Tachina Flies are generally larger than a house fly with noticeable bristles. There are many known species in this family of True Flies, over 8,200 worldwide and over 1,300 in North America. Learn more here: TACHINIDS I saw this and others in northern Arizona in a Ponderosa Pine forest area, it is called a Beelike Tachinid Fly.
Ctenuchid Moth’s can be found in meadow or yard areas, they feed on different grasses and use the various grasses or irises as host plants. The caterpillars have multiple tufts of white and yellow, they become adults between May and August. The Ctenuchid Moth of the American southwest has yellow veins on the brown forewings. There are… Read More CTENUCHID MOTH
The Hydaspe Fritillary butterfly can be found in western parts of Canada and the United States. Usually in moist mountain meadow and coniferous forest areas, near aspens. The caterpillars feed on violet flowers. Fritillaries produce pheromones, which help them recognize and find potential mates among their own species. I saw this one and others flitting among… Read More HYDASPE FRITILLARY
The White-Lined Sphinx Moth is also known as a hummingbird moth because of the rapid wing movement while they hover over flowers while feeding. Learn more: WHITE LINED SPHINX MOTH Here is one hovering over a Dianthus.
