We were thrilled to receive this submission, as you’re not likely to see this species in western Montana. The Gorgone is on the wing from May to early July on the other side of the divide, in a variety of open situations: ridges, prairies, streamsides, open hardwood forests, old fields, and forest edges. Females lay eggs on the underside of leaves of sunflowers, giant ragweed, black-eyed susan, yellow coneflower and other aster family plants. Caterpillars feed on the leaves in groups when they are young, with partially grown caterpillars overwintering.
Photo by: Kelly Dix in May near the Missouri River at the CM Russell National Wildlife Refuge or on the Dearborn River (Front Range)