During 1995, 13 cotton fields were monitored weekly for insect population and plant development. The fields were located throughout the San Joaquin Valley, varied in size, included both conventional and certified organic practices, over a wide range in planting dates and pest control practices. The most common insects included big-eyed bugs (Geocoris), minute-pirate bugs (Orius), damsel bugs (Nabis), western flower thrips (Frankiniella occidentis), spider mites (Tetranychus), Lygus bugs (Lygus hesperus), cotton aphid (Aphis gossypii), and green lacewings (Chrysoperla). Data analysis is preliminary and four sites are lightled for discussion.