List of Insects

Insects are the most numerous organisms on the planet. Different species of insects come in a wide array of sizes and shapes and have varying features. They fly through the air, crawl on the earth and swim in the oceans. Many people are afraid of insects. However, although they are generally considered to be unwanted pests, insects play a vital role in maintaining the health of the planet.

  1. Winged Insects

    • Winged insects exist in almost every habitat. Species include bees and wasps, flies, moths, butterflies and grasshoppers. Winged insects have well-developed flying abilities. They may have either one or two pairs of wings. Since insect wings are generally thin, they contain numerous veins to add strength. Each winged insect species flies at different speeds and has a different type of wing. The wings of moths and butterflies have scales while beetles have a set of fore wings that are hard to protect the more fragile hind wings.

    Wingless Insects

    • Unlike their winged relatives, wingless insects are bound to the earth. Terrestrial insect species include silverfish, some species of ants, the praying mantis, leaf bugs and stick bugs. Most wingless insects have special adaptations that enable them to move about on the ground efficiently. Wingless insects that live in water tend to have long, bristly legs that are good for swimming. Since they cannot dart off into the air away from danger, some wingless insects such as leaf bugs and stick bugs have the ability to camouflage themselves as a defense against predators.

    Harmful Insects

    • Some insects are harmful to humans. Locusts can devastate a farmer's crops in only a few hours. Parasitic insects feed on human blood and can transmit dangerous diseases to its host. Fleas were the cause of the Medieval Black Plague. Lice infest human hair and cause severe itching. Female mosquitoes use human blood to fertilize their eggs. Mosquitoes are known to transmit diseases such as malaria and the West Nile Virus.

    Helpful Insects

    • Although some species of insects can be harmful, many are actually beneficial to mankind. Insects such as dragonflies, ladybugs and mosquito hawks eat less desirable insects like mosquitoes and aphids, keeping the pesky populations under control. Although their vicious sting has given them a bad reputation, bees supply us with honey and wax and are responsible for pollinating many of the flowers that give us the fruits we eat.

    Endangered Insects

    • Human beings also pose a severe threat to many species of insects. Like animals, there are many insect species that are either endangered or have already become extinct. This includes numerous species of butterflies, beetles, grasshoppers and ants. This is usually the result of increasing habitat loss. Sympathy is not normally as strong for endangered insects as it is for animals. However, insects are an integral part of the ecosystem. Many efforts are in progress to help save their habitats and increase the endangered insect populations.