Plants and Animals of

South Texas

Presented

by

Third and Fourth Grade Students

St. Paul Lutheran School

COTTON• Cotton is a soft fluffy staple fiber

that grows in a boll.• The cotton fiber is spun into

yarn or thread to make cloth.• First discovered in Mexico

some 8,000 years ago.• It clothed the people of ancient

India, Egypt, and China.• During Britain’s Industrial

Revolution, cotton was the leading export.

• Research by Mason Ordner

Texas Ocelots

• So rare are these secretive, nocturnal cats that few Americans have seen one in the wild.

• These beautiful smaller cousins of leopards are native to South Texas and north Eastern Mexico.

• The graceful animals are found on both sides of the Rio Grande, threatened by development and breeding.

• Today, only 100 or so Ocelots are thought to be left in the United States.

• Research by Ayla Dale

TEXAS LONGHORN • Texas Longhorn are

known for their diverse coloring.

• The Texas Longhorn is a breed of cattle known for its characteristic horns which can extend to 7 feet.

• The interbreeding of cattle caused the unique coloring.

• Mascot of The University of Texas

• Research by Harley Collier

Texas Spiny Lizard

• The Texas spiny lizard is a species of phrynosomatid lizard native to the central US, in the states of Texas and OK, and NE Mexico in the states of Coahuila, Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, and San Luis Potosí.

• Though not normally found for sale, the Texas spiny lizard makes an ideal choice for a small pet lizard.

• Research by Jessica Kelly

Bluebonnets

• Bluebonnets typically grow about 0.3 m (1 foot) tall.

• Possibly named because the color is similar to that of the tam o’shanter hat.

• Others think they’re named for the shape of the bonnets worn by pioneer women to shield them from the sun.

• Further research by Texas A&M University led to a deep maroon strain that is their official color.

• Research by Noah Falcon

Javelina• The javelina also has a

different name: peccary .• They also have tusks and

jaws. • There are three species

in the Western United States.

• Mascot of Texas A&M University-Kingsville.

• Research by Trey Nuñez

Water Moccasin• The water moccasin is a

poisonous snake species of pit viper found in the Southeastern United States.

• Adults are large and capable of delivering a painful and fatal bite.

• When antagonized, they will stand their ground by coiling their bodies and displaying their fangs.

• Although their aggression has been exaggerated , on rare occasion territorial males will approach intruders in an aggressive manner.

• Research by Tobin Valentine

Armadillo• Giant Armadillos grow

to 59 inches and weighs up to 130 lbs.

• Armadillos have poor vision, but large eyes.

• They can stay underwater for six minutes.

• Gestation lasts from 60 to 120 days.

• Research by Harlie Guerra

Bobcat

• The Bobcat is able to go a long time without food, but eats a lot when it can.

• It hunts rodents, squirrels, birds, and fish.

• They usually live to six or eight years.

• Research by Alan Schubert