Beetles (Coleoptera)
+ ++ Beetles make up the largest order of insects, with more than + 350,000 known species. They are recognized by their hardened + forewings (elytra) that cover and protect the delicate hindwings + and abdomen. This feature gives them a tough, armored look and + helps them survive in many environments, from forests to deserts. + Beetles can vary greatly in size, color, and habits, ranging from + tiny grain beetles to massive stag beetles with impressive jaws. +
++ Many beetles play important ecological roles. Some, like ladybugs, + are beneficial predators that feed on crop pests such as aphids. + Others, such as dung beetles, recycle nutrients by breaking down + animal waste. However, certain species like the Colorado potato + beetle or Japanese beetle are major agricultural pests. Their + diversity and adaptability make beetles one of the most successful + groups of insects on Earth. +
+ ++ Image by URSchmidt - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, + https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=70137401. +
+True Bugs (Hemiptera)
+ ++ True bugs include a wide range of insects such as stink bugs, + cicadas, aphids, and water striders. Unlike beetles, their + forewings are partly hardened and partly membranous, and they + possess distinctive piercing-sucking mouthparts. These mouthparts + are adapted for feeding on plant sap, blood, or other insects. Many + true bugs have scent glands that produce strong odors as a defense + mechanism, which is why some are called “stink bugs.” +
+ ++ True bugs are found worldwide and occupy a variety of habitats, + including plants, soil, and water. While some species are harmless + or even beneficial predators, others are destructive agricultural + pests that weaken plants by draining their sap. Certain bugs, like + bed bugs and kissing bugs, can also affect humans directly by + biting or transmitting diseases. +
+ ++ Image created by user B. Schoenmakers at Waarneming.nl, a source of + nature observations in the Netherlands. - This image is uploaded as + image number 29046158 at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature + observations in the Netherlands.This tag does not indicate the + copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is + still required. See Commons:Licensing for more information., This + site now requires authentication, however, the same image and + copyright information is also available via + https://world.observation.org/foto/view/29046158 + since it uses the same data, CC BY 3.0, + https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92410673. +
+Butterflies & Moths (Lepidoptera)
+ ++ Butterflies and moths are some of the most recognizable insects + thanks to their large, often colorful wings covered in tiny scales. + These scales give their wings shimmering, patterned appearances and + are one of the defining traits of this group. Butterflies are + usually active by day, while moths are mostly nocturnal, though + there are exceptions. Both undergo complete metamorphosis, with a + dramatic transformation from caterpillar to winged adult. +
+ ++ As caterpillars, they primarily feed on leaves, sometimes causing + damage to crops and plants. As adults, butterflies and many moths + are important pollinators, transferring pollen as they sip nectar + from flowers. They are also ecologically vital as food sources for + birds, bats, and other animals. Their beauty and ecological + importance make them a favorite group for nature enthusiasts and + scientists alike. +
+ ++ Image by Didier Descouens - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, + https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19303857. +
+Flies & Mosquitoes (Diptera)
+ ++ Flies and mosquitoes belong to the order Diptera, meaning “two + wings.” Unlike most other insects, they have only one functional + pair of wings; the hind pair has evolved into tiny balancing organs + called halteres. This adaptation gives them incredible agility in + flight. Their mouthparts vary widely: some species have sponging + mouthparts (like houseflies), while others have piercing-sucking + ones (like mosquitoes). +
+ ++ These insects are among the most ecologically and medically + significant. Many flies are decomposers, helping break down waste + and recycle nutrients. Mosquitoes, however, are infamous as disease + vectors, spreading malaria, dengue, and other illnesses. Despite + their negative reputation, flies and mosquitoes are essential in + ecosystems, serving as pollinators and as a major food source for + many animals. +
+ ++ Image created by user Dick Belgers at Waarneming.nl, a source of + nature observations in the Netherlands. - This image is uploaded as + image number 5105758 at Waarneming.nl, a source of nature + observations in the Netherlands.This tag does not indicate the + copyright status of the attached work. A normal copyright tag is + still required. See Commons:Licensing for more information., CC BY + 3.0, + https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27659589. +
+Bees, Wasps, Ants (Hymenoptera)
+ ++ Bees, wasps, and ants are a diverse group known for their complex + behaviors and social structures. Many species live in colonies with + distinct roles for workers, queens, and males. Bees are especially + famous for pollination, producing honey, and communicating with + each other through dances. Wasps are often predators or + parasitoids, while ants are skilled builders and cooperative + foragers. +
+ ++ This group has a huge ecological impact. Bees and wasps contribute + to pollination, supporting food crops and wild plants. Some wasps + help control pest populations by preying on or parasitizing other + insects. Ants are critical soil engineers, aerating the ground and + recycling nutrients. While stings and aggressive behaviors make + some species feared, they are vital players in natural and + agricultural systems. +
+ ++ Image by Trounce - Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, + https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1997709. +
+Spiders (Araneae)
+ ++ Spiders are arachnids, not insects, and are easily distinguished by + their eight legs and lack of antennae. Almost all spiders are + predators, using venom and silk to capture prey. Many build + intricate webs to trap insects, while others are active hunters + that chase or ambush their food. Their silk is an incredibly strong + and versatile material, used for webs, egg sacs, or safety lines. +
+ ++ Spiders are found in nearly every habitat on Earth, from deserts to + caves to homes. While some people fear them, very few species pose + a danger to humans. In fact, spiders are highly beneficial because + they help control insect populations, including pests. They play a + crucial role in balancing ecosystems, making them one of the most + important non-insect “bugs” people commonly encounter. +
+ ++ Image by AJC ajcann.wordpress.com from UK, CC BY-SA 2.0 + https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. +
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