top of page
Insects of Baja
Queen Butterfly
(Danaus gilippus): This beautiful butterfly, closely related to the Monarch, features orange and brown wings with black borders and white spots. Its caterpillars feed on milkweed, making them unpalatable to predators, and adults are often seen fluttering in various habitats across the peninsula.
Black Witch Moth
(Ascalapha odorata): Known for its impressive size and often associated with folklore and superstition, this large, dark moth has intricate patterns of purples and pinks on its wings. It is a nocturnal flyer and a common sight around lights in Baja California
Giant Rhinoceros Beetle
(Dynastes hercules): While primarily found further south, some species of large rhinoceros beetles can be found in Baja California. Males possess impressive horns on their heads, used for battling rivals over mating rights or resources. These powerful beetles play a role in decomposition, feeding on decaying wood.Describe your image here.
Green Fig Beetle
(Cotinis mutabilis): This striking iridescent green beetle is a common sight in gardens and orchards, especially when fruit is ripening. While beautiful, they can be considered a pest as they feed on various soft fruits, contributing to their decay.
Darkling Beetles
(Family Tenebrionidae): Baja California is home to a diverse array of these heavily sculptured, often black or dark-colored beetles. Many are adapted to arid environments, with some species exhibiting unique behaviors like "head-standing" to collect moisture from fog.
Fiery Skipper
(Hylephila phyleus): A small, energetic butterfly, the fiery skipper is identifiable by its quick, darting flight and the fiery orange and brown coloration of the males. It is a common visitor to flowers, nectaring for energy across various habitats.
Western Honey Bee
(Apis mellifera): Though an introduced species, the Western honey bee is incredibly important for pollination in agricultural and natural ecosystems throughout Baja California. These social insects live in large colonies and are renowned for their honey production and complex communication dances.
Sierra Cacachilas Wandering Spider
(Califorctenus cacachilensis): This large, recently described cave-dwelling spider is endemic to the Sierra Cacachilas in Baja California Sur. While related to the notoriously venomous Brazilian wandering spiders, its venom is not considered dangerous to humans. Its discovery highlights the unique biodiversity found in the region's remote areas.
Baja California Tarantula
(Aphonopelma species): Several species of tarantulas belonging to the genus Aphonopelma can be found in Baja California, often spotted by wandering males during the fall. These large, hairy spiders are generally docile and pose little threat to humans. They typically live in burrows, emerging to hunt insects and small vertebrates.
Golden Silk Orbweaver
(Trichonephila clavipes): Known for its incredibly strong, golden-hued webs that can span several feet, this large and elegant spider is a remarkable sight. The females are much larger than the males and are often seen hanging in their intricate, wheel-shaped webs, waiting for prey.
Silver Garden Spider
(Argiope argentata): This striking orbweaver is easily identified by its silvery abdomen and distinctive zigzag patterns (stabilimenta) in its web. It is a common and beneficial predator in gardens, preying on a variety of insects
Spiny-backed Orbweaver
(Gasteracantha cancriformis): This uniquely shaped spider is easily recognized by the prominent, often colorful spines protruding from its abdomen. It builds classic orb webs in gardens and woodlands, effectively catching small flying insects. Despite its intimidating appearance, it is harmless to humans.
Woodlouse Hunter
(Dysdera crocata): This reddish-brown spider with large chelicerae (jaws) is specially adapted to hunt woodlice, its primary prey. It is nocturnal and often found in damp, secluded areas, and while its bite can be somewhat painful, it is not medically significant for humans.
Rothilena Funnel-Web Spiders
(Rothilena genus): This genus of funnel-web spiders is endemic to the Baja California Peninsula, with several species recently described. They construct sheet-like webs with a funnel retreat where they wait for prey, showcasing the unique evolutionary pathways within the region.
Desert Recluse
(Loxosceles deserta): Related to the brown recluse, this spider is found in northwestern Mexico, including parts of Baja California. It is a shy spider that prefers undisturbed areas, and while its venom can cause tissue damage, bites are rare as it avoids human contact.
Baja California Bark Scorpion
(Centruroides exilicauda): This is a slender, light-colored scorpion found throughout the Baja California Peninsula. While related to the highly venomous Arizona bark scorpion, C. exilicauda is generally considered less dangerous, though its sting can still be painful. They are nocturnal and often found under rocks or tree bark.
California Swollen-Stinger Scorpion
(Anuroctonus pococki): This relatively large scorpion is notable for the "swollen region" just before its stinger, particularly prominent in mature males. It is native to southern California and northern Baja California, and while its sting is painful, it is generally not serious. They are ambush predators that wait in their burrows for prey.
Arizona Hairy Scorpion
(Hadrurus arizonensis): As one of the largest scorpions in North America, this species can reach impressive sizes and is covered in fine hairs. It's a common desert dweller in Baja California, often found burrowing in sandy soils or under rocks. Its sting is painful but not typically life-threatening to healthy adults.
Stripedtail Scorpion
(Vaejovis spinigerus): This is one of the most common scorpion species in Baja California, recognizable by the stripes on its metasoma (tail). It is a burrowing scorpion found in various habitats, and while venomous, its sting is generally considered mild and not dangerous to humans.
Centruroides elegans
(Centruroides elegans): This species of bark scorpion is another member of the diverse Centruroides genus found in Baja California. Like other bark scorpions, it is relatively slender, and while its venom is less potent than some other Centruroides species, a sting can still cause discomfort and localized pain. It is a nocturnal hunter, preying on insects and other small invertebrates.
bottom of page