The document summarizes plants and animals native to South Texas, as presented by third and fourth grade students. It includes brief descriptions of cotton, Texas ocelots, Texas longhorns, the Texas spiny lizard, bluebonnets, javelinas, water moccasins, armadillos, and bobcats. For each item, it provides some key details about physical characteristics, habitat, diet, behaviors, or population status.

1. Plants and Animals of South Texas Presented by Third and Fourth Grade Students St. Paul Lutheran School

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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