Recently Asked
Learn what the community is asking about this season, with answers by Museum experts.
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- Recently Asked
“In a recent Instagram post, there was a picture of a Fairy Tub that was submitted. Do they glow in the dark? Do they glow under UV light? Do you know where I can find mushrooms/fungi that glow i...”
Tyrena, SBMNH - February 2, 2021
“Dear museum scientists,
while camping on Paradise Rd near the Santa Ynez River in August, I found what appears to be a tool of some sort in the dry river bed. I am hoping to hear if...”
Bret Klopfenstein, Ventura, CA - January 16, 2021
“What kind of nest is this? Large, deep, rounded with a depth of about 2 feet. Made with branches, not sticks. Very close to the ground, with a "front door"
Thank you!”
Carol, Valley Center California - January 10, 2021
“Are you interested in gathering this for the butterfly exhibit?”
Bruce, Santa Barbara - January 5, 2021
“Hi! I'm wondering if you can tell me about the age and possible origin of this fossil which we found when digging in our yard in the Ojai valley. It cracked open along the fossil line when it wa...”
Rose, Ojai, CA - November 28, 2020
“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 found this while digging in a creek bed on our property ( Cold Spring area) My question is, "what is it?"
Thank you for your time.”
David, Cold Spring area, Montecito - November 12, 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
“Hello,To whom shall I direct my inquiry on the identification of the snake in my attached photo?The photo was taken by my cousin John on the shore of Lake Isabella in Kern Co....”
Gail - October 6, 2020
