221 Amazing Bugs and Insects Encyclopedia

Common name : Question mark butterfly Scientific name : Polygonia interrogationis Family : Nymphalidae Native to : North America Interesting fact : Due to a unique pattern on the underside of its hind wings, which resemble a ‘?’ this butterfly is popularly known as the ‘Question mark butterfly’. With a wingspan of 4.5-7.5 cm, the question […]

Common name : Puriri moth Scientific name : Aenetus virescens Family : Hepialidae Native to : North Island, New Zealand Interesting fact : The largest moth found in New Zealand, the puriri moth has a wingspan of 150 mm. As mentioned, the puriri moth has a wingspan of 150 mm, and is green with brown

Common name : Jumping plant louse Scientific name : Psyllidae Family : Psyllidae Native to : Worldwide distribution Interesting fact : As a part of the sternorrhyncha group, the psyllids are considered to be one of the most primitive groups of true bugs. Only 2-3 mm in length, psyllids are plant-eating insects that are terrestrial

Common name : False scorpion Scientific name: Pseudoscorpionida Family : Pseudoscorpionida Native to : Worldwide distribution Interesting fact : The oldest fossil of the pseudoscorpion is said to date back to the Devonian era, 380 million years ago. About 2-8 mm in length, the pseudoscorpians are tiny and  inoffensive to humans. Their diet is comprised

Common name : Plume moth Scientific name: Pterophoridae Family : Pterophoridae Native to : Oceans worldwide Interesting fact : This insect is named such because of its wings, which have the appearance of a bird’s ‘plume’. With a wingspan of 6-50 mm, unlike other moths and butterflies, the plume moths are tiny and have ‘T’

Common name : Velvet worm Scientific name: Peripatoides indigo Family : Peripatopsidae Native to : New Zealand Interesting fact : Known as a ‘living fossil’ because it has changed considerably over 500 million years, the peripatus is said to be the link between annelids and arthropods. About 60 mm in length, the natural habitat of

Common name : Booklouse Scientific name: Liposcelis divinatorius Family : Liposcelidae Native to : Worldwide distribution Interesting fact : Since they are found specifically in the bindings of books, these insects are popularly known as booklice. Not more than 2 mm in length, these insects are wingless. Their diet is comprised of the paste used

Common name : Brazilian wandering spider Scientific name: Phoneutria nigriventer Family : Ctenidae Native to : South America Interesting fact : Since 2010, this spider has been in the Guinness Book of World Records, as the most venomous spider in the world. This spider has a larger body and greater body weight in comparison to

Common name : Peacock mite Scientific name : Tuckerella Family : Tuckerellidae Native to : Tropical regions Interesting fact : Named so on account of its decorative dorsal surface, the peacock mite has delicate ornamentation distinguishing it from other insects. With delicate hair-like structures on its body, it uses them to defend itself against predators.

Common name : Pear midge Scientific name : Contarinia pyrivora Family : Cecidomyiidae Native to : Worldwide distribution Interesting fact : The larvae of this insect are deposited inside the pear fruit where they feed, hence the name ‘pear midge’. The adult fly emerges from its cocoon in spring. Its diet is comprised of the

Common name : Plant hopper Scientific name : Scolypopa australis Family : Ricaniidae Native to : Australia Interesting fact : On account of its appearance, the passionvine hopper is often mistaken for a moth and appears to walk like a ‘ballerina’. With brown partly transparent wings that are 7 mm in length, the passionvine hopper

Common name : Painted lady Scientific name : Cynthia Family : Nymphalidae Native to : Worldwide distribution Interesting fact : A very colourful butterfly, the painted lady butterfly emerges as an adult and hangs upside down so as to pump blood into its delicate wings, inflating them. The painted lady has a wingspan of 5

Common name : European owl moth Scientific name : Acanthobrahmaea europaea Family : Brahmaeidae Native to : South Italy Interesting fact : Due to its uniquely patterned wings, this insect is known as the owl moth. 65 to 80 mm in length, the European owl moth’s habitat is comprised of woody, forested areas with leaf

Common name : Oriental fruit moth Scientific name : Grapholita molesta Family : Tortricidae Native to : China Interesting fact : The oriental fruit moth is also known as the peach moth because of its affinity to peaches, apples, pear, plum, apricot, and other fruits as a part of its diet. 13 mm in wingspan, the

Common name : Malaysian orchid mantis Scientific name : Hymenopus coronatus Family : Hymenopodidae Native to : South-East Asia Interesting fact : This insect is amongst the many species of insects that are known as flower mantis due to their resemblance to flowers. The orchid mantis mimics the orchid flower. It is brightly coloured and has