These slugs are hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs. And while they mate all year round, they’re most active after the rain. Mating is a lengthy process that sometimes results in one slug biting off its mate’s reproductive organ — a process scientifically known as “apophallation.” They lay eggs under logs or leaves, but they’re not attentive parents: Banana slug hatchlings must fend for themselves.
Where to see banana slugs in the Bay Area after the rain
- Tilden Regional Park, Berkeley
- Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park, Oakland
- Muir Woods, Marin
- Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Santa Cruz
- Armstrong Redwoods, Sonoma
- Purisima Creek Redwoods, Half Moon Bay
- The Bear Valley Visitor Center, Point Reyes
California newts, looking for dates
In the winter rainy season, thousands of orange-brown California newts cross Bay Area roads, migrating from burrows to mating ponds. Like banana slugs, newts need moisture to survive — especially during this mini-migration season.
During the breeding season, male newts go through a dramatic change. Once in the water of the mating pond, they become bulkier, their tails flatten into fins to swim better, and they develop pads on their feet to allow them to clamp onto a female newt.
After mating, the newts produce clusters of eggs, which they sometimes munch on for extra protein. The eggs that survive grow into larvae and, after a few months, will leave the pond as adults — only to return when they themselves are ready to mate.
Where to see California newts in the Bay Area after the rain
- Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve
- Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park
- Sunol Regional Wilderness
- Las Trampas Regional Wilderness
- In ponds and small lakes
Get more tips on spotting newts in the wild.
Ladybugs in loving clusters
In winter, when their food source is low, ladybugs cluster together in the millions to stay warm, conserve energy and protect themselves from predators. This is also an excellent time for them to find a mate — and for you to spot them in such numbers, called “aggregations.”
The species more commonly found in the Bay — for example, at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park — are convergent ladybugs, one of 175 species native to California. The red color on their bodies is a defense mechanism against predators — a warning sign that they’re toxic. Over 5,000 species of ladybugs exist worldwide and come in different colors.
Where to see ladybugs in the Bay Area after the rain
The Stream trails at Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park in Oakland are a reliable spot to see ladybug aggregation. Hikers have also spotted aggregations at Santa Cruz Mountains State Park.
If you plan to see these colorful clusters, be sure to respect them by watching from a short distance. Collecting ladybugs from these aggregations is prohibited, as they might not survive their relocation.
