This is our most reported insect as of late…and the next generation is on its way! The adults do not feed, but caterpillars fatten up on plants in the willow […]
Read MoreArticles by: Brenna Shea
Wolf Spider (family Lycosidae)
Some of the largest spiders encountered in Montana are wolf spiders…and when you see one carrying around a pea-sized “golf ball,” you take notice. Wolf spider mothers attach their egg […]
Read MoreAmerican Hornet Moth (Sesia tibiale)
Delicious or dangerous? Many predators would pass on these day-flying moths…and many people would be wary in their presence. In flight they closely resemble wasps, even producing a droning sound to […]
Read MoreCollared Arches Moth (Lacinipolia strigicollis)
Collared Arches are on the wing during late summer and fall, typically from mid-July to early September. You may spot one sipping nectar at the golden-yellow flowers of Rubber Rabbitbrush in the early […]
Read MoreCrane Fly (family Tipulidae)
With their slender body and stilt-like legs, crane flies kind of look like mosquitoes on steroids. But not to worry, they are not out for blood. Adult crane flies only […]
Read MoreMetallic Wood-boring Beetle (Buprestis confluenta)
Danielle discovered this stunning (and incredibly cool!) beetle at Council Grove State Park, near the logs in the second photo. Our staff had never seen this beetle before and were […]
Read MoreWavy-Lined Emerald (Synchlora aerata)
This beautiful species of moth can be found from southern Canada to Georgia and Texas. The caterpillars feed on a wide variety of plants and are known to be “messy […]
Read MoreWhite-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyles lineata)
This is the first sighting we’ve heard of from the second generation of the year. (We see the first generation in late April / early May.) These large moths are often […]
Read MorePorch Light Biology!
This photo, sent in by Cathy Houle Barrows, is perfect for National Moth week and is a great demonstration of why we encourage you to leave your porch light on during the spring and […]
Read MoreBee-like Robber Fly (Laphria asturina)
Robber flies in the genus Laphria can do a convincing job of making you think they are a bee (many species tending to resemble bumblebees). However, unlike the insects they are trying […]
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