The Ornamental Orb Weaver is part of the family Araneidae, a family renowned for their orb-weaving habit. This species, unlike others in its genus, often builds its web in shrubs […]

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 massive too […]

Now here’s a unique looking spider. If you google “spider with red on its back,” you might see a photo of and worry that this is a Redback Spider (extremely […]

Salt Marsh Caterpillars are not always easy to identify, and vary widely in color—from blond to brown to black. And, don’t let the name fool you, these balls of fuzz are […]

Tachinid flies are mostly robust flies with spiny abdomens. This group lacks spines on the abdomen, with Gymnosoma meaning “naked body.” Adults sip nectar from flowers, but larvae prefer protein. Of the […]

These day-flying tiger moths are on the wing throughout the summer in fields with flowers, where they nectar from goldenrods (Solidago spp.) and more. You may also see them occasionally flying […]

Averaging almost an inch long with a bright half-black, half-orange abdomen, these solitary wasps are hard to miss. While watching them nectar at flowers is certainly interesting, if you are […]

To tell a Two-tailed Swallowtail from a Western Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar, focus on the black edge of the pupil of the large eyespot. For the Two-tailed it is a thin […]

Female orbweavers (family Araneidae), like this beauty, construct intricate, circular webs to ensnare their insect prey. Adult male orbweavers are typically smaller and not often seen. They generally do not spin webs, but wander […]