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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- Anthropology
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- Vertebrates
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- Fungi
- General
- Recently Asked
“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
“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...”
Amy, Carpinteria - December 5, 2022
“Hi there,
I recently found 2 shells near the capitola beach. I assumed that they were the same species, but I don't know which. I also don't know how old they are, if they are fossilized,...”
Ani, Fremont, Ca - December 3, 2022
“Hello there,
This afternoon, I noticed this large spider outside on the bench on my porch.
I live in Lompoc, and I have seen quite a few different species of spiders in my ga...”
Sara, Northern Lompoc - November 11, 2022
“Thank you very much again for the recent help with the fungus ID. I now have another request, an entomological one this time. These little ones have been hanging out in...”
Daryl, Santa Barbara - October 5, 2022
“What type of moth do you think this might be? It was the length of maybe a pinky finger.”
Kevin, Santa Barbara County - September 22, 2022
“I wondered if you think this could belong to a Mud Dauber Wasp. It's about 3-4 inches at the widest point. It seemed to get constructed very quickly, but I did not see the insect that built it....”
Kevin, Santa Barbara - August 24, 2022
“Hello,
I need a little direction as where to go to get some fossil shells identified and dated. The shells are from Platform Heritage (offshore from Gaviota) and 3-4 thousand feet deep in...”
Robert, Gaviota Coast - July 23, 2022
“Hello Dr. Gimmel, I found this bug on the kitchen counter this morning. It's about 3/16" long. I took this picture with a basic digital microscope.
I've been looki...”
Gary, Santa Barbara - July 23, 2022
“Can you identify this organism found on Butterfly Beach?”
Julie, Montecito, CA - July 6, 2022
