Actual ranges may, in many cases, be more expansive than noted.
Although no markings appear for Antheraea
polyphemus (except Missoula and Lincoln counties,
and now Gallatin and Madison), I suspect it is widespread
throughout Montana where foodplants are available.
The Rocky Mountains are the major topographical feature in the
western third of the state; whie the eastern two-thirds is
comprised of the gently rolling northern great plains.
Hyalophora kasloensis is probably limited to the Bitterroot Montains (Missoula, Ravalli) in the western portion of the state, while Hyalophora cecropia is probably limited to the eastern half of the state. Patrick White indicates "H. euryalus do not occur in any part of Montana. H. kasloensis is the species in the "buffer zone" between the western Rockies and the eastern Cascades, with H. euryalus appearing west of that, and H. gloveri to the east and south." Indications on the map of euryalus and gloveri in the extreme northwestern counties probably represent kasloensis. (Bill Oehlke)
Clicking on a scientific name will take you to a file with pictures and/or information.
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The Rocky Mountains are the major topographical feature in the western third of the state; whie the eastern two-thirds is comprised of the gently rolling northern great plains.A possible landscape devoid of suitable larval hosts might be responsible for the very limited reports from the northeastern portion of the state. |
Non-member Patrick White of Ennis (Madison County) reports Antheraea polyphemus and Hyalophora columbia gloveri from his area. He makes the following interesting comments/observations: "Their food plants here are mainly chokecherry, but, in different cases or areas, they are found on willow, wild rose or russian olive. If these plants are not available they will eat cherry, bitter cherry, and bitterbrush."
Hyalophora columbia gloveri male, reared on chokecherry, courtesy of Patrick White.
"The coloring reddish purple/brown of the moth, and the caterpillar having yellow abdominal tubercles and white side tubercles are common when eating chokecherry, willow and wild rose."Hyalophora columbia gloveri larva fed on chokecherry, courtesy of Patrick White, Ennis, Madison County, Montana. |
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Hyalophora columbia gloveri male, courtesy of Patrick White.
"The colors orangeish red/brown of the moth, and the caterpillar having orange abdominal tubercles and white or blue side tubercles are common when eating bitterbrush, cherry, Russian olive and bitter cherry."
Hyalophora columbia gloveri larva on unknown host, courtesy of Patrick White, Ennis, Madison County, Montana. In southwestern Montana, Patrick is in an area where there may be ?? a gene mix of H. c. gloveri and H. kasloensis from the more northwesterly counties. |
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Patrick White has also sent a series of beautiful images of Hyalophora columbia gloveri from Montana.
Hyalophora columbia gloveri male, Montana,
courtesy of Patrick White.
Antheraeapolyphemus female, Montana,
courtesy of Patrick White.
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