Welcome back to the Lab! Winter is slowly descending around us, and while I appreciate that the approach has been slow this year, I still find myself somewhat incapacitated by […]
Read MoreArticles by: Butterfly House
Notes from the Lab: Mountain Pine Beetle
Welcome back to the lab! Mountain pine beetles have a nasty reputation in the Intermountain West. Many are familiar with the term “beetle kill,” and have subsequently seen the damage […]
Read MoreHarvestman (order Opiliones)
Kristi discovered this harvestman after molting, which we imagine would be a captivating process to watch with those long, spindly legs. We’re not 100% sure but believe this is the European Harvestman […]
Read MoreVancouver Looper (Erannis vancouverensis), Male
We know this particular moth is a male because the females have no wings! Vancouver Loopers are found from northwestern British Columbia south to central California, and eastward to the nearer slopes of the […]
Read MoreWestern Conifer Seed Bug (Leptoglossus occidentalis)
These insects will often enter your home this time of year, whether invited or not. They aren’t looking to eat anything, just a warm place to hang out until spring. […]
Read MoreEuropean Praying Mantis (Mantis religiosa) and Ootheca
Our Development Director recently appeared on the news to talk about the high volume of praying mantis sightings in the Missoula area. Perhaps you’ve seen one, two, or even a few this year. […]
Read MoreA Flat-backed Millipede (Montaphe elrodi)
We believe this is Montaphe elrodi, a species native to the northwestern United States. Millipedes and centipedes both have a lot of legs, but they have some key differences. Millipedes are slow-moving, have two pairs […]
Read MoreSpotted Knapweed Root Weevil (Cyphocleonus achates)
Similar to the European Praying Mantis, the Knapweed Root Weevil is also an exotic species. However, in this case it was introduced on purpose to help combat another exotic species […]
Read MoreSix-spotted Fishing Spider (Dolomedes triton)
This Six-spotted Fishing Spider is one of eight species of fishing spiders in the Dolomedes genus found in the US and Canada. It is greenish brown with distinct white lines and spots. […]
Read MoreWoolly Bear Caterpillar (Pyrrharctia isabella)
This is the iconic caterpillar that is said to predict the severity of the upcoming winter. Woolly Bears are common throughout North America at lower elevations and feed on a wide […]
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