Endemic Species
Like many southern California dune systems, the Kelso dunes have a number of endemic animal species. The list includes at least ten species of insect, such as the Kelso Dunes Giant Sand Treader (Macrobaenetes kelsoensis, a species of camel cricket), the Kelso Dunes Jerusalem Cricket (Ammopelmatus kelsoensis, a stenopelmatid), a giant Mydid fly (Rhaphiomidas tarsalis), and the Kelso Dunes Shieldback Katydid (Eremopedes kelsoensis), as well as several rare native bees, wasps, and beetles. Although not strictly endemic, several plant and reptile species are rare outside of these dunes. One example is the Mojave Fringe-toed Lizard (Uma scoparia), which is specialized in its ability to "swim" under sand.
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