California-native
Guides
Aceria paracalifornica
California Sagebrush Gall Mite
Aceria paracalifornica, commonly known as the California Sagebrush Gall Mite, is a species of eriophyid mite in the family Eriophyidae. As a member of the superfamily Eriophyoidea, it is a worm-like, four-legged mite that parasitizes plants. The genus Aceria includes numerous species that cause distinctive plant deformities including galls, witches' brooms, and leaf distortions. The specific epithet "paracalifornica" suggests a close relationship to or similarity with A. californica, a species associated with California sagebrush (Artemisia californica). Eriophyid mites in this genus are highly host-specific, typically specializing on a single plant species or genus.
Annaphila astrologa
Annaphila astrologa is a small day-flying owlet moth in the family Noctuidae, first described by William Barnes and James Halliday McDunnough in 1918. Unlike most noctuid moths, it is active during daylight hours and has been described as attractive in appearance. The species is associated with grassland habitats in California, where its larval host plant, whispering bells (Emmenanthe penduliflora), occurs.
Bidigitus platani
western sycamore sawfly
Bidigitus platani is a sawfly species in the family Tenthredinidae, commonly known as the western sycamore sawfly. The species name indicates an association with sycamore trees (Platanus species), particularly western sycamore (Platanus racemosa). As a member of the sawfly suborder Symphyta, adults are wasp-like in appearance but lack the constricted waist characteristic of many other Hymenoptera. Larvae are herbivorous and feed on host plant foliage.
Diadasia australis californica
Diadasia australis californica is a subspecies of ground-nesting bee in the family Apidae, described by Timberlake in 1940. The genus Diadasia comprises specialist bees that typically forage on specific plant families, with many species associated with morning glories (Convolvulaceae) or cacti. As a subspecies of Diadasia australis, it is native to western North America. The specific epithet "californica" indicates its occurrence in California.
Formica aerata
grey field ant
Formica aerata, commonly known as the grey field ant, is a species of ant in the family Formicidae. It is native to western North America and has been studied extensively in California vineyard ecosystems, where it disrupts biological control of mealybugs by tending them for honeydew. The species is active year-round when temperatures exceed 9°C, with peak foraging in spring before mealybug honeydew becomes available.
Hoplinus
stilt bugs
Hoplinus is a genus of stilt bugs (family Berytidae) comprising six described species. These insects are characterized by their elongated, slender bodies and exceptionally long legs that elevate them above plant surfaces. Research on Hoplinus echinatus has demonstrated their role as predators on sticky plants, where they navigate resinous surfaces to feed on trapped insect carrion and prey on herbivorous insects.
Neophyllura bicolor
Neophyllura bicolor is a species of psyllid (family Liviidae) described by Martin in 1931. It belongs to the superfamily Psylloidea, a group of small plant-feeding insects commonly known as jumping plant lice. The species epithet 'bicolor' suggests a two-toned color pattern. Records indicate it has been observed in California (CALOO).
Pacifastacus leniusculus
Signal Crayfish
The signal crayfish is a large North American freshwater crayfish introduced to Europe in the 1960s to replace declining native fisheries. It has become one of the most ecologically impactful invasive decapods in Europe, outcompeting native crayfish and serving as a carrier of crayfish plague (Aphanomyces astaci). The species establishes self-sustaining populations rapidly, with six age cohorts documented within a few years of introduction. It shows sex- and size-specific coloration patterns, with males displaying more saturated and brighter ventral claw surfaces than females, suggesting a role in intraspecific communication.
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binotatus
soldier beetle
Podabrus binotatus is a soldier beetle in the family Cantharidae. Adults are elongate beetles with soft, flexible wing covers that give rise to the common name 'leatherwings.' The species has been observed feeding on aphids and other soft-bodied insects in gardens. Like other cantharid beetles, it possesses defensive chemical glands.
Stenoptilodes antirrhina
snapdragon plume moth
Stenoptilodes antirrhina is a plume moth in the family Pterophoridae, commonly known as the snapdragon plume moth. It is native to California and has been introduced to greenhouses in the southeastern United States through transport of snapdragon cuttings. The larvae are leaf miners that feed internally within leaves of host plants in the Plantaginaceae family.