Feature Fauna Fact Sheets

2025-12-05

Without a doubt, the killer whale is one of the most distinctive marine mammals in the world. Its size — seven to nine metres long and between four and five tones in weight — and its striking black-and-white colouring, and long, rounded body make it unmistakable.

2025-12-05

Large carpenter bees are massive—some of the biggest bees (17 to 23 mm) found in Canada—generally furry and dark-colored. Some species are completely black while others have white/creamy hairs on the upper body. There are about 10 species of Xylocopa in Canada and they tend to live in restricted areas: the Great Lakes region in the east and British Columbia are the two main regions where you can find them but they can be found elsewhere too.

2025-12-05

Small to large bees (seven to 25 mm), the Megachile genus show a wide range of sizes and forms among its species, the biggest being Megachile sculpturalis. Leafcutter bees are generally black with white hair on their upper body and stripes on their abdomen; but their body shape and hair patterns vary greatly. A common feature of this genus is the large mandible—with several teeth—that act like scissors to cut pieces of leaves.

2025-12-11

The leatherback sea turtle is the world’s largest reptile. It is significantly larger than all other marine turtles. The leatherback’s body is teardrop-shaped, tapering at the rear to a blunt point. The carapace, or upper shell, can grow to more than 2 m in length, and the turtle can weigh more than 900 kg.

2025-12-05

The little brown bat is the most common and widespread of Canada's nineteen species of bats. They are found across Canada to the northern edge of the boreal forest. Little brown bats weigh only seven to fourteen grams and have a wingspan of 22-27 centimetres. This species of bat is the one most closely associated with humans, as it is the most likely to take up residence in buildings.

2025-12-05

Long-horned bees are medium to large bees (10 to 17 mm) depending on species. They are named after the males’ extended antennas; there are 14 genera in this group that varies in morphology. In Canada, the main ones are Eucera (encompassing the squash bee previously presented), and Melissodes. Both genera have well-developed scopae on their hind legs with thick hairs that are usually white, orange or black.

2025-12-05

The shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus) is one of five species in the family commonly known as mackerel sharks which includes the great white shark and basking shark. The mako shark is described as spindle shaped, deep blue to purple above and white below, with a conical head, sharply pointed snout and crescent shaped caudal fin. The u-shaped mouth has large sharp teeth that protrude outside of the mouth even when closed. It can reach a maximum length of over 4 m.

2025-12-05

Masked bees are tiny (three to seven mm), wasp-like and relatively hairless. They are mostly black and have ivory or yellow markings on their face (hence their name), legs and upper body. There are about 20 recorded Hylaeus species in Canada.

2025-12-05

Small to medium-sized bees (seven to 15 mm), Osmia are stout and round in shape. Ranging from dark to metallic blue or green, they usually have lights hair on their body. Males have a white patch of hair on their face that is similar to a moustache, and they have long antennae. Osmia is a widespread genus in Canada.

2025-12-05

Mining bees are small to medium sized bees (six to 14 mm). Andrena is one of the largest bee genera and approximately 100 species thrive in Canada. They have a furry head and thorax with varying colors, from orange to whitish. All Andrena females have a patch of velvety hairs on their faces near their eyes, called facial foveae, but it’s usually hard to see it without a microscope. Different species show various hair patterns on their abdomen, with or without stripes.