San Francisco seems to have fewer insect-watchers than bird-watchers, but we’re trying to post what we encounter in Sutro Forest. (This page isn’t strictly for insects; it also includes arthropods and other invertebrates.)
Cabbage white butterfly
Butterflies: We’ve seen Red Admirals, West Coast Painted Ladies, and Cabbage Whites. And we got this lovely Anise Swallowtail picture taken in March 2010 by Keith McCallister (posted with permission).
West Coast Painted Lady Butterfly in Sutro Forest
Red Admiral Butterfly in Sutro Forest
Anise Swallowtail – Photo Credit: Keith McAllister
two butterflies – umber skipper and anise swallowtail
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A Pumpkin Spider. Pumpkin spiders are interesting. Most of the year, they’re tiny and inconspicuous, but in the late fall they increase in size to these dramatic orange creatures, and build large webs. The picture below is the Halloween version!
Pumpkin Spider (Araneus trifolium), October 2009, Native Garden
There are various other insects and invertebrates, including a banana slug.
Banana slug
Earwig in Nasturtium Flower
Greenbottle fly
Yellow-faced Bumble bee on Hairy Gumweed
Some kind of bird food
honeybee on blackberry flowers sutro forest
Mount Sutro Forest 