nature

These are two species of Bootanomyia dorsalis wasps introduced from Europe.

Learn about Bootanomyia dorsalis, the tiny but troublesome parasitic wasp invading the U.S.

Yellowstone National Park dominates the map.

See which national parks people in the U.S. are most curious about.

Wildebeest go great distances each year.

Think your commute is bad? At least you don’t have to walk or swim from one end of the Earth to the other.

Whales and dolphins aren’t just neighbors. They’re also occasional playmates, according to new findings from Griffith University researchers.

Looking for the perfect picnic spot? Reviewers say these state parks are top-tier.

From a Yosemite icon to a Grand Canyon hidden gem, there are epic waterfall hikes to be found across the country.

Waterfall and bridge at Watkins Glen State Park, New York.

These stunning U.S. state parks garnered the most attention—and map searches.

This giant moth rivals any butterfly with its beauty and grandeur.

These decorative mud balls can end up so shiny and colorful you’d assume they’re some sort of jewel. But you can actually make them at home.

This one‘s a juvenile female, according to the Marine Megafauna Foundation.

The newly identified Atlantic manta ray is officially a distinct species.

A massive thunderstorm turns the sky dark over a field in Sweden.

Storms are used to set an ominous tone in spooky stories, even as they bring much-needed relief to parched fields or distressed humans on a hot day.

Tears are a treat for some butterfly species.

Blood, sweat, and tears (and a few other choice substances): It’s all on the menu.

Aspen trees have seen better days, but gray wolves are helping them out.

A new study shows that reintroducing wolves to Yellowstone sparked a massive comeback for aspen saplings.

With a few ingredients and minimal gear, you can enjoy a rich, portable backcountry cake on any camping trip.

Sure, you know that bees pollinate our crops and give us honey. But there's so much more to these buzzing insects than that.

This view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge is from the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney, Australia.

Time Out surveyed 18,500 people around the world to find the greenest cities—here’s who topped the list.

Sorry to this little guy but feral swine are a huge problem.

EDDMapS’s database has more than 9 million records of invasive species. See which ones hit close to home.

If you want a hike that will test your limits, maybe you should visit (or relocate to) one of these states.

A walkway winds through Missouri’s Onondaga Cave.

Whether you’re into stalactite symphonies, prehistoric shelters, or just love your trails dark and damp, these 10 U.S. underground wonders have you covered.

From waterfall views in Yosemite to canyons in Zion, these beginner trails are fun for the whole family.

Firefly populations have been declining, but there may be light at the end of the tunnel for the glowing bugs.

The cocoon is on the left and the chrysalis is on the right.

Confused about pupae, chrysalises, and cocoons? Discover the key differences between these metamorphic terms.

Trekking poles help you keep your balance on uneven terrain.

They’re not just for folks attempting the Appalachian Trail. Here’s how trekking poles can improve any hiker’s performance and fitness.

Here‘s one quick and easy way to get rid of spotted lanternflies when you don’t feel like stomping on them (and a few other methods, too).

Parasitic Wasp Documented in the U.S. for the First Time—What to Know About the Invasive Species

Map Shows Most-Searched National Parks by State

11 Amazingly Long Animal Migrations

Study Reveals Surprising Dynamic Between Whales and Dolphins

The Best State Parks for Picnics, According to Visitors

11 of the Best Waterfall Trails in the U.S.

The Summer’s Most Popular State Parks, According to Google Maps

5 Awesome Facts About the Atlas Moth

The Meditative Art of Hikaru Dorodango: How Japanese Schoolchildren Turn Mud Into Shiny Spheres

Newly Identified Manta Ray Species Can Grow as Big as a Van

11 Powerful Facts About Thunderstorms

7 Disgusting Things Butterflies Eat

How the Return of Wolves to Yellowstone Helped Aspen Trees Thrive

This Backcountry Mug Cake Will Sweeten Up Your Next Camping Trip

13 Fascinating Facts About Bees

20 Greenest Cities Around the World, According to Locals

Which Invasive Species Are Near You? Find Out With This Interactive Map

10 Most Dangerous States for Hikers

10 of America’s Most Spectacular Cave Trails

10 Best Beginner Hiking Trails in the U.S.

Fireflies Are Surging This Summer, in a Rare Win for the Insects

Chrysalis vs. Cocoon vs. Pupa: What’s the Difference?

How Trekking Poles Can Boost Your Hiking Game

A Simple Trick for Catching (and Killing) Spotted Lanternflies