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.
Main
- Anthropology
- Rocks & Fossils
- Invertebrates
- Vertebrates
- Botany
- Astronomy
- Fungi
- General
- Recently Asked
“Hi. I was wondering what kind of praying mantis this is and do you know if it’s a male or female? If it’s a female is she pregnant?
Thanks”
Candice, Yorba Linda Ca - October 29, 2020
“Can you identify the spider that makes these beautiful bubble/balloon webs? I have never seen such interesting webs in Santa Barbara/Goleta area, only back at a family cabin in the Los Padr...”
Gail, Santa Barbara, CA - September 29, 2020
“Hi! Would anyone there know what makes the tracks in this (attached) photo? They are all over Hollywood Beach in Oxnard, usually around vegetation but not always. They appear to be so...”
Gene, Oxnard, CA - August 6, 2020
“Hi, upon doing some research, we discovered tachnid flies are killing our backyard Monarch Butterflies. We took a few Monarch caterpillars inside, in huge glass jars to watch them create chrysal...”
Erin Kelley, Santa Barbara - August 5, 2020
“Hi there,
I'm wondering if someone may be able to help me with an insect ID. Three days ago we noticed these guys all over our second story balcony, our front porch, sidewalk, and cars pa...”
Kelly Adams, Oxnard - June 1, 2020
“I live in Mumbai, India. I found this insect sitting on my house window. Is it a Mantis? If yes, then which species? There's currently lockdown in the country due to coronavirus. Are Mantes norm...”
Preet Zatakia, Mumbai, India - May 30, 2020
“My son is REALLY into dinosaurs and found the below at the beach and would LOVE help with an ID. Any advice?”
Jack Ucciferri, Carpinteria - May 27, 2020
“I came across it in my bathroom. When I placed a glass over it—in order to capture it and relocate it outside—it spun around faster than anything I've ever seen in my life.”
Erik Torkells, Montecito - May 9, 2020
“My son is completing his science project on our local tidepools. We've identified all specimens during our field study, except for the attached. Can you help? ”
Andrea, Coal Oil Point - May 9, 2020
“I saw these blonde and pink anemone friends at Goleta Beach, in addition to the regular blue ones, and I was w...”
Julian, Goleta - April 29, 2020
