This is a tiny moth that is active during the day. Like many of our small moth species, the life history of this moth remains a mystery. They are often […]

Not much information was quickly available about this subtle, but beautiful, beetle. As a member of the Buprestid family (metallic wood-boring beetles), these beetles are often referred to as “jewel […]

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 […]

These beautiful spiders are definitely one of Montana’s most colorful jumping spiders. Both sexes have a bright red abdomen, black cephalothorax, and iridescent green chelicerae. The male’s abdomen is entirely […]

We are not 100% sure, but believe this a sawfly larva, rather than a butterfly or moth larva. Although “fly” is in their name, they are actually in the order […]

The Silvery Blue is on the wing from May into mid June and has prominent rows of black spots circled in white on each wing. It can potentially be confused […]

Admire these boldly colored beetles with eyes only, as they can ooze a liquid that can blister skin. The chemical responsible, cantharidin, is highly toxic to animals, but has been […]

Of all the species of meadowhawk dragonflies in Montana, the variegated is the most boldly patterned. With a body length of 1.5 to 2 inches, these beautiful dragonflies are often […]

Trevor spotted around 10-15 snakeflies on a ponderosa pine at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge—lucky! These beautiful and seemingly elusive insects get their name from the long “neck” of the adults (part […]

We’re excited to introduce you to a new butterfly species in western North America, the Asher’s Blue! Once considered a part of the many subspecies of azure butterflies (Celestrina), this […]