Extremely little is known about succession of insects in postfire chaparral. This 4-year postfire study in the San Gabriel Mountains of southern California showed that pollen-nectar feeders and predatory insects can be very abundant beginning the first spring after a burn. Annual plants in bloom appeared to entice flower feeders, and hence predators, into the area. Phytophagous insects (other than flower feeders) and parasitic insects more slowly established in the burn. Insect biomass tended to peak annually in June and July. There was no obvious correlation between insect biomass and yearly rainfall. Fourth-year insect richness and diversity showed a dramatic increase after an overall 3-year decreasing trend.