Welcome back to the Lab! And Merry Christmas! We’re diving into more folklore this week with the legend of the Christmas Spider! This tale has its origins in Eastern Europe, […]
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Articles by: Misty Nelson
Notes from the Lab: Insect Folklore
Welcome back to the Lab! Insect-inspired folklore is rampant throughout human history; from the ancient Egyptians, who believed bees were the sacred tears of the sun god, Ra, to the many […]
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Notes from the Lab: Insect Sleep
Welcome back to the Lab! Sleep is nearly universal within animals. Though it may present differently between species, everyone needs a rest now and then. Insects are no exception. Sleep […]
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Notes from the Lab: Giving Back to Pollinators
Welcome back to the Lab! In honor of the holiday, we’re taking a look at how to give back to our native pollinators by building better bee houses! As we’ve […]
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Notes from the Lab: Insect Freeze Avoidance
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 […]
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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 […]
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Harvestman (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 […]
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Vancouver 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 […]
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Western 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. […]
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European 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. […]
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