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 found this huge hornet looking thing outside our home in Santa Ynez. It's about an inch and a half, almost 2 inches. It's still alive and under glass right now. Can you tell me what it is and...”
Diana, Santa Ynez - November 21, 2020
“I am hoping you can help me with a TON of very strange insects that have shown up in our 50 gallon horse trough. In cleaning the bottom I scooped up about 50 of them along with the sludge. We ha...”
Cynthia, Santa Barbara County - November 9, 2020
“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
