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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 male (right) and female (left) cockroach. Cockroaches (or simply "roaches") are insects of the order Blattaria. This name derives from the Latin word for "cockroach", blatta. There are about 4,000 species of cockroach of which 30 species are associated with human habitations and about four species are well known as pests.

Cockroach

An illustration of a male (right) and female (left) cockroach. Cockroaches (or simply "roaches") are…

"a, Scales of Chionaspis pinifoliae upon pine-leaves, natural size; b, scale of male, enlarged; c, straight scale of female, enlarged; d, curved scale of female, enlarged." -Whitney, 1911

Pine Needle Scale

"a, Scales of Chionaspis pinifoliae upon pine-leaves, natural size; b, scale of male, enlarged; c, straight…

"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…

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,…

The Brown Creeper (Mohoua novaeseelandiae), also known by its Māori name, Pipipi, is a small passerine bird endemic to the South Island of New Zealand. They are specialist insectivores, gleaning insects from branches and leaves. They have strong legs and toes for hanging upside down while feeding.

Brown Creeper

The Brown Creeper (Mohoua novaeseelandiae), also known by its Māori name, Pipipi, is a small…

An illustration of a dragon fly (right) and a nymph (left). A dragonfly is a type of insect belonging to the order Odonata, the suborder Epiprocta or, in the strict sense, the infraorder Anisoptera. It is characterized by large multifaceted eyes, two pairs of strong transparent wings, and an elongated body. Dragonflies are similar to damselflies, but the adults can be differentiated by the fact that the wings of most dragonflies are held away from, and perpendicular to, the body when at rest. n biology, a nymph is the immature form of some insects, which undergoes incomplete metamorphosis (hemimetabolism) before reaching its adult stage; unlike a typical larva, a nymph's overall form already resembles that of the adult. In addition, while a nymph moults it never enters a pupal stage. Instead, the final moult results in an adult insect.

Dragon Fly and Nymph

An illustration of a dragon fly (right) and a nymph (left). A dragonfly is a type of insect belonging…

An illustration of the larva of a common flea. Flea larvae emerge from the eggs to feed on any available organic material such as dead insects, feces and vegetable matter. They are blind and avoid sunlight, keeping to dark places like sand, cracks and crevices, and bedding. Given an adequate supply of food, larvae should pupate within 1-2 weeks. After going through three larval stages they spin a silken cocoon.

Flea Larva

An illustration of the larva of a common flea. Flea larvae emerge from the eggs to feed on any available…

Grasshoppers are insects of the suborder Caelifera in the order Orthoptera. To distinguish them from bush crickets or katydids, they are sometimes referred to as short-horned grasshoppers. Species that change color and behaviour at high population densities are called locusts.

Female Grasshopper

Grasshoppers are insects of the suborder Caelifera in the order Orthoptera. To distinguish them from…

An illustration of a female hop aphid. Aphids, also known as plant lice (and in Britain as greenflies), are small plant-eating insects, and members of the superfamily Aphidoidea. Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on Earth.

Hop Aphid (Female)

An illustration of a female hop aphid. Aphids, also known as plant lice (and in Britain as greenflies),…

An illustration a hop aphid in larval form. Aphids, also known as plant lice (and in Britain as greenflies), are small plant-eating insects, and members of the superfamily Aphidoidea. Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on Earth.

Hop Aphid (Larva)

An illustration a hop aphid in larval form. Aphids, also known as plant lice (and in Britain as greenflies),…

The Sundews (Drosera rotundifolia) comprise one of the largest genera of carnivorous plants, with over 170 species. These members of the family Droseraceae lure, capture, and digest insects using stalked mucilaginous glands covering their leaf surface.

Sundew

The Sundews (Drosera rotundifolia) comprise one of the largest genera of carnivorous plants, with over…

The larva of Sigalphus curculionis, a species of parasitoid wasps. These insects use other insects as hosts until they are eventually killed.

Parasite Wasp Larva

The larva of Sigalphus curculionis, a species of parasitoid wasps. These insects use other insects as…

The cocoon of Sigalphus curculionis, a species of parasitoid wasps. These insects use other insects as hosts until they are eventually killed.

Parasite Wasp Cocoon

The cocoon of Sigalphus curculionis, a species of parasitoid wasps. These insects use other insects…

The pupa of Sigalphus curculionis, a species of parasitoid wasps. These insects use other insects as hosts until they are eventually killed.

Parasite Wasp Pupa

The pupa of Sigalphus curculionis, a species of parasitoid wasps. These insects use other insects as…

The female adult of Sigalphus curculionis, a species of parasitoid wasps. These insects use other insects as hosts until they are eventually killed.

Female Adult Parasite Wasp

The female adult of Sigalphus curculionis, a species of parasitoid wasps. These insects use other insects…

The male adult of Sigalphus curculionis, a species of parasitoid wasps. These insects use other insects as hosts until they are eventually killed.

Male Adult Parasite Wasp

The male adult of Sigalphus curculionis, a species of parasitoid wasps. These insects use other insects…

The Goliath beetles are among the largest insects on Earth, if measured in terms of size, bulk and weight. They are members of subfamily Cetoniinae, within the scarab beetle family. Goliath beetles can be found in many of Africa's tropical forests, where they feed primarily on tree sap and fruit. Little appears to be known of the larval cycle in the wild, but in captivity, Goliathus beetles have been successfully reared from egg to adult using protein-rich foods such as commercial cat and dog food. Goliath beetles measure from 60–110 millimetres (2.4–4.3 in) for males and 50–80 millimetres (2.0–3.1 in) for females, as adults, and can reach weights of up to 80–100 grams (2.8–3.5 oz) in the larval stage, though the adults are only about half this weight. The females range from a dark brown to silky white, but the males are nomally brown/white/black or black/white.

Goliath Beetle

The Goliath beetles are among the largest insects on Earth, if measured in terms of size, bulk and weight.…

Coccinellidae is a family of beetles, known variously as ladybirds (British English, Australian English, South African English), ladybugs (North American English) or lady beetles (preferred by some scientists). Lesser-used names include ladyclock, lady cow, and lady fly. The family name comes from its type genus, Coccinella. Coccinellids are found worldwide, with over 5,000 species described, more than 450 native to North America alone. Coccinellids are small insects, ranging from 1 mm to 10 mm (0.04 to 0.4 inches), and are commonly yellow, orange, or scarlet with small black spots on their wing covers, with black legs, head and antennae. A very large number of species are mostly or entirely black, gray, or brown and may be difficult for non-entomologists to recognize as coccinellids (and, conversely, there are many small beetles that are easily mistaken as such, like tortoise beetles).

Ladybug

Coccinellidae is a family of beetles, known variously as ladybirds (British English, Australian English,…

The Myrtle (Myrtus) is a genus of one or two species of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae, native to southern Europe and north Africa. They are evergreen shrubs or small trees, growing to 5 m tall. The leaves are entire, 3-5 cm long, with a fragrant essential oil. The star-like flowers have five petals and sepals, and numerous stamens. Petals are usually white. The fruits are globose blue-black berries containing several seeds. The flowers are pollinated by insects, and the seeds dispersed by birds that feed on the berries.

Myrtle

The Myrtle (Myrtus) is a genus of one or two species of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae, native…

A fan used in Catholic liturgies to keep insects away from the bread and wine.

Papal Flabellum

A fan used in Catholic liturgies to keep insects away from the bread and wine.

A fan used in Catholic liturgies to keep insects away from the bread and wine.

Liturgical Flabellum

A fan used in Catholic liturgies to keep insects away from the bread and wine.

An illustration of three ants.

Ants

An illustration of three ants.

Anarhynchus frontalis, the Wry-bill of New Zealand, is grey, with a black gorget and whitish lower parts; the habits are as in Aegialitis, but the laterally-twisted bill enables the bird to pick up insects from around stones with the greatest ease." A. H. Evans, 1900

Wry-bill

Anarhynchus frontalis, the Wry-bill of New Zealand, is grey, with a black gorget and whitish lower parts;…

An illustration of insects acting as people and having a party.

Insect Party

An illustration of insects acting as people and having a party.

Gregarina, a protozoan, various species which live in the alimentary canal of crayfishes, centipeds, and certain insects. is is a parasite living at the expense of the host in whose whose body it lives in. This is a Gregarinid (Actinocephalus oligacanthus) from the intestine of an insect.

Protozoan

Gregarina, a protozoan, various species which live in the alimentary canal of crayfishes, centipeds,…

Gregarina, a protozoan, various species which live in the alimentary canal of crayfishes, centipeds, and certain insects. It is a parasite living at the expense of the host in whose whose body it lives in. This is a spore forming by a Gregarinid (Cocidium oviforme) from the liver of a guinea-pig.

Protozoan

Gregarina, a protozoan, various species which live in the alimentary canal of crayfishes, centipeds,…

Gregarina, a protozoan, various species which live in the alimentary canal of crayfishes, centipeds, and certain insects. It is a parasite living at the expense of the host in whose whose body it lives in. This is a spore forming by a Gregarinid (Cocidium oviforme) from the liver of a guinea-pig.

Protozoan

Gregarina, a protozoan, various species which live in the alimentary canal of crayfishes, centipeds,…

Gregarina, a protozoan, various species which live in the alimentary canal of crayfishes, centipeds, and certain insects. It is a parasite living at the expense of the host in whose whose body it lives in. A stage in the conjugation and spore forming of Gregarina polymopha.

Protozoan

Gregarina, a protozoan, various species which live in the alimentary canal of crayfishes, centipeds,…

Gregarina, a protozoan, various species which live in the alimentary canal of crayfishes, centipeds, and certain insects. It is a parasite living at the expense of the host in whose whose body it lives in. A stage in the conjugation and spore forming of Gregarina polymopha.

Protozoan

Gregarina, a protozoan, various species which live in the alimentary canal of crayfishes, centipeds,…

Gregarina, a protozoan, various species which live in the alimentary canal of crayfishes, centipeds, and certain insects. It is a parasite living at the expense of the host in whose whose body it lives in. A stage in the conjugation and spore forming of Gregarina polymopha.

Protozoan

Gregarina, a protozoan, various species which live in the alimentary canal of crayfishes, centipeds,…

Peripatus is a genus of Onychophora (Velvet worms). It is said to be a living fossil because it has been unchanged for approximately 570 million years. Peripatus is a nocturnal carnivore. It feeds by trapping its prey (mostly small insects) in a white, sticky fluid it ejects from two antennae near its head. The fluid hardens on contact with the air and then the prey becomes immoblized.

Peripatus

Peripatus is a genus of Onychophora (Velvet worms). It is said to be a living fossil because it has…

Cockroaches or roaches are insects of the order Blattaria. This name derives from the Latin word for "cockroach", blatta. Cockroaches live in a wide range of environments around the world. Pest species of cockroaches adapt readily to a variety of environments, but prefer warm conditions found within buildings. Many tropical species prefer even warmer environments and do not fare well in the average household. Roaches are not able to survive in moist areas such as bathrooms and are not able to exit such areas. This diagram shows a dissection of a cockroach with particular note of the allmentary canal (al).

Cockroach

Cockroaches or roaches are insects of the order Blattaria. This name derives from the Latin word for…

Locust is the swarming phase of short-horned grasshoppers of the family Acrididae. These are species that can breed rapidly under suitable conditions and subsequently become gregarious and migratory. They form bands as nymphs and swarms as adults—both of which can travel great distances, rapidly stripping fields and greatly damaging crops.

Locust

Locust is the swarming phase of short-horned grasshoppers of the family Acrididae. These are species…

Beetles are the group of insects with the largest number of known species. The general anatomy of beetles is quite uniform, although specific organs and appendages may vary greatly in appearance and function between the many families in the order. Like all insects, beetles' bodies are divided into three sections: the head, the thorax, and the abdomen. We see here the long-horned borer beetle showing the larva, pupa, and adult insect.

Beetle

Beetles are the group of insects with the largest number of known species. The general anatomy of beetles…

Spiders (order Araneae) are air-breathing chelicerate arthropods. Trapdoor spiders, of family Ctenizidae, are medium-sized mygalomorph spiders that construct burrows with a cork-like trapdoor made of soil, vegetation and silk. The Trapdoor Spider is difficult to see when it is closed because the plant and soil materials effectively camouflage it. The trapdoor is hinged on one side with silk. The spiders, which are usually nocturnal, typically wait for prey while holding onto the underside of the door with the claws on their tarsi. Prey is captured when insects, other arthropods, or small vertebrates venture too close to the half-open trapdoor at night. The spider detects the prey by vibrations and when it comes close enough, the spider leaps out of its burrow and captures it.

Trapdoor Spider

Spiders (order Araneae) are air-breathing chelicerate arthropods. Trapdoor spiders, of family Ctenizidae,…

Bees are flying insects closely related to wasps and ants. Honey bees (or honeybees) are a subset of bees, primarily distinguished by the production and storage of honey and the construction of perennial, colonial nests out of wax. A colony generally contains one queen bee, a fertile female; seasonally up to a few thousand drone bees or fertile males; and a large seasonally variable population of sterile female worker bees. Eggs are laid singly in a cell in a wax honeycomb, produced and shaped by the worker bees. Larvae are initially fed with royal jelly produced by worker bees, later switching to honey and pollen.

Honey Bees

Bees are flying insects closely related to wasps and ants. Honey bees (or honeybees) are a subset of…

Bees are flying insects closely related to wasps and ants. Honey bees (or honeybees) are a subset of bees, primarily distinguished by the production and storage of honey and the construction of perennial, colonial nests out of wax. A colony generally contains one queen bee, a fertile female; seasonally up to a few thousand drone bees or fertile males; and a large seasonally variable population of sterile female worker bees. Eggs are laid singly in a cell in a wax honeycomb, produced and shaped by the worker bees. Larvae are initially fed with royal jelly produced by worker bees, later switching to honey and pollen.

Honey Bees

Bees are flying insects closely related to wasps and ants. Honey bees (or honeybees) are a subset of…

A butterfly is an insect of the order Lepidoptera. Like all Lepidoptera, butterflies are notable for their unusual life cycle with a larval caterpillar stage, an inactive pupal stage, and a spectacular metamorphosis into a familiar and colourful winged adult form. A monarch butterfly is is a milkweed butterfly, perhaps the best known of all North American butterflies.

Metamorphosis of a Monarch Butterfly

A butterfly is an insect of the order Lepidoptera. Like all Lepidoptera, butterflies are notable for…

A butterfly is an insect of the order Lepidoptera. Like all Lepidoptera, butterflies are notable for their unusual life cycle with a larval caterpillar stage, an inactive pupal stage, and a spectacular metamorphosis into a familiar and colourful winged adult form. A monarch butterfly is is a milkweed butterfly, perhaps the best known of all North American butterflies. The body of the crawling worm-like larva is greenish yellow in color, with broad bands of shining black.

Metamorphosis of a Monarch Butterfly

A butterfly is an insect of the order Lepidoptera. Like all Lepidoptera, butterflies are notable for…

A butterfly is an insect of the order Lepidoptera. Like all Lepidoptera, butterflies are notable for their unusual life cycle with a larval caterpillar stage, an inactive pupal stage, and a spectacular metamorphosis into a familiar and colourful winged adult form. This the egg of a Monarch butterfly.

Metamorphosis of a Monarch Butterfly

A butterfly is an insect of the order Lepidoptera. Like all Lepidoptera, butterflies are notable for…

A butterfly is an insect of the order Lepidoptera. Like all Lepidoptera, butterflies are notable for their unusual life cycle with a larval caterpillar stage, an inactive pupal stage, and a spectacular metamorphosis into a familiar and colourful winged adult form. This the pupa of a Monarch butterfly.

Metamorphosis of a Monarch Butterfly

A butterfly is an insect of the order Lepidoptera. Like all Lepidoptera, butterflies are notable for…

Mosquitoes are common flying insects in the family Culicidae that are found around the world. Mosquito larvae have a well-developed head with mouth brushes used for feeding, a large thorax with no legs and a segmented abdomen.

Metamorphosis of a Mosquito

Mosquitoes are common flying insects in the family Culicidae that are found around the world. Mosquito…

Mosquitoes are common flying insects in the family Culicidae that are found around the world. The pupa is comma-shaped in Anopheles when viewed from the side. The head and thorax are merged into a cephalothorax with the abdomen curving around underneath.

Metamorphosis of a Mosquito

Mosquitoes are common flying insects in the family Culicidae that are found around the world. The pupa…

The scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, generally classified as the superfamily Coccoidea. There are about 8,000 species of scale insects. Most scale insects are parasites of plants, feeding on sap drawn directly from the plant's vascular system. The female is wingless and has a large waxen egg-sac (e.s.) attached to her body.

Scale Insects

The scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, generally classified as the superfamily…

The scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, generally classified as the superfamily Coccoidea. There are about 8,000 species of scale insects. Most scale insects are parasites of plants, feeding on sap drawn directly from the plant's vascular system. Male scale insects are unusual in possessing only one pair of wings, thus making them resemble true flies (Diptera), though they lack the halteres (rudimentary hind wings) seen in flies, and have tail filaments, which do not occur in flies.

Scale Insects

The scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, generally classified as the superfamily…

Bees are flying insects closely related to wasps and ants. Honey bees (or honeybees) are a subset of bees, primarily distinguished by the production and storage of honey and the construction of perennial, colonial nests out of wax. A colony generally contains one queen bee, a fertile female; seasonally up to a few thousand drone bees or fertile males; and a large seasonally variable population of sterile female worker bees. Workers gather pollen into the pollen baskets on their back legs, to carry back to the hive where it is used as food for the developing brood.

Honey Bees

Bees are flying insects closely related to wasps and ants. Honey bees (or honeybees) are a subset of…

Bees are flying insects closely related to wasps and ants. Honey bees (or honeybees) are a subset of bees, primarily distinguished by the production and storage of honey and the construction of perennial, colonial nests out of wax. A colony generally contains one queen bee, a fertile female; seasonally up to a few thousand drone bees or fertile males; and a large seasonally variable population of sterile female worker bees. A honeycomb is a mass of hexagonal wax cells built by honey bees in their nests to contain their larvae and stores of honey and pollen.

Honey Bees

Bees are flying insects closely related to wasps and ants. Honey bees (or honeybees) are a subset of…

Carpenter bees are large, hairy bees distributed worldwide. Their name comes from the fact that nearly all species build their nests in burrows in dead wood, bamboo, or structural timbers. In several species, the females live in tunnels alongside their own daughters or sisters, creating a sort of social group. They use wood bits to form partitions between the cells in the nest. A few species bore holes in wood dwellings. Since the tunnels are near the surface, structural damage is generally minor or nonexistent.

Carpenter Bee

Carpenter bees are large, hairy bees distributed worldwide. Their name comes from the fact that nearly…

Mining bees, or digger bees, (familys Andrenidae & Anthophoridae) nest in burrows in the ground. Each mining bee female usually digs her own individual burrow to rear her own young. Large numbers of these bees may nest near one another if soil conditions are suitable.

Mining Bee

Mining bees, or digger bees, (familys Andrenidae & Anthophoridae) nest in burrows in the ground. Each…

Ichneumon flies are solitary insects, and most are parasitoids—the larvae feeding on or in another insect which finally dies. As with all hymenopterans, ichneumons are closely related to ants and bees. The female finds a host and lays an egg on, near, or inside the host's body. Upon hatching, the larval ichneumon feeds either externally or internally, killing the host when they themselves are ready to pupate. The large ichneumon fly (Thakessa), with long flexable ovipositor. The various parts of ths ovipositor are spread aapart in the figure; naturally they lie together to form a single piercing organ.

Ichneumon Fly

Ichneumon flies are solitary insects, and most are parasitoids—the larvae feeding on or in another…

Ichneumon flies are solitary insects, and most are parasitoids—the larvae feeding on or in another insect which finally dies. As with all hymenopterans, ichneumons are closely related to ants and bees. The female finds a host and lays an egg on, near, or inside the host's body. Upon hatching, the larval ichneumon feeds either externally or internally, killing the host when they themselves are ready to pupate. The large ichneumon fly (Thakessa), with long flexable ovipositor, boring to deposit eggs.

Ichneumon Fly

Ichneumon flies are solitary insects, and most are parasitoids—the larvae feeding on or in another…

An insect known as the pigeon horntail (Tremex columba) deposits its eggs, by means of a strong, piercing ovipositor, half an inch deep in the trunk wood of growing trees. Female uses ovipositor to bore through bark into wood, depositing 1 slender egg in each hole. Eggs are covered with fungal spores from a special pocket in female's abdomen. After depositing the last egg, the female often dies without removing its ovipositor from the wood. The dead female becomes food for some insectivorous animal.

Pigeon Horntail

An insect known as the pigeon horntail (Tremex columba) deposits its eggs, by means of a strong, piercing…

The scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, generally classified as the superfamily Coccoidea. There are about 8,000 species of scale insects. Most scale insects are parasites of plants, feeding on sap drawn directly from the plant's vascular system. This is a bit of leaf with scales.

Scale Insects

The scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, generally classified as the superfamily…

The scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, generally classified as the superfamily Coccoidea. There are about 8,000 species of scale insects. Most scale insects are parasites of plants, feeding on sap drawn directly from the plant's vascular system. This is an adult female scale.

Scale Insects

The scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, generally classified as the superfamily…

The scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, generally classified as the superfamily Coccoidea. There are about 8,000 species of scale insects. Most scale insects are parasites of plants, feeding on sap drawn directly from the plant's vascular system. This is the wax scale under which the female lives.

Scale Insects

The scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, generally classified as the superfamily…

The scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, generally classified as the superfamily Coccoidea. There are about 8,000 species of scale insects. Most scale insects are parasites of plants, feeding on sap drawn directly from the plant's vascular system. This is a scale larva.

Scale Insects

The scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, generally classified as the superfamily…

The scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, generally classified as the superfamily Coccoidea. There are about 8,000 species of scale insects. Most scale insects are parasites of plants, feeding on sap drawn directly from the plant's vascular system. This is an adult male scale.

Scale Insects

The scale insects are small insects of the order Hemiptera, generally classified as the superfamily…

The Five-Spotted Hawkmoth (Manduca quinquemaculata) is a brown and gray hawk moth of the Sphingidae family. The caterpillar is often referred to as the tomato hornworm and can be a major pest in gardens. The tomato hornworm larva is a green caterpillar, with eight, v-shaped markings on its side and has a black horn on its rear just as other hornworms.

Tomato Worm

The Five-Spotted Hawkmoth (Manduca quinquemaculata) is a brown and gray hawk moth of the Sphingidae…

The Puss Moth (Cerura vinula) is a lepidoptera from the family Notodontidae. The puss moth is stinging caterpillar, Megalopyge opercularis, commonly called an asp. This is one of the most toxic caterpillars in North America. The mature larva is 1 to 1½ inches long with seven pairs of prolegs (suction-cup like claspers on the rear of the body). This larva of the puss moth shows as it appears when undisturbed.

Puss Moth

The Puss Moth (Cerura vinula) is a lepidoptera from the family Notodontidae. The puss moth is stinging…