Photos / Sounds
What
Rough Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
Rough, spiky fruits. Three hand leaves and medium length stems.
Photos / Sounds
What
Oriental Latrine Fly (Chrysomya megacephala)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
-feeds in larval stage
-adults are reflect metallic blue-green on thorax
-found usually around fresh feces
-lifespan is around seven days
-biotic factor
- prefers warm climates
-could accidentally cause parasitic infestation
-7mm to 10mm
"I always wondered what the name of the fly was around animal poo. I'm joking, who would ever wonder about that?" -Carlos Martinez
Photos / Sounds
What
Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
- 18-25 inches in length with wingspan of four inches
-weighs two to four pounds
-rounded wing tips that do not
reach the tip of the tail
-Adult: brown above with lighter feather edges
-streaking on head
-biotic factor
-14 different colorations
-soar in wide circles over large field
"I freaking love birds!" -Carlos Martinez
Photos / Sounds
What
Angulate and Roundshouldered Orbweavers (Genus Araneus)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
It is of the Araneus genus. It is white with a triangle-like shape on its abdomen with black stripes on its rear legs.
Photos / Sounds
What
Athel Tamarisk (Tamarix aphylla)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
-Common names include: Athel pine, Athel tree, Athel tamarisk, and saltcedar
-small thin leaves arranged in disordered fashion
-gives tree a hairy look
-biotic factor
-18m (60 ft) high
-invasive species
-uses more water than native plants
-reproduce by speed or by suckering
"This tree reminds me of Christmas, it looks like the tree I accidentally burned down when I was nine." -Carlos Martinez
Photos / Sounds
What
Convergent Lady Beetle (Hippodamia convergens)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
Seven dotted coccinella with six legs. Can be identified in different colors; red, orange. In order to fly it open its outer shell and wings come from the inside.
Photos / Sounds
What
Placental Mammals (Infraclass Placentalia)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
Their tracks have a center lobe, which other cans do not. Their front prints are closely together, compared to a dog's which are symmetrically separated.
Photos / Sounds
What
Common Raven (Corvus corax)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
Similar to crows, bigger wings. Diamond shaped tail. Four long thin feathers (fingers).
Photos / Sounds
What
Western Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
A honey bee, in contrast with the stingless honey bee, is any bee that is a member of the genus Apis, primarily distinguished by the production and storage of honey and the construction of perennial, colonial nests from wax.
Photos / Sounds
What
California Aster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
-small subshrub
-produces two or more branches with daisies
-purple and yellow pistil
"This is the type of flower I would give to a loved one so they'd know that I care about them." -Carlos Martinez
Photos / Sounds
What
Typical Jumping Spiders (Subfamily Salticinae)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
This small jumping spider is about 1/4 inch long. It had caught a young nymph of some kind. Note how the pattern on its abdomen varies depending on the view. This is due to iridescent scales, which are shown above and especially below the white triangle in the close-up. These spiders do not spin a web, but they use silk drag lines when they jump to catch prey. Note the pair of eyes on the top of their head.
Photos / Sounds
What
Calyptrate Flies (Zoosubsection Calyptratae)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
Red eyes, six legged fly, two transparent wings and red bottom.
Photos / Sounds
What
Western Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana ssp. elegans)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
This lizard will be mostly identified by their brown colors. It can have a long or small tail and has four legs with five "fingers" each
Photos / Sounds
What
Section GeneaObserver
carlossofiaDescription
Long, has flower spiklets. Smooth in one direction, sharp in the other.
Photos / Sounds
What
California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
Common California shrub, flowers bloom in the late soring and summer. Its flowers were used by natives to create medicine tea which cured headaches and child diarrhea.
Photos / Sounds
What
California Paper Wasp (Polistes dorsalis ssp. californicus)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
Their name comes from their nest making; this insect will chew on wood and spit it in order to create their nest. These nests can be found in peculiar places and can be confused with other animals. The Common Paper Wasp has a light brown and yellow color and six legs.
Photos / Sounds
What
Argentine Ant (Linepithema humile)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
-2.5–4 mm long
-vary in color from dark brown to black
-parallel furrows or lines on the head and thorax
-pedicel, which connects the thorax and abdomen
two segments
-posterior/dorsal thorax
-has two spines
-project upward to the rear
--carry a stinger in the last abdominal segment
"Everyone dismisses Pavements Ants as regular everyday insects but there is much more to them than that." -Carlos Martinez
Photos / Sounds
What
Coast Cholla (Cylindropuntia prolifera)Observer
carlossofiaDescription
It is a Shrub-like Cactus with a flower that has pink petals and a yellow carpel.
