Many people refer to all orb weaver spiders as “Cat-faced Spiders” or “Barn Spiders”…but we believe this species is THE actual Cat-faced Spider, also called the Plains Orbweaver or Jewel […]

Thick-headed flies are aptly named, sporting disproportionately large heads. At first glance, flies within this genus might be mistaken for solitary wasps, resembling them in general shape and color. When at […]

As with other species of skippers, there can be a lot of variation in pattern and coloration. Once considered a subspecies of the Common Branded Skipper (Hesperia comma), most resources now […]

The Golden Buprestid is arguably one of the most beautiful insects we have in Montana. These beetles range throughout the western U.S. and Canada. They tend to focus on lightning-killed trees, […]

Tom’s granddaughter, Everli, has been enjoying the company of CeCe, a Two-tailed Swallowtail that comes to visit them everyday. Everli, who Tom calls the “Butterfly Whisperer,” has been interested in […]

A honey bee is the latest victim of this predatory fly. Perfectly described in the Kaufman Field Guide to North America, robber flies “are to other insects what falcons are to other birds: swift […]

This is the first time we’ve seen this species. And although we couldn’t find a lot of information,  Hippodamia lady beetles and their “alligator-shaped” larvae are voracious eaters of aphids. There are 18 […]

This is the largest beetle in Montana. They can be found in forested areas of Douglas Fir and Ponderosa Pine (their principle hosts) throughout the Rocky Mountain region. Females lay […]

Goldenrod Crab Spiders are masters at blending in. These spiders can change their color over several days (ranging from yellow to white) in order to better blend in with their […]

Our guess is that there is a scat pile under all these butterflies! Butterflies often congregate and sip from spots that provide additional nutrients, minerals, and salts. That could be […]