Obelisk Dart (Euxoa obeliscoides)
Kristi remarked that this is “One of the more pretty dart moths, and this was an especially bright individual.” Pretty, indeed. Flying... Continue Reading
October Thorn Moth (Tetracis jubararia)
Sometimes our subjects make it easy to find them …Glenn found this beautiful moth on the office door as he headed into work. October Thorns... Continue Reading
Salt Marsh Tiger Moth Caterpillar (Estigmene acrea)
Ellen observed this large caterpillar crawling along the sidewalk at the edge of her house. She writes, “It looked entirely black until I... Continue Reading
Yellow Woollybear (Spilosoma virginica)
These beautiful moths (and their caterpillars) can be found throughout North America. Adult moths are almost all white on the wings with a... Continue Reading
Long-palped Ant-mimic Sac Spider (Castianeira longipalpa), Juvenile Male
This beautiful species of antmimic spider lives in a variety of habitats — typically close to the ground, under rocks and logs, or... Continue Reading
Banded Garden Spider (Argiope trifasciata)
Female orbweavers (family Araneidae), like these beauties, construct intricate, circular webs to ensnare their insect prey. Adult male orbweavers are typically smaller and not often... Continue Reading
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... Continue Reading
Monarch Caterpillar (Danaus plexippus)
This iconic caterpillar was spotted on some roadside milkweed southeast of Corvallis, Montana. Monarch caterpillars feed exclusively on milkweeds (Asclepias spp.)... Continue Reading
Notes from the Lab: Spotted Lanternfly
Welcome back to the Lab! When a young contestant at the Kansas State Fair submitted his insect collection for exhibition, he... Continue Reading
Eight-spotted Skimmer (Libellula forensis)
This medium-sized dragonfly reaches a length of about 2 inches. They are found west of the Rockies in Canada and the... Continue Reading