Pachyrhinus (elegans?) “Elegant Pine Needle Weevil” Curculionidae
Missoula, MT
May 13, 2014
Robert Niese
Arthropoda
Scelolyperus schwarzii Chrysomelidae
Missoula, MT
June 15, 2014
Robert Niese
This tiny (5mm) leaf beetle is common in moist forests throughout the Pacific Northwest west of the Rockies. They seem to be particularly fond of hanging out in Hydrophyllum flowers.
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.
Monochamus clamator “Spotted Pine Sawyer” Cerambycidae (male)
Bonner, MT
July 20, 2014
Robert Niese
Monochamus males have some of the longest “horns” of any Cerambycids here in the northwest. These antennae are used to “smell” for females and are often more than twice their body length.
Sergiolus montanus “Stealthy Ground Spider” Gnaphosidae (male)
Missoula, MT
May 9, 2014
Robert Niese
Alucita montana “Montana Six-plumed Moth” Alucitidae
Missoula, MT
November 20, 2013
Robert Niese
This is a member of a rather large group of moths that fly using rackets, not paddles. The “plumes” of the plume moths are remarkably similar to feathers on a bird. Learn more about how these remarkable organisms are capable of flying here.
Philodromus praelustris “Illustrious Running Crab Spider” Philodromidae
Missoula, MT
January 8, 2014
Robert Niese
Enoclerus eximius “Checkered Beetle” Cleridae
Tacoma, WA
June 14, 2013
Robert Niese
Anania hortulata “Small Magpie” Crambidae
Tacoma, WA
July 8, 2013
Robert Niese
Tegenaria agrestis “Hobo spider” Agelenidae (male)
Missoula, MT
September 19, 2013
Robert Niese
Northwest Naturalist 