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 insect in our bathroom yesterday it was less than a quarter of an inch. Can you tell me what it is. Thank you”
Terry Holgate, Goleta - April 22, 2020
“These bugs infested my pomegranate tree last year, leaving little drill holes (for eggs?).
What are they and why have I seen them only once in 20 years?”
Jana, Goleta - April 8, 2020
“Hello. Today I saw this on a rock at Ellwood Beach. Perhaps it is a common creature, but I have never seen one before. There were only two on the same rock. Sorry I didn't think to...”
Lisa, Santa Barbara, CA - February 25, 2020
“Hello,
We found these chitons students Shell Beach in Pismo Beach. It was low tide and we were exploring the tide pools.
They were on the underside of the rock.
While examin...”
Maria, Santa Barbara, CA - January 27, 2020
“We found this shell at Hendry's Beach this week. Can you identify it?”
Jay, Santa Barbara - January 11, 2020
“It's about the side of 9pt felt tip pen dot. It didn't seem to jump. It crawled onto an iPad in our house. It didn't quite look like a dust mite or bed bug. We thought maybe a plant mite?”
Tom, Oxnard, CA - September 2, 2019
“Is this a Polyphemus Moth? I discovered this amazing moth on my front door doormat at 8:00 AM on July 30, 2019. The light above this door was on the entire night. I determined it was alive while...”
Anne, Santa Barbara - August 26, 2019
“Is this a praying mantis? It has been on my screen door for over a week. Is this insect normally found here in Santa Barbara?
Thanks!”
Molly, Santa Barbara - Upper East - August 13, 2019
“We have had a severe problem with chiggers in our Cleveland School area yard for decades. Only recently have they been positively identified. For years we were told chiggers were not present in...”
Lauren, Upper Eastside - August 5, 2019
“Can you help me identify this caterpillar? We found it in Carpinteria.
Thanks!”
Ananda Mahto, Carpinteria - July 10, 2019
