While this may look more like something your cat coughed up, it’s the cocoon of a Giant Silkmoth—likely the Ceanothus Silkmoth (Hyalophora euryalus) or “Kasloensis” (Hyalophora euryalus kasloensis). Last year, […]
Read MoreWhat’s Buzzin’
What can you see around Western Montana right now?
A Tumblebug (Canthon simplex)
Last week, we had a tumblebug sans dung ball, this week with! Ellen writes, “there were 2 rolling the dung along. The 2nd went into a dark hole in the ground when […]
Read MoreCobweb Spider (Steatoda borealis)
Cobwebs spiders (family Theridiidae) are often housemates, wanted or otherwise. Even if you don’t see them, you may find their handiwork—messy, three-dimensional webs, with strands running in many different directions. […]
Read MoreMay Beetle, also called June Bug (genus Phyllophaga)
These common beetles are named for the months they are most numerous in, May and June. The adults are nocturnal, foliage feeders, while the larvae, known as white grubs, feed […]
Read MoreMoth Pupa (order Lepidoptera)
If you spend any time digging in your garden, chances are you’ve come across one of these before. While it is extremely difficult to determine the exact species, this is […]
Read MoreWestern Black Widow (Latrodectus hesperus)
This immature female black widow is certainly beautiful …but take that red hourglass marking on her underside as a warning. While they are not aggressive (will not attack you), they will defend themselves or […]
Read MoreLeaf Beetle (Chrysolina auripennis)
This stunning beetle’s name, auripennis, means “golden winged,” although they range from iridescent green to gold, with an uncommon black form. They are a type of Leaf Beetle (family Chrysomelidae), a […]
Read MoreOil Beetle (genus Meloe)
This strange looking beetle is likely the Black Meloe (Meloe niger). They are active primarily in April and May. As you might guess from their short, stubby wings, the adults are flightless ground-dwellers. […]
Read MoreJulia Orangetip (Anthocharis julia)
Move over Sara! Up until a few years ago, this beautiful butterfly was typically referred to as the Sara Orangetip (and still is according to just about every butterfly guide). […]
Read MoreBrown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus)
These small butterflies can be found in western Montana from May to mid-June in a variety of habitats, including mixed conifer/deciduous woodlands and bogs. Almost any place where acidic soils […]
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