Top 20 Most Common Insects in Arcata
Insects: nature's miniature marvels, richly diverse and incredibly adaptable, thrive in Arcata's unique landscapes. From pollinators to pests, insects in Arcata play vital roles in environmental sustenance, diligently preserving the balance of our ecosystem. This list examines the 20 most commonly sighted, highlighting the dynamic relationship between a city's environments and its tiny inhabitants.
Most Common Insects
1. Spotted tussock moth
The spotted tussock moth (Lophocampa maculata) gets its name from the long tufts of hair it has as a caterpillar. The adults are a mix of yellow and brown while the larvae are a fuzzy pattern of yellow and black. These larvae are pests because they consume a wide range wood, including birch, oak, maple, and willow.
2. Crowned orbweaver
A common species of orb-weaver, crowned orbweaver (Araneus diadematus) builds large and noticeable webs. Only the females build webs, and they may prey upon their mates before, during or after engaging in sexual intercourse. Crowned orbweaver is reluctant to bite humans and will not do so unless scared or provoked. It avoids danger by vibrating in its web until it becomes a blur, confusing predators.
3. Isabella Tiger Moth
The isabella Tiger Moth (Pyrrharctia isabella) grows into the Isabella Tiger Moth. In folklore, the amount of brown on their band is said to determine the length of the upcoming winter. Over the winter it freezes completely. It prevents the damage of tissue by producing a liquid that preserves the tissue.
4. Western honey bee
Western honey bee（Apis mellifera） is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.
5. Common Rough Woodlouse
The common Rough Woodlouse is one of the most common woodlice, found throughout the world. Add that to its rough feel, and that's how it got its name, common rough woodlouse. Unlike other members of the family, these woodlice like to play dead rather than curl up in a ball to defend themselves. The common Rough Woodlouse was the inspiration for a mathematical algorithm because of its kinesis behavior.
6. Omnivorous looper
The wingspan is 3.5 - 4.5 cm. 
7. The striped shore crab
The striped shore crab spends half of its time out of the water, usually hiding in small cracks among rocks. It is well adapted to semi-terrestrial life and said to be able to thrive on land for up to 70 hours. When night falls and its predators are not active, the the striped shore crab emerges out from rock cervices, seeking food.
8. Seven-spotted ladybug
Seven-spotted ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata), known in North America as the "seven-spotted ladybug," is the most common species of ladybird in Europe and the official state insect of five U.S. states. While not native to North America, it has established itself there after being introduced to control aphid populations. Its bright coloring deters predators, and it may also play dead or secrete foul-smelling liquids to discourage consumption.
9. Forest Tent Caterpillar Moth
The forest Tent Caterpillar Moth larvae make silk "mats" to gather together and rest on. It even got its name, forest tent caterpillar moth, from this habit. These larvae are notorious for their ability to eat large amounts of leaves, and when a population outbreak occurs (which happens annually in some places), it can devastate an entire forest.
10. Dungeness crab
Despite its extremely hard shell, the dungeness crab is able to sense touch through the tiny hairs that cover its body. It is also able to regrow limbs when bitten off. A highly prized seafood, the dungeness crab is considered a delicacy and preferred over the Red rock crab (Cancer productus) due to its meatier limbs. It is the no.1 "single species" fishery in the state of Oregon, while the town of Port Angeles, WA, celebrates the Annual dungeness crab festival each year in October.
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