Richard Bong State Recreation Area
Bugs, Beetles, Butterflies, and Borers

When you hike the trails at Richard Bong State Recreation Area, take the time to look closely at the fields and woods around you. You'll find a colorful variety of insects. Here are pictures of some of them.

A painted lady butterfly rests on a flower
DNR Photo

A monarch butterfly on a a field thistle blossom.
DNR Photo

This frittilary also likes the thistle blossoms
DNR Photo

A giant swallowtail caterpillar eats a leaf.
DNR Photo

The swallowtail is less visible when it enters the pupa stage. Later, it will become a butterfly.
DNR Photo

Butterflies aren't the only insects that like field thistle blossoms, which sometimes are the site of bug banquets.

A leatherwing beetle also seeks nectar on the thistle blossom.
DNR Photo

A locust borer has stripes to match the goldenrod on which it rests.
DNR Photo

Sometimes, you won't see the insects themselves but can see where they're hiding or where they've been. Look for galls, holes in bark, external skeletons shed by insects, and empty coccoons.

Galls are abnormal plant growth, usually found on leaves or twigs. Young insects produce chemicals that affect the plant growth, causing deformities. Later, adult gall wasps will emerge from the galls.

For more information, ask Richard Bong State Recreation Area, (262) 878-5600.