Boisea trivittata “Box Elder Bug” Rhopalidae
Missoula, MT
October 8, 2014
Robert Niese
Box Elder Bugs are Acer specialists, feeding exclusively on the samaras (seeds) of various maple species. Box Elder Bugs tend to create massive congregations in sunny spots to keep warm while feeding and are often considered a nuisance in such large numbers – especially when the days become colder and they seek refuge in my bedroom! But overall, they’re totally harmless.
Antilocapra americana “Pronghorn Antelope” Antilocapridae, males
National Bison Range, MT
October 5, 2014
Robert Niese
Cervus elaphus “Wapiti” Cervidae, male
National Bison Range, MT
September 21, 2013
Robert Niese
The name “wapiti” comes from the Shawnee and it means “light-colored rump.” Elk found here in the PNW are arguably the same species as “red deer” found in Europe. They have been split and regrouped countless times by taxonomists.
Odocoileus virginianus “White-tailed Deer” Cervidae, female
National Bison Range, MT
October 5, 2014
Robert Niese
Cervus elaphus “Wapiti” Cervidae, male
National Bison Range, MT
October 5, 2014
Robert Niese
Fall is the best time of year to see active male elk at the National Bison Range. We followed this big guy around for over an hour, watching him bugle all the while.
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.
Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna) Trochilidae
University of Washington, Seattle, WA
January 13, 2013
Robert Niese
This is the only species of hummingbird to overwinter here in the Pacific Northwest — and they’ve only been doing it for a few decades. Scientists believe that human-provided winter nourishment (i.e. hummingbird feeders) are the primary food source for these non-migrating individuals during the winter months.
As such, researchers at the University of Puget Sound are studying these two distinct populations of birds to determine if they might be diverging — genetically and morphologically. With the help of museum specimens dating back to the early 20th century, we are finding that resident populations of hummers here in the PNW are slightly different than their migratory counterparts.
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.
Callophrys eryphon “Western Pine Elfin” Lycaenidae
Glacier National Park, MT
June 20, 2014
Robert Niese
Another common, easily recognizable Lycaenid here in Montana.
Plebejus icarioides “Boisduval’s Blue” Lycaenidae
Missoula, MT
June 15, 2014
Robert Niese
Northwest Naturalist 