Diversity and Composition Of The Terrestrial Insect Fauna Of Canada De Los Osos Ecological Reserve

The Canada de los Osos (CDLO) Reserve is in the southern portion of the Mt. Hamilton Range Ca. approximately ten miles east of Gilroy.   CDLO reserve was identified by The Nature Conservancy as a high priority for protection  and conservation.  To date, nothing is known about the insect fauna of this diverse area.  The reserve is composed of roughly 4400 miles that encompasses a number of habitats including riparian, chaparral, mixed woodland, grassland, and aquatic habitats.  An insect survey was undertaken at CDLO Ecological Reserve to begin compiling the diversity and composition of the terrestrial insect fauna. Using a number of collecting methods including the use of black lights, mercury vapor lights, netting, pitfall and malaise traps, we collected a number of insects in four sampling sites over a five week period. Due to the sheer number of insects collected, only data for the Coleoptera were tabulated. Our results are reported herein.