Things to See & Do

Animals & Insects

Photo Credit: Reagan Holzheimer

Use this guide to learn about the smaller fauna of Pheasant Branch Conservancy, including frogs and toads, turtles, butterflies, moths, and more.

Smaller Fauna of the Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Discover some of the smaller animals found in the Conservancy, including insects, spiders, reptiles, and amphibians. The smaller fauna guide includes photos, natural history, identification tips, and links to more information. You’ll also find links to other resources covering the Conservancy and the state.

This information was compiled by a FOPBC volunteer, Tom Klein, who hopes it will help to highlight the diversity of life found in the Conservancy and serve as an introduction to some of the smaller animals living in the area that might otherwise escape our attention.

Discover the smaller fauna of Pheasant Branch Conservancy

Animals & Insects to Look and Listen for This Month

  • Yellowjackets
  • hornets & wasps
  • Wooly bear caterpillars
  • White-tailed bucks begin shedding velvet
  • Silver-haired bats
  • red bats
  • hoary bats*

What is the Conservancy?

Pheasant Branch Conservancy is a natural treasure located in the heart of Dane County. The 682-acre property contains a mix of marshlands, springs, prairies, meadows, lowland forest, and wooded hills, and it is home to hundreds of species of birds, insects, animals, and plants. Learn More