February 8, 2022 Coldwater Canyon Park

I took a chance on visiting this location as it was close by and I didn't know much about it. I read a few reviews on line and the consensus was that it was "not very busy"...something I always look for. Unfortunately, I'm not sure why several people noted that it wasn't very busy--maybe compared to Disneyland?? It was definitely the kind of place you go if you want to socialize, see and be seen.

I was disappointed, but because I was already there and scored a parking spot--the only one left so that should have told me something...I decided to look around. The trails are well groomed and it does appear that some of the vegetation has been planted; however, once you leave the vicinity of the parking area and associated buildings, the vegetation does appear to be natural.

Fortunately, there were a sizable number of California brittlebush plants which usually are great for insects. I managed to find a couple of warty leaf beetles again as well as a pair of mating streaktails (I don't think I've seen those mating before). Unfortunately, I found my first bagrada bugs of the season...mating of course, so I'm sure we'll see a bumper crop of these invasives soon.

My best finds of the day were a very cute little springtail as well as an unusual gall midge on the brittlebush. So in spite of not really enjoying my visit, I was able to find some new things. I probably will not be back to this place any time soon but I satisfied my curiosity and picked up a couple of interesting finds.

Posted on February 10, 2022 05:24 AM by