I have seen very little insect life, in terms of number, variety of species and size of individuals, compared to previous summers. Mostly there have been tiny moths and beetles of about 1/2 inch length or less. Some species, like Web Spinners or embioptera, are diminishing in numbers. Years ago there were clouds of them around my house, this summer I saw about a dozen individuals, one a week or so. I attribute this lack of diversity and number to the continued dry conditions, and to the required brush clearance in hillside areas, which removes much of the habitat for insects and other wildlife.
Moss canyon is a single, undeveloped valley with sloping sides about 30 feet high, and no side canyons. It forms a straight line beginning at the end of pavement of Moss Avenue, and ends about 1/4 mile to the NE, below Cazador Dr. This canyon supports numerous plants, birds & other creatures, many of them native species, others introduced or cultivated. All of the streets around Moss Canyon are residential. The 150 meter radius covers the entire valley from the end of Moss Dr, plus the streets above on both sides, and a portion of Cazador St at the northern end.
Moss Canyon can be described as having two parts:
1) Lower- which has a dry, open flat bottom, with a tire track road. The dominant vegetation is Prickly Russian Thistle (tumbleweed), and the sloping sides have numerous Southern California Walnut trees. I estimate their number to be about 500, regardless of size, age, or property. A more detailed count should be conducted.
2) Upper- which is narrow, the road becomes a footpath along the bottom and rises above erosion where water flows intermittently. The dominant vegetation here is non-native grasses, plus more walnut trees and other trees and shrubs. There is a small riparian area which supports laurel Sumac, Lemonade Berry and other plants. Any of these plants could have been planted here by people, or may occur here on their own.
