Pipestone National Monument - Insects

Pipestone National Monument by National Parks Service

Over fifty-six families of insects inhabit Pipestone National Monument. Over a thousand specimens representing these families have been compiled into the Monument's insect collection. The collection grows every year. Through insect collection, we are learning about plant-insect interactions.

Butterflies are abundant at Pipestone National Monument. Swallowtails, monarchs, and suphurs dot the landscape of the area. Thirty-two species of butterflies have been documented within the boundaries. (Please see Natural Resource Management Documents for a complete list.) The Monument also has a large number of spider species. One of the visitor favorites is the fishing spider. This spider is often seen on or underneath the second bridge of our walking trail.