The sagebrushes (Artemisia sp.) that are the dominant shurbs across much of the Great Basin are an important source of food and shelter for the Greater Sage Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). During the late summer, Sage Grouse fatten up on insects, represented here by the Hairy Bear Scarab Beetle (Paracotalpa granicollis). During the winter, Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata) and other sagebrush species, are the primary source of food for the birds. Paintbrush (Castilleja chromosa), Sagebrush Lizard (Sceloporus graciosus) and White-tailed Antelope Squirrel (Ammospermophilus leucurus) also share this arid landscape. The increased frequency and intesity of wildfires, fueled by invasive non-native grasses, continues to strain the resiliency of this unique western ecosystem.
These California Ecosystem illustrations feature threatened, endangered, or endemic species that highlight some unique aspect of California's incredibly diverse habitats. Each card has a short description of the creatures and relationships printed on the back.
Cards are blank inside and locally printed on 100% cotton paper. They measure 6" x 6" square. Envelopes included. Can be mailed with a single USPS First Class stamp.