POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PLANTS AND ANIMALS
OF
THE WILDERNESS AREAS
OF
THE CITY OF GLENDORA

BY
DICK SWINNEY

CHAIRMEMBER
GLENDORA TRAILS COMMITTEE
JUNE 2003


TABLE OF CONTENTS

ANIMALS AND VECTORS

Most of the animals listed below are represented by preserved dead specimens in the private collection of Dick Swinney. Identification of the following animals was made by Dick Swinney. The materials used for this report have been modified to be particularly useful and relevant to users of Glendora’s Trail system. Information relating to organisms infecting and or inhabiting foothill dwellings, can be obtained by referring to the literature references sited for each topic. More technical and detailed information on each of the topics can also be obtained by referring to cited publications. I have no background in the chemistry of poisons or the field of infectious diseases, therefore I give complete credit to the sources listed throughout this publication. I have, however, studied and collected all types of organisms found in Glendora since I was a young boy. I have publications available on local birds, reptiles, amphibians, butterflies, dragonflies, threatened species and plants. I am currently in the process of identification of all other groups not mentioned, including mosses, fungi, mammals and invertebrates.

In 1915, the California legislature passed the “Mosquito Abatement Act”, which provided a way to develop a statewide program to control mosquitoes. In June of 1997, the Board of Trustees of the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito District approved a proposal to increase the District’s services from mosquito abatement to a full vector control program. The first rodent traps to be set under the new name of San Gabriel Valley Mosquito AND Vector Control District, was at a Glendora residence. Five of the 20 traps that were set, caught rodents; two rats, and three ground squirrels. These were the first blood samples taken by the expanding activities of the District.

A Vector is defined in the Health and Safety code as: “any animal capable of transmitting the causative agent (pathogen) of human disease or capable of producing human discomfort or injury, including but not limited to, mosquitoes, flies, other insects, ticks, mites, and rodents.”

The SGVM&VCD is comprised of 5 zones. Glendora is in Zone 3, along with Azusa and Covina.

San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District
1145 N. Azusa Canyon Road
West Covina, CA 91790
Tel: (626) 814-9466
Fax: (626) 337-5686
sgvmosquito.org

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Chapter Two
MAMMALS

For further information on the mammals listed in this report, consult the following references used in the preparation of this section:

California Mammals by E.W. Jameson, Jr. and Hans J. Peeters, University Of California Press, Berkeley, Los Angeles, London, 1988.

Squirrels Of The West by Tamara Hartson, Lone Pine Publishing, 1999.

Mammals Of The Pacific States California, Oregon, and Washington by Lloyd G. Ingles, Stanford University Press, Stanford, California, 1965.

As a general rule, no-one should attempt to touch unfamiliar animals, especially wild animals that appear to be sick,undernourished, dead or aggressive. These are more likely to be diseased or injured. All wild mammals are capable of biting and otherwise causing injuries regardless of how cute they look. The claws of skunks, opossums and raccoons, just to mention a few, can cut the skin and cause potential infections. Any of the wild animals of Glendora could be listed here, but common sense simply dictates that you should treat any wild animal as a potential danger if you get too close.

The Monrovia Health Department receives animals from the surrounding communities for identification and analysis of potentially dangerous diseases. As of 1996, no other species of animal except the Mexican Free-Tailed Bat had been diagnosed with rabies from those specimens received from the Glendora Animal Control.

BATS

Mexican Free-tailed Bat, Brazilian Free-tailed Bat, the Guano Bat - Tatarida brasiliensis

Seven species of bats have been identified within the city-limits of Glendora. The Mexican Free-Tailed Bat is the only bat species so far sent to the Monrovia facility by the Glendora Animal Control. Positive identification for rabies from Glendora bats were made in 1994-1995. From telephone conversation with Mark Spears of the Monrovia Health Department on December eleven, 1996, the Monrovia facility normally receives six Free-Tailed Bats per year from the the Glendora Animal Control. According to the Monrovia Health Department, the bat rabies is distinct from the raccoon and canine rabies types. A bat of this same species, found in Covina in 1996, tested positive for rabies.

An article by staff writer Andrew Bridges of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, May 6, 1998, reported that one bat, found in Monrovia in May of 1998, tested positive for
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rabies. This article stated that the rabies virus attacks the central nervous system.
Preventive treatment, although not as painful as it was decades ago, still involves a
four-week, $1,000 round of six shots.

According to Mark Spears of the Monrovia Health Department,1996, the treatment consists of Human Immuno Ivorax plus Rabies Immuno Globulin . The first two shots boost the immune system and are given the first and third day. Ivorax is administered on the seventh, fourteenth and twenty-eighth days.

Black Bear - Ursus americanus

Encounters with Black Bears within Glendora City limits have been numerous over the past fifteen years. Foothill neighborhoods are especially apt to have bear visitors during summer and fall months during years of scant rainfall. Eating from fruit trees and drinking from swimming pools, spas and ponds are activities which will most likely increase if the bear populations continue to increase. The Black Bears were introduced into the San Gabriel Mountains in 1933. They are all descendants of 11 bears deported from Yosemite National Park for being troublemakers.

Most foothill residents are learning to refrain from reporting bear and mountain sightings unless absolutely necessary. The killing of these animals is sometimes a result when law enforcement is asked to respond to requests for help and protection. Because of well publicized accounts of the killing of reported animals, most foothill community law enforcement agencies offer or require special training in dealing with such encounters. It is always wise to give a bear as much room as you possibly can.

Although I have not yet come across an incident of bear attack with injury in Glendora, a La Verne woman, Barbara Morales, suffered four to five puncture wounds and a possible broken arm from the bite of her left forearm from a bear on July 29, 2001. The incident took place at the Marshall Canyon Tree Farm. After being shot 5 times by sheriff’s deputies, the carcass was taken by Department of Fish and Game officials to be tested for rabies. Matthews, one of the attending Fish and Game officials, said in an interview with David Bradvica of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, that he regretted giving the order to shoot the bear but added that Fish and Game officials told him that “once a bear bites a human, it’s basically a dead bear,” because of the need to test it for rabies. The resultant rabies test came back negative.

Even though I have virtually stopped taking down bear sightings in our area because they are so numerous, one recent one bears mentioning. The following account is taken in its entirety from the May 15, 2003 edition of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, from staff reports:

A 600-pound bear tried to watch the sunrise Wednesday from a tree in the back yard of Glendora Mayor Mike Conway. About 3:12 a.m. Glendora police responded to Conway’s home where the bear had climbed the back fence and was resting in a tree,
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Officer Kevin Ruth said. It’s not uncommon for bears to visit residents in the foothills,
but they typically do not come down a mile or so to the area of Baseline Road and Inverness Avenue where the mayor lives, Ruth said.

Animal Control officer Rhonda Reynolds fired two tranquilizer darts at the bear to get it out of the tree. Four police officers and two residents lifted the bear into a truck, he said. Once in the truck, Reynolds drove the animal up Glendora Mountain Road where it was released in the hills.

Mountain Lion - Felis concolor

Sightings of Mountain Lions within the city-limits of Glendora have also become numerous in the last fifteen years. Many interesting accounts of encounters between lions and Glendora residents have been reported in local papers as well as on prime-time news broadcasts. Warning signs have been posted in both of Glendora’s wilderness areas. It is always safer to use the trail system by going with a friend. Large, wild animals, are often intimidated by groups of people. If you should encounter one, make sure you stay as far away as possible. No personal injuries due to mountain lions have been reported in the city of Glendora as far as I can find out. Numerous reports however have been made concerning the injuries and deaths of pets due to mountain lion attacks.

RABBITS

The Glendora foothills are home to two species of rabbits.

Audubon’s Cottontail Sylvilagus audubonii
Brush Rabbit - Sylvilagus bachmani

Of the two species listed above, the Audubon’s Cottontail is more likely to feed in the open. The Brush Rabbit seldom strays from cover. While the Brush Rabbit is small and short-legged, the Audubon’s Cottontail is much larger and long-legged. These two lagomorphs (the scientific order to which they share along with the Pikas), are listed here because of the possibility of them becoming vectors (host and intermediate hosts) to human diseases. Tularemia - Francisella tularensis can be contracted in humans by contact with infected rabbits and one species of deer fly. Most cases in California are related to hunters coming into contact with infected rabbit carcasses.

For further information regarding Tularemia, look under the title Bacteria.

RODENTS

Mice, Deer - Peromyscus maniculatus, Peromyscus boylii
Rat, Desert Wood- Neotoma lepida

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Hantavirus (HPS) is a serious, often deadly respiratory disease that has been found
mostly in rural areas of the western United States. The disease is caused by a hantavirus that is carried by rodents and passed on to humans through infected rodent urine, saliva, or droppings. The name was derived after a river in South Korea where the first HPS was identified as the cause of Korean hemorrhagic fever in 1976.

The deer mouse is the primary carrier of the virus that causes HPS. This is one of our areas most common mouse species. Since the different types of local mice are difficult to identify, all wild rodents should be considered potentially infectious and should be avoided. The virus, which is found in rodent urine, saliva, and feces, gets in the air as mist from urine and saliva or dust from feces. Breathing in the virus is the most common way of becoming infected, however, you can also become infected by touching the mouth or nose after handling contaminated materials A rodent’s bite can also spread the virus.

Hantavirus is not spread from person to person. The virus can be killed by most household disinfectants, such as bleach or alcohol. Symptoms usually appear within 2 weeks after infection but can appear as early as three days to as long as six weeks after infection. The primary symptom of this disease is difficulty in breathing, which is caused by fluid build-up in the lungs and quickly progresses to an inability to breathe.

No cure or vaccine is yet available against hantavirus infection. The sooner after infection medical treatment is sought, the better the chance of recovery.

Precautions:

1. If you sleep outdoors, check potential campsites for rodent droppings and burrows
2. Do not disturb rodents, burrows, or dens.
3. Avoid sleeping near wood piles or garbage areas that may be frequented by rodents.
4. Avoid sleeping on bare ground: use a mat or elevated cots if they are available
5. Store foods in rodent-proof containers and promptly discard all garbage in appropriate containers.

For more information, contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1-800-532-9929.

The above information has been taken from the brochure - Prevent Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, A public information guide for tourists, camper, and hikers, CDC, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, April, 1995.


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Arenavirus

The death of a 30-year-old Orange County woman is among three in California linked to an arenavirus that had never before been acquired by humans in North America.
The Arenaviridae are a family of viruses responsible for diseases such as hemorrhagic fevers and Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). Rodents are their vector (natural reservoir). The infection can occur by inhalation of tiny particles soiled with rodent urine or saliva. Aerosols arising from the shedding of viru-laden urine by infected rodents are believed to be the most important mode of transmission of arenaviruses. People have even been subjected to infection by entering a contaminated room.

It is possible that arenavirus in mice or rat droppings coming into contact with mucous membranes are infectious. Trapping rats or mice can cause blood to be lost from the animal and then become infectious to humans.

An arenavirus is the causative agent for lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV). LCMV presents as aseptic meningitis (inflammation of the membrane, or meninges, that surrounds the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), or meningoencephalitis (inflammation of both the brain and meninges).

Although LCMV is most commonly recognized as causing neurological disease, pregnancy-related infection has been associated with abortion, congenital hydrocephalus and chorioretinitis, and mental retardation.

LCMV is naturally spread by the common house mouse. Humans become infected by inhaling infectious aerosolized particles or rodent urine, feces, or saliva, by ingesting food contaminated with virus, by contamination of mucus membranes with infected body fluids, or by directly exposing cuts or other open wounds to virus-infected blood.
LCMV infection has also been documented among staff handling infected hamsters.

The above information was taken in its entirety from: MultiScope, 27 Essex Drive, Northridge, California 91324, copyright - 2003. Phone: (323) 851-1878, Toll-Free Number: (888)246-8776, Fax: (818)475-1635 or (818)886-8896.

Squirrel, California Ground - Spermophilus beecheyi

A form of the bubonic plague known as sylvatic plague was found in squirrels captured at Follows Camp in the forest above Glendora. The plague bacteria, which is spread by fleas, was discovered during test of ground squirrels living in the county in 1995.
The last previous outbreak of the disease in the Angeles National Forest was in 1991. The San Gabriel Mountains are a problem spot for the disease. The last human case of plague in Los Angeles County was acquired in the District in 1984.
Modern antibiotics have made the plague curable. A person bitten by an infected flea
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develops a fever, chills, muscle aches and swollen and tender lymph nodes. If not treated in time, the plague can infect a victim’s circulatory or respiratory system.

PLAGUE FACTS - DOES and DON’TS

1. Contact a doctor immediately if you become ill within seven days after possible exposure to the plague.
2. Don’t touch sick or dead animals, and don’t bring pets into plague areas. Protect pets with flea powder or flea collars.
3. Don’t camp, sleep or rest near animal burrows.
4. Don’t feed squirrels, chipmunks or other wild animals. Store food and garbage in rodent-proof containers.
5. Wear long pants tucked into boot tops if visiting a plague area.
6. Spray insect repellent on socks and trouser cuffs.

For more information or to report dead animals, call the Department of Health Services’s Vector Management program at (213)881-4046.

The above information on the plague was taken from an article written by Ruby Gonzales, staff writer for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, August 18, 1995.

Ground squirrel populations often build to large numbers two to five years following wild fires. The great increase of grasses during the first few years, creates an abundant seed source for the squirrels. As the years go by, perennial vegetation begins to shade out much of the grass species. Large ground squirrel populations can no longer be sustained by the vanishing food supply. In areas like these, some squirrels are likely to become infected by diseases due to malnutrition caused by lack of food.

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Chapter Three
BIRDS

In 1984, Southern California experienced a serious outbreak of St. Louis Encephalitides (SLE), with numerous human cases, one of which proved to be fatal. One to three cases per year continued until 1989. In 1991, one additional case was reported. Until then, urban SLE in Southern California was virtually unknown.
The following information came from the Southeast Mosquito Abatement District (SMAD), 1989 Fact Sheet.

In 1996, both chickens from the Districts flocks and trapped wild birds were infected with SLE. No human cases were reported in California that year. As of June, 2003, no mosquitoes have been collected with any disease pathogens this year. The so-called arboviruses are arthropod-borne encephalitis which are mosquito-transmitted. These cause inflammation of the brain and spinal tissue (arboencephalitides). These diseases and their associated viruses occur primarily in wild rodent and bird populations throughout California and can be transmitted by infected mosquitoes to man and his domestic horses. Arboencephalitides have a 5 to 60% human mortality factor.

According to an article by Berkeley Hudson, Los Angeles Times staff writer, August 30, 1992, certain varieties of female mosquitoes bite birds infected with the virus. With the next bite, they can pass it on to a human. According to Ken Fujioka, an epidemiologist with county health department’s acute communicable disease office, for every one severe case of St. Louis encephalitis in Los Angeles County, there are probably 100 people who don’t require hospitalization and don’t even know they have it. The symptoms may be nothing more serious than a stiff neck and a three-day fever.
The mosquito named Culex tarsalis is the primary transmitter of SLE in California, according to the Southeast Mosquito Abatement District 1989 Fact Sheet.

Five flocks of sentinel chickens are kept and monitored in the San Gabriel Valley by the county health department. One location lies in a corner of Irwindale’s Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area. One flock is located in the north area of Glendora’s South Hills. They are tested twice-a-month. Usually only the fledging birds are adversely affected. Adult birds, both wild and domestic, have built up sufficient antibodies to ward off problems. Still, birds can serve as what is known as “reservoir hosts” for the virus.

West Nile Virus (WNV)

This is a mosquito-borne virus that has been found in parts of Asia, eastern Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The virus was first detected in the United States in 1999 in New York City. In 2002, a total of 44 states reported WNV activity and over 4,000 urban cases were reported including over 250 deaths. In California, one human case of locally-acquired WNV was found in Los Angeles County. Further WNV activity was not found in the state in 2002.
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WNV is transmitted to people and animals by infected mosquitoes. Only certain
species of mosquitoes carry the virus and very few mosquitoes are actually infected. A mosquito first acquires the infection by feeding on a bird with virus in its blood. The virus is most prevalent from May to October when mosquitoes are most abundant.

Human-to-human transmission of WNV generally does not occur. However, human WNV infection was associated with blood transfusions and organ transplants from infected donors in 2002.

Symptoms

Most people who are infected with WNV have no symptoms whatsoever. However, of those who become ill, symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, body aches, mild skin rash, or swollen lymph nodes. In a few cases, the disease will progress to encephalitis. The incubation period ranges from 5 -15 days.

The disease most often affects birds, but occasionally causes disease in other animals as well. The infection has been reported in more than 100 bird species. Many infected birds will not appear ill, however WNV infection can cause serious illness and death in some birds. The most severe illness is seen among the corvid birds, which include crows, jays and ravens. American crows constitute the majority of birds reported dead due to WNV. California began to test dead crows and related birds for WNV in 2000.

If you find a dead bird mentioned above, please call the numbers below promptly. Do not touch the bird. DHS will record all dead bird reports and will arrange for pickup and laboratory testing for WNV when appropriate.

Dead Bird Surveillance and Contact Information:

West Nile Virus Dead Bird Surveillance Program, Division of Communicable Disease Control, California Department of Health Services
Toll Free Telephone: 877-WNV-Bird (877-968-2473 or 1-877-747-2243).
Web site: http://www.westnile.ca.gov

Prevention and Control

1. Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk.
2. When outdoors, wear long paints, long sleeve shirt and other protective clothing.
3. Apply insect repellent according to label instructions.
4. Contact your local mosquito and vector control agency if there is a significant mosquito problem in your area.
The same flock of Sentinel Chickens in Glendora that are regularly tested for the presence of Saint Louis Encephalitis are also tested for WNV.

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The county health department has established a toll-free hotline that will
provide callers with updated information on West Nile Virus within the county. The hotline is: 1-800-975-4448.

County of Los Angeles, Department Of Health Services, Office Of Communications, 241 N. Figueroa Street, Room 348, Los Angeles, CA 90012, Tel: (213) 240-8144 Fax: (213) 481-1406

Birds of Prey

All birds of prey are protected in the state of California. It is illegal to handle or capture them. They are all capable of inflicting significant cuts with their talons or beaks. If you encounter a fledging that has fallen out of the nest, or an injured or sick bird of prey, contact one of the following organizations and refrain from direct contact with the birds which might put you at risk of injury.

Wild Wings of California, 1837 Fernridge Drive, San Dimas, CA, 91773 - San Dimas County Park
Local veterinarians for referral to other nearby bird rehab facilities

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AMPHIBIANS

California Toad - Bufo boreas ssp. halophilus

The glandular secretions of this toad can cause irritation if it comes into contact with the eyes. If ingested, irritation of the digestive system can occur. The primary gland producing organ is the pair of parroted glands behind each eye. These are sometimes referred to as warts. Toads of course don’t normally have any warts. Much of the toad’s skin is capable of producing this milky fluid. Anyone handling these animals, should wash their hands thoroughly afterwards. Toads sometimes secrete the fluid when they are disturbed or handled. I observed a garter snake swallowing a toad in Pavil Canyon. The small toad was nearly white with secretion. The snake soon let go of the toad.

REPTILES

All local lizards and snakes have teeth and are capable of biting. Bite wounds of course are always potentially capable of becoming infected. The bacterium Salmanella sp. is most likely to be carried in the saliva by exotic species such as tropical iguanas. There are no poisonous lizards in California. The Gila Monster is found adjacent to the Colorado River on the Arizona side.

Southern Pacific Rattlesnake - Crotalus viridis ssp. helleri

This is the only rattlesnake species in the San Gabriel Valley area. Other species can be encountered on the north side of the San Gabriel Mountains. Occasionally a greenish color-phase of the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake is encountered which is mistakenly reported as Mohave Green Rattlesnake. This is a greenish species which has never been officially documented in the San Gabriel Basin nor has it been recorded from the coastal side of the San Gabriel Mountains.

This is by far the most common snake found in Glendora’s northern foothills. There has not been a reported sighting in Glendora’s South Hills for the past five years as far as I know. Anyone unfamiliar with snakes should not attempt to approach, handle or kill any species, as it may actually be a rattlesnake. If the rattlesnake is a threat to pets or human life, the animal control should be notified.

The venom of this snake is referred to as hemotoxic or hemorrhagic, as it attacks and destroys the red blood cells. Only two percent of all persons bitten by this species (and who have not been treated) die from the bite. Most of the fatalities consist of the elderly and infants. The venom often causes severe local damage to the surrounding tissue. There is evidence to suggest that the venom of some species of rattlesnakes
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tend to have some neurotoxic qualities in young specimens. There is also evidence to suggest that young rattlesnakes tend to inject more venom in relationship to their size
than older snakes of the same species. There are several cases of rattlesnake bites to humans within the city-limits of Glendora. Most of these bites occur on the hands when victims attempt to move objects.

In 1965, I gave some young southern pacific rattlesnakes to a local snake collector. He was careless and was bitten on the finger when he reached into the cage to move a rock. He reacted violently to the antivenom and experienced great swelling, discoloration and pain in the injured hand. He wrote down the symptoms as they were occurring, minute by minute for possible publication in the future. He and I both had “rattlesnake pits” in our back yards at that time. It is now illegal to keep venomous reptiles within the city limits of Glendora.

Many species of rattlesnakes have a predictable behavior when threatened. In this species however, it is difficult to predict how an individual will react when disturbed. Normally, a rattlesnake can only strike with accuracy, one-third of its body-length.

If bitten, you should get to a hospital as soon as possible. Keeping the pulse rate as low as possible is extremely important. Most medical institutions no longer advise first aid treatment of any kind if it is possible to get to medical supervision quickly. Most of the older steps for snake-bite treatment actually cause more damage than benefit. From a phone conversation with an administrator of Foothill Presbyterian hospital on May 27, 2003 I learned that the hospital handles two to three rattlesnake incidents per year. No deaths have been reported in recent years.

There are three snake species which are rarely encountered in our area that all have a
mild venom. Two of these species are small and are rear-fanged. The venom apparently has little negative effect on humans. These snakes are:
San Diegan Spotted Night Snake - Hypsiglena torquata klauberi
California Black-headed Snake - Tantilla planiceps eiseni
California Lyre Snake - Trimorphodon vandenburghi

Lists of local species of reptiles and amphibians are available if you contact me at (626) 963 5668.

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Chapter Five
ARTHROPODS

A CENTIPEDES

Multicolored Centipede - Scolopendra polymorpha

The bite of this species may be painful. Although there is no data on the effects of its poison on humans, it is probably harmless. Taken from Insects of the Los Angeles Basin, Charles L Hogue, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, 1993.

B INSECTS

ANTS

Fire Ant, Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA) - Salaeopsis invicta

Photo from: Red Imported Fire Ant Photo from: Red Imported Fire Ants,
In California, Learning more about California Department Of Food And
the fire ant in California, California Agriculture CDFA
Department of Food and Agriculture, www.fireant.ca.gov
Office of Public Affairs,CDFA,
www.cdfa.ca.gov

According to Dave Kruger, a deputy county agriculture commissioner in an article by Deanna Glick, fire ants were introduced to the United States in the 1930s, when a ship from South America docked in Mobile, Alabama. Without any natural threats, the ants spread quickly. According to an article in the April/May, 1999 issue of Glendora Life, The Department of Food and Agriculture reported that fire ants were discovered in California in October, 1998. Ants were discovered in nearby Azusa in 1999.

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The following information is taken from the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) brochure titled Red Imported Fire Ants.

Report Infestations Toll Free at 1-888-4FIREANT (434-7326) or the CDFA Pest Hotline at 1-800-491-1899

If you think you have discovered RIFA, do not disturb the mound or try to kill the ants
yourself. Immediately contact the California Department of Food and Agriculture at the number listed above and they will send an expert to check it at no charge to you. For more information visit the Web site at WWW.fireant.ca.gov
Red Imported Fire Ants are very small, ranging from approximately on-sixteenth inch to one-fourth inch, and are reddish-brown in color. RIFA live underground and can be distinguished by the type of mounds they build on lawns, gardens, parks, fields, cemeteries and inside homes, just about any place they can find moisture. The mounds appear as small piles of fine soil with small holes.These mounds can eventually resemble large gopher mounds that are often 18 inches across or larger. RIFA also are attracted to electrical currents and can be found in electrical boxes, such as outdoor sprinkler systems, airport lights and swimming pool pumps.

Red Imported Fire Ants have a fierce sting that leaves victims with painful, itchy welts. In some cases, stings from RIFA can even kill people who are allergic to their venom.

RIFA also are a threat to wildlife and agriculture. They attack and kill pets and wildlife, such as quail, lizards, squirrels and baby deer. They also can attack agricultural workers, compete with beneficial insects and devour important crops such as citrus, strawberries and corn.

How do Red Imported Fire Ants attack? RIFA attack when their nests are disturbed, usually when a person or animal inadvertently steps on their mound. Attracted by movement, the insects swarm onto people or animals before they even realize an attack is under way. Then the ants begin to sting, injecting venom that feels like a poke with a hot needle. Because each ant can sting numerous times, the victim can receive many more stings than there are ants. Each sting will hurt for about an hour and forms a blister-like sore filled with fluid. More than half of those stung by Red Imported Fire Ants develop reactions where they have been stung that include swelling, itching, redness and pain that lasts for several days. But for some people -maybe two out of 100 - the ant venom can be potentially life-threatening. Symptoms are similar to those suffered by people allergic to bee stings: severe swelling, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, headaches and profuse sweating. People who experience an allergic reaction should immediately seek medical attention.

How do you treat a Red Imported Fire Ant sting?

If you are stung, these treatments can help alleviate the discomfort and prevent infection:
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1. Elevate the extremity and apply ice or a cold compress to reduce swelling and relieve pain and itching.
2. Wash the affected area with soap and water to prevent secondary infection.
3. Keep the blister clean and avoid scratching to help reduce the chance of infection and scarring.
4. Apply a topical ointment containing steroids and/or take an oral antihistamine to relieve the itching.
5. Seek medical attention if the swelling progresses, if the area becomes infected, or if you suspect you are experiencing an allergic reaction to the stings.

Velvet Ant - Dasymutilla species

These are not actually ants but wasps of the family Mutillidae. Because the wingless females are most often encountered, rather than the winged males, to most people they more resemble ants. They are listed here because the females are aggressive stingers, producing a painful sting which usually quickly subsides, producing little or no swelling or side effects. When picked up or touched, these ants can make a squeaking noise. The males are winged like most wasps. The species are difficult to tell apart and a single species may have two or more color forms. The normal colors are red,red-orange, white and yellow. All are heavily covered with hair.

BEES

Africanized Honey Bees (AHB), Killer Bees - Apis mellifera

In January of 1998, the Agricultural Commissioner’s Office officially declared 1,010 square miles of Los Angeles County colonized by AHB. AHB arrived in the SGVM&VCD in January of 1999. The District received 788 calls from January 1 through April 19, 1999. Africanized honey bees have caused the deaths of five individuals in the United States since their arrival in 1990. Mosquito-borne encephalitis, plague, and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome took the lives of over 100 individuals in the US during the same time period. In summer of 2001, 50% of wild bees collected from the San Gabriel Valley were Africanized.

The advice listed below is appropriate for both the European Honey Bee and the Africanized Honey Bee. These two varieties of the Honey Bee cannot be determined in the field. One of the determining factors for making proper identification is a careful analysis of the wings of at least ten collected specimens. The average wing-span is determined for the collected bees and compared to that of known specimens of European Honey Bees. Now that the AHB’s are common in our area, it is always safest to assume that any bee or bee population in question is an AHB.

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Africanized and European Honey Bees:
1. Look the same
2. Protect their nest and sting in defense
3. Can sting only once
4. Have the same venom
5. Pollinate flowers
6. Produce honey and wax

Africanized Honey Bees
1. Respond quickly and sting in large numbers
2. Can sense a threat from people or animals 50 feet or more from nest
3. Sense vibrations from power equipment 100 feet or more from nest
4. Will pursue an enemy 1/4 mile or more
5. Swarm frequently to establish new nests
6. Nest in small cavities and sheltered areas

General Precautions
1. Listen for buzzing indicating a nest or swarm of bees
2. Use care when entering sheds or outbuildings where bees may nest.
3. Examine work area before using lawn mowers, weed cutters, and other equipment.
4. Examine areas before tying up or penning pets or livestock
5. Be alert when participating in all outdoor sports and activities.
6. Don’t disturb a nest or swarm - contact a pest control company or an emergency response organization
7. Teach children to be cautious and respectful of all bees.
8. Check with a doctor about bee sting kits and procedures if sensitive to bee stings.
9. Organize a meeting to inform neighbors about the AHB to help increase neighborhood safety.

General Rules
1. Stay away from all honey bee swarms and colonies.
2. If bees are encountered, get away quickly.
3. While running away, try to protect face and eyes as much as possible.
4. Take shelter in a car or building.
5. Water or thick brush does not offer enough protection.
6. Do not stand and swat at bees; rapid motions will cause them to sting.

Who to Call:
1. For multiple stinging emergencies - Call 911
2. For Honey Bee Swarms/Nests - Outside/ Not on a structure - Call 1-800- 925-3800
3. For Honey Bee swarms/nests - Inside or on a structure - Call AHB Hotline: 1-800 BEE-WARY - You will be referred to a licensed pest control operator
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4. For Medical information - For physicians and Bee Sting Victims - Los Angeles Regional Drug & Poison Information Center - Call 1-800 777-6476.
5. AHB information/speakers bureau - AHB Hotline: 1-800-BEE-Wary

What to do if Stung:
1. Go quickly to a safe area
2. Remove stinger as soon as possible
3. Don’t squeeze stinger: pressure will release more venom
4. Scrape stinger out with fingernail, knife blade or credit card.
5. Wash sting area with soap and water like any other wound.
6. Apply ice pack for a few minutes to relieve pain and swelling.
7. Seek medical attention if breathing is troubled, if stung numerous times or if allergic to bee stings.

Above information taken from Bee Alert: Africanized Honey Bee Facts, Cooperative Extension University of California Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources by San Gabriel Valley Mosquito Abatement District
1145 N. Azusa Canyon Road, West Covina, CA 91790, (626) 814-9466

European Honey Bee - Apis mellifera

See above information relating to Africanized Honey Bees. To make the distinction between the two varieties of honey bees, the wing samples of ten bees are measured and compared in length to that of the European Honey Bee. If the result of the samples yields a number less than the normal range for European Honey Bees, the samples are sent to the Los County Department of Agriculture for further examination. Only a highly skilled expert using sophisticated techniques can tell them apart.

Because of the high numbers of AHB in our area, it is now safest to treat all honey bee encounters as if they were Africanized Honey Bees.

BUGS

Kissing Bug, Western Cone-Nosed, Assassin Bug - Triatoma protracta

The status of Chagas’ disease in southern California is puzzling. Microorganisms that are apparently identical to those causing symptoms in the tropics, but without the virulence to do so, exist here in wild rodents and in the Western Cone-nose Bug: thus, Chagas’ disease must also be classified as a potential threat to the local public health. The above information was taken from Insects of the Los Angeles Basin by Charles L. Hogue, Natural History Museum Of Los Angeles County,1974, 1993.

These true bugs live in the nests of the native wood rat. The nests often become very large collections of sticks and often include interesting objects they collect near the nests. Many generations of rats may occupy the same nest. Each generation makes its own additions to the nest.
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The bug is active at night and is often attracted to lights. When the bug bites humans or other animals, it injects saliva to keep blood flowing for the fifteen minutes it takes to feed. The enzyme in the bugs saliva can cause severe reactions such as itching, difficulty breathing and swollen tongues. The only current treatment which seems to offer any relief is to take adrenaline shots, designed to slow the reaction while the patient seeks medical care. Do not make any direct contact with this bug as the enzyme can be transferred to humans and cause symptoms if ingested or if the enzyme contacts sensitive membranes.

The South Hills area has a very high concentration of wood rat nests. This bug is abundant in our foothill areas.

FLEAS

Residents of foothill areas surrounding the San Gabriel Valley, were warned to protects themselves against a flu-like disease transmitted by fleas. The L.A. County Department of Health Services received reports of seven cases of murine typhus (also called endemic typhus fever) in the first half of 1995. Murine typhus caused fevers, severe headaches and a mild rash. The disease is treatable with specific antibiotics and most patients improve quickly once treatment is initiated. Deaths from this disease are extremely rare, but most cases reported require hospitalization. Typhus is usually transmitted by fleas from rats, but opossums, feral cats, skunks and other animals can carry the disease. This disease is transmitted from mosquitoes and is caused by a bacterium.

The County averages 11 typhus cases a year. In 2000, health officials confirmed three cases, all in areas along the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley mountains.

Individuals who observe rodent infestations should contact the County’s Vector Management Office at (323) 881-4046. For specific medical questions about vector borne disease, call the County’s Acute Communicable Disease Unit at (213) 240-7941.

If you or someone you know has had these symptoms of typhus, contact your physician. The County also offers free and low-cost health care and prescription medications. For a referral to a local health facility, call (800)- 427-8700.

The above information on typhus was taken from two sources: 1. an article written by Tania Soussan, staff writer for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, August 18, 1995.
2. The County Digest, County of Los Angeles, August 2000, in an article titled: Take Precautions to Prevent Typhus.

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Avoiding Typhus: In addition to observing the six precautions for the plague, stay away from wood rat nests, other rodent nests and dung material.

FLIES

Buffalo Gnat, Black Fly - Three species of black flies are common in the San Gabriel Valley:
Simulium tescorum, 2-3 mm long, black
Simulium virgatum, 3-4 mm long, gray-black
Simulium vittatum, 2-3 mm long, gray-black

Drawing from: Black Flies, San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District, 1145 N. Azusa Canyon Road, West Covina, CA 91790, Tel: (626 814-9466 FAX: (626) 337-5686

The SAN GABRIEL VALLEY MOSQUITO ABATEMENT DISTRICT (SGVMAD) has been controlling the black flies in our District since 1993.
From an article in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, dated May 9, 1996, staff writer Steve Scauzillo reports that the number of calls to the SGVMAD in West Covina concerning the Black Fly totaled 13 in an eight day period in May. This was compared to ten calls received during the entire 1996 year. The count Department of Health Services had five calls just from Glendora and San Dimas.

The SGVMAD sprayed mountain streams, creeks, water retention basins and flood control channel in northern parts of Duarte and Glendora during April and May. They use a biological larvicide, Bacillus thuringiensis (“Bti”) . But the treatment only kills the larvae and does nothing to the adult flies, which can live for three more weeks, said Ken Fujioka of the SGVMAD. The black flies breed only in running water. Their larvae need the oxygen and can’t survive in stagnant pools, according to Gale Van Gordon,
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L.A. county entomologist. The adults are swift fliers. Some can go as far as three or four miles from the source.

Only the females bite; they need blood to lay eggs. These flies do not transmit disease. They do however bear this description from the county Agricultural Commissioner’s Office in El Monte: ‘There is perhaps no other insect of equal size that can inflict so painful a bite.” According to some, the itching last four to seven days. They seem to prefer to bite on the elbows, ear-lobes, eyes and nose.

According to a flyer released by the Glendora Chamber of Commerce in May of 1996, Dalton Canyon stream (presumedly both Big and Little Dalton Canyons) is a major area of concentration. Glendora has the largest reported population of black flies along the foothills. All the foothill canyon streams from Monrovia to San Dimas are infested. The SGVMAD applied pesticides during August of 1996. The area that was sprayed was north of Bennett Avenue to the foothills, between Yucca Ridge Road on the west and Bubbling Well Drive in the east. The area included about 600 homes. The chemical is Biomist 4 = 12 ULV, a low odor, noncorrosive substance extracted from chrysanthemums, said Sue Zuhlke district manager of SGVMAD.
While the chemical is safe, the district advises people to avoid outdoor activity during the application. This apparently was the first time this chemical had been used by the
agency.

According to a publication from the SGVMVCD, an effective way to eradicate the immature stages, is to interrupt the stream flow for a 24 hour period. Where this is not possible, the known breeding sites are treated with “Bti.” “Bti” does not affect other insect species or humans.

In 1997, The District negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding with the Los
Angeles County Flood Control District. The interruption of water flow in the San Gabriel River and control of black flies in the flood control channels will reduce the population of black flies to a tolerable level.

To protect yourself from biting adults, avoid areas where black flies are active during the day, wear protective clothing such as long pants and long sleeved shirts, and use insect repellent on exposed skin surfaces.

Deer Fly - Chrysops species

Smaller than their close relatives the horseflies, they are fierce biters. There are about 25 species in California. Chrysops discalis is a vector of tularemia It is found in the Owens Valley and northern Sierra Nevada.

Above material from: California Insects by Jerry A. Powell and Charles L. Hogue, California Natural History Guides: 44, Arthur C. Smith, General Editor, University of California Press, Berkeley, Los Angeles, London, 1979.
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A woman died due to complications from a reaction to many deer fly bites while picnicking at Chantry Flats above Arcadia. Date uncertain.

Mosquitoes

The following information comes from the Orange County Vector Control District, 13001 Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove, Calif. 92643, P.O. Box 87, Santa Ana, Calif. 92702, Phone (714) 971-2421

Facts About Mosquitoes:
1. All mosquitoes must have water in which to complete their life cycle.
2. Only seven days are required during warm weather.
3. Mosquitoes never develop in grass or shrubbery although the flying adults frequently rest there during daylight hours.
4. Only the female bites to obtain a blood meal. The male mosquito feeds only on plant juices.
5. The female mosquito may live a long as three weeks during the summer and many months during the winter in order to lay her eggs in the spring.

The following information was taken from the Southeast Mosquito Abatement District - 1989 Fact Sheet.

Mosquito control in California is conducted principally by special Mosquito Abatement or Vector Control Districts (MAD’s or VCD’s) under authority of law written in the California State Health and Safety Code authored by the California State Legislature. There are approximately 60 California agencies, including about 50 MAD-VCD’s, organized for the purpose controlling mosquitoes, certain gnats, other insect and vertebrate pests.

There are six species of mosquitoes that commonly occur within the Southeast Mosquito abatement district.
1. Culex quinquefasciatus southern house
2. Culex tarsalis western encephalitis

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3. Culex stigmatosoma foul water mosquito
4. Culex erythrothorax tule mosquito
5. Culiseta incidens cool weather
6. Culiseta inornata winter mosquito

The following ten mosquito species occur in much lesser abundance:
1. Aedes nigromaculis pasture mosquito
2. Aedes sierrensis western tree-hole
3. Aedes squamiger California salt-marsh
4. Aedes taeniorhynchus salt marsh
5. Anopheles franciscanus field mosquito
6. Anopheles occidentalis
7. Anopheles freeborni western malaria
8. Culex apicalis
9. Culex peus foul water
10. Culex restuans

General precautions to reduce exposures to mosquito bites:

1. Avoid mosquito-infested areas at dawn and dusk.
2. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are outdoors.
3. Use insect repellent products with no more than 35 % DEET for adults and less than 10 % for children.
4. Ensure your windows have screens that do not have holes.
5. Do not allow water to stagnate in old tires, flowerpots, trash, swimming pools, birdbaths, pet bowls, etc.
6. Clean and chlorinate swimming pools; drain water from pool covers.
7. Stock garden ponds with goldfish or mosquito fish. They eat the mosquito eggs and larvae.
8. Empty and wash birdbaths and wading pools weekly.

Where to call with questions about mosquitoes:

Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (562) 944-9656

Los Angeles County West Vector Control District (310) 915-7370

San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (626) 814-9466

Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (661) 942-2917

Compton Creek Mosquito Abatement District (310) 639-7375

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St. Louis Encephalitis (SLE)

This form of Encephalitis is transferred to humans by mosquitoes infected from sucking blood from wild rodent and bird populations. See the information regarding this disease in the previous section under the category - Birds.

Malaria - Anopheles species

In 1986, over 25 human cases of documented mosquito-transmitted malaria occurred
in California; a resurgence not seen since the 1952 epidemic. In 1988, a similar outbreak once again occurred. In both these outbreaks, most of the cases occurred among immigrant farm-Laborers in San Diego County. The primary vector (carrier) of malaria in California is Anopheles freebornia. Malaria does not exist endemically in Los Angeles County.

WASPS

Most wasps don’t bite hard enough to cause any pain, and only the females sting. Not all species have stinging females. Although there are few species that normally cause severe reactions in humans, like most other insect bites or stings, specific individuals may be have allergic reactions. For these people, being stung is a potentially serious incident.

German Yellow Jackets - Vespula germanica

The following information and drawings comes from the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office, prepared by Rosser W. Garrison, Entomologist, 2/93.

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These wasps are a special nuisance to picnickers, campers, and others enjoying outdoor activities. Like other wasps, they can sting repeatedly without causing death to the wasp (because the stinger and attached body parts are not separated from the body as is true with the honey bee). One nest in New Zealand had 3 to 4 million cells and weighed 1,000 pounds. It is native in the Old World and north Africa, Asia Minor and northern India. It was first detected in California in Berkeley in August, 1986, and in Los Angeles County in West Covina in May, 1991.

The German Yellow Jacket is very similar to our native Western Yellow Jacket - Vespula Pennsylvania. It can be separated by the following characters:

1. Head with a continuous yellow ring around each compound eye (Fig. 2). Undersurface of first antennal segment yellow (Fig. 4a) ..........Western Yellow Jacket
2. Head without a continuous yellow ring around each compound eye (Fig. 3); first antennal segment all black (Fig. 4b) ...................................German Yellow Jacket

Yellow colored wasp traps are extremely useful in trapping these wasps when used
with an attract ant liquid provided by the manufacturer. Carefully follow the directions for use.

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Tarantula wasp (Hawk) - Pepsis species

Three species have so far been identified in Glendora.

Pepsis mildei
Pepsis pallidolimbata
Pepsis species

The sting of the female tarantula hawk is described as being extraordinarily painful by those who have experienced it. The wasps are normally found on flowers of several local species of plants in the foothill areas of Glendora. In late summer and fall, they are often abundant in some areas. The Big Dalton Canyon bottom is a very likely place to encounter these insects.

Anyone being stung by this wasp should seek medical attention in case of complications. Normally these wasps are not aggressive. The two reports I’ve heard, relating stings by these wasps, resulted from wasp handling and one account of a wasp that flew into the chest of an individual after which the wasp was hit with the hand causing a sting to the chest. This individual had difficultly breathing for several minutes and experienced much pain. Some female individuals have a body length of
two inches. The large size, contrasting steel-blue shine of its body with its orange-red wings, makes this a very easy wasp to identify.

C SCORPIONS

None of our local species is considered dangerous, although any may inflict a wound that is temporarily painful. Scorpions sting, they do not bite. However, a potentially lethal species, common in southern Arizona, has been recorded in parts of Orange County and particularly common in Irvine, where it poses a health hazard. This is Centruroides exilicauda, a two inch, straw colored species with its entire body being long and slender. The venom action is general over the entire body of the victim, causing intense pain at the site of the sting . There is very little inflammation or swelling. In a twenty year period, this species accounted for the majority of human fatalities in Arizona caused by all venomous creatures.

Burrowing Scorpion - Anuroctonus phaiodactylus

This is by far our areas largest scorpion species. It’s massive pincers (chela) and snout to tip of tail (metasoma) length of 2 and 1/2 inches make this by far the largest of our local species. Its sting usually causes only reactions similar to that of a bee sting, consisting of pain and a burning sensation, with swelling that last from a few minute to over an hour. It seldom uses its stinger. First-aid treatment involves immersing the affected area in ice water or applying an ice pack. If symptoms persist, a physician should be consulted.

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Common Scorpion -Vejous species

We may have more than one species. The adults are normally 1 and 1/4 inches in length. Their sting causes an immediate burning sensation followed by temporary swelling and slight numbness of the general area. The effects subside after two or three days and cause no lasting damage.

Stripe-Tailed Scorpion - Paruroctonus silvestrii

A common scorpion in Glendora, this species stings readily but without doing lasting harm. The adult length is normally 1 and 3/4 inches. This is another burrowing species which prefers dry areas in the chaparral and coastal sage scrub. I dug up a specimen days following the August, 1968 Glendora Fire, in the burn area. The tunnel reached nine inches underground but offered enough insulation from the fire’s heat to protect a scorpion and the immature which were amassed on its back. Occupied scorpion holes are easy to locate following fires because of the color of the fresh dirt material at the hole entrance in contrast to the dark layer surrounding it.

Information taken from: Insects Of The Los Angeles Basin by Charles L. Hogue, Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Los Angeles, CA 90007, 1974, 1993, and from: Poisonous Dwellers Of The Desert by Natt N. Dodge, Popular Series No. 3, Southwestern Monuments Association, 1964.

D SPIDERS

Black Widow, Western - Latrodectus hesperus

The following material comes from five sources. Poisonous Dwellers Of The Desert by Natt N. Dodge, 1964; Bites and Stings, City of Phoenix, copyright, 2003, http://www.ci.phoenix.az.us/FIRE/bitessna.html; Poisonous Spider Bites by Emil Bogen, Journal of the American Medical Association, Vol. 99, No. 24, December 10, 1932; Insects of the Los Angeles Basin by Charles L. Hogue,1974,1993 and Black
Widow Spiders obtained on the internet at: http://www.desertusa.com/july97/du_bwindow.html

The Western Black Widow is native to southern California and is common throughout the state. This spider is normally found outside in dark, dry areas. Although the females shape, color and ventral-abdominal red-orange hour-glass marking is well known, those of the immature and males are not. Newly hatched spiders are predominantly white or yellowish-white with increasing spots and streaks of orange as they continue to mature. The females will undergo six to nine molts and reach an average length of 1 and 1/2 inches. Females may live for as long as 1 and 1/2 to 2 years. There is contradicting information regarding the venomous nature of the immature and male black widows. Several sources report that both sexes and all
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stages are venomous. It is best to be cautious and avoid all contact with this species.

Black widow spider bites are the leading cause of death from spider bites in the United States. Most all sources examined, including those above, indicate that the venom is much more toxic than rattlesnake venom. The number usually stated is 15 times greater. The fangs are about one-fiftieth of an inch in length and inject the venom from two large glands. It is a neurotoxin that causes little local reaction but does cause pain and spasms in the larger muscle groups of the body within 30 minutes to three hours. There is normally a pinprick sensation at the bite site, becoming a dull ache within 30
to 40 minutes.

Adult female immature
black widow female

Left: mamba.bio.uci.edu/~pjbryant/ biodiv/spiders/0089.jpg
Right: http://mamba.bio.uci.edu/~pjbryant/biodiv/spiders/Latrodectus%20hesperus.htm

The pain spreads throughout the body, centering at the extremities, which become cramped, and over the abdomen, where the muscles become rigid. There is nausea and vomiting, difficulty in breathing, dizziness, ringing in the ears, and headache. Blood pressure is raised, eye pupils are dilated and the reflexes are overactive. Other symptoms include flushing, sweating, grimacing, rash, restlessness and anxiety.
In a study by Bogen, medical records show that “despite its severe symptoms, arachnidism (poisoning by spider, tick, or scorpion) is, in the majority of cases a self-limiting condition, and generally clears up spontaneously within a few days.” Severe bites can cause respiratory failure, coma and death. Only four deaths were officially attributed to black widow bites in the United States from 1960-69.

Brown Widow, - Latrodectus geometricus

This widow is originally from Africa and is now established in Florida, Texas and southern California. It is normally reported to not be as dangerous as some other widow species. It is less likely to bite someone and injects less poison. Usually they are brown to gray with some black. The females have a reddish-orange spot on the ventral side of the abdomen. The egg case is tufted and fluffy as contrasted to the smooth egg case of the black widow.
Information from http://www.desertusa.com/july97/du_bwindow.html and Spiders and their kin by Herbert W. Levi, A Golden Nature Guide,Golden Press, New York,1968.
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Recluse Spiders - Loxosceles species

The following material is taken from:

Pest Notes: Brown Recluse and Other Recluse Spiders by R. Vetter, Entomology, UC Riverside, UC ANR Publication 7468, Pest Notes, Editor: B. Ohlendorf, Illustrations: R. Vetter, Technical Editor: M. L. Flint, Produced by IPM Education and Publications, University of California Statewide IPM Program, August 19, 2002 http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG;PESTNOTES/pn7468.html
The Recluse Spiders, http://www.geocities.com/yosemite/Trails/3137/recluse/html

Over the years, the group of spiders to which the brown recluse belongs has been known by various colloquial names: “violin” spiders, “fiddleback” spiders, “recluse” spiders, and “brown” spiders. Recently the American Arachnological Society chose “recluse spiders” as the official common name for this group. The scientific name for recluse spider group is Loxosceles (lox-SOS-a-leez). All known members of the group have a scientific name, and the more familiar members of this group also have a common name (e.g., brown recluse, desert recluse, Arizona recluse).

A number of non Loxosceles spiders have some of the characteristics of the recluse spiders, however, none have all four of the following Loxosceles characteristics:

1. six eyes in three sets of two each (dyads)
2. dark pattern near the eyes
3. uniformly colored abdomen with fine hairs
4. no spines on the legs

The violin pattern on the dorsal surface, so often alluded to by many sources, is not a definite diagnostic feature for all Loxosceles. While normally consistent in the brown recluse and the Texan recluses, it may vary widely in other species. To further identify Loxosceles spiders to species requires a high-power microscope and the skills of a spider expert (arachnologist).


Brown Recluse Spider
Loxosceles reclusa





Drawing taken from internet site
http://www.highway60.com/mark/brs/images/Brown_recluse_spider.jpg

Eleven species of recluse spiders are native to the United States and a few non-
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natives have become established in circumscribed areas of the country. The brown recluse spider is the proper common name for only one species, Loxosceles reclusa. The brown recluse is found in the Midwest and parts of the south. Although the brown recluse does not live in California, there are four species of native recluse spiders. The most common Californian recluse spider is the desert recluse, L. deserta,
previously referred to as L. unicolor. The other three are are so uncommon that they are of scientific interest only.

In addition to the recluse spiders listed above, a South American recluse spider, Loxosceles laeta (pronounced “LEE-ta”) has become established in portions of Los Angeles (Alhambra, Sierra Madre, Monterey Park). Even though it has lived there for over 30 years, it seems to be confined to a very limited area. In addition, the Mediterranean recluse, L. refescens, are found in commercial goods shipped from out-of-state, but no populations of this spider have been found in California

In nature, recluses are found in cracks and crevices in and under rocks. Although they
do not build webs to capture prey, they do use silk to build a retreat in which they hide during the day.These nocturnal spiders emerge from their retreats and actively hunt
down prey or may wait for prey to land near them.

There are less than 19 documented cases of the brown recluse being collected in California, spanning more than 4 decades. They are generally found in facilities that receive goods from out of state. Never have any of these translocated spiders been able to establish a foothold and start a population in California. The only recluse of
concern in California is the desert recluse. To reduce chances of encountering this species at your home, the following steps of precaution can be taken:

1. Remove and reduce trash rubbish from your property, such as woodpiles, tires, boxes, plywood and trash cans. This is especially true if they are stored next to the house.
2. With attached garages, block off house access by sealing cracks around doors and access holes for electrical conduits or plumbing.
3. In the bedroom, move the bed away from the wall and remove any skirts around the bed.
4. Apparel and equipment that is only occasionally worn (gardening clothes and gloves, boots, baseball mitts, roller skates, etc), should be stored in tightly closed plastic bags, especially if stored in the garage or other dark storage areas.
5. Shake clothes before wearing them.

Tarantula - Aphonopelmus eutylenum
Tarantula - Aphonopelmus reversum

In our area we have two species. The males of A. eutylenum mature in the fall while those of A. reversum mature in midsummer. A. eutylenum can be distinguished by its
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overall brownish color and relative hairiness, while A. reversum tends to be gray-black to black and less hairy.

The strong, sharp fangs of our local species can inflict a painful bite. Stahnke, in Dodge’s book Poisonous Dwellers of the Desert, is reported as stating that any effects
produced by the venom, appear to be the result of bacterial infection rather then that of the poison, although a mild poison is present. Dodge recommends treatment of tarantula bites with iodine or similar antiseptic. Hogue reports that a tarantula’s bite is of little consequence to human beings: its effect has been described as a mildly painful burning sensation accompanied by slight swelling. Kaston and Kaston remark that “experiments on our species have shown their bites to be relatively no more harmful than a bee sting.” Most experts agree that our tarantulas must be strongly provoked to cause it to bite.

The above material was taken from:

How To Know The Spiders , Pictured-Keys for determining the more common spiders, with suggestions for collecting and studying them by B. J. Kaston and Elizabeth Kaston, Pictured-Key Nature Series, WM. C. Brown Company Publishers, Dubuque, IOWA, 1953, Insects Of The Los Angeles Basin by Charles L. Hogue, Natural History Museum Of Los Angeles County,1974, 1993, Poisonous Dwellers Of The Desert by Natt N. Dodge, Popular Series No. 3, Southwestern Monuments Association, Box 1562, Gila Pueblo, Globe, Arizona, 1952.

E TICKS

The following species are ones which have been collected or should be expected in our area. This does not include any ticks that have been taken from exotic pet shop animals. In addition of Lyme disease, ticks in California carry other agents that can cause disease. These diseases include human and canine ehrlichiosis rickettsia, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, human and canine babesioses protozoa, Colorado tick fever, tularemia (hunter’s disease), tick paralysis and relapsing fever. Early diagnosis and treatment of all these diseases is important.

Ticks have three life stages. The larvae and nymphs are found in low, moist vegetation such as in leaf litter. Adults are found on the tips of grasses and shrubs,
often along trails. Ticks do not jump or fly.

American Dog Tick Dermacentor variabilis

The adult is similar to that of the Pacific Coast Tick , but there are large dark areas on
its back. The dog is the preferred host but will also attack people and many wild and domesticated large mammals. This is a three host tick that feeds on rodents and lagomorphs (rabbits) during its subadult life stages, and large mammals as adults. It is able to transmit the bacteria that causes tularemia as well as the rickettsia that causes
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Rocky Mountain spotted fever. No known cases of these two diseases are recorded for our area.

Photo from: Ticks, Pest Bulletin, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Bulletin No. Ep-14, Revised 1992, Environmental Health, Entomology Program, (626) 430-5450.

Brown Dog Tick - Rhipicephalus sanguineus

Although this tick does not normally attach on humans, it is listed here because it is such a common pest to dogs. In southern California, this species is almost entirely a pest of dogs. It feeds on dogs during all three life stages. It drops off each time and reattaches during each stage. The Brown Dog Tick is the suspected vector of the canine ehrlichiosis rickettsia and the canine babesiosis protozoa in the U.S. 30

Pacific Coast Tick - Dermacentor occidentalis

The back plate and legs of this tick are silvery-gray. It is a three host tick which commonly feeds on rodents, especially squirrels, as subadults, and on cattle, horses, deer, and humans as adults.

Soft Tick, the Pajahuello tick - Ornithodorus coriaceous

It is found in and around resting places of large mammal, primarily deer and cattle. Avoidance of probable deer resting areas while hiking, will greatly reduce your chances of contacting this tick. The bite of this tick is notoriously painful, resulting in a localized inflammatory response due to a toxic substance introduced into the bite site during feeding.

Soft Tick - Ornithodorus hermsi

This species lives in nearby mountain areas and is responsible for transmission of Relapsing Fever, a variable acute epidemic disease caused by a spirochete bacteria of the genus Borelia. It can also be transmitted by lice. Symptoms include a recurring high fever, usually lasting 3 to 7 days .

The above information was taken from:

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Ticks Commonly Encountered In California by Larisa Vredevoe, Ph.D, Department of Entomology, University of California, Davis
http://entomology.ucdavis.edu/faculty/rbkimsey/caticks.html

Ticks, Pest Bulletin, Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Bulletin No. EP-14, Revised 1992, Environmental Health, Entomology Program, (626) 430-5450.

Insects Of The Los Angeles Basin by Charles L. Hogue, Natural History Museum Of Los Angeles County, 1974, 1993.

The Ticks of California, by D.P. Furman and E.C. Loomis, University of California Publications, Bulletin of the California Insect Survey, Vol. 25. University of California Press, California, 1984.

Biology of Ticks by D.E. Sonenshine, Vol. 1. Oxford University Press, New York, 1991.

Biology of Ticks by D.E. Sonenshine, Vol. 2. Oxford University Press, New York, 1993.

Western Black-legged Tick - Ixodes pacificus

This is a small species with a dull reddish body and dark legs. The bite is often painful and is usually felt immediately after the bite. It is usually found on deer, although it
commonly crawls onto humans. It is the vector for Lyme Disease spirochetes-Borrelia burgdorferi.

Photo from: Lyme Disease In California by Victor Romano, Kriss Costa, Tim Mulligan, Santa Clara County Vector Control District, et. all., M V C Association of California, Revised November 1999.

Lyme disease is an infectious disease transmitted by the bite of a tick. It is caused by a spirochete (a spiral-shaped bacterium) -Borrelia burgdorferi , that may persist in the human body for several years if not properly treated with antibiotics. This disease was first noted in 1975 at Old Lime, Connecticut, and was first seen in California in 1978.

Only nymphs and adult females of the western black-legged tick can transmit Lyme disease bacteria to humans. Nymphs can pose a greater risk of transmitting Lyme
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disease bacteria to humans than adults because they are tiny and difficult to see (Less than 1/20 of an inch, about the size of a poppy seed), and so may not be removed promptly. Also, nymphs are most active in spring and early summer, when people are most likely to be outdoors; adult ticks are most active from fall through early spring.

From phone conversation with administrative personnel at the Foothill Presbyterian Hospital in Glendora, there are no records of incidents of patients with Lyme Disease.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease (“Bulls eye” rash)

Many body systems can be affected by Lyme disease. Symptoms vary from person to person and can come and go. Symptoms are generally classified into early or late. Early symptoms occur days to weeks after a person becomes infected. Early symptoms include:

1. Flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches, joint pain, fatigue, headache, stiff neck, chills, fever, or swollen lymph nodes.
2. Paralyzed muscles of the face.
3. Palpitations (common) or disturbances of heart rhythm (rare).
4. An expanding rash called erythema migrans, or EM. The EM appears 1030 days after the bite of an infected tick, expands over a one to two week period, and then disappears. More EMs, not necessarily at the site of the tick bite, can
show up later. The EM is usually painless. The EM varies in shape and appearance. On dark skin the EM can look, or like a bruise, The EM is not seen is some people, or it may occur on a part of the body that is difficult to see.
Painful redness that occurs less than 24 hours after a tick bite and does not expand is more likely to be a local allergic reaction to the tick’s saliva.

These symptoms can disappear without treatment but the infection may still be present. If early Lyme disease symptoms are not recognized and treated adequately, the disease may progress and be more difficult to treat.

Late Symptoms occur weeks, months, or years after becoming infected. Late symptoms may be the first sign of Lime disease in some people. Late symptoms include:

1. Numbness, tingling, or burning feelings in arms and legs. Muscles of the face, arms, or legs may twitch or become weak or paralyzed. Sharp pain in the arms, legs, neck, and back, may occur. Increased sensitivity to light may be present.
2. Swelling and pain of one or a few joints, especially the knees. Joint swelling sometimes moves from one joint to another, and may come and go.
3. Difficulties with memory, concentration, learning, or speech in both children and adults.
4. Some Lyme disease patients also experience mood swings, depression, or 33

abnormal thought processes.

The above material was taken from:

Lyme Disease In California, State of California, California Department of Health Services, Vector-Borne Disease Section, 601 N. &th Street, MS 486, P.O. Box 942732, Sacramento, CA 94234-7320, (916)
324-3738, June 2002, http://www.dhs.ca.gov/ps/dcdc/disb/disbindex.htm, Lyme Disease in California, MVC, Association of California, Revised 11/99


CHAPTER SIX
BACTERIA

Lyme Disease (”Bulls Eye” Rash) Borrelia burgdorferi

See Chapter 2 - Ticks -Sylvatic Plague and Squirrels

Tularemia, Rabbit Fever, Deer Fly Fever - Francisella tularensis

Although this disease has not been documented in the City of Glendora, because of the presence of vector animals, I feel it wise to include this discussion of this relatively rare, naturally occurring disease.

Tularemia was first described in the United States in California in 1911 and has been reported from all states except Hawaii. Tularemia is a naturally occurring infection of small mammals including rodents, rabbits, squirrels, and other animals. Animals acquire the infection by contact with a contaminated environment and by bites of mosquitoes, ticks and flies. Natural tularemia is transmitted to humans by fleas and mosquito bites, ingestion of contaminated foods or water, and inhalation of contaminated aerosols. Common forms of tularemia are classified as glandular, ulceroglandular, ocular, oropharyngeal, pneumonic, typhoidal and septic. Tularemia is not transmitted between humans.

The incubation period is usually 3-5 days (range 1-14 days) with death occurring in most untreated patients. The case fatality rate is less than that of inhalatioinal anthrax or plague. Tularemia cases reported to CDC during 1990-2000 indicate a low level of natural transmission. The disease can be acquired by several different means.
Inhalation of F. tularensis causes an abrupt onset of an acute, nonspecific febrile
illness beginning 3-5 days after exposure. Pleuropneumonitis develops in a substantial proportion of cases during subsequent days.

In the United States, most persons with tularemia acquire the infection from arthropod bites, particularly tick bites, or from contact with infected mammals, particularly rabbits.

34

Historically, most of the cases of tularemia that occurred in summer were related to
arthropod bites, and in the winter they were related to hunters coming into contact with infected rabbit carcasses. In the Owens Valley and northern Sierra Nevada, the deer fly Chrysops discalis, is a vector of the disease as well.

If tularemia is strongly suspected, notify the following:

1. San Francisco Department of Public Health (415-554-2830 or pager 809- 7839)
2. Campus Police (9-911) who will in turn notify Medical Center Administrator On Call (AOC) (719-9097). The AOC will:
a. Mobilize the Disaster Control Center (DCC)
b. Notify the Associate Director of the Emergency Department
3. Infection Control (719-3529/719-3863)

The above information was taken from:
UCSF Medical Center Exposure Response Guidelines Tularemia
This document was prepared by the Comprehensive Infectious Disease Program (CIDP) and the medical staff of the Emergency Department to assist in the evaluation of individuals with possible tularemia who present to or call the departments and practices at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center.
Last Revised: 12/10/01.

Tularemia A Possible Bioterrorist Agent, California Association for Medical Laboratory Technology Distance Learning Program, Course # 036-931, by Helen Sowers, M.A., B.S., Lecturer, (Retired), CSU Hayward; Hayward, CA
1895 Mowry Ave, Suite 112 Phone: 510-792-4441
Fremont, Ca 94538-1700 FAX: 510-792-3045
http://www.camlt.org/DL_web/931_tularemia.html

California Insects by Jerry A. Powell and Charles L. Hogue, California Natural History Guides: 44, Arthur C. Smith, General Editor, University Of California Press, Berkeley, Los Angeles, London, 1979.

Typhus, Murine - See Chapter 4 B.

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Chapter Seven
FUNGI

The following Aid for Persons Poisoned by Plants, was taken from Plants That Poison by Ervin M. Schmutz, Ph.D. and Lucretia Breazeale Hamilton, 1979.

Time is the most important factor when treating persons poisoned by plants. The most
urgent consideration is how to remove the toxic substance from the system before it is absorbed. Your best help is a physician. Therefore, THE FIRST STEP IS TO CALL A
PHYSICIAN IMMEDIATELY.

You can help most by being able to identify or describe the plant and plant part eaten, when and much was eaten, and the symptoms you have observed. If available, collect a sample of the plant and take it with you for identification or verification. If there is a question about which plant was eaten, take samples of plants in the area, but don’t spend much time to do it. Include leaves, flowers, and fruits, if available. Use gloves or instruments to avoid getting sap on your hands. Sap is often the most toxic part of the plant and may cause poisoning or dermatitis. It also important to keep plant parts taken from the mouth of the patient or present in the vomit or stools
Since time such a critical factor, keep telephone number handy for your physician, hospital, poison control center, and rescue unit. IF A PHYSICIAN IS NOT AVAILABLE,
GIVE FIRST AID AND PROMPTLY TRANSPORT PATIENT TO A HOSPITAL.

The basic principles for first aid to persons poisoned by plants are to dilute the poison with water, remove the poison from the system, an/or wash it off the skin. Dilute the poison by giving one or two glassfuls of plain water. If plants are swallowed in toxic quantities, induce vomiting, but not if the patient is unconscious, is having convulsions, or has already vomited. If there is a possibility that the poison swallowed is a strong acid, alkali, or petroleum distillate rather than a poisonous plan, do not induce vomiting.

To induce vomiting give one tablespoonful (1/2 ounce) of syrup of ipacac for a child one year of age or older in one or more cups of water. Repeat once more (but only once) if vomiting doesn't occur within 20 minutes. If not ipacac is available, induce vomiting by tickling the back of the throat with a spoon handle, finger, or other blunt object. The use of warm salt water to induce vomiting is not recommended because of the danger to children of poisoning by the salt water itself. Don’t waste time waiting for vomit but transport the patient promptly to a medical facility. After vomiting has occurred or the stomach emptied give 1 to 2 tablespoonfuls of activated charcoal to absorb any remaining poison.

If the plant caused dermatitis, wash affected parts promptly (preferable within 10 minutes) with a large amount of water, using strong soap if available.
The following fungi were identified by Greg Wright. A list of specimens he collected in
Big and Little Dalton Canyons was given to me in July of 1991. All the specimens that
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I have documented for Glendora have not yet been identified. There are certainly additional poisonous mushrooms occurring in our area that I have not as yet received the identification for. The names will be listed alphabetically by the scientific names, as several of the species don’t have common names.The sources used to describe the chemical toxicity and description of the following species are:

Mushrooms Demystified, A Comprehensive Guide to the Fleshy Fungi, Second Edition, Ten Speed Press, Berkeley by David Arora, 1979, 1986.
Plants That Poison, An Illustrated Guide to Plants Poisonous to Man by Ervin M. Schmutz, Ph.D. and Lucretia Breazeale Hamilton, Northland Publishing, Flagstaff, Arizona, 1979.
Poisonous Plants of California by Thomas C. Fuller and Elizabeth McClintock, California Natural History Guides: 53, University Press, Berkeley, California, London, 1986.
Poisonous Plants of the United States and Canada by John M. Kingsbury,Prentice-Hall, Inc., Engleweed Cliffs, New Jersey,1964

Poison Control Centers:
Los Angeles County Medical Association
Poison Control Center
1925 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90057
213/484-5151

Orange County Poison Control Center
University of California Irvine
Medical Center
101 City Drive South
Building One, Route 78
Orange, CA 92688
714/634-5988

The following comments are taken from Poisonous Plants of California by Thomas C. Fuller and Elizabeth McClintock, 1986.

Only experts can identify non-poisonous mushrooms, so don’t gamble with your life by eating wild ones. The mortality rate is high; one or two mushrooms, raw or cooked, may prove fatal.

It must be remembered, that even mushrooms that are noted as edible in literature,
may not be edible for everyone. Only a few people may be allergic to certain foods
and the same is true for mushrooms. Even the edible ones sold in markets may cause allergic reactions in some individuals.

There is no simple test for recognizing toxic mushrooms. The only rule to remember is
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this: identification of fleshy fungi is not easy. Careful examination is necessary, sometimes with a microscope. Whenever there is the least doubt about an identification, discard the mushroom. Remember the folk saying: “There are old mushroom hunters, and there are bold mushroom hunters - but there are no old, bold mushroom hunters.”

For help with the vocabulary used in the following descriptions of the fungi, refer to the sources listed above.

Amanita verna var. ocreata (A. ocreata) - Destroying Angel, Death Angel

This deadly poisonous Amanita is pure white when young but usually discolors (pinkish, brownish, ochre, etc.) on the cap as it ages. The “flesh” is thick, firm when young and odor is mild, becoming disagreeable in old age. The spore print is white. The flesh turns bright yellow in KOH (potassium hydroxide).

The following description is taken from Mushrooms Demystified by David Arora,
1979. “This elegant, pristine-pure, lethal-looking Amanita is our only white mushroom with both an annulus (ring), a true sack (volva) at the base of the stalk, and non-striate cap margin. The species name ocreata means “sheathed,” a reference to the luminous volva which may extend as much as halfway up the stalk, though it is often much smaller”.

Habitat: It is solitary to widely scattered or in small groups on the ground under oaks.
It is known from Marin County in California east to the Sierra Nevada foothills and south to Arizona and Texas. In our area it is associated with live oak , and is common in the winter and spring.

Edibility: This species is deadly poisonous. It caused several deaths near San Diego. The victims were apparently starving illegal aliens who ate the mushrooms out of desperation. The poisons are the complex polypeptides (or cyclopeptides) amanitin and possibly phalloidin. They cause the more deadly type of mushroom poisoning.

Symptoms: The following information is taken from Plants That Poison by Ervin M. Schmutz, Ph.D and Lucretia Breazeale Hamilton. Symptoms do not usually appear until 6 to 24 hours after ingestion. They include sudden and severe abdominal pain, profuse vomiting, diarrhea, distorted vision, excessive thirst, circulatory failure, prostration, coma, and death. Death may occur within 48 hours or the effects may least 6 to 8 days. Attacks may be interrupted by periods of remission. Recovery, if it occurs, may require up to a month. Permanent liver, kidney, and heart damage may result from non-lethal cases. This is just as dangerous is its cousin the Death Cap - Amanita phalloides , which is also found in southern California.

Agaricus californicus - California Agaricus

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This species is mildly poisonous to some people, causing stomach upset, and frequently mistaken for the common meadow mushroom Agaricus campestris with which it often grows.

Entoloma ferruginans - Nitrous Entoloma Group

This is apparently edible, but is often mistaken for other species of Entoloma which are quite poisonous. Because of possible confusion with other poisonous mushrooms, this should be avoided regardless whether it poisonous or not. This is one of the commonest gilled mushrooms in the live oak woodlands of southern California and the most common Entoloma there

Entoloma lividoalbum

Edibility not certain but may look similar to other poisonous Entoloma species.

Hypholoma (Naematoloma) fasciculare - Sulfur Tuft, Clustered Woodlover

Severely poisonous. In Europe and Asia it has caused several deaths, in America only gastrointestinal upsets have been reported. The bitter taste prevents many people from experimenting. A study of fatalities caused by them showed that gastrointestinal symptoms are delayed as much as 9 hours following ingestion, and there may be extensive kidney and liver damage.

Cap is up to 4 inches across, yellowish, orange-yellow to olive-yellow. It is found on decaying wood; fall to spring, throughout California.

Inocybe rimosa (fastigiata)

Very similar to the Corn Silk Inocybe - Inocybe sororia, with a strongly spermatic odor and yellow-brown to brownish-ochre cap, at least at the center.

Poisonous

Lelpiota clypeolaria - Shaggy-Stalked Parasol, Ragged Lepiota

Reported to be poisonous, causes gastrointestinal symptoms. All slender woodland Lepiotas should be avoided.

Cap is up to 3 inches across, white, margin ragged, with numerous brown scales except for the smooth brown center. The stalk is up to 7 inches tall,solitary, and found in woods in fall and winter.

Lepiota cristata - Brown-Eyed Parasol
This species is smaller than L. clypeolaria
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To be avoided as it is perhaps poisonous. Reported to cause gastrointestinal symptoms.

Lepiota rubrotincta - Red- Eyed Parasol

Edibility is uncertain. It is easily confused with other Lepiotas, some of which are poisonous.

Mycena pura - Lilac Mycena

It is edible according to some sources, but one study revealed traces of the toxin muscarine. This is definitely not recommended. Cap is 2-5 cm broad, color is variable, stalk is 3-7 cm, solitary or in groups or small tufts on the ground in woods. It is common from fall through early spring. It is often under oaks.

Omphalotus olearius var. olivascens (o. olivascens) - Jack-O-Lantern Mushroom: Western Jack-O-Lantern Mushroom

Poisonous. Profuse sweating and gastrointestinal distress are typical symptoms. Muscarine is one of the toxins. It is sometimes eaten under the mistaken impression
that is a chanterelle.

The bright yellow-orange to olive color, decurrent gills, pale spores, and tendency to grow in clusters, distinguish this handsome mushroom. It is common from fall through early spring, especially on oak and manzanita. Gills are olive to bright yellow-orange. It is found on or around trunks, stumps and buried wood.

Russula amoinolens , Russula delica (brevipes) and Russula maculata - Russulas

Most of this genus is said to have an acrid, unpleasant taste. It is uncertain if they are poisonous.

Stropharia aeruginosa - Blue-Green Stropharia

Not recommended. It is deemed poisonous by many authors, but is supposedly eaten in Europe.

It is easily identified by its viscid, greenish to blue-green or yellow-green cap and gray to chocolate-brown or blackish-brown gills.

Inocybe geophylla - Little White Inocybe
Poisonous: it contains muscarine.

Cap is white, 1-3 cm broad, conical to bell-shaped and dull brown gills at maturity. It is solitary, scattered, or in groups on the ground in the woods.
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Chapter Eight
PLANTS

The plants in this section are listed alphabetically according to the common names as these are best known by most readers and all the following plants have common names as opposed to some of the mushrooms listed above.

Calabazilla - Cucurbita foetidissima

A member of the gourd family, this strong-smelling perennial vine is most likely to be encountered in disturbed dry areas. Because of the scarcity of vacant land in Glendora, it is not as common as it once was. I am aware of only one present population at the south-east corner of Barranca and Bennett Avenues.
It is a possible irritant to skin. Edmund C. Jaeger records of aboriginal use for washing clothes. The residue left from the plants that collected on the clothing was irritating to their skin. No other reference to toxicity could be found.

Castor Bean - Ricinus communis

This plant is thought to be a native to tropical Africa and in our area grows as a shrub, one to nine feet tall. In colder areas it exists as an annual. The large leaves are fan-shaped, varying in color from green to purplish to reddish. The entire plant is poisonous if consumed internally. Castor Bean was one of the first plants grown in early Glendora. It survives successfully on our local rainfall with no additional watering required. Plants can be found scattered throughout Glendora.

From 1951 to 1961, three deaths of children, from eating the seeds, were documented in California. It was grown as a lubricant and used to grease wagon wheels. Castor oil obtained from the seeds of this plant and sold as a laxative, does not contain any toxic substance and is safe to use. The toxic chemicals are ricin and are most concentrated in the seeds. One to three seeds can be fatal to a child and two to eight
seeds for and adult.

Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, burning of the mouth, excessive thirst, diarrhea, stomach pains, dullness of vision, convulsions, uremia and death in one to twelve days, if eaten.

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Chaparral Pea - Lathyrus laetiflorus ssp. laetiflorus

Several members of this genus contain toxic amino acids in their seeds. The toxins affect the nervous system with a disease called lathryism manifested by paralysis, irregular pulse, shallow breathing and convulsions.

It is uncertain whether our common foothill species is toxic but should be avoided until a determination is made.

Cheeseweed, Small-flowered Mallow - Malva parviflora

Although some individuals, including myself have eaten the fruits of this common naturalized plant, without any ill-effects, the entire plant is known to be toxic. The toxin is apparently unknown. Symptoms include severe muscular tremors called “shivers” or “staggers,” intensified by exercise. Prostration and death may follow. Mild cases
recover. Two unsaturated fatty acids, malvalic acid and sterculic acid, are considered the cause of this toxicity.

Clematis, Virgins Bower - Clematis

All species of this genus are thought to possess the toxin, Protaenemonin, an unstable compound that is soon converted to the harmless anemonin. Protaenemonin is produced from ranunculin (a glycoside), which breaks down by enzymatic action. The symptoms include painful gastrointestinal irritation; painful inflammation in the mouth and throat, sometimes with blisters and ulceration, profuse salivation; vomiting, bloody diarrhea,abdominal cramps, dizziness; and in severe cases convulsions. The toxin is found in the leaves.

We have three local species: Clematis lasiantha, C. ligusticifolia and C. pauciflora. All are perennial climbers. C. ligusticifolia is by far the greatest climber and is occasionally found in canyon bottoms near water. Several exist in Big Dalton Canyon.

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Cockle Bur - Xanathium strumarium var. canadense

This species of the sunflower family is most common in the Big and Little Dalton Canyon Debris Basins. Both the seeds and seedlings of this plant are toxic. The toxin responsible is Carboxylatractyloside, a highly toxic glycoside. In humans, these plants sometimes cause allergic contact dermatitis. When ingested by animals, a number of poisoning symptoms occur.

Deathcamas, Chaparral, White Star Lily - Zigadenus fremontii var. fremontii

The Williams fire which swept through the eastern foothills of Glendora in September of 2002, created an ease of movement through the upper reaches of the Big Dalton Canyon Wilderness Park. It became much easier to find particular small species of plants that would normally be obscured by a dense underbrush. Many flowering specimens were observed on the upper ridges bordering Pine and Pavil Canyons. A small population exists in the South Hills.

The entire pliant, especially the bulbs contain the toxin Zygadenine (an alkaloid) and several other steroidal alkaloids related to those of Veratrum. In humans, burning in the mouth, thirst, dizziness and headache, persistent vomiting, slow heart action, low blood pressure, and convulsions are the symptoms.

Delphinium, Parry’s Larkspur - Delphinium parryi

In Glendora, this bright-blue larkspur is found on both ridges surrounding Mystic Canyon, on the ridges adjacent to upper Pine and Pavil Canyons and one area south of the Wilderness Cabin in Big Dalton Canyon. This species was not originally recorded in my book Glendora Foothills Plant Checklist - San Gabriel Mountains.

Our species is only one of many that are toxic to cattle. Horses and sheep are also effected but to a lesser degree. There is no mention of poisoning in humans, but it
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would be best to be cautious. The entire plant is toxic and apparently the new growth is the most toxic. The toxins listed by Fuller and McClintock are diterpene alkaloids: delphinine, ajacine and ajaconine.

Elderberry, Mexican - Sambucus mexicana

A common shrub or tree most likely to be found in riparian areas, chaparral and southern oak woodlands. When crushed, the leaves give off a unique, strong odor. To me it resembles the odor of hot or burning rubber.

The roots, bark, stems, and leaves of this plant are toxic. Uncharacterized toxic alkaloids, cyanogenic glycosides, and purgative substances are listed as the poisonous properties. In addition, the leaves and stems, especially young leaves, can produce hydrocyanic acid and cause illness. Symptoms include nausea and upset stomach. Poisoning cases have been reported from cases of children removing the pith form the stems and using them for blowguns. In August 1983, a group of twenty-five people in Monterey County were served a drink made from the crushed berries,
stems, and leaves of this plant. Within 15 minutes after drinking the mixture, several of the group experienced nausea and vomiting. The eight who became most ill also reported abdominal cramps, weakness, dizziness and numbness. All recovered after treatment.
Ripe berries are edible, especially if cooked. From my experience, too many ripe berries may cause diarrhea. I often eat the berries and have mixed the flowers in with egg omelettes. The flowers actually have very little flavor, but have caused me no ill effects. I have made several pies with this species, although they need a lot of sweetener.

Eucalyptus - Eucalyptus species

At least four species of this Australian tree can be found persisting in foothill areas
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from old homesites. Evidence of growth of seedlings in these stands suggest naturalizing populations.

Toxicity of Eucalyptus trees is caused by the refined oil, Eucalyptol, a terpene. In humans, ingestion of the oil may cause vomiting, vertigo, confusion, amnesia, and coma. In hypersensitive persons, water blisters may result from handling.

Fiddleneck, Common, Rancher’s Fireweed - Amsinckia intermedia

This stiff-haired borage is common only in Glendora’s South Hills. It is found sporadically in the northern foothills.

In animals, it may cause weakness, a widespread stance, in coordination and a goose-stepping gait when made to move. Death from liver damage and accumulation of fluid in the lungs. may occur. No reports of poisoning in humans could be located.

Grass, Bermuda, Devilgrass - Cynodon dactylon

A common weed of lawns, roadsides and orchards, this Old World plant is widely naturalized throughout California.

Devilgrass produces contact dermatitis, and its pollen is an important cause of hay fever.

Grass, Perennial Rye - Lolium perenne

It was seeded heavily by air in the burned portions of the Glendora foothills following the wildfire of 1968. Early, heavy rains washed most of the seed down the steep hillsides to plateaus and canyon bottoms where it grew prolifically. This grass normally does not remain dominate in our area in subsequent years. The U.S. Forest Service did not do any aerial or on foot seeding in Glendora following the 2002
Williams Fire. This dark green grass is a native to Europe.

The entire plant, especially the leaf sheaths and the grains, is considered toxic. The unknown toxin is the result of infection inside the tissues of the grass by Phialea temulenta, an ascomycete fungus. Livestock are sometimes affected by this toxin.

Hemlock, Poison, Spotted Hemlock, Deadly Hemlock, Snakeweed, Poison Parsley, Poison Stinkweed - Conium maculatum

Native of Europe , this plant can be found in most of our foothill areas including the South Hills. It is often found in canyon bottoms in dry areas. In Big Dalton Canyon, it is common under the Coast Live Oaks.

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Ivy, English - Hedera helix

Both small and large-leaved varieties can be found in Big Dalton Canyon bottom near the Big Dalton Canyon Campground. In this area it is persisting from previous canyon residences.

This native of Europe, western Asia and north Africa, has toxic leaves and berries. The toxin is Hederin (a saponin glycoside) and hederagenin. The symptoms include simple gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhea, allergic contact dermatitis, sometimes severe, with linear and vesicular lesions, similar to those caused by Poison Oak.

Ivy, German, Parlor, Water, Cape - Senecio mikanioides

This plant is native to South Africa but is naturalized all over the world .
In our area, it is naturalized in the canyon bottoms in Big Dalton Canyon and in Pavil Canyon. Although is has a climbing habit like the plant above, German ivy is actually a member of the sunflower family.

It is known for livestock poisoning in several areas around the world. Other members of this genus are known for liver poisoning in humans. The liver tissue becomes extremely hard and fibrous.

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Jimson Weed, Datura, Toloache, Thorn-Apple, Moon Lily - Datura wrightii (meteloides)
This native of Mexico is sometimes found in vacant lots and fields and along road-sides. It is most common in our area in Big Dalton Canyon.

The entire plant is considered toxic. After examining the large, white flower of this plant, I normally wash my hands afterward so that the toxic substances can’t get in my eyes or mouth. A number of insects feed on the leaves and flowers. The toxins are tropane alkaloids, chiefly scopolamine (hyoscine), hyoschamine, norhyoscyamine, meteloidine and atropine.

Laurel, California, California Bay, California Olive, Oregon Myrtle, Pepperwood - Umbellularia californica
Common in our northern foothills, especially in canyon bottoms. The leaves of the Grecian Laurel or Bay leaf, Laurus nobilis, are used commercially for cooking. This bay-leaf however should be used more sparingly because of the unpleasant reactions of many. The aromatic leaves contain an irritating oil of which the major constituent is
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umbellulone. Contact with leaves has caused skin irritations in some persons. Violent headaches may be produced by inhaling the crushed leaves. Irritation of the mucous membranes may cause pronounced sneezing.

Locust, Black - Robinia pseudoacacia

A native of eastern and central North America, this deciduous tree can be found persisting from previous homesites or locally naturalized. It is uncommon in Glendora.

The seed, bark and leaves are toxic and are often responsible for the poisoning of children. The symptoms in humans may occur after about an hour: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, reduced heart action, coldness of the extremities and stupor. It is rarely fatal.

Lupine, Broadleaf - Lupinus latifolius var. parishii

This is known to be toxic to livestock.

Uncommon in Morgan Canyon in N-E Glendora and in upper Big Dalton Canyon near the Big Dalton Canyon Dam.


Lupine, Loosely-flowered , Coulter’s - Lupinus sparsiflorus

Contains the toxin anagyrine.

This plant is found uncommonly in the Glendora area above 1,600 feet.

Mahogany, Mountain - Cercocarpus betuloides

This member of the rose family is a common shrub in the Glendora foothills.
Ingestion of seeds may cause injury in livestock and other animals including birds. The toxin is Amygdalin and prunasin, cyanogenic glycosides that break down to release hydrocyanic acid also called prussic acid. A number of symptoms are listed in the references noted.

Marijuana, Gallow Grass, Hemp, Indian Hemp - Cannabis sativa

Most likely to be found in moist areas anywhere the plant has been smoked or intentionally planted. Several locations in Big Dalton Canyon have been home to Marijuana plants in the past. An unnamed west tributary of Big Dalton Canyon near the Wilderness Cabin was staked out by the L.A. County Sheriff Department in the
1960’s after being reported by myself. The harvesters were apprehended while tending their plants.

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Milkweed, Indian - Asclepias eriocarpa (A. fremontii)

Small populations are scattered through the northern Glendora foothills. Members of this family are the host plant to the monarch butterfly. The toxic qualities of these plants also makes the butterflies toxic to its predators. Although their have been no reported cases of human poisonings for these species of milkweeds, they have been known to be toxic to livestock.

Milkweed, Whorled, Narrowleaf - Asclepias fascicularis

Fairly common in portions of the South Hills. The toxic records for A. eriocarpa also apply to this plant.
Mistletoe, Long-Spiked Mistletoe - Phoradendron tomentosum
Mistletoe , Hairy Mistletoe - Phoradendron villosum

49

These plants are parasitic and can be found on several native trees including White
Alder - Alnus rhombifoiia, California Walnut - Juglans californica, Sycamore, Platanus
recemosa and Scrub Oak - Quercus berberidifolia (dumosa). The entire plant is poisonous and If eaten, the symptoms include stomach pains, diarrhea, slow pulse, collapse and death. The toxins probably include two toxic amines, B-phenylethylamine and tyramine, and phoratoxin, a toxic pectin.

Nettle,Stinging, Hoary,Creek- Urtica dioica ssp. holosericea
This is the common stinging nettle of California. This perennial species can grow up to eight feet tall and is normally found in damp areas including canyon bottoms and pond margins. The leaves are strongly toothed or serrate with scattered stinging hairs.

The toxic chemicals consist of acetylcholine, histamine, and 5-hydroxytryptamine and exist as fluids from the stinging hair cells. The tip of the hardened hair breaks off easily, leaving a minute slanted point that can easily penetrate the skin. Formic acid is also present but produces only a small part of the stinging sensation.

The symptoms appear if the skin is penetrated, resulting in reddening or whitening, and marked itching of the spot, followed by swelling and an intense burning sensation. The itching usually lasts for a short duration. Scratching the irritated area will usually
prolong the discomfort. On one occasion, I fell among a large stand of this species growing along the stream-bed. Besides the symptoms listed above, my arms and hands experienced some numbness and tingling sensation for several days.



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Nettle, Dwarf, Burning or Small - Urtica urens

This much smaller relative of the native Hoary Nettle, is found in Glendora’s South
Hills and discovered at one local residence. This plant is an annual, naturalized from Europe. Toxic qualities stated for U. dioica also apply to this species. I have found my allergic response to this plant to be similar to the above species but the stinging sensation lasts for a shorter period of time.

Nightshade, White , Douglas - Solanum douglasii

Fairly common in our northern foothills, this perennial member of the tomato family needs to be considered as potentially harmful. I have grown this species at home for use of its purple-black berries for eating. I know many people who have eaten this with no ill effects, however, anyone can be allergic to any of the members of the tomato family including the edible varieties of the tomato. I myself, have developed allergic responses to eating the common tomato. In me, it causes increased pulse rate and reddening of the eyes. Eggplant is another member of the family which some people are allergic to. I did not find this species or the following one specifically listed as toxic but most sources caution anyone from eating members of the solanum genus.

The entire plant, especially the green (immature) berries are toxic. The toxin consists of a complex of glycoalkaloids and their aglycones: solanine and its aglycone solanidine; solasonine and its aglycone solasodine; or similar compounds of slightly different structures, varying with different species of Solanum.

Solanine and solasonine cause the same symptoms: a scratchy feeling in the throat, gastric irritation with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headache, dizziness, and rapid heart action followed by slowing of the heart; may result in coma and death.. Symptoms appear after a latent period of several hours following ingestion. Solanine is less toxic to adults than to children. Poisoning from this compound may be confused with bacterial gastroenteritis.

Nightshade, purple - Solanum xantii

A plant of far less abundance than the above species in our area. I have not been able to find specific references to this plant for toxicity to humans or livestock, but I have been told by others that this plant may be toxic to humans. I have not personally tried eating the ripe berries and I do not recommend it.

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Oaks - Quercus species

Quercus chrysolepis Quercus agrifolia
Six native species and subspecies of oaks occur within our city limits. The leaves and acorns all oaks possess, contain the toxin - tannin. Poisoning of sheep and cattle by browsing on oak leaves and twigs does occur in California. Acorn poisoning of cattle can also take place. The raw acorns would be toxic to humans if eaten in quantity, but their bitter taste normally prevents this.

Oleander - Nerium oleander

These plants from northern Africa are naturalized in a few locations in Glendora. More often, they can be encountered at abandoned home sites in foothill areas and have continued to survive without watering. There are several naturalized oleanders in Harrow Canyon in north-central Glendora.

Pimpernel, Scarlet Pimpernel - Anagallis arvensis

This native of Europe is locally common along roadsides, disturbed areas, and in the local plant communities. It is often common in recent burn areas.

The entire plant contains the toxin - triterpenoid saponin; a glycoside, cyclamin; and a volatile oil with a peculiar pungent acrid odor. The symptoms are intense headaches and nausea with body pains for 24 hours. If taken in quantity it can be narcotic.

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Poison Oak, Western - Toxicodendron diversilobum

Look a-likes

California Blackberry Western Poison Oak Squaw Bush

One of the most common plants of the San Gabriel Foothills, it is also one of the best known and most easily recognized because of its three-lobed leaf and red autumn
foliage. Some southern California Indians reportedly boiled the roots of this plant and ate them. They were generally immune to its irritating qualities and thus suffered no ill effects. This practice is not recommended to any reader, as eating any part of the plant may cause serious gastric upset and even death in severe cases. Those who suspect themselves to be immune from the skin-irritating effect of Poison Oak (dermatitis) should be cautious, as many people lose their previous immunity.

Dermatitis can be received from any part of the plant except the pollen, although many people insist they are allergic to the pollen. A person becomes sensitized after the first direct skin contact with any part of the plant. Probably seven out of every ten people in the United States can develop this allergy if exposed to the toxin a second time. Symptoms from the first exposure to the allergen in the various species of Toxicodendron are extremely rare. With subsequent exposures, however, symptoms may develop 24 to 72 hours later or in less time in highly sensitive individuals. Early manifestation of contact dermatitis caused by this toxin is redness and swelling of the skin, accompanied by itching that continues to be a constant feature of the disorder. This redness is followed by the eruption of small blisters where the skin has been
brushed by the plant. In severe cases the blisters enlarge and exude a nonallergenic fluid and may become secondarily infected by scratching. After several days, the blisters become crusty and scaly. According to several sources, it rarely lasts longer than 10 days, however, I know of many cases which have continued longer including several of my own.
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Twenty-five steps for avoiding poison oak related dermatitis:
1. Avoid contact with objects or animals that have recently come in contact with poison oak. If your pet has contacted poison oak and then transported in your car, remember that anything that it touches could cause reactions in humans that come in contact with it.
2. Use gloves while washing pets to cleanse them of the poison oak oils.
3. When holding tools that may have come into contact with poison oak, never let the tools touch your body. Especially, don’t place the tool over your shoulder, as they may come in contact with your neck.
4. Warn others of any objects or animals that may have contacted poison oak.
5. Be especially careful when removing poison oak roots. The sap content in the roots is extremely high and often splatters out from the root when struck with a tool. When the plant oils contact the air they oxidize quickly and turn black.
6. Avoid contact with reddish roots in poison oak areas that have dark black stains. This is a tell-tail sign of the poison oak root. Any injury to the root cause the release of the black phenol oils.
7. Avoid wearing any clothes that you don’t want stained. The black sap on clothes is extremely difficult to remove and often remains for the lifetime of the clothing.
8.Several sources state that the allergen substance penetrates the skin within ten minutes. Other sources contend that the combination of the poison with skin proteins is believed to be immediate. Regardless of which is true, It won’t hurt to wash with cool soap and water as soon as possible.
9. Apply medications that are available at sporting goods outlets and pharmacies, that can be applied to the skin before any anticipated exposure to the plant. There are several products that neutralize the dermatitis producing oils, if placed on the body or clothes prior to contact.. Placing these products on your clothes, can be useful, as the poison oak oils can be neutralized before they can penetrate through the clothing, especially when the clothing becomes moist.
10. Apply products that are now available that are effective for treating your skin immediately after contact. These are normally available at the above mentioned places. Pace these on your skin immediately after contact and continue for one to three days afterwards. For me, the use of Aloe Vera gel or Aloe Vera lotions, before and after contact, greatly reduces my risk to the dermatitis. This may not be effective for you.
11. Always wear long pants and long-sleved shirts when you anticipate being
in a poison oak area. Your long pants should be pulled down over your boots. The wearing of leggings over your pant-legs and boots is helpful.
12. Gloves can greatly reduce the spread of the poison oak oils if you don’t allow them to contact your skin, other than your hands. When you need to blow your nose, etc. remove your gloves.
13. When removing your boots, wash your hands immediately, if at all possible. Everything you touch after you remove your boots will be likely to receive the irritating substances.
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14. When removing your clothes, place them directly into the washing machine yourself. Don’t let anyone else do that, as they run the risk of dermatitis from contact.
15. Clean with soap and water any objects including door knobs, that you may have touched with uncleaned hands or objects. Neglected objects that usually need washing include the car door handles and steering wheel.
16. After removing the clothes from the washer, run the washer again at low and cold, to help remove any lingering poison oak oils.
17. Take a cool shower or bath as soon as possible after contact with the poison oak plant.
18. Remember that the poison oak oils can cause reaction even when the branches are bare of leaves.
19. Don’t treat exposed skin with alcohols or oily ointments, as the poison oak oils are soluable in alcohols and fats.
20. Other products that should not be applied to the skin include those that contain local anesthetics (benzocaine), irritants (phenol, camphor), and metals (iron, zirconium).
21. Avoid excessive exposure to sun or heat after any manifestations of the dermatitis appear. Also avoid strenuous activity that would cause you to sweat.
Areas of reddening and blistering often spread from the initial area after exercise, exposure to excessive heat and or sun exposure.
22. Avoid contact of the infected area with hot water, as this may cause the symptoms to spread.
23. Some people have used the method of scratching the blistered area and then applying a strong soap such as phill's naptha or other ointment. This can lead to scarring and infection, and of course this is also painful. With today’s improved medications and treatment compounds, this type of radical treatment is not longer necessary. I have applied the above method many times, years ago.
24. Remember that exposure to wild fire ash in Poison Oak country is hazardous. Droplets of toxin are carried in smoke on particles of incompletely burned leaves and stems of Poison Oak plants. Gases that are inhaled from burning campfires prepared from poison oak stems, leaves and or roots can cause digestive and respiratory complications and even death.
25. The wearing of additional protective clothing including rain pants and jackets with a hood, are helpful in preventing contact with the oils, especially for those who have the task of trimming back and or removing poison oak along trails.

The above list was produced by Dick Swinney.

The toxic chemicals within the Poison Oak plant include:

1. Western poison oak is believed to have the same toxic chemical as poison ivy which has been studied in greater detail. The chemistry of the toxic 55

substance was worked out by Dawson. It is 3-n pentadecylcatechol:
2. There are actually four poisons, each with a different variation of the above chemical.
3. Urushiol, a nonvolatile phenolic allergen, is contained within the plant’s resin canals and released when the tissues are injured.

Only humans and some primates get this dermatitis. Deer are especially fond of the resprouting poison oak leaves after fires. This plant interbreeds with poison ivy where the ranges of the two plants come into contact in the Columbia River gorge. The dermatitis produces a reaction in man that is indistinguishable from the dermatitis of poison ivy. The toxins of the two plants seem to be identical.

Poppy, California - Eschschollzia californica

Possibly surprising to many,this California beauty is poisonous. The entire plant produces a number of isoquinoline alkaloids. Thirteen different alkaloids have been found in plants of this species. It is said to be slightly narcotic with depressant effects on respiration.



Ragweed, western - Ambrosia psilostachya var. californica
Ragweed(Burweed) - Ambrosia acanthicarpa

Both of these native species of the sunflower family are fairly common in Glendora. Both are often found in canyon bottoms and is disturbed soil. Both may cause hay fever distress in humans. No other known reactions reported.

Scale Broom - Lepidospartum squamatum

This is a common plant in some dry areas especially in Big and Little Dalton Canyons.

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This plant contains an unknown toxin; reported to have been the cause of a severe allergic reaction to a resident of Lancaster, Los Angeles County, in February 1957.

Spurge, Petty - Euphorbia peplus

A common naturalized weed from Europe, this is one of our most common yard weeds.

The milky juice is irritating to skin and eyes; if swallowed it causes vomiting, severe
gastroenteritis, and diarrhea. I personally have never received any manner of contact dermatitis from this plant. I have never met anyone that has taken this plant internally.

Spurges: Euphorbia albomarginata, E maculata, E. melenadenia, E. serpens
The genus name has recently been changed to Chamaesyce.

Although not generally listed specifically, the above plants belong to a family producing milky juice, many of which are poisonous. Many of this genera are toxic.

Sticky Poodle-Dog Bush - Turricula parryi

Many plants of this Waterleaf Family have stiff hairs on stems, leaves and or flower buds. Sensitive individuals often suffer from contact dermatitis, resembling that
produced by Pacific Poison Oak. Of all species of this family that I’ve encountered in the San Gabriel Mountains, Phacelia imbricata (I have only located two specimens in Glendora) causes the most pronounced skin reaction except for the Sticky Poodle-Dog Bush.

I hesitate to include this glandular species, as I have recorded only one plant to date in Glendora. Normally at elevations above 2,000 feet, this plant is especially abundant following wild fires in many areas of the San Gabriel Mountains. On several occasions, I have walked through dense stands of this plant in burn areas. Only my hands which were exposed, showed signs of dermatitis within an hour after contact. It did not seem to soak through my clothes as is often the case with poison oak. I experienced mild burning and a tingling sensation in my hands for several days afterwards. The odors of this plant did not effect me until I and my plant presses were sealed tight in my car. Some hay fever symptoms were experienced. The odor remains on clothing or any item of contact for days afterward.

The following event is recorded in Poisonous Plants of California by Thomas C. Fuller and Elizabeth McClintock,1986:

In 1941, in the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Glendora, three persons were affected after exposure to old flowering stems of the previous year. This was the third year following a fire, and plants had become abundant. When plants were in flower during the previous year no one was affected. Hairs on the old flowering stalks, easily

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broken from the stem, were the cause of a rash with edema, intense itching, and
burning.

Sweet Clover,White - Melilotus albus

It is a native to northern Eurasia

Sweet Clover, Annual Yellow - Melilotus indicus

This species is native to the Mediterranean region. Found mostly in moist soil, along stream sides and in dry disturbed soil. Most common in Little Dalton, Big Dalton and Morgan Canyons.

Sweet clover poisoning is confined mostly to cattle and some horses and sheep, feeding on sweet clover hay or silage. Molds growing in association of the sweet clovers produced the toxic substances. It has been found that the molds can also be found within the cavities of coarser stalks of living plants.
Sweet clover poisoning is a hemorrhagic disease in which the animal bleeds to death either internally or externally. In a typical case, the course is abrupt, death following within one to a few days after appearance of symptoms.

Tobacco, Tree - Nicotiana glauca

A common weed in disturbed areas, along dry canyon bottoms and scattered throughout the chaparral and coastal sage-scrub plant communities. This tall, yellow-flowered glaucus shrub is a native to South America.

Ingestion of the plant has caused poisonings and several deaths of humans in California. Fuller and McClintock, 1986, report one case of human poisoning in San Joaquin County, where the seedlings were mistaken for edible greens. The patient recovered but experienced typical symptoms of nicotine poisoning including respiratory paralysis that required use of an iron lung.

Toyon, Christmas Berry - Heteromeles arbutifolia
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This shrub for which the city of Hollywood is named, is one of our most common foothill plants. Its bright red berries are admired by many including several bird species. Like so many members of the rose family, the seeds are toxic. This is true for other family members such as apricots, peaches, nectarines, almonds, plums and others. These can be toxic to humans and animals alike.

The toxins are Amygdalin and prunasin, cyanogenic glycosides that break down to release hydrocyanic acid, also called prussic acid. Numerous symptoms are reported in livestock and other animals from ingestion.

Tree of Heaven ,Chinese Sumac - Ailanthus altissima

This native tree of China is now widespread over much of the temperate regions of the world. In Glendora, it has established itself in the north-eastern South Hills and locally in Big Dalton Canyon, just south of the Big Dalton Canyon Campground.

The leaves, bark and flowers of this plant produce Ailanthin, a very bitter substance; also a glycoside and a saponin. In humans, the symptoms are weakness, vertigo and
nausea from chewing a leaf or piece of bark.

Turkey Mullein, Dove Weed - Eremocarpus setigerus

Locally abundant in some dry areas of both the north hills and the South Hills areas. California Indians used these plants to stupefy fish. Illness and occasional death of cattle, sheep, and pigs have been reported after ingestion of the hairy leaves and stems. Illness appears to be caused by the solid indigestible fibrous balls that accumulate in their digestive tracts.

Walnut, English - Juglans regia
Walnut, Black - Juglans nigra

These walnuts have hybridized in our area with our local species - Juglans californica. These hybrids are often larger than either of the original donors and can be found within our city limits in foothill areas. Big Dalton Canyon has several. The following refers to the domestic walnuts. Poisoning cases from our native species is uncertain from what I can gather.
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Poisonings of dogs in California is apparently associated with the eating of old, moldy walnuts. This is caused by Penitrem A, the mycotoxin produced by the fungus,Penicillium crustosum.

Wild Cucumber, Chilicothe, Big Root, Man Root - Marah macrocarpus

This member of the gourd family is abundant in our foothills. Its brownish-yellow tuber can sometimes attain the length of a dead corpse, hence the common name, Man Root. Much of the green vegetation seen in early winter on the hillsides following fires is from the long stems of this vine as they spread out on the barren landscape.
They may reach 25 feet in length. You will normally find this plant covering existing shrubs and trees. By late May the vines begin to turn brown leaving their large prickly fruits. These are green and soft at first but become dry, brownish-yellow and sharp pointed. The large seeds are normally released from the fruits while still hanging from the vines.
I have always mentioned in nature walks and presentations that all parts of this plant have been reported as poisonous and that California aboriginals supposedly cut up tuber fragments to stupefy fish in portions of the streams they had dammed up. This is not corroborated however in any of the reference material I have listed,except for a reference from Flowering Plants, The Santa Monica Mountains, Coastal & Chaparral Regions Of Southern California by Nancy Dale, 1986. This simply states that: there is nothing at all edible about this plant. Knowing that it is better to be safe than sorry, I pass on this information for whatever it is worth.

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Sources used in the above presentation of plant poisons:

Poisonous Plants of the United States and Canada, John M. Kingsbury, Prentice-Hall, Inc. Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, 1964.

Poisonous Plants of California, Thomas C. Fuller and Elizabeth McClintock, University of California Press, Berkeley Los Angeles London, 1986.

Poisonous Plants of Southern California, County of Los Angeles, Department of Arboreta and Botanic Gardens, Arcadia, California,

A Flora Of Southern California by Philip A. Munz, University of California Press,Berkeley, Los Angeles, London, 1974

Glendora Foothills Plant Checklist - San Gabriel Mountains by Dick Swinney, cosponsored by Theodore Payne Foundation, 1994.

Early Uses of California Plants by Edward K. Balls, University of California Press,Berkeley and Los Angeles: 1962.

The Ethno-Botany Of The Coahuilla Indians Of Southern California by David Prescott Barrows, Classics in Californian Anthropology Number One, Malki Museum Press Morongo Reservation, Banning, California, 1967.

American Medicinal Plants, An Illustrated and Descriptive Guide to Plants Indigenous to and Naturalized in the United States Which Are Used in Medicine, by Charles F. Millspaugh, Dover Publications, Inc., New York, 1974

Medicinal Plants of the Pacific West by Michael Moore,Red Crane Books, 2008 Rosina Street, Ste. B, Santa Fe, New Mexico, 1993.

Plants That Poison, An Illustrated Guide to Plants Poisonous to Man by Ervin M. Schmutz, Ph.D. and Lucretia Breazeale Hamilton, Northland Publishing, Flagstaff, Arizona, 1979.

A Field Guide To Western Medicinal Plants And Herbs, The Peterson Field Guide Series by Steven Foster and Christopher Hobbs, sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation and the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, Houghton Mifflin Company, Boston, New York, 2002.

Desert Wild Flowers by Edmund C. Jaeger, Stanford University Press, Stanford, California, 1940.

Flowering Plants, The Santa Monica Mountains, Coastal & Chaparral Regions Of Southern California by Nancy Dale, Capra Press, 1986.
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1895 Mowry Ave, Suite 112 Phone: 510-792-4441
Fremont, Ca 94538-1700 FAX: 510-792-3045
http://www.camlt.org/DL_web/931_tularemia.html

Chapter 9
TAPEWORMS

Tapeworm,Dwarf- Humenolepis diminuta and H. nana

The incidence of these organisms in the Los Angeles area is apparently growing as a result of the commonness of their intermediate hosts, granary beetles of the genera Tribolium and Tenebrio. Taken from Appendix A: Insect and Arachnid Pests In The Los Angeles Basin, from Insects Of The Los Angeles Basin by Charles L. Hogue, Natural History Museum Of Los Angeles County , 1974, 1993.

Chapter 10
VIRUSES

See the following vectors above for information on specific viruses:

Bats Rabies
Birds Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE)
Flies Malaria, West Nile Virus (WNV), SLE
Mice Hanta Virus (HPS), Rabies
Rats Hanta Virus (HPS), Rabies
Rodents Saint Louis Encephalitis (SLE), Arenavirus - Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV), Rabies
Squirrels Rabies
Ticks Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus (LCMV)

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