Insects and Their Allies

A dragonfly emerges from its aquatic form.

Brian Collins

Did you know there are more than 900,000 species of insects? They come is all shapes and sizes and colors and are beneficial to humans and nature. One species that make the Riverway special are dragonflies. Visit the River Dragonfly Page for more information and a checklist.

Butterflies also add color to the Riverway. From early spring to late fall they can be seen flying and landing on plants and river shorelines. Visit the native pollinator garden at the St Croix River Visitor Center to witness an array of butterfly and insect life from May through September.

What exactly is an insect? Learn more information