Golden Tortoise Beetle (Charidotella sexpunctata)- Pescadero, CA: 11/10/2012

Three Golden Tortoise Beetles battling over a mate. A type of leaf beetle, the Golden Tortoise Beetle feeds primarily on Morning Glory leaves. A beautiful Bay Area native insect.

Urban Herping: San Francisco- Part IV (4/12/2012)

Despite the daunting weather and the fact that it had rained throughout the night, I decided to bring a fellow SF native herper/friend to the area where I located an adult SF Alligator Lizard (Elgaria coerulea coerulea) a week ago. Both being San Francisco natives, we were both quite embarassed that we did not find reptiles, that is, snakes and lizards, more often within city limits. Well, now we know one particular spot in the Sunset is quite productive.

Under natural debris within the sandy, coast scrub habitat, I quickly flip a juvenile Elgaria. As this species is live bearing, this little guy was probably last year’s baby.

On another note, I also found the LARGEST darkling beetle i have ever seen! It was munching away on some California poppies. I guess it doesn’t respect our state flower.