Carrizo Plain National Monument
The
Carrizo Plain is a long narrow valley that extends north and south in the central
coastal mountains of California between Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo in San Luis
Obispo County. It is 50 miles long and 15 miles wide. The plain was formed by the
San Andreas Fault, which runs along the eastern margin. The plain was dedicated
as a National Monument in 2001 by presidential proclamation. This spectacular region
is notable for being home to a number of rare and endangered species, including
the Kern Kit Fox and Kern Primrose Sphinx Moth. The Plain is known for its spectacular
wild flower displays in the spring.
Although the plants, mammals and birds are well known in the monument, little is
known about the insects. The Bohart Museum, in collaboration with the California
Department of Fish & Game began surveying the insects of the Carrizo Plain in
2003. We have assembled a preliminary database: