Spotting Insects and Minibeasts at The Agua Hedionda Lagoon

The Lagoon is home to almost 200 different species of insects, invertebrates and minibeasts

Spider in its web, white and black striped abdomen, green and blurred background.

that you can spot whilst you are visiting. They are an extremely important part of the thriving ecosystem, and of course food for many of the birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals that make their home at the Lagoon. The sheet abundance of the insects means that the other wildlife can thrive. The insects are also valuable pollinators, ensuring that the plants and flowers in the area continue to grow. The Lagoon is a fragile ecosystem , but the insects and invertebrates are an extremely valuable part of this habitat.

Invertebrate hunters

Water Striders are commonly found skating on the surface of the Lagoon waters. The Strider’s extra-long back legs help to balance the insect, so that it can float gracefully along. The Water Strider makes a delicious meal for Salamanders, Bullfrogs, Perch and Bass. The Water Strider itself however feeds on dead insects, as well as taking advantage of injured insects - even dragonflies. The Water Strider isn’t the only insect that feeds on others. There are many different species of arachnid to be found outside. Spiders are a type of invertebrate - they have an exoskeleton, paired jointed legs and a segmented body. Around the Lagoon, look out for the Whip Spider, the Tent Spider and the Horned Spider. Like Water Striders, Spiders also hunt other insects, making a meal of flies and mosquitoes, which are plentiful in the area.

Red dragonfly perched on a thin, dry twig with a blurred green background.

Beautiful Dragonflies

The Lagoon is a haven for dragonflies and damselflies who are drawn towards the water. Southern California is home to 77 different species, many of which can be spotted at the Lagoon. The adult Dragonflies have a diet of mosquitoes, which are often found hovering just above the water. The dragonfly larva can live in the water for up to 2 years before they finally take flight. In prehistoric times, there were several species of dragonfly that had a wingspan of 2 feet. The biggest dragonflies you will find at the Lagoon have a wingspan of a few inches. These include the California Spreadwing, the California Dancer and the Pacific Forktail.

Red and iridescent beetle on green leaf.

Beetles and Bugs

The marshlands are home to many beetles and bugs that enjoy living in a damp habitat. Look out for the Pill Bug, which is extremely common. These interesting insects have actually evolved from crustaceans, and now live completely on land. Note the similarity in body armour to the lobster. In the Lagoon area, you will also find Scavenger Water Beetles, Long Toed Water Beetles, Minute Marsh-Loving Beetles and Ground Beetles. These beetles are herbivores, living on a diet of leaves, stems, roots and even wood. In an area as abundant as the Lagoon, there is plenty for them to eat.

The Lagoon is plentiful with insects, invertebrates, arachnids and other minibeasts. When you visit, take your notebook with you and see how many you can spot.

“By Sara Zipf”

share this

Related Articles

Annual Members Meeting and Discovery Island Ribbon Cutting Recap

October 20, 2026
Members Make It Happen On Saturday, October 17, members of the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation gathered at the Discovery Campus for our Annual Members Meeting and the official ribbon cutting of Discovery Island. Thirty two voting memberships were represented as we ratified, re-elected and elected our Board of Directors, celebrated a year of impact, and looked ahead to what comes next for the lagoon and the people who love it. Thank you to Señor Grubby’s for providing the breakfast bar and to Peak Dentistry, our Campus Coffee Sponsor. Our 2026 Board of Directors Members voted on the following board members: Ratified: Laurie Gonzalez, Anne Master, Christina Nichols, Ray Pearson and Mike Stoliker Re-elected: Frank Ortega and Taylor Sais Newly elected: Jenna Dotson and Michael Metts We extended a heartfelt thank you to Julie Gibbs for her two years of leadership as Chairwoman. Julie continues on the board as our Immediate Past Chairwoman. We also welcomed our new executive slate: Chair: Frank Ortega (previously Vice Chair) Vice Chair: Michael Metts Treasurer: Steve Baker (returning) Secretary: Vinit Ahooja (returning) A Year of Impact and a Look Ahead Members reviewed our Annual Impact 2026 report , then turned to the future of our educational programs and our niche: exceptional environmental education. A few highlights: Accreditation: Our certification with the American Camp Association is in process. Little Agua Learners: We are assembling our licensing documents for the Little Agua Learners Licensed Preschool. City designation: We received a designation letter from the City of Carlsbad expanding our business classification from travel serving visitor commercial and gift shop to include education. Fire safety: We completed the fire inspection updates required for licensing. The David C. Copley Foundation: We were invited to apply for the foundation’s invitation only grant in January. Nordson: Big cheers to Nordson for supporting our Academy for Environmental Stewardship with $25,000, and for their partnership with us throughout the year. Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians: The Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians has made a three year commitment at the $5,000 Community Partnership level. California Climate Action Corps: AHLF is proud to be a host site for the California Climate Action Corps, a State of California program. We welcomed a new fellow for the year and look forward to welcoming a winter fellow in January. Thank you to the many community partners who make our work possible. Celebrating Our Board Rookie of the Year: Anne Master. Anne jumped in from day one. She has shown up to every event and took on the review and editing of our bylaws. The updated bylaws are now available on our website . Board Member of the Year: Frank Ortega. Frank volunteers twice a week on campus and on the trails, and no job is too dirty for him. One moment stands out: on one of the hottest days of the year, Frank helped carry a refrigerator up 17 flights of stairs. All in the name of service. Thank you, Frank! Discovery Island Is Officially Open The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce joined us to cut the ribbon on Discovery Island, our newest exhibit space at the Discovery Campus. We were honored to receive a proclamation from Senator Catherine Blakespear’s office marking the occasion. Kent Zapata shared remarks as we officially announced the opening. Kent is supporting one of Discovery Island’s featured exhibits, Jennifer Muller’s Water Lab, with a pledge of $5,000 a year for two years. The Water Lab honors the memory of Jennifer Muller, whose passion for clean water and STEM education continues to inspire young engineers, scientists and environmental warriors. The Water Lab will be an interactive water station where visitors and students watch water move through different substrates. It will also host Watershed Wednesday talks as part of our Discover and Learn series. 

2026 Gala Recap

September 9, 2026
200 guests. One beautiful setting. An incredible community. 

Avian Adventure Day 2026 Recap

June 29, 2026
Bright and early on Sunday morning, more than 90 people gathered with binoculars and coffee in hand for a morning of birding, learning, and adventure. Participants of all ages kicked off the day with local birding experts Bobby Brett and Rick Grove, who introduced the basics of birdwatching before leading groups along the Discovery Trail and throughout the Discovery Campus. Along the way, guests spotted native birds, learned fascinating bird facts, and took turns viewing wildlife through high-powered spotting scopes. After a quick coffee refill, attendees gathered on beautiful Newell's Terrace for an unforgettable presentation by Hillary Hankey, founder of Avian Behavior Conservancy. Hillary and her team introduced four incredible avian ambassadors—the Swainson's Hawk, White-faced Owl, King Vulture, and White-necked Raven—giving guests the rare opportunity to see these remarkable birds up close while learning about their behaviors, adaptations, and conservation. The undeniable star of the show was the mischievous White-necked Raven, whose playful antics and impressive tricks had the audience laughing throughout the presentation. Following the program, guests met the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation's Raptor Specialists and interns while getting an up-close look at the birds of prey that call the Discovery Campus home. With a hands-on craft station for children, beautiful weather, and a meaningful way to celebrate Father's Day surrounded by nature, Avian Adventure Day was the perfect blend of education, exploration, and family fun.
ALL ARTICLES