Desert Animals and Bugs

People share their stories of being bitten by black widow spiders in Arizona.

See pictures of a black widow spider. The black widow spider is often found in the Phoenix, Arizona area.

The Palo Verde Beetle looks like a giant cockroach, and can be seen during the summer in the desert in Phoenix.

Are there bats in Phoenix? Yes, there are. Here's how you can get rid of bats.

Africanized Honey Bees are becoming more and more prevalent in the Phoenix area. In fact, they are all over Arizona. Here's what you need to know about these aggressive insects.

A humorous poem about Arizona bugs and pests.

See pictures of different birds that are often seen in the greater Phoenix area. These Phoenix bird photos were submitted by residents and visitors to Arizona.

Two photographs of a black widow spider.

These venomous critters are fairly common in the Southwest. You probably won't die if you are bitten by one, but here's what you need to know about black widow spiders.

Learn about the Cactus Wren. The Cactus Wren is the official State Bird of Arizona.

These are photos of critters seen around the Phoenix area, many of which were submitted by local residents. You'd be amazed what we find in our backyards!

Read a book review of A Field Guide to Amphibians and Reptiles of Maricopa County, published by the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

There are good fire ants and bad fire ants. Find out more about these pesky desert critters, including what to do if you are stung by them.

Don't panic! Here's what you need to know if you, or someone you know, is bitten by a black widow spider.

Most people who live in Arizona never see a rattlesnake their entire lives, except maybe at the zoo. But if you are unfortunate enough to be bitten by one, it is rarely fatal. Especially if you follow these tips.

Unfortunately we have scorpions in Arizona. But if you stay calm, it is easy to treat a scorpion sting. Even if you are stung by the Bark Scorpion, local medical centers are familiar with the treatment.

Africanized Honey Bees, also known as "killer" bees, are becoming more prevalent in the area. As a matter of fact, they have been documented in every county of the state. But don't panic. Here's what to do if you are stung by bees.

Africanized Honey Bees are becoming more and more prevalent in the Phoenix area. In fact, they are all over Arizona. Here's what you need to know about these aggressive insects.

Take a photo tour of the Monarch Butterfly Exhibit at Desert Botanical Garden. The Monarch Butterfly Exhibit takes place each fall at the Marshall Butterfly Pavilion in central Phoenix, AZ.

The Palo Verde Beetle is often mistaken for a huge cockroach. You'll see them mostly in July in the Phoenix desert.

Are all rattlesnake bites venomous? Maybe not....

Some people live here their entire lives and never see a rattlesnake except at the zoo. But they are out there. Here's what you need to know.

Roadrunner facts, and pictures of a roadrunner.

Roof rats were first discovered in the Phoenix area in 2001, and now they are just about everywhere. Learn about these rodent pests and what you can do to avoid them.

An Arizona man tells his story about his snakebite and the remedies that helped cure him.

See pictures of Central Arizona's venomous snakes. The Western Diamondback is the most common venomous snake in the Phoenix area.

People share their stories of being stung by kiler bees in Arizona.

West Nile Virus is coming to Arizona. But don't panic! Here's what you need to know.