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.

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