What’s Buzzin’

What can you see around Western Montana right now?

Sigmoid Prominent (Clostera albosigma)

These elegant-looking moths can be found coast-to-coast in the US and southern Canada, but tend to be rare in the southeastern states. The caterpillars feed on poplar, willow, and aspen […]

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The Joker (Feralia jocosa)

After developing in a pupa prior to winter, these green beauties are now on the wing (from March to June). Not always green, they will turn dark yellow when exposed […]

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Giant Salmonfly (Pteronarcys californica)

With bright orange coloration behind the head and underneath the abdomen, this species of giant stonefly can grow up to 3 inches in length.They are weak, uncoordinated-looking flyers—looking like they […]

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Mining Bee, male (genus Andrena)

Andrenas are commonly referred to as “mining bees,” because they construct underground nests. If you scour the ground along park trails, you may spy the holes of Andrena nests, usually […]

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Mason Bee (genus Osmia)

There are about 150 species of mason bees in North America. They tend to be metallic green, blue-black, or blue-green in color and have beefy little bodies. Most species are […]

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Sweat Bee (family Halictidae)

Some species of sweat bees are attracted to our sweat, alighting on our skin and lapping it up for moisture and salt. They sometimes sting if disturbed, though the sting is not very painful. […]

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