MTRP SEC I Q2
The Pinacate beetle, also known as the stink beetle are one of the native insects I have found at the Mission Trails Regional Park. This species was found walking on the ground and maybe in search of bits of plant matter for food on a hot day. These beetles have olive shape like body, six legs, and have jet black coloration. These appearance is what helped me Identify this insect. Stink beetles might not be able to fly but they do have a secret weapon, they can secrete bad smelling liquids from their behind that can deter ants and other predators off of its' current environment such as this regional park. Mission Trails Regional Park have a great amount of biodiversity especially to plants. One native plant species that captivated me by its elegant look are the Mimulus aurantiacus also knows as Orange Bush Monkey flower. I was able to identify this plant by its flower tubular base, orange color, and its five broad lobes. Although this flower seems like it will take a lot of water to grow by it's appearance, it actually needs little water to grow. The lesser the water it takes the better it looks. Monkey flower are found in many places of the Mission trails, it provides an ecological role to the birds such as hummingbirds and are deer proof.
Observations
Photos / Sounds
What
San Diego Monkeyflower (Diplacus × australis)Observer
inahmarie7Description
A very elegant shrub that exhibit rapid movement when lightly touch to the flowers white stigma
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