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
Blechnum spicant “Deer Fern” Polypodiaceae (Blechnacaeae)
Olympic National Park, WA
June 1, 2013
Robert Niese
This fern is mostly found west of the Cascades, but occasionally in Northern Idaho. I was surprised to learn that it has never been recorded in Montana. Blechnum ferns are known for conspicuously dimorphic fertile and infertile fronds. Tall fronds with skinny leaflets are typically spore-bearing like this one here.
Tegula funebralis “Black Turban” Gastropoda
Olympic National Park, WA
June 1, 2013
Robert Niese
One of the most abundant molluscs on the open coast, and apparently one of the tastiest.
White-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys) Emberizidae
Burch Mountain, Wenatchee National Forest, WA
April 27, 2013
Robert Niese
White-crowned Sparrows are an abundant migrant (sometimes resident) of the PNW with a very easy-to-identify song. If you’re just starting out learning to identify bird song, try your luck with the local sparrows first.
Tamias amoenus “Yellow-pine Chipmunk” Rodentia
National Bison Range, MT
September 21, 2013
Robert Niese
Chipmunks can be hard to identify from afar, so knowing what habitat types certain species prefer can really narrow-down your options. Here in western Montana, three species regularly co-occur (Red-tailed, Yellow-pine, and Least). Red-tailed Chipmunks tend to prefer moist coniferous forests like those in Glacier National Park, while Yellow-pine Chipmunks tend to prefer drier, Ponderosa/Doug-Fir forest edges. Least Chipmunks are found everywhere in between including alpine, sagebrush, coniferous forests, and meadows.
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.
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) Ardeidae
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, WA
October 27, 2012
Robert Niese
The American Bittern is famous for its unbelievable camouflage skills, but is slightly less well-known for its equally astounding vocal abilities. If you’ve never heard a Bittern singing, you should check it out here. It’s absolutely nothing like anything that you’ve ever heard before, I guarantee it.
Mertensia longiflora “Small Bluebells” Boraginaceae
Missoula, MT
May 13, 2014
Robert Niese
A common wildflower found throughout the Northwest east of the cascades.
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.
Northwest Naturalist 