What’s Buzzin’

What can you see around Western Montana right now?

Julia Orangetip (Anthocharis julia)

Move over Sara! Up until a few years ago, this beautiful butterfly was typically referred to as the Sara Orangetip (and still is according to just about every butterfly guide). […]

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Brown Elfin (Callophrys augustinus)

These small butterflies can be found in western Montana from May to mid-June in a variety of habitats, including mixed conifer/deciduous woodlands and bogs. Almost any place where acidic soils […]

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A Tumblebug (Canthon simplex)

According to Pacific Northwest Insects author Merrill A. Peterson, “Although we have many dung feeders, only one of those species (Canthon simplex) performs the famous and comical behavior of rolling dung balls. […]

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Echo Azure (Celastrina echo)

We featured the Echo Azure about a month ago; since then they’ve been busy ensuring the next generation takes wing. This species of butterfly falls in a subfamily of butterflies known as […]

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Anteater Scarab Beetle (Cremastocheilus sp.)

We think this genus of beetles would be the perfect subject for a future Bug Bytes episode. These nondescript beetles spend much of their life inside an ant nest. Larvae help themselves to leftover scraps […]

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Salt Marsh Moth (Estigmene acrea)

The name of this elegant moth reflects its frequency in coastal salt marshes (tidal marshes) along the Pacific, Atlantic, and Gulf Coasts. But really, they can be found in any […]

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Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa)

The Mourning Cloak is Montana’s state butterfly and one of the first butterflies we see each year (as early as March). After overwintering as an adult, these hardy butterflies will find a mate, lay eggs, and […]

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