Ellen observed this large caterpillar crawling along the sidewalk at the edge of her house. She writes, “It looked entirely black until I viewed it from the side to see its colorful […]
Read MoreWhat’s Buzzin’
What can you see around Western Montana right now?
October Thorn Moth (Tetracis jubararia)
Sometimes our subjects make it easy to find them …Glenn found this beautiful moth on the office door as he headed into work. October Thorns can be found from mid-August into November (depending on location […]
Read MoreMourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)
The Mourning Cloak is Montana’s state butterfly and one of the first butterflies we see each year (as early as March). After overwintering as an adult, these hardy butterflies will find a […]
Read MoreWhite-spotted Sawyer (Monochamus scutellatus), Female
This long-horned beetle can be found in coniferous forests across North America, especially in the northern U.S., upper Midwest and much of Canada. The males have one white spot at the front […]
Read MoreWhite-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata)
These large moths are often mistaken for hummingbirds since their rapid wing movement resembles a hummer in flight (hovering over flowers while feeding). They usually fly at dusk, during the […]
Read MoreRed-femured Milkweed Borer (Tetraopes femoratus)
Find a good patch of milkweed (Asclepias spp.) and you are likely to spot these boldly colored longhorn beetles. As the name suggests, they specialize on milkweed; the larvae feed on the […]
Read MorePaddle-tailed Darner (Aeshna palmata)
Kristi managed to get this lucky shot, showing how the front and rear wings oppose each other in flight. Paddle-tailed Darners are one of the most common darners in Montana and […]
Read MoreOnce-married Underwing (Catocala unijuga)
Underwing moths (genus Catocala) are hard to tell apart; our best guess is the Once-married Underwing. We’re sure there’s an interesting story behind how this moth got it’s name …but these large […]
Read MoreCalifornia Tortoiseshell (Nymphalis californica)
This, and the next photo, were taken on the other side of Lolo Pass along the Wild and Scenic Lochsa River. So while not technically in Montana, very close. This was just one of […]
Read MoreEight-spotted Skimmer (Libellula forensis)
This medium-sized dragonfly reaches a length of about 2 inches. They are found west of the Rockies in Canada and the U.S., inhabiting a variety of lakes, ponds, and sloughs. […]
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