Initially we weren’t sure if this was a Two-tailed Swallowtail or a Western Tiger Swallowtail, but received some help from fellow butterfly enthusiasts. According to David J. Ferguson, Contributing Editor for BugGuide, “The […]

This beautiful moth can be found across much of the northern US and the southwestern states. The larvae feed on a wide variety of woody and herbaceous plants, enabling them to occupy […]

The Cross Orbweaver, named for the white cross on the topside of the abdomen, was introduced to North America from Western and Northern Europe. It now ranges mostly in southern […]

Fritillaries can be very tough to ID, but not this one. The dark one is the female (top) …and since they are mating, there is no question that the other is […]

Marbled Orbweavers are also called Pumpkin Spiders for their typical orange form. But, incredible variation exists. Scroll down to the “Remarks” section to view some stunning examples. Marbles range from Alaska to Newfoundland, south to Oregon, Utah, southern […]

With a wingspan of up to six inches, the adult Polyphemus Moth is the largest species of giant silk moth in Montana …so it should come as no surprise that their caterpillars are pretty […]

This is the largest beetle in Montana. They can be found in forested areas of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine (their principle hosts) throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Females lay […]

Many people refer to all orb weaver spiders as “Cat-faced Spiders” or “Barn Spiders”…but we believe this species is THE actual Cat-faced Spider, also called the Plains Orbweaver or Jewel […]

Thick-headed flies are aptly named, sporting disproportionately large heads. At first glance, flies within this genus might be mistaken for solitary wasps, resembling them in general shape and color. When at […]

As with other species of skippers, there can be a lot of variation in pattern and coloration. Once considered a subspecies of the Common Branded Skipper (Hesperia comma), most resources now […]