Hello, humans! Thaddeus here again for my final installment on this last beautiful Caturday of National Cat Month.
For the grand finale, I’d like to shine a light on my amazing tour guides and companions. In case you’re not familiar with my travels around the United States, I’ve arranged to meet with a local crustacean in each state. I mean, I could totally find my own way around … but the locals usually know all the best spots. Let’s learn more about my travel companions!
Thaddeus's Travel Companions
Crabby, the Splendid Red Spooner Crab found in Hawai’i
Crabby was my guide during my visit to Hawai’i. Do you remember when he flagged me down in his multicolored lei in O’ahu? Ahh, fond memories! I can almost smell the ocean just thinking about it. What you might not have known about Crabby is that he is a Splendid Red Spooner Crab ... and he certainly is a splendid guide! Those crabs live in shallow tropical waters and love hanging out in coral reefs.
Crabster, the Red Rock Crab found in California
We all remember my rad tour guide from California, right? Crabster was the coolest and I loved cruising the coast in the sidecar on his scooter! Crabster is a Red Rock Crab, and yes, they are all just as awesome as Crabster. These crabs can be found along the western coast of North America from Alaska to south of California in Mexico. They are bright red in color and can have a shell width of up to six inches. Red Rock Crabs, like most crabs, can regenerate lost limbs … that sounds like a pretty useful trait!
Craybella, the Red Swamp Crayfish found in Nevada
Remember Craybella, our avid rock climber friend from Nevada? We went ATVing around the Nevada landscape together! This tenacious crustacean is a Red Swamp Crayfish. These little guys and gals are mostly nocturnal and live in freshwater sources. They look like tiny lobsters! They really enjoy living in warmer waters with mud or sand bottoms where they can make burrows. They can plug these up and survive dry spells for months!
Patches, the Pilose Crayfish found in Utah
Patches was the equestrian in Utah that took us all over on horseback! He is known as a Pilose Crayfish. Although Utah has hundreds of species of crayfish, the Pilose Crayfish is the only one native to the state. They are found in northern Utah in the drainages of Bear River, Weber River, Ogden River, and the Raft River Mountains. They love clear, fresh water and rocky habitats.I’m so lucky to have these little guides showing me around their states. I wonder who we will meet next?
Take Geography to New Heights!
Our geography enrichment units are immersive downloads that guide your students through each state in the USA. Featuring engaging journal entries from Thaddeus, our traveling cat, as well as hands-on activities, reading and comprehension questions, and writing exercises, these units create an unforgettable learning adventure that brings geography to life.
