Blake and Ollie found this sizable critter in a parking lot in Helena. We were happy to inform them that they had found a Predaceous Diving Beetle (in the genus Dytiscidae). […]
Read MoreWhat’s Buzzin’
What can you see around Western Montana right now?
Carpenterworm Moth (Prionoxystus robiniae)
These rather large moths can be found all across southern Canada and the United States. They tend to be more common in the east since their larvae bore into the […]
Read MoreTussock Moth Caterpillar (genus Dasychira)
Identifying Tussock Moth caterpillars to genus is not too hard. Getting them to the exact species can be a bit more challenging. We believe this is the Variable Tussock Moth […]
Read MoreField Crescent (Phyciodes pulchella)
These small to medium sized butterflies range from central AK and the northern Yukon to southern CA, AZ and NM. To the east, they can be found all the way […]
Read MoreDeer Fly (genus Chrysops)
These photos are of a Deer Fly in the genus Chrysops. We believe it is the species Chrysops mitis. On different websites, we saw the common name listed for this species as “Benign […]
Read MoreHorned Spanworm Moth (Nematocampa resistaria)
These beautifully patterned moths can be found across much of the US, except for the southwestern states. Since they are found across a wide range, the caterpillars are capable of […]
Read MoreSpurge Hawkmoth Caterpillar (Hyles euphorbiae)
These gorgeous caterpillars were discovered during the Creative Creatures camp with the Montana Natural History Center. They all sport a “horn,” but look different depending on what stage they are […]
Read MoreLorquin’s Admiral (Limenitis lorquini)
These showy butterflies can be found from British Columbia south to Baja California and inland to Montana and Nevada. Like many butterfly species, there’s an incredible visual difference between the […]
Read MoreWestern Sheep Moth (Hemileuca eglanterina)
If you are someone who still believes that butterflies are always more beautiful than moths, then you’ve met your match. The Western Sheep Moth (also called the Elegant Sheep Moth) […]
Read MoreAnise Swallowtail Caterpillar (Papilio zelicaon)
Anise Swallowtails are widespread and numerous in the west and are so-named for the caterpillars’ penchant for feeding on plants in the parsley family, including the introduced sweet fennel, or anise. […]
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