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 roots […]
Read MoreArticles by: Brenna Shea
Western Eyed Click Beetle (Alaus melanops)
These large beetles (with noticeable eyespots) inhabit coniferous forests and are typically found from June through July. Their larvae live in dead or dying trees and feed on the larvae of woodborers […]
Read MoreRed-shouldered Pine Borer (Stictoleptura canadensis cribripennis), female
There’s not much information available about this species of flower longhorn beetle. As assumed, the adults feed on flowers. And this particular individual was enjoying sap from a willlow’s oozing […]
Read MoreWoodland Skipper (Ochlodes sylvanoides)
These small, tawny orange butterflies start to emerge in mid to late summer and can be found in just about any habitat; including sagebrush, woodland clearings, gardens, and small streams. Caterpillars […]
Read MoreHedgerow Hairstreak (Satyrium saepium)
This is our most common brown hairstreak in the west, and a regular visitor to flowers. Since they perch with wings closed, you may only glimpse their bright orange upper […]
Read MoreEuropean Praying Mantis (Mantis religiosa)
Mantis sightings are starting to trickle in, unlike last year, which was more of a flood. European Mantises, as their name suggests, are not native. Each year gardeners purchase their egg cases (called […]
Read MoreYellow Woollybear (Spilosoma virginica)
These beautiful moths (and their caterpillars) can be found throughout North America. Adult moths are almost all white on the wings with a beautiful coat of white fur on the thorax. The caterpillars […]
Read MoreGreen Stonefly (family Chloroperlidae)
Green stoneflies, or sallflies if you are an angler, are unusual in that most species in the family are green or yellow. They may be mistaken for recently emerged individuals […]
Read MoreHermit Flower Beetle (Osmoderma subplanata)
These tank-like beetles are hard to miss, but it’s unlikely you will ever see the chunky C-shaped grubs, who develop in rotting wood of dead or dying hardwoods. During the […]
Read MorePink-faced Jewel Beetle (Buprestis lyrata)
This beauty is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle or jewel beetle (family Buprestidae). A group so-named because many of its members sport shiny, irridescent colors. Buprestis is a genus of 18 […]
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