So far, this field season in the Great Burn has been filled with much beauty, fulfilling the hopes of staff, volunteers, and visitors alike. The Great Burn’s landscapes possess the increasingly rare treasure of diversity in ecosystem types, plants, rocks, and animals. One can never predict what they will discover when going into the Burn, as each day and each location presents its own distinct wealth of nature to discover. From expansive vistas that overwhelm the senses to the small and shyly hidden charm of a newly bloomed leaf, the Great Burn's beauty comes in large and small forms. Capturing the essence of subtle charm and wonder, check out some of the stunning insect wonders our crews have encountered this season!
Langton's Forester Moth
This distinct and cuddly-looking moth, known as the Langton’s Forester Moth, can be spotted in the Great Burn from June to July on occasion. These moths live in woodland areas and tend to avoid more arid regions such as grasslands. Their larva feed on the foliage of Fireweed, the distinct pink flower that is common throughout much of the Great Burn. Check out the Langton’s Forester Moth on Montana Field Guides for more information.
Western Tent Caterpillar Moth
Brilliant in color, the Western Tent Caterpillar Moth can be found widely throughout the West. The “tent” part of their name denotes the distinct silken web-like formation in which female moths lay their eggs. In one tent, an observer can discover hundreds of Western Tent Caterpillars! These ‘tents’ can be found in many common trees and shrubs of the Great Burn, including alder, nine-bark, and serviceberry.
Chrysolina (Klamath Weed Beetles)
Chrysolina, or the Klamath Weed Beetle, is one of the Great Burn’s commonly found resident biological controls. The natural enemy of St. Johnswort, these beetles feed on the plant’s leaves and stems, resulting in decreased health and long-term productivity. Living in the soil surface from October to April, the beetles resurface to feed on St. Johnswort plants during late spring into summer, closely mimicking the life cycle of its target plant species, resulting in optimal plant defoliation. To promote robust populations of Chrysolina beetles in the area, GBCA often partners with Nez Perce Bio-Control Center and Montana Biological Weed Control and Coordination Project for insect releases during the summer.
Larinus (Seedhead Weevil)
Another member of GBCA’s biological control program, Larinus (aka the Seedhead Weevil), targets spotted and diffuse knapweed, both of which are abundant throughout the Great Burn ecosystem. These insects are masters of camouflage, exhibiting the ability to perfectly blend into the flowering head of knapweed, offering protection from potential predators. For Larinus to lay their eggs, they must feed on the knapweed flowers, hollowing out the flowering head and removing its seeds, making space for its eggs. Thanks to the Montana Biological Weed Control and Coordination Project, the Lolo Roving Restoration Crew and the Kelly Creek Restoration Crew released hundreds of these insects last hitch.
