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 […]

We were thrilled to see this caterpillar in our inbox, as this species is uncommon (BugGuide). Paddle Caterpillars are so-named for the pairs of long black hairs with flattened tips that resemble paddles. […]

Cathy observed these caterpillars feeding on her Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea), an attractive shrub with ruby-colored twigs. Western Red-humped Caterpillars are generalist hardwood feeders and choose from a wide […]

If you find a green tree cricket in North America, you can be certain it is in the genus Oecanthus. Most can be identified to species by examining the markings on the underside of […]

Shield-backed Katydids (subfamily Tettigoniinae) have a “shield” that extends back over their wings, which are usually short. They often sport brown or black coloration to blend in with their environment […]

The Ornamental Orb Weaver is part of the family Araneidae, a family renowned for their orb-weaving habit. This species, unlike others in its genus, often builds its web in shrubs […]

With a wingspan of up to six inches, the adult Polyphemus Moth is the largest species of giant silk moth in Montana …so it should come as no surprise that their caterpillars are pretty massive too […]

Now here’s a unique looking spider. If you google “spider with red on its back,” you might see a photo of and worry that this is a Redback Spider (extremely […]

Salt Marsh Caterpillars are not always easy to identify, and vary widely in color—from blond to brown to black. And, don’t let the name fool you, these balls of fuzz are […]