The Vista Blog

The Western RCA Newsletter

Species Spotlight: Santa Ana Sucker

Species Spotlight: Santa Ana Sucker

The Santa Ana sucker (Catostomus santaanae) may be a small freshwater fish, but it plays a big role in southern California's river ecosystems. It has a dark gray back, a lighter belly, and a diet that includes algae, diatoms, detritus, and small aquatic insects. The...

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Species Spotlight: Rainbow Manzanita

Species Spotlight: Rainbow Manzanita

The Rainbow Manzanita (Arctostaphylos rainbowensis) is a fascinating plant that features evergreen leaves, reddish-brown bark, and charming pink, bell-shaped flowers. Named after the community of Rainbow by the San Diego/Riverside County Line near where the species...

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Species Spotlight: Delhi Sands Flower-Loving Fly

Species Spotlight: Delhi Sands Flower-Loving Fly

The Delhi Sands flower-loving fly (Rhaphiomidas terminates abdominalis) is a large eye-catching fly species that measures between half an inch and one and a half inches in length. It has a light brown body, long transparent wings, and striking emerald eyes. The larvae...

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