Parasemia plantaginis “Wood Tiger Moth” Arctiidae (now Erebidae)
Missoula, MT
June 15, 2014
Robert Niese
This common, variably-patterned tiger moth is a dayflier and often seen in the moist valleys around Missoula during our peak hiking season. It has a circumboreal distribution, but is the only member of its genus in our area.
Dicerca tenebrica “Flatheaded Poplar Borer” Buprestidae
Missoula, MT
May 22, 2014
Robert Niese
Pachyrhinus (elegans?) “Elegant Pine Needle Weevil” Curculionidae
Missoula, MT
May 13, 2014
Robert Niese
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.
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
Tegenaria agrestis “Hobo spider” Agelenidae (male)
Missoula, MT
September 19, 2013
Robert Niese
Northwest Naturalist 