What
Western Boxelder Bug (Boisea rubrolineata)Observer
leepDescription
There were dozens of this red bug at the top of San Merrill Trail
What
Western Toad (Anaxyrus boreas)Observer
leepDescription
Not easily seen in this photo but he has the white dorsal stripe.
What
Black Nightshade Complex (Complex Solanum nigrum)Observer
leepDescription
White Nightshade with a lady bug. Saw some black berries on this plant also.
What
Mule Fat (Baccharis salicifolia)Observer
leepDescription
First time I saw it still with any remnant of flower
What
Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti)Observer
leepDescription
About 4' tall. Found in an alluvial area amongst black willow and willow weed.
What
Tall Evening Primrose (Oenothera elata)Observer
leepDescription
mostly dry but found this one flowering
What
Rough Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium)Observer
leepDescription
Tall straggly bush with thorny fruits
What
Gum Rock-Rose (Cistus ladanifer)Observer
leepDescription
The leaves look like Mulefat. Brown leathery pods. Found at over 3000 ft. Was probably transplanted by the Echo Mountain House Hotel way back when.
What
Pixie Cup and Reindeer Lichens (Genus Cladonia)Observer
leepDescription
Cupped shaped and on the rocks.
What
Bristle Mosses (Genus Orthotrichum)Observer
leepDescription
Growing side by side with lichen.
What
Eastwood's Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa)Observer
leepDescription
Hairy leaves both sides, red branches.
What
Western Side-blotched Lizard (Uta stansburiana ssp. elegans)Observer
leepDescription
I'm thinking a male with the large blotch.
What
California Broomsage (Lepidospartum squamatum)Observer
leepDescription
Golden flower heads on green stems
What
California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum)Observer
leepDescription
Rangy, thin bush about 2-3 feet tall with dry flowers
What
Western Sycamore (Platanus racemosa)Observer
leepDescription
Velvety large leaves, blotchy bark
What
Crofton Weed (Ageratina adenophora)Observer
leepDescription
Triangular leaf shape with toothed edges
What
Sooty Dancer (Argia lugens)Observer
leepDescription
This one looked different due to it's coloring. You can see a hint of blue under all the black. I don't know if that means that it is still going to become brighter blue or if it is old and losing it's color.
What
Vivid Dancer (Argia vivida)Observer
leepDescription
Hanging out by the stream on a rock. About 1-3/4" long
What
Phidippus adumbratusObserver
leepDescription
Also called the jumping spider. I can vouch for that. Made me jump. Found this on a canyon wall near a waterfall.