This common species of lady beetle (or ladybug) will spend the winter in hibernation in groups of thousands of individuals and then emerge to mate and start the next generation […]
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What can you see around Western Montana right now?
Elm Sawfly (Cimbex americana)
Despite the name, sawflies aren’t flies at all and reside in the order Hymenoptera, along with the more familiar wasps, bees, and ants. Females don’t pack a sting, but most species have […]
Read MoreWestern Tent Caterpillars (Malacosoma californicum)
As you can see, unlike many caterpillars that venture out on their own to feed, these guys like company and spend a large part of their caterpillar life with a bunch of friends in […]
Read MoreCrab Spider (genus Mecaphesa)
Crab spiders are ambush hunters that often attack pollinators at flowers. The unfortunate victim in this case, a fly, was likely looking for a meal of its own from the […]
Read MoreFlying Saucer Lady Beetle (Anatis rathvoni)
This lady beetle’s common name gets our vote for most charming. Their very angular outline is unlike any other North American lady beetle and their helmet-shape, with a flared “rim,” […]
Read MoreBoreal Long-lipped Tiger Beetle (Cicindela longilabris)
These insects are FAST, when they’re not occupied, that is. Tiger beetles have been clocked running at 1.38 feet per second (about 29 body lengths). That may not sound like […]
Read MoreGreen Stink Bug (Chlorochroa granulosa)
While we didn’t find a lot of information for this species, the Green Stink Bug is part of the larger group of stink bugs (Pentatomidae), a family that can produce […]
Read MoreSunflower Seed Maggot (Neotephritis finalis)
This is one of the most commonly seen fruit flies in North America. And while you may associate fruit flies with soft fruits, some species induce galls or mine stems, […]
Read MoreStink Bug (Cosmopepla uhleri)
This beautiful species of True Bug (order Hemiptera) has the unflattering family name of “Stink Bug” (family Pentatomidae). We did not find a lot of information about this particular species […]
Read MoreGreat Grig (Cyphoderris monstrosa)
These bulky insects are in the same order as grasshoppers, crickets, and katydids (Orthoptera). Males call at night, making a high-pitched sound used to attract females and claim their territory. […]
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