Parnassians are part of the swallowtail family (Papilionidae), but don’t look like the typical bold, black and yellow or white-winged ones. They lack tails and are mostly white, with black and red markings. […]

This beautiful dragonfly is uncommon in the northern part of the Northern Rockies. It has a longer flight period than most snaketail species, emerging in June and being found through […]

At first glance, you might think this little insect is a type of wasp. But look at those stubby antennae (coming out from the center of the head) and the […]

If you’re trying to identify a “blue” (subfamily Polyommatinae) make sure to get a photo of their underside, where most of their field marks are… that is, if they’ll let you. […]

This fly landed on a hiking pole, making for a perfect photo op! The Western Pond Fly is a type of flower fly (family Syrphidae) that does a pretty convincing […]

The last time this butterfly graced a What’s Buzzin’ report (7/25/19) it was found at a much higher elevation …9,200 ft., above treeline, near the top of St. Mary’s Peak in […]

The eyespot on the underside of the forewing can often help identify this relatively small butterfly, but as with all things, they vary a lot. The color of their wings […]

The Metallic Woodborer Beetle is truly a work of art, with its textured upper side and iridescent bronze luster. An opening of the wings reveals even more beauty. This species was just […]

Whether on land or in the air, these up to 1.5 inch long beetles are hard to miss when they are around. When disturbed, they make a hissing sound by […]

Four-spotted Skimmers are one of the earlier dragonflies on the scene. They are quite large, at up to two inches long, and have a diagnostic black spot halfway along each […]