Beetles
a family (Lucanidae) of large, strong, elongated beetles noted for the males' prominent, antler-like jaws (mandibles) used for fighting rivals and attracting mates. They are important decomposers, as their larvae feed on dead and decaying wood, returning nutrients to the soil.
What is: Stag beetle
a diverse group of over 600 species of eusocial bees found in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. As their name suggests, they have highly reduced stingers that are too small for defense, which makes them ideal for beekeeping, known as meliponiculture.
What is: Stingless bee
A genus of large, neotropical butterflies found in Central and South American rainforests. They are famous for their dazzling, metallic blue wings, which are a result of structural coloration (microscopic scales that reflect light) rather than pigment. the term can refer to several distinct things, most commonly a genus of vibrant, iridescent butterflies, a decentralized finance (DeFi) lending platform, a series of anatomy books for artists, or a biometrics technology company.
What is: Morpho
A genus of stinging ants (Solenopsis) known for their aggressive behavior and painful, burning stings. Native to South America, several species, most notably Solenopsis invicta, have become invasive pests in the Southern United States, Australia, and other parts of the world.
What is: Fire ant
A family (Theraphosidae) of large, often hairy, spiders found in warm regions worldwide, on all continents except Antarctica. Despite their intimidating appearance, most species are docile and their venom is generally considered to be mild and not life-threatening to humans, comparable to a bee sting.
What is: Tarantula
A diverse family of beetles (Cerambycidae) characterized by their long antennae, which often exceed the length of their bodies. Their larvae are wood-boring and play a vital role in decomposition in forest ecosystems, though some species are significant pests.
What is: Longhorn beetle
the genus of mining bees (the most common context), a given name, or an internet service provider. one of the largest genera of animals, containing over 1,500 species of bees worldwide (excluding Oceania and South America). They are commonly called mining bees because females construct solitary nests by excavating tunnels underground, often in bare or sandy soil.
What is: Andrena
A medium-sized, distinctive butterfly known for its striking black wings with bright red-orange bands and white spots near the wingtips. Found across the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, it is a common visitor to gardens and woodlands.
A group of large ant species (genus Camponotus) that are common household pests because they excavate wood to build their nests. Unlike termites, they do not eat wood but can cause significant structural damage over time if infestations go untreated.
A fast-moving, yellowish-gray arthropod with up to 15 pairs of very long legs that make it appear much larger than its 1 to 1.5-inch body length. Originating in the Mediterranean region, it is now common worldwide and is often found in damp areas of human homes.
What is: House centipede
Scavengers that play a significant role in the natural decomposition process by feeding on dried animal and plant matter. There are over 500 species worldwide, and they range in size, generally measuring 12 mm or less. The life cycle includes a larval stage (often called "woolly bears" due to their hairiness) and an adult stage.
What is: Skin beetle/Dermestidae
Large, solitary bees known for their habit of excavating tunnels in wood to create nests for their young. They are important pollinators but are often considered pests due to the damage they can cause to wooden structures like decks, eaves, and siding.
What is: Carpenter bee
a family of small, often brightly colored butterflies, which includes the blues, coppers, hairstreaks, and harvesters. This is the second-largest family of butterflies globally, with over 6,000 species.
What is: Gossamer-winged butterfly
A small, common, dark-colored ant species found widely across Europe and parts of North America, Asia, South America, and Australasia. They are familiar garden insects that often venture indoors in search of sugary foods.
What is: Black garden ant
An invasive insect native to Asia that has become both a significant agricultural pest and a common household nuisance across North America and parts of Europe. They are known for releasing an unpleasant, pungent odor when disturbed or crushed.
What is: Brown marmorated stink bug
A genus (Dynastes) of rhinoceros beetles known for their large size and the impressive horns found on the males. The species Dynastes hercules is the longest extant beetle in the world, with males reaching up to 7 inches (18 cm) in length, including their horns.
What is: Hercules beetle
A species of orchid bee found in Brazil, known for its striking metallic coloration and for being named after the catchphrase of Dr. Sheldon Cooper from the TV show The Big Bang Theory.
a widespread butterfly species known for its vibrant color, leaf-like appearance, and exceptionally long lifespan of up to a year. Its name, derived from the old name for sulphur, is widely believed to be the etymological origin of the word "butterfly" itself.
What is: Brimstone butterfly
A common, small, yellow-to-brown ant species found throughout Europe and parts of Asia and North Africa. They are a largely subterranean species, rarely seen above ground unless their nest is disturbed or during their summer nuptial flights.
What is: Yellow meadow ant
tiny, wingless, parasitic insects that live on humans and feed on human blood. There are three types that affect humans: head lice, body lice, and pubic lice. Head lice are the most common, especially among school-aged children, and do not spread disease.
What is: Lice
A major and destructive pest of potato, eggplant, and tomato plants. Both adults and larvae feed voraciously on the foliage, and an uncontrolled heavy infestation can quickly defoliate and kill plants, severely reducing crop yields.
What is: Colorado potato beetle
One of Australia's largest and most striking native bee species, known for its unique solitary, ground-nesting behavior in the arid claypans of Western Australia.
What is: Amegilla dawson/Dawson's burrowing bee
A large and widespread family of butterflies, commonly known as whites, sulphurs, and yellows. They are characterized by their small to medium size and typically white, yellow, or orange wing colors, often with black markings.
What is: Pieridae
A distinctive species of ant found across the Palearctic region. They are easily recognized by their shiny, jet-black color and unique heart-shaped head.
What is: Lasius fuliginosus
A species of beetle, commonly known as the 28-spotted potato ladybird or Hadda beetle, that is a serious pest of Solanaceous (nightshade) crops such as potatoes and eggplants.