The Coal Oil Point Reserve, part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, protects about 170 acres of coastal habitat near Santa Barbara, California. Coastal habitats in southern California have been heavily impacted by development, and the Reserve's dunes and salt marsh, especially, are important refuges for the many endemic species found in these habitats. Though they aren't the first to come to many people's mind, the insects represent the vast majority of these endemics. This site is an attempt to shed some popular light on the many interesting insects that can be found at the Reserve.

This project grew out of what was initially a beetle survey, conducted by M. Caterino as part of his California Beetle Project. Sampling beetles inevitably results in a diverse collection of other insects. A grant to C. Sandoval and M. Caterino through UCSB's Dr. Pearl Chase Fund allowed the processing of this additional material, to produce a representative collection of a large number of the Reserve's insects species. Through the links at left, you can learn more about the Reserve itself, our survey methods, and most importantly see photographs of over 300 species of insects that call Coal Oil Point their home.

Acknowledgments - This project was a team effort. Particular credit goes to Kathryn Wuelfing, a graduate student in the Bren School, for help with specimen preparation, and especially for most of the specimen photography and website building. Valerie Vance also assisted greatly with specimen preparation. Allison Borrell, Andrew Short, Richard Doutt, John Carson, R. Eckerd, and R. Scheinberg helped with fieldwork. Thanks go to Nick Lethaby for compiling and providing the butterfly and dragonfly species lists. We also appreciate the assistance of Don Chandler, Andrew Short, and Roger Burks for some of the identifications. Finally, the custodians of the Pearl Chase Fund are recognized for supporting this work.