A baby praying mantis took a ride on Duane Klute’s thumb. The mantis’ folded forearms, resembling a praying posture, has led to the common name praying mantis. Did you know that the mantis was considered to have supernatural powers by early civilizations, including ancient Greece, ancient Egypt, and Assyria? (Duane Klute photo)

This gorgeous Tiger Swallowtail butterfly collects nectar from a zinnia flower located in the yard of Scott and Jessica Walker in Tarkio. In Missouri, several butterfly species are currently visible, including the Monarch, Eastern Tiger Swallowtail, Black Swallowtail, Giant Swallowtail, Silver-spotted Skipper, Red-Spotted Purples, Pipevine Swallowtails, and various fritillaries like the Great Spangled Fritillary. (Jessica Walker photo)