Local Bug News

Today's edition of the Union-Tribune features an article on Michael Wall, a former entomology curator at the San Diego Natural History Museum who was recently appointed director of the museum's Biodiversity Research Center of the Californias. What makes this interesting bug news is not just Mr. Wall's extensive education and experience in the field of entomology, but the enthusiasm he will bring to the area of biodiversity in San Diego. In the article, he is quoted as saying that bugs "have a special place in my heart." We won't take him too literally, but welcome the focus he brings to the insect populations in the county and the increased awareness the museum hopes to achieve.

Last May, Mr. Wall generated public interest with a BioBlitz in Balboa Park. Experienced scientists and volunteers conducted a 24-hour inventory of species found in the park, with nature hikes, science talks and museum exhibits as part of the day's activities. Another BioBlitz is planned for May 1 & 2, 2009. To visit the BioBlitz website, click here. Also available online is a site specific to the Entomology collection at the Museum of Natural History, which holds over 900,000 labeled specimens. The collection is especially strong in beetles and butterflies, and represents well the bugs of San Diego, Southern California, and northwestern Mexico. To see lists of specific insects in San Diego County, click here for butterflies, or here for spiders. There is also a checklist here that shows spiders of Baja California. If you are interested in California beetles, click here. 

From the FAQ section of this terrific website, we have the last word on San Diego's three resident tarantulas. They are not only shy and docile, their venom is considered non-toxic to humans. Local tarantulas are beneficial predators who feed on sowbugs, pillbugs, insects and even other spiders - making these big, scary-looking arachnids actually good bugs! We are grateful to the museum and its staff for supporting such a helpful and informative website.