Callophrys augustinus “Brown Elfin” Lycaenidae
Glacier National Park, MT
June 20, 2014
Robert Niese
This is a pretty common butterfly here in Montana. You can easily recognize them by their Lycaenid shape and dull metallic-y brown color. These guys don’t have tails like the hairstreaks, but sometimes have a tail-like lobe on their hindwings.
Satyrium saepium “Hedgerow Hairstreak” Lycaenidae
Seeley Lake, MT
July 26, 2014
Robert Niese
An adorable coppery hairstreak that rears its young on our abundant Ceanothus velutinus, or Snowbrush, here in Montana. Snowbrush grows best in open, brushy areas like those created after a fire or in a clearcut. And where there’s Ceanothus you’ll find these adorable Hedgerow Hairstreaks.
Glaucopsyche lygdamus “Silvery Blue” Lycaenidae
Glacier National Park, MT
June 21, 2014
Robert Niese
As with many members of the Lycaenidae family (blues, coppers, and hairstreaks), the caterpillars of this species are tended by ants which provide the vulnerable larvae with protection in exchange for sugary “honeydew” which the caterpillars excrete from their backs. Check it out.
Dicerca tenebrica “Flatheaded Poplar Borer” Buprestidae
Missoula, MT
May 22, 2014
Robert Niese
Graphocephala fennahi “Rhododendron Leafhopper” Cicadellidae
Tacoma, WA
August 2013
Robert Niese
Apparently, these sharpshooters are native to the south eastern Appalachians, but have since traveled the world in ornamental Rhododendrons.
Antheraea polyphemus “Polyphemus Moth” Saturniidae (male)
Missoula, MT
June 11, 2014
Robert Niese
Surprisingly, I found this enormous moth (15 cm wingspan!) in a parking lot on my way into work on the University of Montana campus.
Sphecodes (arvensiformis) “Cuckoo Sweat Bee” Halictidae
on Lomatium “Biscuit Root” Apiaceae
Missoula, MT
May 13, 2014
Robert Niese
Sphecodes bees are cleptoparasitic, cuckoo-like bees that lay their eggs in the nests of other sweat bees.
Salticus scenicus “Zebra Jumping Spider” Salticidae (female)
Missoula, MT
June 26, 2014
Robert Niese
This abundant, charismatic jumping spider was introduced to the US from Europe, but can now be found throughout most of the North American continent.
Ectoedemia sericopeza “Norway Maple Seedminer” Nepticulidae
Missoula, MT
September 25, 2014
Robert Niese
These teensy-tiny moths are rarely over 2mm in length and are among some of the smallest lepidopterans in the world. Their larvae, which are equally infinitesimal, feed exclusively on (and within!) the tissues of the Norway Maple (Acer platanoides), an introduced species which lines most of our streets here in Missoula.
Platycryptus californicus Salticidae
Missoula, MT
June 5, 2014
Robert Niese
An extremely abundant, charismatic jumper commonly found on door frames and windowsills throughout the summer here in Missoula.
Northwest Naturalist 