• Tyuonyi Pueblo and Big Kiva from Frey Trail

    Bandelier

    National Monument New Mexico

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  • Access by Shuttle Bus Only

    Starting May 24, 2013 all access to the most visited part of the park, Frijoles Canyon, will be via a mandatory shuttle bus from the nearby community of White Rock from 9 AM - 3 PM daily. Private cars may drive in before 9 AM or after 3 PM. More »

Insects, Spiders, Centipedes, Millipedes

tarantula hawk

Although tarantula hawks utilize immobilized tarantulas as a first meal for their offspring, pollen from flowers is also an important food.

NPS Photo by Sally King

In the world there is no group of animals more diverse than insects and the same is true at Bandelier. From the beauty of a gossamer- winged butterfly to a hairy multi-legged tarantula or a sleek orange-winged tarantula hawk, insects are abundant in the park.

Indentify Bandelier Insects and Spiders

 
insect diversity
Bandelier is home to an incredible diversity of insects and spiders.
Photos by Sally King
 
  • A Great Spangled Fritilary enjoys a brief stay at a blooming butterflyweed.
    Insects of Bandelier
    7 Photos

  • A symbiotic relationship A symbiotic relationship

    A carrion beetle with mites Read More

Did You Know?

Katydid

Katydids are often called leaf hoppers.  Their wings and body look like vegetation, a form of camouflage which offers this insect some protection from predators.