongolian Gerbil has also adapted for safety, possessing the ability to shed its tail if a predator latches on. This act of survival is important as the Mongolian Gerbil’s tail is approximately as long as its body. It is both a tunnel maker and a considerable chewer, having teeth that grow all the time (a trait shared by all rodents).

Mongolian Gerbils have a height of 2.2”-2.7” (5.6-6.8 cm), body length between 4.5”-5.7” (11.5-14.5 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 2-4.6 oz (60-130 g). The tail length of a Mongolian Gerbil is 3.5”-4.7” (9-12 cm). Mongolian Gerbils have a typical lifespan of 2-3 years in the wild and 3-5 years when raised in captivity.

Set of dimensioned elevation drawings of the Mongolian Gerbil
The Mongolian Gerbil, also called a jird and originally recognized as the ‘desert rat’, is a small rodent with the scientific name Meriones unguiculatus. It’s adapted to a desert environment, having fur on its entire body, including the tail, to protect itself from the sun.

Mongolian Gerbils have a height of 2.2”-2.7” (5.6-6.8 cm), body length between 4.5”-5.7” (11.5-14.5 cm), and an overall weight in the range of 2-4.6 oz (60-130 g). The tail length of a Mongolian Gerbil is 3.5”-4.7” (9-12 cm). Mongolian Gerbils have a typical lifespan of 2-3 years in the wild and 3-5 years when raised in captivity.

Set of dimensioned elevation drawings of the Mongolian Gerbil
Mongolian Gerbil
Height:
2.2”-2.7” | 5.6-6.8 cm
Width:
Length:
4.5”-5.7” | 11.5-14.5 cm
Depth:
Weight:
2-4.6 oz | 60-130 g
Area:
Tail Length
3.5”-4.7” | 9-12 cm
Scientific Name
Meriones unguiculatus
Lifespan
2-3 years (wild); 3-5 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Mongolian Gerbil side elevation (standing), front (standing)

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Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus)
Scale illustration of an average Arizona Bark Scorpion compared to other scorpion species

Found in the southwestern United States as well as Mexico, the Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is considered to be the most venomous scorpion in North America and can be life threatening depending on the individual who has been stung. It prefers habitats such as rock crevices and areas under tree bark in order to stay cool in the desert, leaving its shelter to hunt for food at night. Characteristics that are unique to the Arizona Bark Scorpion include its ability to climb walls and trees and its tendency to group together in the winter rather than remain solitary.

The Arizona Bark Scorpion has an overall length between 2.56”-3.15” (6.5-8 cm) and weight of 2 oz (57 g). Arizona Bark Scorpions have a body length of 1.14”-1.46” (2.9-3.7 cm), body width of .39”-.51” (1-1.3 cm), and body height of .16”-.22” (.4-.55 cm). The typical lifespan of the Arizona Bark Scorpion is between 5-7 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Arizona Bark Scorpion in various poses
Found in the southwestern United States as well as Mexico, the Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus) is considered to be the most venomous scorpion in North America and can be life threatening depending on the individual who has been stung. It prefers habitats such as rock crevices.

The Arizona Bark Scorpion has an overall length between 2.56”-3.15” (6.5-8 cm) and weight of 2 oz (57 g). Arizona Bark Scorpions have a body length of 1.14”-1.46” (2.9-3.7 cm), body width of .39”-.51” (1-1.3 cm), and body height of .16”-.22” (.4-.55 cm). The typical lifespan of the Arizona Bark Scorpion is between 5-7 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Arizona Bark Scorpion in various poses
Arizona Bark Scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus)
Height:
.16”-.22” | .4-.55 cm
Width:
.39”-.51” | 1-1.3 cm
Length:
2.56”-3.15” | 6.5-8 cm
Depth:
Weight:
2 oz | 57 g
Area:

Body Length: 1.14”-1.46” | 2.9-3.7 cm

Scientific Name
Centruroides sculpturatus
Lifespan
5-7 years

Drawings include:

Arizona Bark Scorpion top view, side

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Screaming Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus vellerosus)
Scale illustration of an average Screaming Hairy Armadillo compared to other armadillo species

The Screaming Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus vellerosus) is considered the hairiest armadillo. The hair is white and light brown and covers the limbs, belly, and between scutes. The rest of the body is covered in thick armor that is moveable, allowing the animal to curl up if threatened. It is also the smallest and known as the crying armadillo, small screaming armadillo, or small hairy armadillo, endemic to central and south South America in places with loose sandy soils, savanna, and sun dunes. It is a solitary species that loves to burrow a lot. Besides, it is omnivorous and gives birth to live young ones. During winter, it is diurnal but nocturnal in summer.

The Screaming Hairy Armadillo has a body length in the range of 8.7”-16.5” (22-42 cm) and total weight of .66-2.9 lb (.3-1.3 kg). The Screaming Hairy Armadillo has an estimated standing height between 4.3”-8.3” (11-21 cm), body width of 3.9”-7.1” (10-18 cm), and tail length of 3.5”-7.1” (9-18 cm). The typical lifespan of the Screaming Hairy Armadillo is between 9-16 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Screaming Hairy Armadillo
The Screaming Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus vellerosus) is considered the hairiest armadillo. The hair is white and light brown and covers the limbs, belly, and between scutes. The rest of the body is covered in thick armor that is moveable, allowing the animal to curl up if threatened.

The Screaming Hairy Armadillo has a body length in the range of 8.7”-16.5” (22-42 cm) and total weight of .66-2.9 lb (.3-1.3 kg). The Screaming Hairy Armadillo has an estimated standing height between 4.3”-8.3” (11-21 cm), body width of 3.9”-7.1” (10-18 cm), and tail length of 3.5”-7.1” (9-18 cm). The typical lifespan of the Screaming Hairy Armadillo is between 9-16 years.

Series of measured illustrations of the Screaming Hairy Armadillo
Screaming Hairy Armadillo (Chaetophractus vellerosus)
Height:
4.3”-8.3” | 11-21 cm
Width:
3.9”-7.1” | 10-18 cm
Length:
8.7”-16.5” | 22-42 cm (Body)
Depth:
Weight:
.66-2.9 lb | .3-1.3 kg
Area:

Tail Length: 3.5”-7.1” | 9-18 cm

Scientific Name
Chaetophractus vellerosus
Lifespan
9-16 years

Drawings include:

Screaming Hairy Armadillo side view, front

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