What’s Buzzin’

What can you see around Western Montana right now?

Monarch Butterfly, female (Danaus plexippus)

This sighting is very exciting. Monarch butterfly populations are not doing well, especially for the western population of monarchs (overwintering off the coast of California). Despite growing conservation efforts, both populations […]

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Ceanothus Moth, male (Hyalophora euryalus)

This massive moth was ensnared in a spider web at the University of Montana campus …probably more than the spider bargained for. Brady gently freed it. They can be found from British Columbia […]

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Western Sheep Moth (Hemileuca eglanterina)

Western sheepmoth caterpillars (also called the elegant sheepmoth) feed on trees and shrubs that include rose, hawthorn, cherry, willow, aspen, and birch. In their younger stages they prefer to dine […]

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Robber Fly (genus Laphria)

At first glance, these extremely capable (and seemingly always hungry) predators look like a medium sized bumblebee. Their “bearded” face is one way to recognize these insects as robber flies. […]

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A Flower Longhorn (Pseudogaurotina cressoni)

Karen thought this beetle looked familiar—it’s the “cover model” on the front of the Pacific Northwest Insects book. The shine of the metallic green wing covers was muted by an overcast sky, […]

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