"An insect among the Neuroptera, which undergo incomplete metamorphoses. These flutter about the banks of rivers and settle on stones, shrubs and aquatic plants."

Larva of Perla Marginata

"An insect among the Neuroptera, which undergo incomplete metamorphoses. These flutter about the banks…

An illustration of a single fly larva.

Fly Larva

An illustration of a single fly larva.

An illustration of a dung fly.

Dung Fly

An illustration of a dung fly.

An illustration of a pomace fly.

Pomace Fly

An illustration of a pomace fly.

Illustration of a small beetle known as Systena blanda.

Beetle

Illustration of a small beetle known as Systena blanda.

An illustration of a large black beetle.

Beetle

An illustration of a large black beetle.

"Woolly Oak-gall, produced by Cynips Quercus ramuli." -Lindley, 1853

Gall Wasp

"Woolly Oak-gall, produced by Cynips Quercus ramuli." -Lindley, 1853

The Sphaeria sinensis a cordycep, a parasitic fungus. "The right hand figure represents the manner in which it is made up for sale." -Lindley, 1853

Cordycep

The Sphaeria sinensis a cordycep, a parasitic fungus. "The right hand figure represents the manner in…

The Sphaeria Robertsii a cordycep, a parasitic fungus "growing from the caterpillar of a New Zealand moth called Hepialus verescens." -Lindley, 1853

Cordycep

The Sphaeria Robertsii a cordycep, a parasitic fungus "growing from the caterpillar of a New Zealand…

The locust is a short-horned grasshopper in its swarming phase.

Locust

The locust is a short-horned grasshopper in its swarming phase.

The mole cricket (Gryllotalpa vulgaris) is an insect named for their highly developed forelimbs and burrowing ability.

Mole Cricket

The mole cricket (Gryllotalpa vulgaris) is an insect named for their highly developed forelimbs and…

The locust is a short-horned grasshopper in its swarming phase.

Locust

The locust is a short-horned grasshopper in its swarming phase.

The leaf insect or walking leaf is an insect that has the appearance of a leaf from the family Phylliidae.

Leaf Insect

The leaf insect or walking leaf is an insect that has the appearance of a leaf from the family Phylliidae.

The common mayfly (Ephemera vulgata) named for its short life span.

Mayfly

The common mayfly (Ephemera vulgata) named for its short life span.

The termite, here showing the winged phase of its life and a termite mound.

Termite

The termite, here showing the winged phase of its life and a termite mound.

The Ichneumon wasp is a parasitoids, where the larvae feed on another insect until it dies.

Ichneumon Wasp

The Ichneumon wasp is a parasitoids, where the larvae feed on another insect until it dies.

The European Hornet (Vespa crabro) and the wasp (Vespa vulgaris).

Wasp and Hornet

The European Hornet (Vespa crabro) and the wasp (Vespa vulgaris).

A variety of different species of butterfly (Papilio).

British Butterflies

A variety of different species of butterfly (Papilio).

The swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon) is a large colorful butterfly with atleast 550 species.

Swallowtail Butterfly

The swallowtail butterfly (Papilio machaon) is a large colorful butterfly with atleast 550 species.

The garden tiger moth (Arctia caja) is named for the different and colorful patterns on its wings.

Tiger Moth

The garden tiger moth (Arctia caja) is named for the different and colorful patterns on its wings.

The swallow-tailed moth (Ourapteryx sambucaria) and the many-plumed moth (Ourapteryx hexadactyla).

Swallow-Tailed Moth

The swallow-tailed moth (Ourapteryx sambucaria) and the many-plumed moth (Ourapteryx hexadactyla).

The human flea (Pulex irritans) is a parasitic insect that actually has several hosts despite its name.

Human Flea

The human flea (Pulex irritans) is a parasitic insect that actually has several hosts despite its name.

"They eat bacon, skins, and also attack each other. The perfect insect does no damage. Insects in this family feign death when attacked."

Bacon Beetle (Dermestes Lardarius)

"They eat bacon, skins, and also attack each other. The perfect insect does no damage. Insects in this…

"At the end of two months the larva comes out of the water and burrows into the ground to undergo its metamorphosis into a pupa, which becomes a perfect insect a month afterward."

Pupa of the Hydrophilus Piceus

"At the end of two months the larva comes out of the water and burrows into the ground to undergo its…

Another insect belonging to the <em>Dytici</em> family, or Water Beetles.

Cybister Roeselii

Another insect belonging to the Dytici family, or Water Beetles.

"An Australian insect, of a bright black, which attains to more than an inch and three quarters in length, and whose short, serrated legs enable it to hollow out the ground."

Campylocnemis Schroeteri

"An Australian insect, of a bright black, which attains to more than an inch and three quarters in length,…

"A blackish-brown insect. The larvae are the well-known meal-worms, which live in flour."

Tenebrio Molitor (Larva and Imago)

"A blackish-brown insect. The larvae are the well-known meal-worms, which live in flour."

Illustration of a fire-fly commonly found in the West Indies. Its scientific name is Pyrophorus noctilucus.

Fire-fly

Illustration of a fire-fly commonly found in the West Indies. Its scientific name is Pyrophorus noctilucus.

"The caterpillar of which, commonly known as the tobacco-worm in the Middle States, is very destructive to the leaf of the tobacco-plant, when the worm is young, by eating holes in the leaves, thus spoiling them for use as wrappers for cigars, and when old by devouring the whole of the leaf itself." -Watts, 1874

Tobacco worm

"The caterpillar of which, commonly known as the tobacco-worm in the Middle States, is very destructive…

"An insect very common in Havana, Brazil, Guiana and Mexico. It may be seen at night in great numbers amongst the foliage of trees. They sometimes are so numerous that they light up the forests for travelers in those countries where the heat prevents traveling by day."

Cucuyo (Pyrophorus Noctilucus)

"An insect very common in Havana, Brazil, Guiana and Mexico. It may be seen at night in great numbers…

The Phasmatodea (sometimes called Plasmodia) are an order of insects, whose members are variously known as stick insects (in Europe), walking sticks or stick-bugs (in the United States of America), phasmids, ghost insects and leaf insects (generally the family Phylliidae). The ordinal name is derived from the Greek "phasma" meaning an apparition or phantom, and refers to the resemblance of many species to sticks or leaves. Their natural camouflage can make them extremely difficult to spot. A few species (for example those in the genus Anisomorpha) are capable of secreting a substance from glands on the metathorax that can cause an intense burning irritation of the eyes (and in some cases temporary blindness) and mouth of potential predators on contact.

Stick Insect

The Phasmatodea (sometimes called Plasmodia) are an order of insects, whose members are variously known…

The Ichneumonoidea are insects classified in the hymenopteran suborder Apocrita. The super family is made up of the ichneumon wasps (often inaccurately called "ichneumon flies"; family Ichneumonidae) and the braconids (family Braconidae). Like other parasitic wasps, they were long placed in the "Parasitica", variously considered as an infraorder or an unranked clade, but actually not a monophyletic group.

Ichneumon Fly

The Ichneumonoidea are insects classified in the hymenopteran suborder Apocrita. The super family is…

The larva of a weevil. A larva is a juvenile form of animal with indirect development, undergoing metamorphosis.

Larva

The larva of a weevil. A larva is a juvenile form of animal with indirect development, undergoing metamorphosis.

The larva of a weevil in a chestnut. A larva is a juvenile form of animal with indirect development, undergoing metamorphosis.

Larva in Chestnut

The larva of a weevil in a chestnut. A larva is a juvenile form of animal with indirect development,…

Illustration of a pupa attached to a wall. A pupa (Latin pupa for doll, pl: pupae or pupas) is the life stage of some insects undergoing transformation. The pupal stage is found only in holometabolous insects, those that undergo a complete metamorphosis, going through four life stages; embryo, larva, pupa and imago.

Pupa

Illustration of a pupa attached to a wall. A pupa (Latin pupa for doll, pl: pupae or pupas) is the life…

Illustration of a pupa attached to a leaf. A pupa (Latin pupa for doll, pl: pupae or pupas) is the life stage of some insects undergoing transformation. The pupal stage is found only in holometabolous insects, those that undergo a complete metamorphosis, going through four life stages; embryo, larva, pupa and imago.

Pupa

Illustration of a pupa attached to a leaf. A pupa (Latin pupa for doll, pl: pupae or pupas) is the life…

The hessian fly or barley midge, Mayetiola destructor, is a species of fly that is a significant pest of cereal crops including wheat, barley and rye. Though a native of Asia it was transported into Europe and later into North America, supposedly in the straw bedding of Hessian troops during the American Revolution (1775&ndash;83). There are usually two generations a year but may be up to five. In the spring the dark-coloured female lays about 250 to 300 reddish eggs on plants, usually where the stems are covered by leaves; the larvae feed on the sap and weaken the plants so that they cannot bear grain.

Hessian Fly

The hessian fly or barley midge, Mayetiola destructor, is a species of fly that is a significant pest…

Crickets, family Gryllidae (also known as "true crickets"), are insects somewhat related to grasshoppers and more closely related to katydids or bush crickets (family Tettigoniidae). They have somewhat flattened bodies and long antennae. There are about 900 species of crickets. They tend to be nocturnal and are often confused with grasshoppers because they have a similar body structure including jumping hind legs.

Cricket

Crickets, family Gryllidae (also known as "true crickets"), are insects somewhat related to grasshoppers…

An illustration of gulls eating crickets from a crop field.

Gulls Eating Crickets

An illustration of gulls eating crickets from a crop field.

An illustration of warblers eating plant lice in a tree.

Warblers Eating Plant Lice

An illustration of warblers eating plant lice in a tree.

A bark beetle is one of approximately 220 genera with 6,000 species of beetles in the subfamily Scolytinae. Traditionally this was considered a distinct family Scolytidae, but nowadays it is understood that bark beetles are in fact very specialized members of the "true weevil" family (Curculionidae).

Bark Beetle

A bark beetle is one of approximately 220 genera with 6,000 species of beetles in the subfamily Scolytinae.…

Aphids, also known as plant lice, are small plant-eating insects, and members of the superfamily Aphidoidea. Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on Earth.

Aphid

Aphids, also known as plant lice, are small plant-eating insects, and members of the superfamily Aphidoidea.…

The genus Sayornis is a small group of medium-sized insect-eating birds in the Tyrant flycatcher family Tyrranidae native to North and South America.

Phoebe

The genus Sayornis is a small group of medium-sized insect-eating birds in the Tyrant flycatcher family…

The genus Tyrannus is a group of large insect-eating birds in the Tyrant flycatcher family Tyrannidae. The majority are named as Kingbirds. They prefer semi-open or open areas. These birds wait on an exposed perch and then catch insects in flight. They have long pointed wings and large broad bills. These birds tend to defend their breeding territories aggressively, often chasing away much larger birds. The genus name means "tyrant".

Kingbird

The genus Tyrannus is a group of large insect-eating birds in the Tyrant flycatcher family Tyrannidae.…

An illustration of a Phoebe's nest in a box. The genus Sayornis is a small group of medium-sized insect-eating birds in the Tyrant flycatcher family Tyrranidae native to North and South America. They prefer semi-open or open areas. These birds wait on a perch and then catch insects in flight, also sometimes picking them up from the ground. Their nest is an open cup sometimes placed on man-made structures. They often slowly lower and raise their tails while perched.

Phoebe's Nest

An illustration of a Phoebe's nest in a box. The genus Sayornis is a small group of medium-sized insect-eating…

The larva stage of the longhorn beetle (Saperda candida).

Longhorn Beetle Larva

The larva stage of the longhorn beetle (Saperda candida).

The pupa stage of the longhorn beetle (Saperda candida).

Longhorn Beetle Pupa

The pupa stage of the longhorn beetle (Saperda candida).

The adult stage of the longhorn beetle (Saperda candida).

Longhorn Beetle

The adult stage of the longhorn beetle (Saperda candida).

The caterpillar stage of the double-toothed prominent (Nerice bidentata) showing its serrated back.

Double-Toothed Prominent Caterpillar

The caterpillar stage of the double-toothed prominent (Nerice bidentata) showing its serrated back.

The chigoe flea (Tunga penetrans) is a parasitic arthropod found in tropical climates, especially South America and the West Indies. At 1 mm long, the chigoe flea is the smallest known flea. Breeding female chigoes burrow into exposed skin and lay eggs, causing intense irritation. After this point, the skin lesion looks like a 5 to 10 mm white spot with a central black dot, which are the flea's exposed hind legs, respiratory spiracles and reproductive organs.

Chigoe Flea (Male)

The chigoe flea (Tunga penetrans) is a parasitic arthropod found in tropical climates, especially South…

The chigoe flea (Tunga penetrans) is a parasitic arthropod found in tropical climates, especially South America and the West Indies. At 1 mm long, the chigoe flea is the smallest known flea. Breeding female chigoes burrow into exposed skin and lay eggs, causing intense irritation. After this point, the skin lesion looks like a 5 to 10 mm white spot with a central black dot, which are the flea's exposed hind legs, respiratory spiracles and reproductive organs.

Chigoe Flea (Female)

The chigoe flea (Tunga penetrans) is a parasitic arthropod found in tropical climates, especially South…

An illustration of Cochineal living on cactus. Cochineal is the name of both crimson or carmine dye and the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus), a scale insect in the suborder Sternorrhyncha, from which the dye is derived. This type of insect, a primarily sessile parasite, lives on cacti from the genus Opuntia, feeding on moisture and nutrients in the cacti. The insect produces carminic acid which deters predation by other insects. Carminic acid can be extracted from the insect's body and eggs to make the dye. Cochineal is primarily used as a food colouring and for cosmetics.

Cochineal

An illustration of Cochineal living on cactus. Cochineal is the name of both crimson or carmine dye…

An illustration of a male Cochineal. Cochineal is the name of both crimson or carmine dye and the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus), a scale insect in the suborder Sternorrhyncha, from which the dye is derived. This type of insect, a primarily sessile parasite, lives on cacti from the genus Opuntia, feeding on moisture and nutrients in the cacti. The insect produces carminic acid which deters predation by other insects. Carminic acid can be extracted from the insect's body and eggs to make the dye. Cochineal is primarily used as a food colouring and for cosmetics.

Cochineal (Male)

An illustration of a male Cochineal. Cochineal is the name of both crimson or carmine dye and the cochineal…

An illustration of a female Cochineal. Cochineal is the name of both crimson or carmine dye and the cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus), a scale insect in the suborder Sternorrhyncha, from which the dye is derived. This type of insect, a primarily sessile parasite, lives on cacti from the genus Opuntia, feeding on moisture and nutrients in the cacti. The insect produces carminic acid which deters predation by other insects. Carminic acid can be extracted from the insect's body and eggs to make the dye. Cochineal is primarily used as a food colouring and for cosmetics.

Cochineal (Female)

An illustration of a female Cochineal. Cochineal is the name of both crimson or carmine dye and the…

An illustration of a full grown cockchafer larva. The cockchafer (colloquially called may bug, billy witch, or spang beetle, particularly in East Anglia) is a European beetle of the genus Melolontha, in the family Scarabaeidae. Once abundant throughout Europe and a major pest in the periodical years of "mass flight", it had been nearly iradicated in the middle of the 20th century through extensive use of pesticides and has even been locally exterminated in many regions. However, since a change in pest control beginning in the 1980s, its numbers have started to grow again. As they don't tolerate pollution well, their presence is usually a marker of low pollution levels.

Cockchafer Larva

An illustration of a full grown cockchafer larva. The cockchafer (colloquially called may bug, billy…

An illustration of a cockchafer pupa. The cockchafer (colloquially called may bug, billy witch, or spang beetle, particularly in East Anglia) is a European beetle of the genus Melolontha, in the family Scarabaeidae. Once abundant throughout Europe and a major pest in the periodical years of "mass flight", it had been nearly iradicated in the middle of the 20th century through extensive use of pesticides and has even been locally exterminated in many regions. However, since a change in pest control beginning in the 1980s, its numbers have started to grow again. As they don't tolerate pollution well, their presence is usually a marker of low pollution levels.

Cockchafer Pupa

An illustration of a cockchafer pupa. The cockchafer (colloquially called may bug, billy witch, or spang…

An illustration of a cockchafer. The cockchafer (colloquially called may bug, billy witch, or spang beetle, particularly in East Anglia) is a European beetle of the genus Melolontha, in the family Scarabaeidae. Once abundant throughout Europe and a major pest in the periodical years of "mass flight", it had been nearly iradicated in the middle of the 20th century through extensive use of pesticides and has even been locally exterminated in many regions. However, since a change in pest control beginning in the 1980s, its numbers have started to grow again. As they don't tolerate pollution well, their presence is usually a marker of low pollution levels.

Cockchafer

An illustration of a cockchafer. The cockchafer (colloquially called may bug, billy witch, or spang…

"Scale-insect. Oyster-shell bark-louse of the apple (Mytilaspis pomorum); male. a, ventral view with wings closed; b, dorsal view with wings expanded; c, scale (line shows natural size); d, leg; f, antennal joint." -Whitney, 1911

Scale Insect

"Scale-insect. Oyster-shell bark-louse of the apple (Mytilaspis pomorum); male. a, ventral view with…

The dung beetle is an insect in the Scarabaeidae family and was a sacred icon to the Egyptians.

Dung Beetle

The dung beetle is an insect in the Scarabaeidae family and was a sacred icon to the Egyptians.

Scelio is a genus of parasitic insects of the Proctotrypidae family. "Scelio famelicus. a, female; b, her antenna." -Whitney, 1911

Scelio

Scelio is a genus of parasitic insects of the Proctotrypidae family. "Scelio famelicus. a, female; b,…