As you can see, unlike many caterpillars that venture out on their own to feed, these guys like company and spend a large part of their caterpillar life with a bunch of friends in […]

The honey bee was one of the first domesticated insects and is the primary species kept by beekeepers for honey production and pollination services. Thanks to their domestication, they can […]

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 mate, lay eggs, and […]

These insects primarily feed on the leaves and seeds of box-elder, maple, and ash trees, using their long “beak” to suck the juices. Western Box Elders are “true bugs” –members […]

Some of the largest spiders encountered in Montana are wolf spiders (family Lycosidae). Most live on the ground and hunt for their prey at night. Long legs adapted for running, along […]

While only about .25 inches in length, you should be thanking this and other dung beetle species for their tireless work. Although this particular species is a non-native from Eurasia, […]

Welcome back to the Lab! We hope that you enjoy this week’s Notes from the Lab. Before we jump in… Missoula Gives, a 26-hour online giving campaign, starts at 5:00PM […]

While these beautiful and delicate looking insects are harmless to humans, they are very capable predators that always seem to be hungry. And since they tend to feed on other […]