List of invertebrates of California facts for kids
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
- Arthropoda: Insects, Crustaceans, and Spiders
- Crustacea: Crabs, Shrimp, and Barnacles
- Insecta: Insects
- Coleoptera: Beetles
- Dermaptera: Earwigs
- Diptera: Flies and Mosquitoes
- Embiidina: Webspinners
- Hemiptera: True Bugs
- Hymenoptera: Bees, Wasps, and Ants
- Lepidoptera: Butterflies and Moths
- Mecoptera: Scorpionflies
- Odonata: Dragonflies and Damselflies
- Orthoptera: Grasshoppers, Katydids, and Crickets
- Phthiraptera: Lice
- Plecoptera: Stoneflies
- Trichoptera: Caddisflies
- Thysanoptera: Thrips
- Arachnida: Spiders, Scorpions, and Mites
- Other Invertebrate Groups
- Brachiopoda: Lamp Shells
- Bryozoa: Moss Animals
- Chaetognatha: Arrow Worms
- Chordata: Tunicates
- Cnidaria: Jellyfish, Anemones, and Corals
- Ctenophora: Comb Jellies
- Echinodermata: Sea Stars, Urchins, and Sand Dollars
- Gastrotricha: Hairy-backed Animals
- Loricifera: Brush-headed Animals
- Mollusca: Snails, Clams, and Octopuses
- Bivalvia: Clams and Mussels
- Gastropoda: Snails and Slugs
- Archaeogastropoda: Ancient Snails
- Pulmonata: Land Snails and Slugs
- Stylommatophora: Land Snails and Slugs
- Nudibranchia: Sea Slugs
- Neotaenioglossa: Marine Snails
- Neogastropoda: Marine Snails
- Trochida: Turban Snails
- Littorinimorpha: Periwinkles
- Aplysioidea: Sea Hares
- Cephalaspidea: Bubble Snails
- Cerithioidea: Horn Snails
- Cephalopoda: Octopuses and Squids
- Polyplacophora: Chitons
- Phoronida: Horseshoe Worms
- Porifera: Sponges
- Rotifera: Wheel Animals
- Tardigrada: Water Bears
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 |