Small
Mammals |
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The
Vole, or Meadow Mouse (Microtus richardsoni)
Similar in size to a mouse but has a less
pointed nose and smaller ears. It is found in grassy meadows and
hillsides. Its presence can be detected by narrow runways through
the grass. The Vole is active both night and day. Photo
by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences |
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Kangaroo
Rats (Dipodomys)
Kangaroo Rats vary in color from pale
yellow to dark brown. They have long hind legs, long tails, and
short front legs. the name 'kangaroo' comes from their excellent
jumping ability. The Kangaroo Rat is nocturnal and is the one of the
primary sources of food for predators such as owls, coyotes, and foxes. |
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Woodrats
(Neotoma fuscipes)
Woodrats are about the size of a house
rat. Their nests consist of mounds of sticks and brush and are found
at the base of dense brush or in live oak trees. Woodrats are
nocturnal and are one of the primary sources of food for predators such as
owls, coyotes, and foxes. Photo
by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Deer
Mouse (Peromyscus maniculatus)
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California
Academy of Sciences |
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California
Ground Squirrel (Citellus beecheyi)
The most common squirrel in the Cleveland
National Forest is the California Ground Squirrel. This active
brownish-grey animal lives in burrows, not in trees. It eats fruit,
seeds or leaves. Since ground squirrels are communal animals, they
are covered with fleas, ticks and lice. Photo
by credit Sherry Ballard, California Academy of Sciences |
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Northern
Flying Squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus)
In the wooded portion of the forest,
Northern Flying Squirrels can be found. these tiny squirrels have
glossy brown fur. Aided by a layer of loose skin along each of its
sides, a flying squirrel can glide from tree to tree. Stricktly
nocturnal, they are found only in deciduous or coniferous forests. Photo
by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences |
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Western
Grey Squirrel (Sciurus griseus)
the Western Gray Squirrel has a gray body,
dark feet, and bushy tail. It can be seen during the day primarily
in oak woodland or mixed conifer forests. It is primarily an acorn
eater. Photo by Alden M. Johnson,
California Academy of Sciences |
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Merriam
chipmunk (Eutamias merriami)
This inquisitive little chipmunk is a good
illustration of Gloger's principle: that mammals are less heavily
pigmented in drier habitats than in humid areas. You'll find this
chipmunk in both chaparral and mixed oak/pine forests. Photo
by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Brush
Rabbit (Sylvilagus bachmani)
The Brush Rabbit is a small brown rabbit
with a small white tail. it rarely uses a burrow, but stays close to
thick brush for cover. It makes runways through the brush to move
about more freely. |
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Desert
Cottontails (Sylvilagus auduboni)
These rabbits are larger and lighter in
color than the Brush Rabbit. They are found in foothills and low
valleys and are mainly active during the late afternoons and evenings.
Photo by credit Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles,
California Academy of Sciences |
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Blacktail
Jackrabbits (Lepus californicus)
Blacktail Jackrabbits are members of the
hare family and can be distinguished by their long ears, long hind legs
and black-tipped tails. They are most active at night. |
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Ornate
Shrew (Sorex ornatus)
These small mammals are found in the
forest. Shrews resemble mice but are primarily insect eaters.
Because of their high metabolic rate, shrews must consume their weight in
food three times daily. They will feed on snails, insects, worms,
and other small animals. |
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Gray
Shrew (Notisorex crawfordi)
These small mammals are found in the
forest. Shrews resemble mice but are primarily insect eaters.
Because of their high metabolic rate, shrews must consume their weight in
food three times daily. They will feed on snails, insects, worms,
and other small animals.
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Valley
Pocket Gopher (Thomomys bottae)
A mound of dirt 8 to 20 inches long marks
the burrow of the Valley Pocket Gopher. Although mounds are often
seen, it is rare to see the animal above ground. Its long claws and
sharp teeth are excellent tools for digging. |
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Longtail
Weasel (Mustela frenata)
The Longtail Weasel is a slender animal 9
to 101/2 inches long. The southwest version is characterized by a
brown body, white underparts and white marks framing the face. It is
one of the most vicious animals in California and will prey on animals
larger than itself. Photo by
Alden M. Johnson, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Ringtail
Cat (bassariscus astutus)
Little is known about the Ringtail Cat
population in the forest except that it exists. These animals are
about the size of a large squirrel. They feed on mice, birds, and
lizards, as well as fruit, insects and berries. The Forest Service
is currently studying these animals to estimate numbers and health of the
population. Photo by James T.
Johnson, California Academy of Sciences |
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Opossum
(Didelphis marsupialis)
Looking like a large gray rat, the Opossum
is often seen on the roadways at night. These animals eat fruit,
nuts, eggs, insects and carrion or dead meat. The opossum is the
only marsupial animal with a stomach pouch in the United States. the
young are born premature and complete their growth in the furlined pouch
of the female. Photo by Alden M.
Johnson, California Academy of Sciences |
Medium
Sized Mammals |
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Badger
(Taxidea taxus)
The Badger is a heavy-bodied,
yellowish-gray mammal. Note the white stripe on its head. Its
long claws are excellent tools for digging for lizards and small rodents
and also for making its den. It is mainly nocturnal. Its den
hole is 9 to 10 inches wide and oval in shape. Be cautious around
this animal; it's quick and fearless. Photo
by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Raccoon
(Procyon lotor)
"The Little Masked Bandit" or
Raccoon has a black mask and bushy tail with dark rings. Raccoons
will eat almost anything. They are usually found near water and are
active at night. Photo by credit
Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Striped
Skunk (Mephitis mephitis)
The Striped Skunk has a white stripe on its
head and running down its back. Both the Striped Skunk and the
Spotted Skunk feed on rats and mice and so are a help in controlling the
rodent population. Photo by Dr.
Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences |
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The
Spotted Skunk (Spilogale putorius)
The Spotted Skunk is marked with broken
white stripes giving it a spotted appearance. It is about the size
of a half grown kitten. Both the Striped Skunk and the Spotted Skunk
feed on rats and mice and so are a help in controlling the rodent
population. Photo by Alden M.
Johnson, California Academy of Sciences |
Larger
Mammals |
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Bobcats
(Lynx rufus)
named for the short "bobbed appearance
of their tail, Bobcats are mostly nocturnal. They vary in weight
from 15 to 35 pounds. A bobcat's coat is tawny brown with dark
spots. The Forest Service is currently studying the status of this
animal in the Santa Ana Mountains. Photo
by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Mountain
Lion (Felis concolor)
The elusive and shy Mountain Lion has a
tawny to gray coat. It hunts usually in evening or early morning for
deer and other mammals. Recently the Forest Service estimated that
18 to 21 lions inhabit the Cleveland National Forest. Photo
by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Coyote
(Canis latrans)
A common animal in the area is the
Coyote. It resembles a dog with a grayish-tan colored coat.
Coyotes kill many rodents, thereby performing a valuable service to
man. Their eerie howl can often be heard at night. Photo
by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences |
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Gray
Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
The Gray Fox is gray and rust in
color. This fox is quite shy and prefers dense woodland or
chaparral. When threatened it will climb trees to escape its
enemies. A slow runner, the gray fox can reach speeds of 28 miles
per hour for short distances. Photo
by Alden M. Johnson, California Academy of Sciences |
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Vulpes
macrotis; San Joaquin Kit Fox
photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California
Academy of Sciences
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Mule
Deer (Odocoileus hemionus)
Mule Deer are usually seen in the early
morning and evening. They feed on grasses, shrubs and bark of
certain trees. Males shed their antlers yearly. Hunting deer in
season is a positive factor for the deer heard. By keeping the
populations in control the herd stays healthy. In a non-controlled
situation, food shortages may occur and the members become sick and weak.
Photo by credit Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles,
California Academy of Sciences |
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Beaver
(Castor canadensis)
The Beaver was introduced to several
streams in the Cleveland National Forest in 1948 by California State Fish
and Game Department. Evidences of dams, runways, dens, and downed
trees indicate their presence. Photo
by Robert Potts, California Academy of Sciences |
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Black
Bear (Ursus americanus)
Sightings of Black Bear prints have been
recorded in recent years. Although he black bear is not native,
introduction could have come by private citizens releasing bears. Photo
by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
Common
Birds |
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Aphelocoma coerulescens
Scrub Jay
Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Larus occidentalis
Western Gull
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences |
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Pelecanus occidentalis californicus
California Brown Pelican
Photos by Dr. Antonio J. Ferreira, California Academy of Sciences |
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Buteo jamaicensis
Red-tailed Hawk
Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences |
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Aphelocoma californica californica
Western Scrubjay
Photo by Alden M. Johnson, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Podilymbus
podiceps
Pied-billed Grebe
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences |
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Aechmophorus
occidentalis
Western Grebe
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences |
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Phalacrocorax
auritus
Double-crested Cormorant
Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Anas
platyrhynchos
Mallard
Photos by Dr. Antonio J. Ferreira, California Academy of Science and
John White |
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Cathartes
aura
Turkey Vulture
Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Accipiter
cooperii
Cooper's Hawk
Photo by Larry Blakely |
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Falco
sparverius
American Kestrels
Photo by John R. Arnold, California Academy of Sciences and George W.
Robinson, California Academy of Sciences |
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Callipepla
californica
California Quail
Photo by H. Vannoy Davis, California Academy of Sciences |
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Casmerodius
albus
Great Egret
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences
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Ardea
herodias
Great Blue Heron
Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Charadrius
vociferus
Killdeer
Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Actitis
macularia
Spotted Sandpiper
Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Limnodromus
sp.
Dowitcher
Photo byMarguerite Gregory, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Gallinago
Gallinago
Common Snipe
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Larus
glaucescens
Glaucus-winged Gulls
Photo by Dr. G Dallas and Margaret Hanna, California Academy of
Sciences and Sherry Ballard, California Academy of Sciences |
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Larus
occidentalis
Western Gull
Photo by California Academy of Sciences. |
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Larus
californicus
California Gull
Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences |
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Larus
argentatus
Herring Gull
Photo by credit Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Rissa
tridactyla
Black-legged Kittywake
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Columba
livia
Rock Dove (domestic pigeon)
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles,
California Academy of Sciences
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Zenaida
macroura
Mourning Dove
Photo by Alden M. Johnson, California
Academy of Sciences |
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Geococcyx
californianus
Greater Roadrunner
Photo by Jules Strauss, California Academy of Sciences |
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Otus
asio
Common Screech Owl
Photo by John White |
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Bubo
virginianus
Great Horned Owl
Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences |
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Tyto
alba
Common Barn-owl
Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Calypte
anna
Anna's Hummingbird
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences |
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Melanerpes
formicivorus
Acorn Woodpecker
photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Hirundo
pyrrhonota
Cliff Swallow (nests)
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Cyanocitta
stelleri
Steller's Jay
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Aphelocoma
coerulescens
Scrub Jay
photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Corvus
corax
Common Raven
photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Mimus
polyglottos
Northern Mockingbird
Photo by Gordon H. Philip, California Academy of Sciences |
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Sialia
mexicana
Western Bluebird
Photo by Alden M. Johnson, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Sturnus
vulgaris
European Starling
Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences |
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Agelaius
phoeniceus
Red-winged Blackbird
Photo by Lorraine Elrod, California Academy of Sciences |
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Icterus
cucullatus
Hooded Oriole
photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Carpodacus
mexicanus
House Finch
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences |
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Passerculus
sandwichensis
Savannah Sparrow
Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences |
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Junco
hyemalis
Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences. |
Common
Reptiles |
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Elgaria
multicarinata multicarinata
California Alligator Lizard
Photo by Jens V. Vindum, California Academy of Sciences
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Lampropeltis
getula californiae
California Kingsnake
photo by credit Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of
Sciences
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Thamnophis
sirtalis infernalis
California Red-sided Garter Snake
Photo by Ted Brown, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Masticophis
flagellum
Coachwhip
Photo by California Academy of Sciences |
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Thamnophis
elegans terrestris
Coast Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans terrestris
Coast Garter Snake, Female
Photo by credit Ted Brown, California Academy of
Sciences
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Phrynosoma
coronatum
Coast Horned Lizard
Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Sauromalus
obesus
Common Chuckwalla
Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences and
Charles Webber, California Academy of Sciences |
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Dipsosaurus
doroalis
Desert Iguana
Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Gopherus
agassizii
Desert Tortoise
Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Pituophis
melanoleucus
Gopher Snake
Photo by California Academy of Sciences |
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Pituophis
melanoleucus catenifer
Pacific Gopher Snake
Photo by John H. Tashjian, California Academy of Sciences
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Crotalus
atrox
Western Diamondback Rattlesnake
Photo by John H. Tashjian, California Academy of Sciences and Gerald
and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Sceloporus
occidentalis occidentalis
Northwestern Fence Lizard
Photo by Jens V. Vindum, California Academy of Sciences and
credit J. Taylor, California Academy of Sciences
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Clemmys
marmorata
Western Pond Turtle
Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences and
Joyce Gross |
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Eumeces
skiltonianus
Western Skink
photo by credit R. Johnson, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Amphibians |
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Invertebrates |
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Lactrodectus
mactans
Black Widow Spider With Egg Sack
Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences |
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Bombus
sp.
Bumble Bee
Photo by Marguerite Gregory, California Academy of Sciences |
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Ladybug,
Ladybird
Photo by Albert P. Bekker, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Anatis
rathvoni
Ladybird Beetle (pupa)
Photo by T. W. Davies, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Danaus
plexippus
Monarch Butterfly
Photo by Albert P. Bekker, California Academy of Sciences |
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Pepsis
sp.
Tarantula Hawk
Photo by Gerald and Buff Corsi, California Academy of Sciences |
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Dragonfly
Photo by Albert P. Bekker, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Procambarus
clarkii
Freshwater Crayfish
Photo by George W. Robinson, California Academy of Sciences. |
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Apis
mellifera
Honey Bee
Photo by credit Dr. Antonio J. Ferreira, California Academy of Sciences |
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Lubber
Grasshopper
Photo by Dr. Lloyd Glenn Ingles, California Academy of Sciences |