Field Guide to Missouri Insects, Fish & Other Wildlife

Missouri, a state in the midwestern United States, has always been known for the great diversity of ecosystems that host a wide range of wildlife inhabitants. The Missouri Department of Conservation was set up in 1937 to regulate the wildlife population. It provides a comprehensive field guide to animals and plants found in the state.

  1. Insects

    • The honeybee was originally introduced to North America by Europeans, and these insects are found throughout Missouri in hollowed-out tree trunks. The honeybee is Missouri's state insect. Yellow jackets are commonly called "sweat bees" in Missouri, which is incorrect as they are actually wasps. These wasps nest underground and are one of the major pests in Missouri.

    Fish

    • The blackspotted topminnow is commonly found south of the Missouri River. It is a small fish with a black stripe running from its nose to its tail. This fish prefers warmer waters and is closely related to the blackstripe topminnow, which is also common in Missouri. These fish, although closely related, are rarely found in the same area of water.

    Mammals

    • The Indiana bat is listed as endangered by the Missouri Department of Conservation. These mammals are mostly found in only eight locations in Missouri, three of which are in Shannon. These bats raise their young along the streams in northern Missouri and hibernate in the caves found in the Ozarks.