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List of invertebrates of California facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

This article is a list of amazing invertebrate animals found in California. Invertebrates are simply animals that do not have a backbone. This list includes creatures living on land, in freshwater, and in the ocean. The different groups of animals are listed in alphabetical order.

Some species are special because they are endemic to California. This means they are found nowhere else in the world! Others are introduced species, meaning they were brought to California by people. Some of these introduced species can become invasive species, which means they spread and can harm the local environment.

Contents

Worms and Worm-like Animals

Acoelomorpha: Simple Worms

These are very simple, flat worms that live in the ocean. They are often tiny and can be hard to spot!

Species Common name
Polychoerus carmelensis

Annelida: Segmented Worms

This group includes many types of worms, like earthworms and marine worms. Many of the species listed here were first described by scientists Hulton Wood and Samuel James.

Species Common name
Allolobophora chlorotica
Aporrectodea caliginosa
Aporrectodea trapezoides
Aporrectodea tuberculata
Argilophilus papillifer
Argilophilus margaritae
Dendrobaena rubida
Diplocardia californiana
Diplocardia woodi
Diplocardia montana
Eisenia rosea
Eiseniella tetraedra
Lumbricidae juveniles
Microscolex dubius
Sabaco elongatus Tube worm
Glycera americana American bloodworm

Polychaeta: Bristle Worms

These are marine worms with bristles on their bodies. They come in many shapes and colors!

Species Common name
Arctonoe vittata Scaleworm
Dodecaceria fewkesi Fringed filament worm
Dorvillea moniloceras Candy-striped polychaete
Eudistylia polymorpha Giant feather duster worm
Ficopomatus enigmaticus Australian tubeworm
Halosydna brevisetosa Eighteen-scaled worm
Harmothoe imbricata Fifteen-scaled worm
Nereis vexillosa Pile worm
Phragmatopoma californica California sandcastle worm
Poeobius meseres Balloon worm
Serpula columbiana Red-trumpet tubeworm
Spirobranchus spinosus Panamic Christmas tree worm
Urechis caupo Fat innkeeper worm

Nematoda: Roundworms

These are unsegmented worms found in almost every environment. Many are microscopic.

Species Common name
Acanthonchus viviparus
Cyatholaimus jollaensis
Deontostoma arcticum
Deontostoma demani
Dorylaimopsis perfecta
Microlaimus macrolaimus
Paracanthonchus mortenseni
Paracanthonchus paramacrodon
Seuratiella californica
Seuratiella duplex
Seuratiella pedroensis
Skrjabinoclava hartwichi
Synonema californicum

Nemertea: Ribbon Worms

Ribbon worms are long, unsegmented worms, mostly found in marine environments.

Species Common name
Cerebratulus lineolatus Coe, 1905
Carcinonemertes errantia Wickham, 1978
Carcinonemertes kurisi Sadeghian & Santos, 2010
Carcinonemertes wickhami
Chunianna opaca Coe, 1954
Chunianna pacifica Coe, 1954
Chuniella tenella Coe, 1954
Cuneonemertes elongata Coe, 1954
Cuneonemertes obesa Coe, 1945
Dichonemertes hartmanae Coe, 1938
Malacobdella macomae Kozloff, 1991
Paradinonemertes macrostomum Coe
Poseidonemertes collaris Roe & Wickham, 1984
Acanthobothrium unilateralis Alexander, 1953
Tubonemertes aureola Coe, 1954

Platyhelminthes: Flatworms

This group includes flatworms, some of which are parasites, while others live freely in water.

Species Common name
Acanthobothrium brachyacanthum Riser, 1955
Acanthobothrium goldsteini Appy & Dailey, 1973
Acanthobothrium hispidum Riser, 1955
Acanthobothrium holorhini Alexander, 1953
Acanthobothrium maculatum Riser, 1955
Acanthobothrium microcephalus
Acanthobothrium olseni Dailey & Mudry, 1968
Acanthobothrium parviuncinatum Young, 1954
Acanthobothrium rhinobati Alexander, 1953
Acanthobothrium robustum Alexander, 1953
Acanthobothrium unilateralis Alexander, 1953
Collastoma pacifica Kozloff
Dendrocoelopsis hymanae Kawakatsu
Nexilis epichitonius Holleman & Hand
Notocomplana acticola Flatworm
Phagocata nivea tahoena Kawakatsu
Plehnia caeca Hyman, 1953
Polycelis monticola Kenk & Hampton
Polycelis sierrensis Kenk, 1973
Polychoerus carmelensis Costello & Costello
Sphalloplana californica Kenk, 1977

Sipuncula: Peanut Worms

These marine worms get their name because they can pull their front part into their body, making them look like a peanut.

Species Common name
Apionsoma murinae Cutler, 1969
Dendrostoma perimeces Fisher, 1928
Dendrostoma petraeum Fisher, 1928
Dendrostomum dyscritum Fisher, 1952
Phascolosoma agassizii Pacific Peanut Worm
Sipunculus nudus
Themiste dyscrita
Themiste hennahi
Themiste pyroides

Arthropoda: Insects, Crustaceans, and Spiders

Arthropods are animals with an exoskeleton (a hard outer shell), segmented bodies, and jointed legs. This group includes insects, crustaceans, and arachnids.

Crustacea: Crabs, Shrimp, and Barnacles

Crustaceans are mostly aquatic arthropods.

Species Common name
Balanus glandula Pacific acorn barnacle
Balanus nubilus Giant acorn barnacle
Chthamalus dalli Little brown barnacle
Dosima fascicularis Buoy barnacle
Lepas pacifica Pacific gooseneck barnacle
Megabalanus californicus California barnacle
Paraconcavus pacificus Red-striped acorn barnacle
Pollicipes polymerus Gooseneck barnacle
Semibalanus cariosus Thatched barnacle
Tetraclita rubescens Pink volcano barnacle

Decapoda: Crabs, Lobsters, and Shrimp

This group includes many familiar creatures with ten legs.

Species Common name
Syncaris pacifica California freshwater shrimp
Neotrypaea californiensis Bay ghost shrimp
Palaemon macrodactylus Korean shrimp
Loxorhynchus grandis Sheep crab
Taliepus nuttallii Southern kelp crab
Loxorhynchus crispatus Decorator crab
Oregonia gracilis Graceful decorator crab
Emerita analoga Pacific sand crab, pacific mole crab
Pachygrapsus crassipes Striped shore crab
Pyromaia tuberculata Spider crab, tuberculate pear crab
Carcinus maenas European green crab, green crab, green shore crab
Eriocheir sinensis Chinese mitten crab
Hemigrapsus oregonensis Yellow shore crab
Rhithropanopeus harrisii Harris crab
Randallia ornata Globe crab
Panulirus interruptus California spiny lobster

Isopoda: Isopods and Woodlice

Isopods are a diverse group, including marine species and land-dwelling "roly-polies."

Species Common name
Bathynomus giganteus Giant isopod
Elthusa californica
Elthusa vulgaris
Synidotea laevidorsalis
Alloniscus mirabilis Stuxberg, 1875
Alloniscus perconvexus Dana, 1856
Cubaris affinis Dana, 1854
Cubaris californica Budde-Lund, 1885
Venezillo arizonicus Mulaik and Mulaik, 1942
Venezillo microphthalmus Arcangeli, 1932
Armadillidium vulgare Latreille, 1804 Common pill-bug, common pill woodlouse, roly-poly, potato bug, slater, doodle bug
Armadilloniscus coronacapitalis Menzies, 1950
Armadilloniscus holmesi Arcangeli, 1933
Armadilloniscus lindahli Richardson, 1905
Detonella paillicornis Richardson, 1904
Ligia pallasii Brandt, 1833 Rock louse
Ligidium gracile Dana, 1856
Ligidium latum Jackson, 1923
Oniscus asellus Linnaeaus, 1758 Common woodlouse
Littorophiloscia richardsonae Holmes & Gay, 1909
Niambia capensis Dollfus, 1895
Platyarthrus aiasensis Legrand, 1953
Porcellio dilatatus Brandt, 1833
Porcellio laevis Latreille, 1804
Porcellio scaber Latreille, 1804
Porcellionides floria Garthwaite & Sassaman, 1985
Haplophthalmus danicus Budde-Lund, 1885 Terrestrial cave isopod
Tylos punctatus Holmes & Gay, 1909

Amphipoda: Amphipods

Amphipods are small crustaceans, often found in marine or freshwater environments.

Species Common name
Phronima sedentaria Barrel amphiopod

Insecta: Insects

California is home to over 30,000 different kinds of insects!

Coleoptera: Beetles

Beetles are known for their hard wing covers.

Species Common name
Cicindela ohlone Ohlone tiger beetle
Elaphrus viridis Delta green ground beetle
Desmocerus californicus dimorphus Valley elderberry longhorn beetle
Desmocerus californicus californicus California elderberry longhorn beetle
Polyphylla barbata Mount Hermon June beetle
Polyphylla decemlineata Ten-lined June beetle
Chrysochus cobaltinus Cobalt milkweed beetle
Diabrotica undecimpunctata Spotted cucumber beetle

Dermaptera: Earwigs

Earwigs are insects with pincers at the end of their bodies.

Species Common name
Euborellia annulipes Ring-legged Earwig
Forficula auricularia European earwig, common earwig
Labidura riparia Shore earwig

Diptera: Flies and Mosquitoes

This group includes all kinds of flies, from tiny gnats to larger robber flies.

Species Common name
Ablautus schlingeri Oso Flaco robber fly
Apiocera warneri Glamis sand fly
Brennania belkini Belkin's dune tabanid fly
Efferia antiochi Antioch efferian robberfly
Efferia macroxipha Glamis robberfly
Metapogon hurdi Hurd's metapogon robberfly
Paracoenia calida Wilbur Springs shore fly
Rhaphiomidas terminatus abdominalis Delhi Sands flower-loving fly

Embiidina: Webspinners

Webspinners are small insects that live in silken tunnels.

Species Common name
Haploembia solieri Bicolored webspinner
Haploembia tarsalis Pink webspinner
Oligotoma nigra Black webspinner
Oligotoma saundersii Saunders' webspinner

Hemiptera: True Bugs

This order includes many insects known as "true bugs."

Species Common name
Oravelia pege Dry Creek cliff strider bug
Saldula usingeri Wilbur Springs shorebug

Hymenoptera: Bees, Wasps, and Ants

Hymenoptera are a large group of insects, many of which are important pollinators.

Species Common name
Apis mellifera Western honey bee, European honey bee
Bombus crotchii Crotch bumble bee
Bombus suckleyi Suckley cuckoo bumble bee
Bombus occidentalis occidentalis Western bumble bee
Bombus franklini Franklin bumble bee
Chalybion californicum Blue mud wasp, mud dauber
Pepsis pallidolimbata Tarantula hawk
Polistes dominula European paper wasp
Sceliphron caementarium Black and yellow mud dauber
Sphex ichneumoneus Great golden digger wasp
Vespula sulphurea California yellowjacket, western yellowjacket

Lepidoptera: Butterflies and Moths

California has many beautiful butterflies and moths.

Hesperiidae: Skippers

Skippers are small to medium-sized butterflies known for their quick, darting flight.

Species Common name
Pyrgus ruralis lagunae Laguna Mountains skipper
Pyrgus communis Common checkered skipper
Ochlodes sylvanoides Woodland skipper
Ochlodes yuma Yuma skipper
Hylephila phyleus Fiery skipper
Poanes melane Umber skipper
Amblyscirtes vialis Roadside skipper
Atalopedes campestris Field skipper, sachem
Carterocephalus palaemon Arctic skipper
Epargyreus clarus Silver-spotted skipper
Heliopetes ericetorum Northern white skipper
Erynnis propertius Propertius duskywing
Erynnis tristis Mournful duskywing
Erynnis brizo lacustra Leathery oak duskywing, sleepy duskywing
Erynnis funeralis Funereal duskywing
Nymphalidae: Brush-footed Butterflies

This is a large family of butterflies, often with reduced front legs.

Species Common name
Speyeria zerene behrensii Behren's silverspot butterfly
Speyeria callippe Callippe fritillary
Speyeria callippe callippe Callippe silverspot butterfly
Speyeria zerene myrtleae Myrtle's silverspot butterfly
Speyeria zerene hippolyta Oregon silverspot butterfly
Euphydryas editha bayensis Bay checkerspot butterfly
Euphydryas editha quino Quino checkerspot
Euphydryas chalcedona Variable checkerspot
Vanessa atalanta Red admiral
Vanessa cardui Painted lady
Vanessa annabella West coast lady
Vanessa virginiensis American lady
Nymphalis antiopa Mourning cloak
Nymphalis californica California tortoiseshell
Nymphalis milberti Milbert's Tortoiseshell
Lycaenidae: Gossamer-winged Butterflies

This family includes small, delicate butterflies like blues, coppers, and hairstreaks.

Species Common name
Euphilotes enoptes smithi Smith's blue butterfly
Euphilotes battoides allyni El Segundo blue butterfly
Glaucopsyche lygdamus palosverdesensis Palos Verdes blue butterfly
Icaricia icarioides missionensis Mission blue butterfly
Incisalia mossii bayensis San Bruno elfin butterfly
Plebejus idas lotis Lotis blue butterfly
Riodinidae: Metalmarks

Metalmark butterflies are known for their small size and often metallic spots on their wings.

Species Common name
Apodemia mormo langei Lange's metalmark butterfly
Apodemia mormo Mormon metalmark
Sphingidae: Hawk Moths and Sphinx Moths

These moths are often large and strong flyers, sometimes mistaken for hummingbirds.

Species Common name
Euproserpinus euterpe Kern primrose sphinx moth
Eumorpha achemon Achemon sphinx
Hyles lineata White-lined sphinx
Papilionidae: Swallowtail Butterflies

Swallowtails are large, colorful butterflies, often with "tails" on their hindwings.

Species Common name
Battus philenor Pipevine swallowtail
Papilio zelicaon Anise swallowtail
Papilio rutulus Western tiger swallow
Papilio multicaudata Two-tailed swallowtail
Papilio eurymedon Pale swallowtail
Papilio indra Indra swallowtail
Parnassius clodius Clodius Parnassian
Parnassius phoebus behrii Behr's Parnassian

Mecoptera: Scorpionflies

Scorpionflies are insects with a long, beak-like mouthpart.

Species Common name
Orobittacus obscurus Gold rush hanging scorpionfly

Odonata: Dragonflies and Damselflies

These insects are known for their large eyes and two pairs of strong, transparent wings.

Anisoptera: Dragonflies

Dragonflies are usually larger and hold their wings out to the side when resting.

Species Common name
Aeshna palmata Paddle-tailed darner
Aeshna walkeri Walker's darner
Anax junius Common green darner
Anax walsinghami Giant darner
Cordulegaster dorsalis Pacific spiketail
Erpetogomphus compositus White-belted spiketail
Erpetogomphus lampropeltis Serpent ringtail
Macromia magnifica Western river cruiser
Octogomphus specularis Grappletail
Progomphus borealis Gray sanddragon
Rhionaeschna californica California darner
Rhionaeschna multicolor Blue-eyed darner
Rhionaeschna psilus Turquoise-tipped darner
Stylurus intricatus Brimstone clubtail
Stylurus plagiatus Russet-tipped clubtail
Libellulidae: Skimmers

Skimmers are a common family of dragonflies.

Species Common name
Brachymesia furcata Red-tailed pennant
Brechmorhoga mendax Pale-faced clubskimmer
Erythemis collocata Western pondhawk
Erythemis vesiculosa Great pondhawk
Erythrodiplax basifusca Plateau dragonlet
Libellula comanche Comanche skimmer
Libellula composita Bleached skimmer
Libellula croceipennis Neon skimmer
Libellula forensis Eight-spotted skimmer
Libellula luctuosa Window skimmer
Libellula nodisticta Hoary skimmer
Libellula pulchella Twelve-spotted skimmer
Libellula quadrimaculata Four-spotted skimmer
Libellula saturata Flame skimmer
Macrodiplax balteata Marl pennant
Orthemis ferruginea Roseate skimmer
Pachydiplax longipennis Blue dasher
Paltothemis lineatipes Red rock skimmer
Pantala flavescens Wandering glider
Pantala hymenaea Spot-winged glider
Perithemis intensa Mexican amberwing
Plathemis lydia Common whitetail
Plathemis subornata Desert whitetail
Pseudoleon superbus Filigree skimmer
Sympetrum corruptum Variegated meadowhawk
Sympetrum illotum Cardinal meadowhawk
Sympetrum madidum Red-veined meadowhawk
Sympetrum pallipes Striped meadowhawk
Sympetrum vicinum Autumn meadowhawk
Tramea calverti Striped saddlebag
Tramea lacerata Black saddlebag
Tramea onusta Red saddlebag
Zygoptera: Damselflies

Damselflies are usually smaller and hold their wings together over their back when resting.

Species Common name
Archilestes californicus California spreadwing
Archilestes grandis Greater spreadwing
Hetaerina americana American rubyspot
Lestes congener Spotted spreadwing
Lestes dryas Emerald spreadwing
Lestes stultus Black spreadwing
Coenagrionoidea: Narrow-winged Damselflies

This group includes many common damselflies.

Species Common name
Amphiagrion abbreviatum Western red damsel
Argia agrioides California dancer
Argia alberta Paiute dancer
Argia emma Emma's dancer
Argia hinei Lavender dancer
Argia lugens Sooty dancer
Argia moesta Powdered dancer
Argia nahuana Aztec dancer
Argia sedula Blue-ringed dancer
Argia vivida Vivid dancer
Enallagma annexum Northern bluet
Enallagma basidens Double-striped bluet
Enallagma carunculatum Tule bluet
Enallagma civile Familiar bluet
Enallagma praevarum Arroyo bluet
Ischnura barberi Dessert forktail
Ischnura cervula Pacific forktail
Ischnura denticollis Black-fronted forktail
Ischnura hastata Citrine forktail
Ischnura perparva Western forktail
Ischnura ramburii Rambur's forktail
Telebasis salva Desert firetail
Zoniagrion exclamationis Exclamation damsel

Orthoptera: Grasshoppers, Katydids, and Crickets

These insects are known for their jumping legs and often for making sounds.

Species Common name
Aglaothorax longipenni Santa Monica shieldback katydid
Ammopelmatus kelsoensis Kelso jerusalem cricket
Arphia behrensi California sulphur-winged grasshopper
Dissosteira pictipennis California rose-winged grasshopper
Stenopelmatus fuscus Jerusalem cricket
Trimerotropis infantilis Zayante band-winged grasshopper
Trimerotropis pallidipennis Pallid-winged grasshopper

Phthiraptera: Lice

Lice are small, wingless insects that are parasites.

Species Common name
Pediculus humanus capitis Head louse
Pediculus humanus corporis Body louse
Pthirus pubis Crab louse

Plecoptera: Stoneflies

Stoneflies are aquatic insects, often found in clean, cold water.

Species Common name
Capnia lacustra Lake Tahoe benthic stonefly

Trichoptera: Caddisflies

Caddisflies are moth-like insects whose larvae often build cases out of silk and other materials.

Species Common name
Cryptochia denningi Denning's cryptic caddisfly
Cryptochia excella Kings Canyon cryptochian caddisfly
Cryptochia shasta Confusion caddisfly
Diplectrona californica California diplectronan caddisfly
Ecclisomyia bilera Kings Creek ecclysomyian caddisfly
Farula praelonga Long-tailed caddisfly
Goeracea oregona Sagehen Creek goeracean caddisfly
Lepidostoma ermanae Cold Spring caddisfly
Limnephilus atercus Fort Dick limnephilus caddisfly
Neothremma genella Golden-horned caddisfly
Neothremma siskiyou Siskiyou caddisfly
Parapsyche extensa King's Creek parapsyche caddisfly
Rhyacophila lineata Castle Crags rhyacophilan caddisfly
Rhyacophila mosana Bilobed rhyacophilan caddisfly
Rhyacophila spinata Spiny rhyacophilan caddisfly

Thysanoptera: Thrips

Thrips are tiny, slender insects, often found on plants.

Species Common name
Aeolothrips collaris
Aeolothrips fasciatus Banded thrips
Aeolothrips kuwanaii
Caliothrips marginipennis
Erythrothrips arizonae
Erythrothrips keeni
Franklinothrips vespiformis Vespiform thrips
Klambothrips myopori Naio thrips
Liothrips ilex Toyon gall thrips
Heliothrips haemorrhoidalis Greenhouse thrips
Hercinothrips femoralis
Frankliniella occidentalis Western flower thrips
Gynaikothrips uzeli Weeping fig thrips
Echinothrips americanus
Heterothrips salicis
Frankliniella schultzei Common blossom thrips, cotton thrips
Hercinothrips bicinctus Banana silverling thrips
Macrophthalmothrips argus
Neohydatothrips moultoni
Neohydatothrips samayunkur French marigold thrips
Neurothrips magnafemoralis
Orothrips kelloggi
Parthenothrips dracaenae
Rhipidothrips gratiosus
Scolothrips sexmaculatus
Thrips tabaci Onion thrips

Arachnida: Spiders, Scorpions, and Mites

Arachnids are known for having eight legs.

Phthiraptera: Lice

Lice are small, wingless insects that are parasites.

Species Common name
Pediculus humanus capitis Head louse
Pediculus humanus corporis Body louse
Pthirus pubis Crab louse

Other Invertebrate Groups

Brachiopoda: Lamp Shells

Brachiopods are marine animals with two shells, similar to clams, but they are not closely related.

Species Common name
Laqueus californicus

Bryozoa: Moss Animals

Bryozoans are tiny aquatic animals that live in colonies, often forming moss-like or lacy structures.

Gymnolaemata: Marine Bryozoans

Most bryozoans in this class live in the ocean.

Species Common name
Amathia distans
Amathia verticillata Spaghetti bryozoan
Anguinella palmata
Antropora tincta
Bugula neritina Mossy bryozoan, brown bryozoan
Bugula pacifica
Bugulina californica Spiral bryozoan
Bugulina stolonifera
Celleporella hyalina
Celleporaria brunnea
Celleporina costazii
Celleporina robertsoniae Orange bryozoan
Conopeum reticulum Encrusting bryozoan
Cryptosula pallasiana Keyhole bryozoan
Dendrobeania lichenoides
Flustrellidra corniculata Leather bryozoan
Flustrellidra spinifera
Hincksina velata
Integripelta bilabiata Red bryozoan
Jellyella tuberculata Sargassum sea mat
Membranipora membranacea Kelp lace bryozoan
Membranipora villosa Lacy crust bryozoan
Pherusella brevituba
Phidolopora pacifica Lattice-work bryozoan
Primavelans insculpta Northern fluted bryozoan
Primavelans mexicana Southern fluted bryozoan
Schizoporella errata Branching bryozoan
Schizoporella unicornis
Thalamoporella californica
Tricellaria occidentalis
Watersipora cucullata Sub-ovoid bryozoan
Watersipora subatra
Watersipora subtorquata Red-rust bryozoan

Phylactolaemata: Freshwater Bryozoans

These bryozoans live in freshwater.

Species Common name
Cristatella mucedo
Pectinatella magnificia Magnificent bryozoan

Stenolaemata: Tube-shaped Bryozoans

This group of bryozoans often forms tube-like colonies.

Species Common name
Diaperoforma californica Southern staghorn coral
Disporella separata Purple encrusting bryozoan
Heteropora pacifica Northern staghorn bryozoan
Patinella radiata
Tubulipora pacifica

Chaetognatha: Arrow Worms

Arrow worms are small, transparent marine predators.

Species Common name
Sagitta elegans

Chordata: Tunicates

While most chordates have backbones (like us!), tunicates are simple marine animals that are part of this group.

Ascidiacea: Sea Squirts

Sea squirts are filter feeders that attach to surfaces in the ocean.

Species Common name
Aplidium californicum Sea Pork
Aplidium solidum Red Ascidian, Sea Pork
Clavelina huntsmani
Cystodytes lobatus
Didemnum carnulentum
Diplosoma listerianum
Distaplia smithi
Distaplia occidentalis
Eudistoma molle
Eudistoma psammion
Euherdmania claviformis
Polyclinum planum Elephant ear tunicate
Pycnoclavella stanleyi
Ritterella pulchra
Ritterella rubra
Synoicum parfustis
Trididemnum opacum
Ascidia ceratodes
Corella willmeriana Transparent tunicate, transparent sea squirt, solitary tunicate
Ciona savignyi Pacific transparent sea squirt or solitary sea squirt
Perophora annectens
Botryllus schlosseri Star tunicate
Boltenia villosa Spiny-headed tunicate, hairy sea squirt, bristly tunicate, stalked hairy sea squirt
Cnemidocarpa finmarkiensis Broad base sea squirt, red sea squirt, shiny orange sea squirt
Halocynthia igaboja Sea hedgehog, bristly tunicate
Metandrocarpa taylori
Pyura haustor Wrinkled seapump
Styela montereyensis Stalked tunicate, Monterey stalked tunicate
Styela clava Leathery sea squirt
Branchiostoma californiense
Molgula manhattensis
Botrylloides violaceus Chain tunicate
Botrylloides diegensis San Diego sea squirt
Ciona intestinalis

Cnidaria: Jellyfish, Anemones, and Corals

Cnidarians are aquatic animals with stinging cells.

Scyphozoa: True Jellyfish

These are the familiar bell-shaped jellyfish.

Species Common name
Atolla reynoldsi Deep-sea crown jelly
Aurelia coerulea Asian moon jelly
Aurelia labiata Moon jelly, greater moon jelly
Chrysaora colorata Purple-striped jelly
Chrysaora fuscescens Pacific sea nettle, West Coast sea nettle
Chrysaora achlyos Black sea nettle
Cyanea capillata Lion's mane jellyfish, giant jellyfish
Stygiomedusa gigantea Giant phantom jelly

Hydrozoa: Hydroids and Siphonophores

This group includes diverse forms, from tiny hydroids to complex siphonophores.

Species Common name
Aequorea victoria Crystal jelly
Colobonema sericeum Silky jelly
Erenna sirena Angler siphonophore
Velella velella By-the-wind-sailor, sea raft, little sail

Anthozoa: Sea Anemones and Corals

These cnidarians are often attached to the seafloor and look like flowers.

Species Common name
Anthomastus ritteri Mushroom soft coral
Anthopleura elegantissima Aggregating anemone
Anthopleura mariae
Anthopleura sola Sunburst anemone, starburst anemone
Anthopleura xanthogrammica Giant green anemone, green surf anemone
Balanophyllia elegans Orange cup coral
Cribrinopsis albopunctata White-spotted rose anemone
Diadumene lineata Orange-striped green anemone
Metridium senile Plumose anemone
Urticina clandestina Pacific stubby rose anemone
Urticina grebelnyi Painted anemone
Urticina piscivora Fish-eating anemone
Ptilosarcus gurneyi Orange sea pen
Renilla amethystina
Renilla koellikeri
Stylatula elongata Slender sea pen

Ctenophora: Comb Jellies

Comb jellies are similar to jellyfish but use comb-like plates to move.

Tentaculata: Tentacled Comb Jellies

These comb jellies have tentacles to catch food.

Species Common name
Bolinopsis microptera
Hormiphora californensis
Kiyohimea usagi Matsumoto & Robison, 1992
Lampocteis cruentiventer Bloody-belly comb jelly
Leucothea pulchra
Pleurobrachia bachei Pacific sea gooseberry

Nuda: Comb Jellies Without Tentacles

These comb jellies don't have tentacles.

Species Common name
Beroe abyssicola Abyssal comb jelly
Beroe cucumis Northern comb jelly
Beroe forskalli
Beroe ovata Brown comb jelly

Echinodermata: Sea Stars, Urchins, and Sand Dollars

Echinoderms are marine animals with spiny skin and a unique water vascular system.

Asteroidea: Sea Stars

Sea stars, also known as starfish, are well-known for their radial symmetry.

Species Common name
Astrometis sertulifera Fragile rainbow star
Astropecten armatus Spiny sand star
Astropecten verrilli California sand star
Dermasterias imbricata Leather star
Henricia leviuscula Pacific blood star
Henricia pumila Dwarf mottled henricia
Leptasterias hexactis Six-rayed star
Linckia columbiae Tamarisk sea star
Mediaster aequalis Vermilion star
Orthasterias koehleri Rainbow star
Patiria miniata Bat star
Pisaster brevispinus Pink sea star, giant pink sea star
Pisaster brevispinus Pink bay star
Pisaster giganteus Knobby sea star, giant spined star
Pisaster ochraceus Ocher sea star
Pycnopodia helianthoides Sunflower sea star

Ophiuroidea: Brittle Stars

Brittle stars have long, flexible arms that they use to move.

Species Common name
Amphiodia occidentalis Brittle star, long-armed brittle star
Amphiodia akosmos
Amphiodia urtica Burrowing brittle star

Echinoidea: Sea Urchins and Sand Dollars

These echinoderms have a rigid, spiny shell.

Species Common name
Agassizia scrobiculata
Arbacia stellata Black starry sea urchin
Brissus obesus
Dendraster excentricus Eccentric sand dollar
Lovenia cordiformis Heart urchin
Lytechinus pictus White sea urchin
Mesocentrotus franciscanus Red sea urchin
Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis Green sea urchin
Strongylocentrotus fragilis Fragile sea urchin
Strongylocentrotus purpuratus Purple sea urchin

Gastrotricha: Hairy-backed Animals

Gastrotrichs are tiny, worm-like animals that live in aquatic environments.

Species Common name
Chaetonotus cordiformis
Paraturbanella solitaria Todaro, M. A. Gastrotich
Urodasys anorektoxys Todaro & Hummon, 2000 Gastrotich

Loricifera: Brush-headed Animals

Loriciferans are tiny marine animals that live in sand and gravel.

Species Common name
Rugiloricus californiensis

Mollusca: Snails, Clams, and Octopuses

Molluscs are a large group of soft-bodied invertebrates, often with shells.

Bivalvia: Clams and Mussels

Bivalves have two hinged shells.

Mytilida: Mussels

Mussels are bivalves that often attach to rocks or other surfaces.

Species Common name
Mytilus californianus California mussel
Mytilus trossulus Bay mussel, foolish mussel
Mytilus galloprovincialis Mediterranean mussel
Musculista senhousia Green mussel
Geukensia demissa Atlantic ribbed marsh mussel, ribbed horsemussel
Ostreida: Oysters

Oysters are bivalves known for their irregular shells.

Species Common name
Ostrea lurida Olympia oyster
Crassostrea virginica Eastern oyster, American oyster, Atlantic oyster
Crassostrea gigas Pacific oyster, Japanese oyster, Miyagi oyster
Venerida: Venus Clams

This group includes many common clams.

Species Common name
Gemma gemma Gem clam
Pseudochama exogyra Jewel box clam, reversed chama
Ruditapes philippinarum Japanese littleneck
Myida: Softshell Clams

These clams often have thin, brittle shells.

Species Common name
Mya arenaria Atlantic softshell clam
Potamocorbula amurensis Overbite clam, Asian clam

Gastropoda: Snails and Slugs

Gastropods are a very diverse group, including snails with shells and slugs without.

Archaeogastropoda: Ancient Snails

This group includes some of the oldest types of snails.

Species Common name
Haliotis sorenseni White abalone
Haliotis cracherodii Black abalone
Lottia gigantea Owl limpet
Lottia scabra Rough limpet
Megathura crenulata Giant keyhole limpet
Fissurella volcano Volcano limpet
Pulmonata: Land Snails and Slugs

These gastropods breathe air using a lung-like organ.

Species Common name
Helminthoglypta walkeriana Banded Dune Snail, Morro shoulderband
Monadenia infumata Redwood sideband snail
Monadenia setosa Trinity bristle snail
Stylommatophora: Land Snails and Slugs

This is a large group of land snails and slugs.

Species Common name
Ariolimax buttoni Button's banana slug
Ariolimax columbianus Pacific banana slug
Ariolimax dolichophallus Slender banana slug
Lehmannia valentiana Three-banded garden slug, Valencia slug, greenhouse slug
Deroceras invadens Tramp slug
Deroceras reticulatum Gray field slug, milky slug
Arion hortensis Garden slug
Milax gagates Greenhouse slug, jet slug
Cornu aspersum (formerly named Helix aspersa Garden snail, European garden snail, brown garden snail
Oxychilus cellarius Cellar glass snail
Nudibranchia: Sea Slugs

Nudibranchs are colorful sea slugs without shells, often found in tide pools.

Species Common name
Coryphella trilineata Three-lined aeolid
Diaulula sandiegensis Dorid Nudibranch, San Diego dorid
Doris montereyensis Monterey dorid
Flabellinopsis iodinea Spanish shawl
Hermissenda crassicornis Thick-horned nudibranch, horned nudibranch
Hermissenda opalescens Opalescent nudibranch
Okenia rosacea Hopkin's rose
Peltodoris nobilis Noble dorid
Phidiana hiltoni Hilton's aeolid
Sakuraeolis enosimensis
Triopha catalinae Clown dorid
Triopha maculata Spotted dorid
Neotaenioglossa: Marine Snails

This group includes various marine snails.

Species Common name
Crepidula adunca Hooked slipper snail
Crepidula convexa Convex slipper snail
Crepidula plana Eastern white slipper snail
Neogastropoda: Marine Snails

These are a large group of predatory marine snails.

Species Common name
Busycotypus canaliculatus Channeled whelk
Californiconus californicus California cone
Callianax biplicata Purple olive snail
Ceratostoma foliatum Leafy hornmouth
Ilyanassa obsoleta Eastern mud snail
Kelletia kelletii Kellet's whelk
Pteropurpura festiva Festive murex
Urosalpinx cinerea Atlantic oyster drill
Trochida: Turban Snails

Turban snails have cone-shaped shells.

Species Common name
Tegula funebralis Black turban snail
Tegula brunnea Brown turban snail
Megastraea undosa Wavy turban
Norrisia norrisii Kelp snail
Littorinimorpha: Periwinkles

This group includes periwinkle snails, often found on rocky shores.

Species Common name
Dodecaceria fewkesi Tube snail
Littorina planaxis Eroded periwinkle
Aplysioidea: Sea Hares

Sea hares are large, soft-bodied sea slugs.

Species Common name
Aplysia californica California sea hare, California brown sea hare
Aplysia vaccaria Black sea hare
Cephalaspidea: Bubble Snails

These are marine slugs with small, often internal, shells.

Species Common name
Acteocina cerealis
Acteocina culcitella
Acteocina harpa
Acteocina inculta
Aglaja ocelligera Spotted aglaja
Bulla gouldiana Cloudy bubble snail
Cylichna diegensis
Diaphana californica California diaphana
Gastropteron pacificum Pacific batwing seaslug
Haminoea vesicula Blister glassy-bubble
Haminoea virescens Green bubble snail
Haloa japonica Japanese bubble snail
Melanochlamys diomedea Albatross aglaja
Navanax inermis California aglaja
Navanax polyalphos
Philine auriformis New Zealand tortellini snail
Philine orientalis Oriental tortellini snail
Cerithioidea: Horn Snails

This group includes various marine snails, often with tall, pointed shells.

Species Common name
Alabina barbarensis Bartsch, 1911
Alabina californica Dall & Bartsch, 1901
Alabina hamlini Bartsch, 1911
Alabina monicenis Bartsch, 1911
Alabina phanea Bartsch, 1911
Alabina tenuisculpta Bartsch, 1911

Cephalopoda: Octopuses and Squids

Cephalopods are intelligent marine molluscs with arms or tentacles.

Species Common name
Abraliopsis falco Young, 1972
Bathyteuthis berryi Roper, 1968
Chiroteuthis calyx Young, 1972
Cirroteuthis macrope Berry, 1911 Vampire squid
Eledonella heathi Berry, 1911
Galiteuthis phyllura Berry, 1911 Cockatoo squid
Gonatus californiensis Young, 1972
Gonatus onyx Young, 1972 Clawed armhook squid, black-eyed squid
Gonatus pyros Young, 1972 Fiery gonate squid, fiery armhook squid
Loligo opalescens Inshore opalescent squid, market squid
Octopoda: Octopuses

Octopuses are known for their eight arms and amazing camouflage abilities.

Species Common name
Argonauta argo Greater argonaut
Enteroctopus dofleini Giant Pacific octopus
Haliphron atlanticus Seven-armed octopus
Octopus bimaculatus Verrill's two-spot octopus
Octopus bimaculoides Two-spot octopus, lesser two-spot octopus
Octopus micropyrsus California's lilliput octopus
Octopus rubescens East Pacific red octopus, red octopus
Myopsida: Inshore Squids

This group includes squids that live closer to the coast.

Species Common name
Doryteuthis opalescens Opalescent inshore squid

Polyplacophora: Chitons

Chitons are marine molluscs with eight shell plates on their back.

Species Common name
Acanthochitona imperatrix Watters, 1981
Acanthopleura fluxa Carpenter, 1864
Cryptochiton stelleri Gumboot chiton
Cyanoplax hartwegii Hartweg's chiton
Katharina tunicata Black leather chiton
Lepidozona cooperi Cooper's chiton
Mopalia lignosa Woody chiton
Mopalia muscosa Mossy chiton
Nuttallina californica California spiny chiton
Nuttallina fluxa Spiny chiton
Stenoplax conspicua Conspicuous chiton
Tonicella lineata Lined chiton
Tonicella lokii Flame lined chiton

Phoronida: Horseshoe Worms

Horseshoe worms are small, tube-dwelling marine animals.

Species Common name
Phoronopsis californica
Phoronopsis harmeri

Porifera: Sponges

Sponges are simple, porous aquatic animals that filter food from water.

Demospongiae: Common Sponges

This is the largest class of sponges, with many different shapes and colors.

Species Common name
Halichondria bowerbanki Yellow sponge, yellow sun sponge
Clathria prolifera Red beard sponge
Tethya aurantia Orange puffball sponge
Oscarella carmela Slime sponge
Plakina bioxea
Tetractinomorpha: Four-rayed Sponges

These sponges have spicules (skeletal elements) with four rays.

Species Common name
Dercitus syrmatitus
Geodia agassizii
Geodia breviana
Geodia gibberosa White encrusting sponge
Geodia mesotriaena
Geodia mesotrianella
Geodia ovis
Geodia robusta megasterra
Penares cortius
Penares saccharis
Poecillastra rickettsi
Poecillastra tenuilaminaris
Sidonops angulata
Stelletta clarella
Stelletta estrella
Stoeba syrmatitus
Hadromerida: Boring Sponges

This group includes sponges that can bore into shells or rocks.

Species Common name
Cliona californiana Yellow boring sponge, sulphur sponge
Polymastia pachymastia
Polymastia pacifica
Protosuberites sisyrnus
Rhizaxinella gadus
Spheciospongia confoederata
Suberites latus
Suberites suberea
Tethya californiana
Timea authia
Spirophorida: Spiral Sponges

These sponges have spicules arranged in a spiral pattern.

Species Common name
Craniella arb
Tetilla mutabilis

Ceractinomorpha: Demosponges

This subclass includes many common and diverse sponges.

Species Common name
Acarnus erithacus
Artemisina archegona
Cyamon catalina
Cyamon koltuni
Cyamon neon
Iophon lamella
Iophon rayae
Myxillina: Soft Sponges

These sponges often have a soft, fleshy texture.

Species Common name
Acanthancora cyanocrypta
Isodyctya quatsinoensis
Phorbas californiana
Phorbas hoffmani
Plocamionida lyoni

Rotifera: Wheel Animals

Rotifers are microscopic aquatic animals known for the "wheel" of cilia around their mouths.

Species Common name
Brachionus quadridentatus
Brachionus variabilis
Colurella uncinata
Dicranophoroides caudatus
Genus Lecane
Genus Lepadella
Genus Mytilina
Otostephanos donneri
Philodina acuticornis
Philodina megalotrocha
Philodina roseola Common Rotifer
Philodina rugosa
Platyias quadricornis
Rotaria rotatoria
Rotaria tardigrada
Genus Squatinella
Stephanoceros fimbriatus

Tardigrada: Water Bears

Tardigrades are tiny, eight-legged animals famous for their ability to survive extreme conditions.

Species Common name
Batillipes gilmartini McGinty, 1969
Echiniscoides sigismundi Schultze, 1865
Echiniscus becki Schuster & Grigarick, 1966
Echiniscus blumi Richters, 1903
Multipseudechiniscus raneyi Grigarick et al., 1964
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List of invertebrates of California Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.