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.

“Hello! Is this a type of jumping spider? Thanks!”
Kevin, UCSB - October 25, 2023

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“Last night I saw this scorpion on the living room rug, and I put a drinking glass over it so I could take a picture.  It's just under 1 inch with it's tail curled up as in the photo.  We live in Santa...”
Gary, Santa Barbara - October 3, 2023

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“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 dab in...”
Cathy, Santa Paula - September 9, 2023

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“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 around my house (in Los...”
Karin, Buellton, CA - September 5, 2023

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“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 from wing tip to...”
Laurie, Santa Barbara - July 8, 2023

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“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

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“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

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“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 20 minutes, w...”
Kevin, UCSB - April 18, 2023

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“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

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“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 a sli...”
Amy, Carpinteria - December 5, 2022

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