California scorpions are easily identified by their unique shape.
Many visitors come to the state of California to enjoy its wonderful climate, but in reality, the state has many climates. The topography of the state is varied and produces differences in temperature, humidity and rainfall. This leads to a variety of insect life that populates the state. California is home to many of the insects that most people find throughout the United States, and some that are only found in mountainous or desert conditions. You can identify these species by looking for a few prominent features.
Instructions
Identify Insects & Bugs in California
1. Look at the overall type of insect. Scorpions are an easily recognizable insect, known by its distinctive crab-like shape with four pairs of legs, one pair of pinchers and a long segmented tail that curls to an end with a stinger. They can be found hiding under rocks and debris and are sometimes found in garages and homes. Some varieties are harmless and even beneficial, while others can be venomous. The bark scorpion's sting can produce severe pain and swelling at the site, difficulty breathing, twitching and convulsions, according to the University of California Davis. (See Reference 1) Children and the elderly are particular vulnerable to reactions from stings.
2. Inspect markings closely. California Viceroy butterflies are the common butterfly shape with double wings and are often mistaken for Monarch butterflies. The upperside is orange and black like the Monarch, but a thin black line is found along the hindwing, and hite dots in a single row are found in the marginal band. Males can often be found perched on vegetation or patrolling for females. Wingspan length is 2-1/2 to 3-3/8 inch. They are often seen in shrubby areas of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and along the eastern edge of the Cascades. (See Reference 2)
3. Observe distinguishing characteristics. The black widow spider, known for its poisonous bite, can be found in woodpiles, garages and any moist hidden area in California. It is distinguished by a black shiny body, round tail area which is the abdomen, and red or orange hourglass-shaped markings on its underside. The black widow measures from 1/2 to 1 inch long and produces a bite in a target shape, with a pale area encircled by a red ring. The bite can produce itching, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing and blood pressure elevation, according to the California Poison Control System, so use caution when in their habitat. (See reference 3)
4. Observe insect behavior. A blood-engorged conenose bug might be found indoors and even in your bed. It feeds by puncturing the host's skin in several areas about 1/4 inch apart along a straight line, and leaves a welt that itches for several days. It can produce severe allergic symptoms in some people. The insect is 1/2 to 3/4 inch long and dark brown to black in color. The head has 4-segmented antenna, large eyes and a 3-segment beak that extends below the body. The wings are held flat over the back. Adults can fly and are drawn to outside lights. (See Reference 4)
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