Critters





Although most vernal pool animals are small, their complex food webs sustain many larger species of birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Most of the critters in vernal pools are native to California and many survive only in vernal pools. We know little about them and less than half have been named.

Water Flea

A Water Flea swims in a jerky, hopping motion like a flea.  A carapace (shell) covers most of its body.  The carapace is hinged on...
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Aquatic Snails

Freshwater snails are not as colorful as their saltwater cousins.  In general, their shells come in shades of gray, brown, and black, often with
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Aquatic Beetles

The most common species of Aquatic Beetles in vernal pools come from two families: The Predaceous Diving Beetles (the Dytiscids) and the Water
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Flatworms

Although they are called flatworms, these invertebrates are not flat.  They are round-bodied with a flat belly.  They are longer than they
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Mosquito

Adult Mosquitoes are gray or black and have two scaly wings.  Females have a long, straw-like mouth for sucking blood.  Males look
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Solitary Bees

These are small bees, often mistaken for a fly, if not observed closely.  They are black or dark gray, sometimes with gray hairs on the...
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Water Mites

Several species of Water Mites live in vernal pools.  The most obvious one looks like a fat spider with a bright red, round body.  It...
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Bullfrog

The Bullfrog is a large green or brownish-green frog with long, strong legs for jumping. This frog usually has dark spots on its back and...
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Pacific Chorus Frog

The Pacific Chorus Frog is the only green or brown frog in our area with a dark “mask” across its eyes and “suction cups” on...
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