Aransas

Aransas NWR https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Aransas https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aransas_National_Wildlife_Refuge Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is situated on the southwest side of San Antonio Bay along the Gulf Coast of Texas. It also includes nearly the entirety of Matagorda Island, a 38-mile barrier island. The Civilian Conservation Corps Company constructed part of the spillway for Burgentine Lake, which serves as a major resting area for migratory waterfowl. Bird life includes ducks, herons, egrets, ibises, roseate spoonbills, and the endangered whooping crane, whose population has recovered significantly since the 1940s. Other fauna include American alligators, collared peccaries, snakes, and bobcats, which inhabit the refuge's grasslands, blackjack oak thickets, freshwater ponds, and marshes.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Information and Map Welcome to Aransas National Wildlife Refuge We invite you to drive our 16-mile auto tour, fish off our pier, stop at our Visitor Contact Station, walk up our observation towers, and relax and enjoy a picnic overlooking San Antonio Bay. Take time to stretch your legs along several miles of walking trails. You’ll find observation platforms, spotting scopes, diverse plants and wildlife, and stunning views of the bay and wildlife habitat. The trails are listed below in the order you encounter them along the auto tour loop. Trails Rail Trail (.3 mile) Waterbirds, from rails to bitterns, lurk in the reeds lining Tomas Slough. This grassy trail parallels the long, narrow pond that is home to alligators as well. Alligator Viewing Area (<.1 mile) Take a short walk up the ramp and look for alligators in Tomas Slough, one of the few freshwater resources on the refuge. On sunny days, you may see an alligator basking on the bank. Listen for frogs calling and look for fish swimming in the water. Heron Flats Trail (1.4 miles) Freshwater sloughs, shell ridges, oak forests, and tidal flats make this trail quite diverse. You’ll find two observation platforms equipped with spotting scopes. If you’re lucky, you might see a whooping crane family feeding in the marshy salt flats. Watch, too, for egrets, roseate spoonbills, pelicans, and possibly a raccoon. * Please note that this trail will not make a loop. Songbird Loop (0.1 mile) Listen to a spring songbird serenade as you wander this short woodland loop. Oak Sanctuary (.1 mile) Walk this short trail towards San Antonio Bay and experience the mystery of a 500-year old oak tree. What might you find hiding in its branches, or seeking its shade? The oak is covered in mustang grapevine. A whooping crane catches a blue crab. © Kevin Sims Dagger Point Trail (1 mile) Hike a winding trail through an oak/ red bay forest. One of the few hills on the refuge offers an excellent vista. Jones Lake (< .1 mile) A very short, paved walkway leads to a platform overlooking the lake, another potential alligator hangout. The water in this lake comes entirely from rainfall. Big Tree Trail (.7 mile) Encounter some of the refuge’s largest live oak trees along this woodland loop. Observation Towers In addition to crane watching, the two observation towers (20’ and 40’) offer a panoramic view of San Antonio Bay and Mustang Lake. Both towers are fully accessible with gently sloping ramps. One-way Loop (driving only) This 9-mile loop takes you through diverse habitat. Please note that it is oneway, and will take at least 45 minutes. Rules and Regulations • Observe speed limit of 25 mph and watch for wildlife crossing roadways. • All vehicles must be street legal and remain on designated roadways. • Feeding animals is prohibited. • No alcohol is permitted. • No littering. Please take your trash with you when you leave. • Bicycles are permitted on the paved tour loop only (no trail riding). • There is no camping on the refuge. • Pets must be kept on a standard (4-6 foot) leash at all times. Keep in mind that the refuge is wild, and you may encounter venomous snakes, alligators, and biting insects. Please stay on marked trails and use caution. Enjoy your National Wildlife Refuge! Map of Refuge and Vicinity Rail Trail il T ra il 35 239 77 2040 Port Lavaca Victoria 239 Austwell 774 Heron Flats Trail 13 r go ata il Songbird Loop Trail nd sla I da sT ra Aransas National Wildlife Refuge lat 35 Alligator Viewing Area 2040 M Fishing Access Year Round Visitor Center Restrooms Viewing Area Picnic Area Trailhead Kayak Launch He ro Rockport nF Refugio Ra Tivoli Au to On o r L u To ffic a ew yt op Oak Sanctuary Trail ra Youth Environmental Training Area (permit required) Fishing Access San Antonio Bay Wetlands Refuge Land Dagger Point Trail Tw ay tra ffi c Jones Lake Observation Deck ke La s ne Jo fic Big Tree Trail Fishing Access April 15 - Oct 14 wa ra yt Observation Towers ffic To u r L oo p Lake to North 0 tang Au Mus traf w One way One o 0 0.5 1 Kilometers 0.5 1 Miles 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Amphibians and Reptiles of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Abundance Common Name Abundance C Common; suitable habitat is available, Scientific Name should not be missed during appropriate season. Toads and Frogs Couch’s Spadefoot C U Uncommon; present in moderate Scaphiopus couchi numbers (often due to low availability Hurter’s Spadefoot C of suitable habitat); not seen every Scaphiopus hurteri visit during season Blanchard’s Cricket Frog U Acris crepitans blanchardi O Occasional; present, observed only Green Tree Frog C a few times per season; also includes Hyla cinerea those species which do not occur year, Squirrel Tree Frog U while in some years may be Hyla squirella fairly common. Spotted Chorus Frog U Pseudacris clarki R Rare; observed only every 1 to 5 Strecker’s Chorus Frog U years; records for species at Aransas Pseudacris streckeri are sporadic and few. Texas Toad R Bufo speciosus Introduction Gulf Coast Toad C Amphibians have moist, glandular skins, Bufo valliceps valliceps and their toes are devoid of claws. Their Bullfrog C young pass through a larval, usually Rana catesbeiana aquatic, stage before they metamorphose Southern Leopard Frog C into the adult form. Belonging to the Rana sphenocephala Class Amphibia are the salamanders, Eastern Narrowmouth Toad C frogs, and toads. Gastrophryne carolinensis Great Plains Narrowmouth Toad R Reptiles are clad in scales, shields, or Gastrophryne olivacea plates, and their toes bear claws. To this class belong the crocodilians, lizards, Reptiles snakes, and turtles. Common Name Abundance Scientific Name Note Crocodilians Please remember that collecting American Alligator C amphibians and reptiles is not allowed on the Refuge. If you should find an unlisted Alligator mississippiensis or rare species, contact the Refuge staff Turtles and provide a description. We welcome Common Snapping Turtle R any additions visitors may provide to Chelydra serpentina serpentina enhance the accuracy of these lists. Yellow Mud Turtle O Kinosternon flavescens flavescens Amphibians R Common Name Abundance Mississippi Mud Turtle Kinostenron subrubrum hippocrepis Scientific Name Texas Diamondback Terrapin R Malaclemys terrapin littoralis Salamanders R Rio Grande Lesser Siren C Three-toed Box Turtle Terrapene carolina triunguis Siren intermedia texana O Smallmouth Salamander R Ornate Box Turtle Terrapene ornata ornata Ambystoma texanum C Eastern Tiger Salamander R Red-Eared Slider Trachemys scripta elegans Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum Common Name Scientific Name Abundance Texas Tortoise Gopherus berlandieri Guadalupe Spiny Soft-shelled Turtle Trionyx spiniferus guadalupensis Loggerhead Caretta caretta Atlantic Green Turtle Chelonia mydas mydas Atlantic Hawksbill Eretmochelys imbricata imbricata Atlantic Ridley(Kemp’s Ridley) Lepidocheyls kempi Leatherback Dermochelys coriacea R R O O O O R Lizards Mediterranean Gecko C Hemidactylus turcicus turcicus Keeled Earless Lizard R Holbrookia propinqua propinqua Texas Horned Lizard R Phrynosoma cornutum Northern Fence Lizard C Sceloporus undulatus hyacinthinus Green Anole C Anolis carolinensis Five-lined Skink R Eumeces fasciatus Ground Skink C Scincella lateralis Texas Spotted Whiptail R Cnemidophorus gularis gularis Six-lined Racerunner C Cnemidophorus sexlineatus sexlineatus Western Slender Glass Lizard U Ophisaurus attenuatus Snakes Note: There are many species of snakes, some are venomous, so use caution when walking and do not handle any wildlife. Texas Blind Snake Leptopytyplops dulcis Texas Scarlet Snake Cemophora coccinea lineri Eastern Yellow-bellied Racer Coluber constrictor flaviventris Mexican Racer Coluber constrictor oaxaca Southwestern Rat Snake Elaphe guttata meahllmorum R R O R O Common Name Scientific Name Abundance Texas Rat Snake Elaphe obsoleta lindheimeri Western Mud Snake Farancia abacura reinwardti Dusky Hog-nosed Snake Heterodon nasicus gloydi Eastern Hog-nosed Snake Heterodon platirhinos Prairie King Snake Lampropeltis calligaster calligaster Speckled King Snake Lampropeltis getula holbrooki Desert King Snake Lampropeltis getula splendida Louisiana Milk Snake Lampropeltis triangulum amaura Mexican Milk Snake Lampropeltis triangulum annulata Western Coachwhip Masticophis flagellum testaceus Gulf Salt Marsh Snake Nerodia clarki clarki Green Water Snake Nerodia cyclopion cyclopion Broad-banded Water Snake Nerodia fasciata confluens U R R O O O R R R U O O R Common Name Scientific Name Abundance Diamondback Water Snake Nerodia rhombifer rhombifer Rough Green Snake Opheodrys aestivus Bull Snake Pituophis catenifer sayi Graham’s Crayfish Snake Regina grahami Texas Brown Snake Storeria dekayi texana Flatheaded Snake Tantilla gracilis Checkered Garter Snake Thamnophis marcianus marcianus Gulf Coast Ribbon Snake Thamnophis proximus orarius Eastern Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis Red-sided Garter Snake Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Birds of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge The Aransas NWR lies along the central flyway, a major migration route. Each spring and fall millions of waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds pass through the Refuge. The uniqueness of this location has resulted in an astounding 405 documented species. Spring and fall are the premier times to visit, however in all seasons Aransas NWR truly is a birder’s paradise. Whooping cranes are the Refuge’s most famous migrants, arriving in late October and departing by mid-April. Planning your trip around these dates will maximize your chances of seeing these birds. Bird List Introduction and Key South Texas birds do not recognize traditional calendar seasons. The seasonal designations for species, intended as general guidelines, are treated as follows on the checklist: Spring Summer Fall Winter March–May June–July August–November December–February Explanation of Symbols 1 An introduced/exotic species. 2 Denotes a regularly nesting species on, or in close proximity to, the Refuge. It does not necessarily indicate that a certain species nests every year. 3 Denotes a species which has nested at Aransas in past years (but not currently). 4 Denotes possible nester due to presence of suitable habitat and Aransas lies within species breeding range. 5 Federal/State endangered or threatened species. 6 Extirpated Abundance C Common; suitable habitat is available; should be seen during appropriate season. U Uncommon; present, in moderate numbers; not seen on every visit. O Occasional; present, only a few times per season; also includes those species which do not occur each year, while in some years may be fairly common. R N Rare; observed only every 1 to 5 years; records for species at Aransas are sporadic and few. No record Habitat (Hbt) The following codes are used to describe a species’ general habitat preference. However, birds are not restricted to the habitats listed for them. Q Aquatic B Brushland F Forest, Woodland G Grassland M Marsh The Aransas checklist follows the order of the 7th edition (1998) AOU checklist through the 49th Supplement to the AOU Checklist (July 2008). Sp S F W Hbt Ducks, Geese, and Swans ___Black-bellied Whistling-Duck2 U C U O M,Q ___Fulvous Whistling-Duck2 O O O R M,Q ___Greater White-fronted Goose O N U C M,Q,G ___Snow Goose U N U C M,Q,G ___Ross’s Goose O N R O M,Q,G ___Brant N N N R M,Q ___Barnacle Goose1 N N N R M,Q ___Canada Goose O R C C M,Q,G ___Tundra Swan N N R R M,Q ___Wood Duck3 O O O O M,Q,G,F ___Gadwall3 C R U C M,Q ___American Wigeon C R C C M,Q ___American Black Duck R N R R M,Q ___Mallard3 O R O O M,Q ___Mottled Duck2 C C C C M,Q ___Blue-winged Teal3 C O C C M,Q ___Cinnamon Teal O N O O M,Q ___Northern Shoveler C R U C M,Q ___Northern Pintail C O C C M,Q ___Green-winged Teal U R U C M,Q ___Canvasback U R O U M,Q ___Redhead U R U C M,Q ___Ring-necked Duck O R O O M,Q ___Greater Scaup R N N R Q ___Lesser Scaup C R U C M,Q ___Harlequin Duck N N N R Q Sp S F W Hbt R Q ___Surf Scoter R R N ___White-winged Scoter N N R ___Black Scoter N N N ___Long-tailed Duck N N R ___Bufflehead C N O ___Common Goldeneye O R O ___Hooded Merganser O N O ___Common Merganser R N R ___Red-breasted Merganser U N O ___Masked Duck R N R ___Ruddy Duck C R O R R R C Q Q Q Q U Q U M,Q R Q C Q R M,Q C Q Grouse and Turkeys ___Attwater’s Greater Prairie-Chicken6 G ___Wild Turkey2 O O O O F,B New World Quail ___Northern Bobwhite2 C C C C G,B Loons ___Red-throated Loon R N N N Q ___Common Loon U N R U Q Grebes ___Least Grebe2 O O O O M,Q ___Pied-billed Grebe2 C O U C M,Q ___Horned Grebe N N R O M,Q ___Red-necked Grebe N N N R Q ___Eared Grebe U N U C Q ___Western Grebe R N N R Q Flamingos ___Greater Flamingo R N R R M,Q Shearwaters ___Sooty Shearwater R N N N Q Tropicbirds ___White-tailed Tropicbird N R R N Q Boobies and Gannets ___Masked Booby N R N N Q ___Brown Booby N R N N Q ___Northern Gannet R R N R Q Pelicans ___American White Pelican3 C O C C Q ___Brown Pelican3 5 C C C C Q Sp S F W Hbt Cormorants ___Neotropic Cormorant4 U U U U M,Q ___Double-crested Cormorant4 C O C C M,Q Darters ___Anhinga4 U O O O M Frigatebirds ___Magnificent Frigatebird O U U R Q Herons and Bitterns ___American Bittern4 U R U U M,Q ___Least Bittern3 U U U R M,Q ___Great Blue Heron2C C C C M,Q ___Great Egret2 C C C C M,Q ___Snowy Egret2 C C C C M,Q ___Little Blue Heron2C U C U M,Q ___Tricolored Heron2 C C C C M,Q ___Reddish Egret2 5 U U U U M,Q ___Cattle Egret2 C C C O M,Q,G ___Green Heron2 U U U O M,Q ___Black-crowned Night-Heron2 U U U U M,Q ___Yellow-crowned Night-Heron2 U O U R M,Q Ibises and Spoonbills ___White Ibis2 C C C C M,Q ___Glossy Ibis U U N R M,Q ___White-faced Ibis2 5 U U U U M,Q ___Roseate Spoonbill2C U C C M,Q Storks ___Wood Stork5 R U U R M,Q New World Vultures ___Black Vulture2 C C C C F,G,B ___Turkey Vulture2 C C C C F,G,B Hawks, Kites, Eagles and Allies ___Osprey U R C C M,Q ___Swallow-tailed Kite5 O N N N F,G,B ___White-tail

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Bivalves of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Common Name Scientific Name Anomidae Common Jingle Shel Anomia simplex Arcidae Traverse Ark Anadara transversa Ponderous Ark Noetia ponderosa Blood Ark Anadara ovalis Cut-Ribbed Ark Anadara floridana Mossy Ark Arca imbricata Incongrous Ark Anadara brasiliana Cardiidae Broad-Ribbed Cardita Carditamera floridana Common Egg Cockle Laevicardium laevigatum Giant Atlantic Cockle Dinocardium robustum Morton’s Egg Cockle Laevicardium mortoni Chamidae Leafy Jewel Box Chama macerophylla Chioninae Southern Quahog Mercenaria compechiensis Corbiculidae Florida Marsh Clam Polymesod maritima Donacidae Coquina Shell Donax roemeri roemeri Lucinidae Florida Lucina Pseudomiltha floridana Buttercup Lucina Anodontia alba Mactridae Fragile Atlantic Mactra Mactra fragilis Atlantic Surf Clam Spisula solidissima similis Channeled Duck Clam Raeta plicatella Smooth Duck Clam Anatina anatina Dwarf Surf Clam Mulinia lateralis Brown Rangia Rangia flexuosa Common Rangia Rangia cuneata Mytilidae Paper Mussel Amygdalum papyria Scorched Mussel Brachiodontes exustus Tulip Mussel Modiolus americanus Hooked Mussel Ischadium recurvus Ribbed Mussel Geukensia demissa granosissima Nuculidae Concentric Nut Clam Nuculana concentrica Ostreidae Eastern Oyster Crassostrea virginica Horse Oyster Ostrea equestris Pecinidae Atlantic Bay Scallop Aropecten irradians amplicostatus Periplomatidae Unequal Spoon Clam Periploma margaritaceum Petricolidae False Angel Wing Peatricola pholadiformis Pholadidae Campeche Angel Wing Pholas compechiensis Wood Piddock Martesia spp. Angel Wing Cyrtopleura costata Pinnidae Half-Naked Pen Shell Atrina seminuda Pen Shell Atrina rigida Saw-Tooth Pen Shell Atrina serrata Plicatulidae Kitten’s Paw Plicatula gibbosa Pteridae Atlantic Wing Oyster Pteria colymbus Atlantic Pearl Oyster Pinctada imbricata Flat Tree oyster Isognomon alatus Semilidae Common Atlantic Abra Abra aiqualis Solecurtidae Stout Tagelus Tagelus plebius Solenidae Jackknife Clam Ensis minor Spondylidae Atlantic Thorny Oyster Spondylus americanus Tellinidae Taylor’s Tellin Tellina alternata tayloriana Alternate Tellin Tellina alternata Rose Petal Tellin Tellina lineata Veneridae Lady-In-Waiting Venus Chione intapurpurea Cross-Barred Venus Chione cancellata Sunray Venus Callista nimbosa Disk Dosinia Dosinia discus Pointed Venus Anomalocardia auberiana Clench’s Chione Chione clenchi Southern Quahog Mercenaria campechiensis Jean Andrew A Field Guide to Shells of the Texas Coast. Texas Monthly Press. 1992. May 2006 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Butterflies and Dragonflies of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Butterflies and dragonflies can be found at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge throughout the year. They are most abundant during the summer months. The amount of water available also plays a role in the numbers found, especially dragonflies. Butterflies have been scientifically collected in such numbers that we can predict the abundance of the various species at the Refuge. We are only just beginning to document the species of dragonflies, thus this list only represents dragonflies collected on the Refuge. Butterflies Common Scientific Name Giant White Ganyra josephina Falcate Orangetip Anthocharis midea Clouded Sulphur Colias philodice Orange Sulphur Colias eurytheme Southern Dogface Colias cesonia Sleepy Orange Note Eurema nicippe Dainty Sulphur Please remember that collecting Nathalis iole butterflies and dragonflies is not allowed Little Yellow on the Refuge. If you should find an Eurema lisa unlisted or “rare” species, contact the Mimosa Yellow Refuge staff and provide a description. Eurema nise We welcome any additions visitors may Cloudless Sulphur provide to enhance the accuracy of Phoebis sennae these lists. Large Orange Sulphur Phoebis agarithe Abundance Symbols Apricot Sulphur A - Abundant S - Stray Phoebis argante U - Uncommon C - Common Lyside Sulphur R - Rare M - Migrant Kricogonia lyside Statira Sulphur Butterflies Phoebis statira Common Abundance White Angled-Sulphur Scientific Name Anteos clorinde Swallowtails Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Papilio glaucus Pipevine Swallowtail Battus philenor Spicebush Swallowtail Papilio troilus Black Swallowtail Papilio polyxenes Palamedes Swallowtail Papilio palamedes Polydamas Swallowtail Battus polydamas Giant Swallowtail Papilio cresphontes Whites and Sulphurs Cabbage White Pieris rapae Checkered White Pontia protodice Great Southern White Ascia monuste S A S U A S A R C A Hairstreaks Gray Hairstreak Strymon melinus Oak Hairstreak Satyrium favonius Soapberry Hairstreak Phaeostrymon alcestis Red-Banded Hairstreak Calycopis cecrops Dusky-Blue Groundstreak Calycopis isobeon Mallow Scrub-Hairstreak Strymon columella Blues Marine Blue Leptotes marina Western Pygmy-Blue Brephidium exile Ceraunus Blue Hemiargus ceraunus Reakirt’s Blue Hemiargus isola Abundance R U S C C C C A S A A S U S S A R C S A U R A A C Butterflies Common Scientific Name Abundance Metalmarks Rounded Metalmark Calephelis perditalis Longwings and Fritillaries Gulf Fritillary Agraulis vanillae Julia Heliconian Dryas julia Variegated Firtillary Euptoieta claudia Crescents, Checkerspots and Patches Pearl Crescent Phyciodes tharos Phaon Crescent Phyciodes phaon Elada Checkerspot Texola elada Bordered Patch Chlosyne lacinia Typical Brushfoots Question Mark Polygonia interrogationis Red Admiral Vanessa atalanta American Lady Vanessa virginiensis Painted Lady Vanessa cardui Common Buckeye Junonia coenia Mangrove Buckeye Junonia evarete “Dark” Tropical Buckeye Junonia genoveva nigrosuffusa White Peacock Anartia jatrophae Viceroy Limenitis archippus Common Mestra Mestra amymone Goatweed Leafwing Anaea andria Hackberry Emperor Asterocampa celtis Empress Leilia Asterocampa leilia Tawny Emperor Asterocampa clyton U C S A C A R C U C A U A S A C C C U C U C Butterflies Common Scientific Name Typical Brushfoots, continued American Snout Libytheana carinenta Monarch Danaus plexippus Queen Danaus gilippus Satyrs Carolina Satyr Hermeuptychia sosybius Gemmed Satyr Cyllopsis gemma Cloudywings Northern Cloudywing Thorybes palides Spread-wing Skippers Long-Tailed Skipper Urbanus proteus Dorantes Longtail Urbanus dorantes White-Striped Longtail Chioides catillus Sickle-Winged Skipper Achylodes thraso Horace’s Duskywing Erynnis horatius Funereal Duskywing Erynnis funeralis Mournful Duskywing Erynnis tristis Wild Indigo Duskywing Erynnis baptisiae False Duskywing Gesta gesta Common Checkered-Skipper Pyrgus communis Tropical Checkerd-Skipper Pyrgus oileus Desert Checkered-Skipper Pyrgus philetas Laviana White-Skipper Heliopetes laviana Turk’s Cap White-Skipper Heliopetes macaira Common Sootywing Pholisora catullus Grass Skipper Fiery Skipper Hylephila phyleus Sachem Atalopedes campestris Whirlabout Polites vibex Least Skipper Ancyloxypha numitor Abundance Butterflies Common Scientific Name C Orange Skipperling Copaeodes aurantiaca Southern Skipperling Copaeodes minima Clouded Skipper Lerema accius Fawn-spotted Skipper Cymaenes odilia Julia’s Skipper Nastra julia Southern Broken-Dash Wallengrenia otho Dun Skipper Euphyes vestris Celia’s Roadside-Skipper Amblyscirtes celia Nysa Roadside-Skipper Amblyscirtes nysa Eufala Skipper Lerodea eufala Ocola Skipper Panoquina ocola Salt Marsh Skipper Panoquina panoquin Obscure Skipper Panoquina panoquinoides Brazilian Skipper Calpodes ethlius A Dragonflies A-R M C C U U U U C C U R C A C R C U C A C C U Abundance U C A S U U C C C R U U C R

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Drift Seeds of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex Introduction True Sea-Bean Mucuna sloanei Drift seeds (also known as SeaCohune Beans) come from trees and vines Attalea cohune that grow along the tropical Bubblenut shores and rain forests all over Sacoglottis amazonica the world. The seeds fall from Mango their parent plant into Mangifera indica waterways, such as the Amazon Donovan’s Brain River, then drift through inlets to Andira galeottiana reach the ocean. They travel with Prickly Palm ocean currents until they wash up Acrocomia spp. on a beach somewhere, perhaps Bay-Bean thousands of miles from their Canavalia rosea origin. Sea-Beans are hard and Calatola buoyant, which helps them Calatola costaricensis survive their long-distance Chocolate voyage. The following are Drift Theobroma cacao seeds (Sea-Beans) found Sea Heart principally on the Matagorda Entada gigas Island portion of the Refuge. Spurge Euphorbiaceae Common Name Acorns Scientific Name Quercus spp. Coralbean Hernandia Erythrina spp. Hernandia sonora Black Pearl Sea Purse Sapindus saponaria Dioclea reflexa Sea-Coconut Box Fruit Manicaria saccifera Barringtonia asiatica Silk Cotton Gourd Ceiba pentandra Cucurbitaceae Pine Cone Candlenut Pinus spp. Aleurites moluccana Bull’s Horn Starnut Acacia cornigera Astrocaryum spp. Hog-Plum Country Almond Spondias mombin Terminalia catappa Persoon Coconut Caryocar glabrum Cocos nucifera Mary’s Bean Merremia discoidesperma Antidote Vine Fevillea cordifolia Manchineel Hippomane mancinella Red Mangrove Rhizophora mangle Coinplant Dalbergia ecastaphyllum Gray Nickernut Caesalpinia bonduc Brown Nickernut Caesalpinia major Reference John V. and Perry E. Dennis Sea-Beans from the Tropics: A Collector’s Guide to Sea-Beans and other Tropical Drift on Atlantic Shores. Krieger Publishing Company. 2003. May 2006 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Fish of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge For your safety only salt water fishing is allowed at the Refuge. Fishing access points are designated on the Refuge map that you receive at the Visitors’ Center. Fishing is allowed from all designated access points from April 15 to October 15 each year. During October 15 through April 15, fishing is permitted at the Fishing Pier opposite the Picnic area only. Common Name Scientific Name Atlantic Stingray Dasyatis sabina Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula Spotted Gar Lepisosteus oculatus Shortnose Gar Lepisosteus platostomus Bowfin Amia calva Ladyfish Elops saurus Tarpon Megalops atlanticus Speckled Worm Eel Myrophis punctatus Bay Anchovy Anchoa mitchilli Skipjack Herring Alosa chrysochloris Finescale Menhaden Brevoortia gunteri Gulf Menhaden Brevoortia patronus Gizzard Shad Dorosoma cepedianum Threadfin Shad Dorosoma petenense Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Carp Cyprinus carpio Atlantic Silverstripe Halfbeak Hyporhamphus unifasciatus Golden Shiner Notemigonus crysoleucas Diamond Killifish Adinia xenica Black Bullhead Ameiurus melas Golden Topminnow Fundulus chrysotus Yellow Bullhead Ameiurus natalis Gulf Killifish Fundulus grandis Brown Bullhead Ameiurus nebulosus Bayou Killifish Fundulus pulvereus Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus Longnose Killifish Fundulus similis Hardhead Catfish Ariopsis felis Rainwater Killifish Lucania parva Gafftopsail Catfish Bagre marinus Western Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis Inshore Lizardfish Synodus foetens Sailfin Molly Poecilia latipinna Blackedge Cusk-eel Lepophidium brevibarbe Sheepshead Minnow Cyprinodon variegatus Gulf Toadfish Opsanus beta Opossum Pipefish Microphis brachyurus Atlantic Midshipman Porichthys plectrodon Chain Pipefish Syngnathus louisianae Striped Mullet Mugil cephalus Gulf Pipefish Syngnathus scovelli White Mullet Mugil curema Redbreast Sunfish Lepomis auritus Inland Silverside Menidia beryllina Warmouth Lepomis gulosus Atlantic Silverside Menidia menidia Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus Tidewater Silverside Menidia peninsulae Longear Sunfish Lepomis megalotis Atlantic Needlefish Strongylura marina Redear Sunfish Lepomis microlophus Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Common Name Scientific Name Bantum Sunfish Lepomis symmetricus Spot Leiostomus xanthurus Southern Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides Atlantic Croaker Micropogonias undulatus Dusky Flounder Syacium papillosum Crevalle Jack Caranx hippos Black Drum Pogonias cromis Lined Sole Achirus lineatus Spotfin Mojarra Eucinostomus argenteus Red Drum Sciaenops ocellatus Hogchoker Trinectes maculatus Silver Jenny Eucinostomus gula Fat Sleeper Dormitator maculatus Blackcheek Tonguefish Symphurus plagiusa Pigfish Orthopristis chrysoptera Darter Goby Ctenogobius boleosoma Least Puffer Sphoeroides parvus Sheepshead Archosargus probatocephalus Naked Goby Gobiosoma bosc Revision April 2008 Pinfish Lagodon rhomboides Clown Goby Microgobius gulosus Silver Perch Bairdiella chrysoura Bay Wiff Citharichthys spilopterus Sand Seatrout Cynoscion arenarius Fringed Flounder Etropus crossotus Spotted Seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus Gulf Flounder Paralichthys albigutta Reference This list is in the phylogenetic order as found in the book Common and Scientific Names of Fishes from the United States, Canada and Mexico, Sixth Edition, 2004, American Fisheries Society Special Publication 29, Bethesda, Maryland 

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Gastropods of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge The majority of these gastropods were found on the Matagorda Island portion of the complex.. Ampullaridea Florida Applesnail Pomacea paludosa Architectonicidae Common Sundial Architectonica nobilis Buccinidae Cancellate Cantharus Canthaurs cancellarius Bulloidae Striate Bubble Bulla striata Calyptraeidae Common Atlantic Slipper Crepidula fornicata Cassidae Scotch Bonnet Phalium granulatum ranulatum Cymaticea Atlantic Distorsio Distorsio clathrata Ellobiidae Coffee Melampus Melampus bidentatus Epitoniidae Wentletraps Epitonium spp Mitchell’s Wentletrap Amaea mitchelli Angulate Wentletrap Epitonium angulatum Multiribbed Wentletrap Epitonium multistriatum Fasciolariidae True Tulip Shell Fasciolaria tulipa Florida Horse Conch Pleuroploca gigantea Banded Tulip Shell Fasciolaria lilium Janthididae Common Purple Storm Snail Janthina janthina Littorinidae Marsh Periwinkle Littorina irrorata Melongenidae Pear Whelk Busycon spiratus plagosum Lighting Whelk Busycon perversum pulleyi Muricidae Florida Rock Shell Thais haemastoma floridana Giant Eastern Murex Murex fulvescens Naticidae Common Baby’s Ear Sinum perspectivum Shark’s Eye Polinices duplicatus Miniature Natica Natica pusilla Neritidae Virgin Nerite Neritina virginea Olividae Lettered Olive Oliva sayana Ovulidae Single-Toothed Simnia Pseudocyphoma intermedium Sea Whip Simnia Simnialena marferula Potamididae Plicate Horn Shell Cerithidea pliculosa Strombidae Fighting Conch Strombus alatus Terebridae Salle’s Auger Hastula sallenana Tonnidae Giant Tun Shell Tonna galea Trochidae Smooth Atlantic Tegula Tegula fasciata Vermetidae West Indian Worm Shell Vermicularia cf. V. spirata Reference Jean Andrews, A Field Guide to Shells of the Texas Coast, 1992, Texas Monthly Press Revision March 2006 March 2006 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Mammals of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Abundance Common Name C Common; suitable habitat is available, Scientific Name should not be missed during Canines appropriate season. Coyote U Uncommon; present in moderate Canis latrans numbers (often due to low availability Common Gray Fox of suitable habitat); not seen every Urocyon cinereoargenteus visit during season. Raccoons and Relatives O Occasional; present, observed only Ringtail a few times per season; also includes Bassariscus astutus those species which do not occur year, Northern Raccoon while in some years may be Procyon lotor fairly common. Weasels and Skunks R Rare; observed only every 1 to 5 Long-tailed Weasel years; records for species at Aransas Mustela frenata are sporadic and few. American Mink Mustela vison Note American Badger Please remember that collecting is not Taxidea taxus allowed on the Refuge. If you should find Eastern Spotted Skunk an unlisted or rare species, contact the Spilogale putorius Refuge staff and provide a description. We Striped Skunk welcome any additions visitors may provide Mephitis mephitis to enhance the accuracy of these lists. Hog-nosed Skunk Conepatus leuconotus Common Name Abundance Scientific Name Felines Mountain Lion Marsupials Puma concolor Virginia Opossum C Bobcat Didelphis virginiana Lynx rufus Armadillos Nine-banded Armadillo Dasypus novemcinctus Shrews and Moles Elliot’s Short-tailed Shrew Blarina hylophaga Least Shrew Cryptotis parva Eastern Mole Scalopus aquaticus Bats Eastern Red Bat Lasiurus borealis Silver-haired Bat Lasionycteris noctivagans Brazilian Free-tailed Bat Tadarida brasiliensis Big Free-tailed Bat Nyctinomops macrotis C R C R R R U R Abundance Whales, Porpoises and Dolphins Pygmy Sperm Whale Kogia breviceps Dwarf Sperm Whale Kogia sima Cuvier’s Beaked Whale Ziphius cavirostris Pygmy Killer Whale Feresa attenuata Melon-headed Whale Peponocephala electra Risso’s Dolphin Grampus griseus Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus Clymene Dolphin Stenella clymene U U R C R R R R U R R U R R R R R R C R Common Name Scientific Name Hoofed Mammals Feral Pig Sus scrofa Collared Peccary Pecari tajacu White-tailed Deer Odocoileus virginianus Rodents Mexican Ground Squirrel Spermophilus mexicanus Eastern Fox Squirrel Sciurus niger Attwater’s Pocket Gopher Geomys attwateri Hispid Pocket Mouse Chaetodipus hispidus Marsh Rice Rat Oryzomys palustris Fulvous Harvest Mouse Reithrodontomys fulvescens White-footed Mouse Peromyscus leucopus Deer Mouse Peromyscus maniculatus Northern Pygmy Mouse Baiomys taylori Hispid Cotton Rat Sigmodon hispidus Southern Plains Woodrat Neotoma micropus Norway Rat Rattus norvegicus Roof Rat Rattus rattus House Mouse Mus musculus Nutria Myocastor coypus Rabbits and Hares Swamp Rabbit Sylvilagus aquaticus Eastern Cottontail Sylvilagus floridanus Black-tailed Jackrabbit Lepus californicus Abundance C U C R U C R O R R R C U R R R R O O C U March 2008 Reference Schmidly, David J. The Mammals of Texas, Austin, University of Texas, 2004. 

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Plants Plants of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge Complex ACANTHACEAE Dyschoriste linearis Narrowleaf dyschoriste Ruellia nudiflora Violet ruellia AIZOACEAE Sesuvium portulacastrum Sea purslane AMARANTHACEAE Amaranthus rudis Tall amaranth Gomphrena globosa Globe amaranth APIACEAE Eryngium hookeri Hooker eryngo Hydrocotyle bonariensis Coast pennywort Limnosciadium pumilus Dogshade AQUIFOLIACEAE Ilex vomitoria Yaupon ASCLEPIADACEAE Asclepias oenotheroides Savannah milkweed ASTERACEAE Ambrosia psilostachya Western ragweed Amphiachyris dracunculoides Broomweed Baccharis halimifolia Eastern Annual seepweed COMMELINACEAE Commelina erecta Erect dayflower Tradescantia subacaulis Stemless spiderwort CONVOLVULACEAE Convolvulus equitans Gray bindweed Evolvulus sericeus Silky evolvulus Ipomoea pes-caprae Goat-foot morning glory CYPERACEAE Bolboschoenus robustus Salt-marsh bullrush Cyperus acuminatus Taperleaf flatsedge Cyperus articulatus Jointed flatsedge Cyperus croceus Baldwin’s flatsedge Cyperus digitatus Finger flatsedge Cyperus echinatus Globe flatsedge Cyperus elegans Sticky flatsedge Cyperus esculentus Chufa flatsedge Cyperus pseudothyrsiflorus One-flower flatsedge Cyperus retrorsus Globe umbrella sedge Eleocharis albida White spike-rush Fimbristylis caroliniana Ditch fimbry Fimbristylis castanea Dunes fimbry Fimbristylis puberula Fimbry Rhynchospora colorata White-topped umbrella grass Schoenoplectus americanus American bullrush EBENACEAE Diospyros texana Texas persimmon EUPHORBIACEAE Argythamnia humilis Wild mercury Croton capitatus Woolly croton Croton monanthogynus Prairie tea Euphorbia bicolor Snow-on-the-prairie Euphorbia cordifolia Heart-leaf euphorbia Phyllanthus pudens Birdseed leaf-flower Tragia betonicifolia Betonyleaf noseburn FABACEAE Acacia angustissima Fern acacia Acacia farnesiana Huisache Amorpha fruticosa Indigo bush Astragalus leptocarpus Slimpod locoweed Cassia occidentalis Coffee senna Centrosema virginianum Butterfly pea Chamaecrista fasciculata Partridge pea Dalea emarginata Wedge-leaf prairie clover Dalea multiflora Round head prairie clover Dalea nana Dwarf dalea Desmanthus virgatus Bundleflower Erythrina herbacea Coralbean Galactia canescens Hoary milkpea Galactia longifolia Longleaf milkpea Glottidium vesicaria Bladderpod Indigofera miniata Scarlet pea Indigofera suffruticosa Bush indigo Melilotus indicus Yellow sour clover Mimosa latidens Sensitive briar Mimosa nuttallii Catclaw sensitive briar Mimosa strigillosa Powderpuff Neptunia lutea Yellowpuff Neptunia pubescens Tropical puff Prosopis glandulosa Honey mesquite Rhynchosia americana Snoutbean Rhynchosia senna Texas snoutbean Senna occidentalis Coffee senna FABACEAE, Continued Sesbania drummondii Rattlepod Strophostyles leiosperma Slick weed wildbean Vicia ludoviciana Louisiana deer vetch GENTIANACEAE Eustoma exaltatum Bluebell Sabatia campestris Prairie gentian GERANIACEAE Geranium carolinianum Carolina geranium HYDROPHYLLACEAE Phacelia congesta Bluecurls IRIDACEAE Herbertia lahue Wild iris Sisyrinchium biforme Wiry blue-eyed grass Sisyrinchium langloisii Dotted blue-eyed grass JUNCACEAE Juncus bufonius Toad rush Juncus marginatus Grass-leaf rush Juncus megacephalus Cherry-coke rush Juncus sp. Rush KRAMERIACEAE Krameria lanceolata Prairiebur LAMIACEAE Lamium amplexicaule Henbit Monarda punctata Spotted horsemint Scutellaria drummondii Drummond skullcap Scutellaria muriculata Skullcap Teucrium cubense Coast germander Teucrium canadense American germander LILIACEAE Nothoscordum bivalve False garlic LINACEAE Linum rigidum Stiff-stem flax LYTHRACEAE Lythrum californicum California loosestrife MALVACEAE Abutilon fruticosum Indian mallow Callirhoë involucrata Winecup Sida abutifolia Spreading sida Sida ciliaris Bracted sida Sida spinosa Prickly sida Sphaeralcea lindheimeri Woolly globemallow OLEACEAE Forestiera angustifolia Tanglewood ONAGRACEAE Calylophus serrulatus Yellow evening primrose Oenothera drummondii Beach evening primrose Oenothera grandis Fluttermill Oenothera speciosa Pink evening primrose OXALIDACEAE Oxalis dillenii Yellow wood sorrel Oxalis drummondii Purple wood sorrel PAPAVERACEAE Argemone albiflora White prickly poppy PHYTOLACCACEAE Rivina humilis Pigeonberry PLANTAGINACEAE Plantago helleri Heller’s plantain Plantago rhodosperma Redweed plantain PLUMBAGINACEAE Limonium carolinianum Sea lavender POACEAE Andropogon glomeratus Bushy bluestem Andropogon virginicus Broomsedge bluestem Aristida longespica Plains triple-awn Aristida oligantha Prairie threeawn Bothriochloa ischaemum King Ranch bluestem Bothriochloa laguroides Silver bluestem Bouteloua curtipendula Sideoats grama Bouteloua rigidiseta Texas grama Bromus catharticus Rescuegrass Buchloë dactyloides Buffalograss Cenchrus echinatus Southern sandbur Cenchrus spinifex Coastal sandbur Chloris ciliata Fringed windmillgrass Chloris cucullata Hooded windmill grass Chloris subdolichostachya Short

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Wildflowers of Aransas National Wildlife Refuge This list contains over 167 wildflower species found on Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. Ringed by tidal marshes and broken by long, narrow sloughs, this 59,000-acre refuge sprawls mostly across the Blackjack peninsula, where grasslands, live oaks, and redbay thickets cover deep, sandy soils. Storms and waters of the Gulf of Mexico constantly shape this vital refuge. Whooping cranes join throngs of other migratory birds that settle on tidal marshes stretching before them like huge banquet tables. Strong winds push the bay waters over low-lying shores, forming fertile, brackish tidal marshes among short, salttolerant plants. Mild winters, bay waters, and abundant food provide a winning combination for water-loving birds. How to use this checklist Abundance C Common: suitable habitat is widespread U Uncommon: present, but in moderate numbers O Occasional: may be present in small numbers R Rare: present, difficult to find Habitat Bt Big Tree Trail Bw Boardwalk Dp Dagger Point Trail En Entrance (FM 2040) Hf Heron Flats Trail Hl Hog Lake Hq Headquarters Jl Jones Lake Ot Observation Tower Pa Picnic Area Rt Rail Trail Tl Tour Loop Tr Tower Road Yt Youth Environmental Training Area Note Please do not pick wildflowers. If you should find an unlisted or “rare” species, or a species not listed for a particular habitat, contact the refuge staff and provide a description. We welcome any additions visitors may provide to enhance the accuracy of this checklist. Species Blue Flowers Sp S F W Hbt Baby blue eyes U Nemophila phacelioides Blue curls U Phacelia congesta Carolina larkspur O Delphinium carolinianum Dayflower C C C O Commelina erecta Dotted blue-eyed grass U Sisyrinchium langlosii Downy lobelia O O Lobelia puberula Sandyland bluebonnet R Lupinus subcarnosus Texas bluebonnet R Lupinus texensis Purple Flowers Basket flower U U Centaurea americana Bluebell O O Eustoma russellianum Meadow aster U U Symphyotrichum pratensis Bull thistle U U Cirsium horridulum Butterfly pea C C U Centrosema virginianum California loosestrife O C U Lythrum californicum Florida bluehearts O O O Buchnera americana Hairy-flowered spiderwort U O Tradescantia hirsutiflora Herbertia U Herbertia lahue Lance-leaf loosestrife U U Lythrum alatum Narrowleaf dyschoriste R R Dyschoriste linearis Passionflower O O Passiflora incarnata Prairie bluet C C U Hedyotis nigricans Prairie spiderwort U O Tradescantia occidentalis Purple phacelia U Phacelia patuliflora Purple pleatleaf O O Alophia drummondii Saltmarsh morning glory O O Ipomoea sagittata Shaggy portulaca O O Portulaca pilosa Sharp gayfeather U Liatris acidota Silver-leaf nightshade O Solanum elaeagnifolium Snapdragon vine U U U Maurandya antirrhiniflora Stemless spiderwort U Tradscantia subacaulis Texas thistle U U Cirsium texanum Tie vine U U Ipomea cordatotriloba Venus’ looking-glass U Triodanis perfoliata Hf Hq Hf Pa Tr Hf Tl Tr Hf Hq Tr Hf Tr Hf Tr Hf Tr Pa Tr Hf Tr Tl Tl Hq Tr Hf Tr Hf Hf Hl Hf Hq Tr Hf Hq Tl Tr Tr Hq Dp Tr Hq Hf Hf Hq Tr Tr Hf Hf Species Sp S F W Hbt Vetch U Vicia leavenworthii Violet ruellia U O Ruellia nudiflora Wild petunia C U O Ruellia yucatana Wine cup U Callirhoë involucrata Hf Hq Annual sundew O Drosera annua Coast mistflower C C U Conoclinium coelestinum Drummond phlox C U Phlox drummondii Drummond skullcap C Scutellaria drummondii Eggleaf skullcap U Scutellaria ovata Fragrant boneset O O O Chromolaena odorata Texas vervain C C C C Verbena halei Toadflax U Nuttallanthus texanus Sandbell U U O Nama hispidum Sea lavender U U U Limonium carolinianum Tl Tr Arrowleaf O O Sagittaria longiloba Buckwheat C O Eriogonum multiflorum Bullnettle U U Cnidoscolus texanus Burhead U U Echinodorus beteroi Buttonbush U U Cephalanthus occidentalis Catchfly R Silene antirrhina Chickweed U Stellaria media Climbing hempweed O O Mikania scandens Coast germander U UU U Teucrium cubense Delta arrowleaf U U U Sagittaria platyphylla Southern dewberry C Rubus trivialis Dodder U U Cuscuta indecora Drummond rain lily U O Cooperia drummondii False-garlic C U U Nothoscordum bivalve Fleabane daisy C U Erigeron procumbens Frostweed U Verbesina virginica Green milkweed O C U Asclepias viridis Green lily U U Schoenocaulon drummondii Heart-leaf euphorbia C C U Euphorbia cordifolia Tr Lavender Flowers White Flowers Tr Tl Hq Hf Tr Hf Tr Hf Rt Tr Hf Ot Tl Tr Hf Pa Hf Bw Hf Tr En Pa Tl Hl Jl Tl Hl Jl Tr Hf Hf Tr Hf Jl Hf Hf Tr Hf Tr Tl Hq Hf Tr Hf Hq Tr Hq Pa Tl Tr Hf Hf Yt Species Sp S F W Hbt Heath aster C Tr Symphyotrichum ericoides Hedge bindweed O Hf Calystegia sepium Hoary pea U U Tr Tl Tephrosia onobrychoides Late-flow