What’s Buzzin’

What can you see around Western Montana right now?

Stilt Bug (Neoneides muticus)

One look and you’ll know how these bugs earned their name. Delicate, slender and long-legged, stilt bugs are typically less than 1 centimeter long and are often found on plants […]

Read More

Cobweb Spider (Steatoda borealis)

Cobwebs spiders (family Theridiidae) are often housemates, wanted or otherwise. Even if you don’t see them, you may find their handiwork—messy, three-dimensional webs, with strands running in many different directions. […]

Read More

Northern Checkerspot (Chlosyne palla blackmorei)

This is one of several species of checkerspot butterflies in western Montana. Checkerspots are generally medium-sized, larger than crescents, and have orange and black checkered uppersides. Their flight is fairly fast, direct and […]

Read More

Western Eyed Click Beetle (Alaus melanops)

These large beetles (with noticeable eyespots) inhabit coniferous forests and are typically found from June through July. Their larvae live in dead or dying trees and feed on the larvae of woodborers […]

Read More

Leafcutter Bee (genus Megachile)

If you’ve ever noticed nearly perfect ovals, circles or semicircles cut out of leaves (and even flowers), you might have some leafcutter bees nearby. These small bees readily inhabit “bee […]

Read More

Small Milkweed Bug (Lygaeus kalmii)

These colorful true bugs can be found throughout the US and southern Canada. Adults feed on milkweed seeds and nectar from a variety of flowers. They are also scavengers and […]

Read More

Satin Moth (Leucoma salicis)

Beautiful both in their immature and adult forms, satin moths were introduced from Europe in 1920 and can now be found across Canada and in the northwestern and northeastern states. Caterpillars eat […]

Read More