What’s Buzzin’

What can you see around Western Montana right now?

Small-eyed Sphinx (Paonias myops)

The name of this sphinx moth is a bit misleading. The moth has normal eyes, not small at all, but the eyelike spots on the hindwings could be considered small. These handsome […]

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Wolf Spider (family Lycosidae)

Some of the largest spiders encountered in Montana are wolf spiders…and when you see one carrying around a pea-sized “golf ball,” you take notice. Wolf spider mothers attach their egg […]

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American Hornet Moth (Sesia tibiale)

Delicious or dangerous? Many predators would pass on these day-flying moths…and many people would be wary in their presence. In flight they closely resemble wasps, even producing a droning sound to […]

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Crane Fly (family Tipulidae)

With their slender body and stilt-like legs, crane flies kind of look like mosquitoes on steroids. But not to worry, they are not out for blood. Adult crane flies only […]

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Wavy-Lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata)

This beautiful species of moth can be found from southern Canada to Georgia and Texas. The caterpillars feed on a wide variety of plants and are known to be “messy […]

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Porch Light Biology!

This photo, sent in by Cathy Houle Barrows, is perfect for National Moth week and is a great demonstration of why we encourage you to leave your porch light on during the spring and […]

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