A monthly survey insects and spiders in California. The overarching purpose of this effort is to sample arthropods from across the state and more broadly the region for the purpose of taxonomic and ecological studies. Read more
Undergraduate Research at Mt. Diablo
The velvet ants of Mt. Diablo: Mutillidae diversity and natural history
Mutillidae are usually referred to as Velvet Ants because of their hairy, ant-like appearance. They are not ants, but actually solitary parasitic wasps that are mostly nocturnal with some females being active in the last couple hours of daylight. Mutillids tend to occur where hosts dig their nests and are often found in open, dry, sunny, sandy areas. Read more
Monitoring of adult intermittent stream insects in Curry Creek Canyon
California is characterized by a mediterranean climate, in which hot, dry summers, are followed by cool, wet winters. Many mediterranean climate streams have intermittent flows in which the streams dry completely during the summer months and water only appears as isolated pool habitats. Read more