What’s Buzzin’

What can you see around Western Montana right now?

Pink-faced Jewel Beetle (Buprestis lyrata)

This beauty is a species of metallic wood-boring beetle or jewel beetle (family Buprestidae). A group so-named because many of its members sport shiny, irridescent colors. Buprestis is a genus of 18 […]

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Two-tailed Swallowtail (Papilio multicaudata)

Initially we weren’t sure if this was a Two-tailed Swallowtail or a Western Tiger Swallowtail, but received some help from fellow butterfly enthusiasts. According to David J. Ferguson, Contributing Editor for BugGuide, “The […]

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Cross Orbweaver (Araneus diadematus)

The Cross Orbweaver, named for the white cross on the topside of the abdomen, was introduced to North America from Western and Northern Europe. It now ranges mostly in southern […]

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Marbled Orbweaver (Araneus marmoreus)

Marbled Orbweavers are also called Pumpkin Spiders for their typical orange form. But, incredible variation exists. Scroll down to the “Remarks” section to view some stunning examples. Marbles range from Alaska to Newfoundland, south to Oregon, Utah, southern […]

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Cat-faced Spider (Araneus gemmoides)

Many people refer to all orb weaver spiders as “Cat-faced Spiders” or “Barn Spiders”…but we believe this species is THE actual Cat-faced Spider, also called the Plains Orbweaver or Jewel […]

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Thick-headed Fly (genus Physocephala)

Thick-headed flies are aptly named, sporting disproportionately large heads. At first glance, flies within this genus might be mistaken for solitary wasps, resembling them in general shape and color. When at […]

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