What’s Buzzin’

What can you see around Western Montana right now?

Montana Six-plume Moth (Alucita montana)

Aside from Montana, these moths can be found from southwestern Quebec and Vermont, west to British Columbia, and south to Arizona, Texas, and California. They overwinter as adults, hiding under loose […]

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Common Sawfly (Tenthredo maxima)

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 […]

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Cutworm Moth Caterpillar (genus Agrotis)

Becca spotted this caterpillar crawling through the lawn. It’s hard to say for sure, but we believe this may be a cutworm moth caterpillar in the genus Agrotis. Cutworms live at […]

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Trashline Orbweaver (genus Cyclosa)

See it? Look a bit closer. Trashline orb weaver spiders get their common name because they’re not the tidiest of spiders, decorating their web with a line of debris (prey remains, […]

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Orbweaver Spiderlings (family Araneidae)

When they are this small, it’s nearly impossible to determine what species of orb weaver spider you’ve found. There are approximately 3,500 species of orb weavers worldwide, with 180 occurring north of […]

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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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Leaf Beetle (Trirhabda sp.)

This attractive beetle was found inside Glenn’s house. Always a nice change of pace, considering some insects are a challenge to find or photograph. You’ll notice that the top side […]

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