Invertebrates
See our handy guide to critters found in local homes and our Central Coast Butterfly FAQ. Browse the insects and other terrestrial arthropods we’ve identified. Check out local marine invertebrates, particularly bivalve mollusks and intertidal organisms.
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- Recently Asked
“I believe we have quite a number of these spiders around our property but this had the biggest web so it may be actually be different from the rest? We have oak trees and it was suspended smack...”
Cathy, Santa Paula - September 9, 2023
“Last week, in Buellton, I saw this caterpillar. I have two questions:
Is it a swallowtail caterpillar?
Is this the right season for caterpillars? I've seen swallowtail flying aroun...”
Karin, Buellton, CA - September 5, 2023
“Hello,
The insect in the attached photos showed up outside the door to my home a few days ago and it is still there. The wings are 2 inches long and the insect is 3-3/4 inches long...”
Laurie, Santa Barbara - July 8, 2023
“Are you able to tell what type of fossil this is? I found it near Hendrys beach. I saw part of it sticking out then I broke the rock open and found some more inside.”
Natalie, Santa Barbara - May 24, 2023
“Hello!
Can you tell what type of grasshopper this is? I saw it out at UCSB West Campus.
Thank you!
Kevin”
Kevin, Goleta - May 15, 2023
“Hello!
Can you tell what type of bumblebee this is? It's the largest yellow one I've ever seen. It dwarfed the honey bees, but is not as large as a carpenter bee. I watched it for about 2...”
Kevin, UCSB - April 18, 2023
“Hello!
What type of bee is this? And are those two yellow balls pollen? This was taken at SBMNH on Sunday.
Thanks!”
Kevin, UCSB - February 27, 2023
“Hi- I live in Carp and always collect sea glass - the other day I came upon an object that has me curious if it is an old piece of pottery. It seems like old clay -- very smooth on one side with...”
Amy, Carpinteria - December 5, 2022
“Hi there,
I recently found 2 shells near the capitola beach. I assumed that they were the same species, but I don't know which. I also don't know how old they are, if they are fossilized,...”
Ani, Fremont, Ca - December 3, 2022
“Hello there,
This afternoon, I noticed this large spider outside on the bench on my porch.
I live in Lompoc, and I have seen quite a few different species of spiders in my ga...”
Sara, Northern Lompoc - November 11, 2022
