30 Types of Bugs Insects: Facts and Photos

As we explore the various types of bugs and insects, we encounter various species, from enchanting butterflies to perilous mosquitoes. Insects play vital ecological roles, such as serving as food for countless animals and contributing to pollination. Every insect also shows unique adaptations and reproduction. 

Interestingly, the number of known insect species merely scratches the surface of the actual number¹⁰, estimated between five and ten million. Many remain undiscovered or undescribed scientifically. To learn more about these abundant animal species, continue reading the article.

Insect Classification

Insects belong to the class Insecta, the largest class in the animal kingdom. There are an estimated five to ten million insect species worldwide, but only about one million have been described to date.

We often confuse the term bug. Commonly, it is a general term we use for many small terrestrial arthropods, including insects. On the other hand, in entomology, 'true bugs' represent a specific category under the Hemiptera order, housing species like cicadas and shield bugs. 

In terms of diversity, a few insect orders stand out: Hemiptera (true bugs), Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths), Diptera (true flies), Hymenoptera (wasps, ants, and bees), and Coleoptera (beetles). 

Each proudly hosts over 100,000 documented species. The Insecta class overall is no less complex. Comprising 30 orders, it exhibits the vast range of these creatures.

In the list below, we featured at least one interesting or common animal or animal group for each order.

General Insect Information

Insects vary in size from almost microscopic feather-winged beetles to the colossal Hercules moth, whose wingspan stretches to a notable 10.6 inches. Their anatomy shows distinct sexual differences. For instance, the twisted-wing insect female serves mainly as an egg carrier, while the male leads a highly active life.

Their modes of life and patterns of behavior exhibit an extraordinary range. Consider the Mayflies; their lives as adults are limited to a couple of hours, which contrasts with the Queen termites, whose queens lead lengthy lives reaching up to 50 years. 

Sporting various colors and patterns, many insects engage in courtship displays while others copy the appearance of dangerous animals to avoid predators.

The level of parental preparation for the young in insects can extend from minimal to elaborate, with social insects like termites and ants forming colonies of millions. Most insects are also pests like bedbugs and houseflies or exotic ones like hornets and Japanese beetles.

However, many play pivotal roles in pollination, waste recycling, predatory control, and even scientific research, with their genetic, hormonal, and physiological aspects mined for valuable insights. They also serve as bio-indicators, providing data on environmental health and biodiversity.

Thus, viewing insects through a lens that acknowledges their diversity, ecological roles, and potential for human benefit extends our understanding of these small but remarkable creatures.

Related Read: Bug Facts.

30 Types of Bug And Insect Species

Quick links to the different types of bugs:

1. Green Orchid Bee (Euglossa dilemma)

The Dilemma Orchid Bee, otherwise known as the Green Orchid Bee, is native to Central America but has also been spotted in Florida. 

The bee, sporting a shiny metallic green hue, grows to about half an inch. The females collect pollen with baskets on their hind legs. The males, however, focus on attracting mates with fragrances from specific orchids, thus playing a critical role in pollination. 

Surprisingly, despite stings, their bite is less severe than the common honeybee's.

2. European Honey Bee (Apis mellifera)

The European honey bee, also known as the Western honey bee, holds a unique place in history. This insect was domesticated some five millennia ago. To this day, beekeepers maintain this species for honey production and pollination. Thanks to human aid, it now thrives on every continent, Antarctica aside.

Unlike its bee counterparts, the western honey bee boasts year-round colonies, which makes it a superorganism. Here, the colony, not the individual, takes precedence in reproduction.

Interestingly, these bees have a modified ovipositor or stinger. Workers and queens wield it in hive defense. A popular misconception is that bees invariably die post-sting. In reality, the bee's mortality hinges on the victim, generally surviving unless it stings a mammal.

3. Lord Howe Island Stick Insect (Dryococelus australis)

Lord Howe Island Stick Insects, known as tree lobsters, boast an oblong body and robust legs – males exhibiting thicker thighs than females. 

These wingless stick insects engage in unique behaviors. They form pairs, females laying eggs while hanging from branches. After hatching up to nine months later, the green nymphs evolve into nocturnal, black adults. Intriguingly, females can reproduce without males, a survival trait when numbers dwindle. 

Thought to be extinct in 1920, these types of insects were rediscovered in 2001 on Balls Pyramid. Only 9-35 mature individuals are left, marking these stick insects critically endangered¹⁴.

4. European Mantis (Mantis religiosa)

The European mantis, commonly known as the praying mantis, displays interesting gender characteristics. Male mantises have larger antennae and eyes than their female counterparts, and they're more agile and active. 

However, females are physically stronger. Though they have wings, the weight and size of an adult female mantis limit them to the ground. 

The mantis's coloration ranges from yellows and greens, to browns and occasional blacks, marking an intriguing variation. Its courtship is quite the spectacle, divided into preliminary visual interaction and subsequent physical contact. 

Interestingly, though, females perform sexual cannibalism. A theory suggests this behavior provides additional resources for the female to increase the survival rate of her offspring⁶. 

Related Read: Types of Mantises.

5. Fruit Fly (Drosophila melanogaster)

The Fruit Fly, specifically the wild type, boasts a yellow-brown body. It's marked by black rings across its abdomen - the characteristic leading to its species name, melanogaster, or "black-bellied." These flies are noted for their distinctive brick-red eyes. Sexual dimorphism is evident as males are marginally smaller, exhibiting darker backs. 

In the Fly Room at Columbia University in 1910, Thomas Hunt Morgan initiated experimental studies on Fruit Flies. It was a compact space, bustling with students conducting experiments. 

Microscopes later enhanced these investigations. Morgan's relentless efforts, along with his students, revealed several heredity principles. Fruit Flies stand today as an advantageous model organism due to their minimal requirement for space and cost, short generation time, and more.

6. Mosquito (Culicidae) 

The mosquito, an insect with distinguishable scales on its long and slender wings, has a swift lifecycle. In warmer climates, they reach maturity within a mere five days. After a single union with a male, females feed on blood for egg development and repeat this cycle their whole life, which can span a few weeks under the right conditions.

Females' mouthparts are specialized for piercing and sucking blood, while the males stick to sugary fluids. These insects have a worldwide distribution, with the exception of Antarctica. In ponds, their larvae even serve as a vital food source for predators.

Despite their contribution to food chains, mosquitoes pose a serious health threat¹³. With approximately 700 million mosquito-borne illnesses reported annually, which lead to over a million deaths, they're considered one of the most dangerous species globally. They spread Zika, West Nile virus, chikungunya, dengue, and malaria. 

Related Read: Mosquito Facts.

7. Leaf Beetles (Chrysomelids)

Leaf beetles form a diverse group known for their ovular or rounded bodies. Uniquely, their antennae aren't overly long, and their eyes exhibit no notching. Their exterior displays various aesthetics, from dull hues to bright, patterned displays or metallic tones. 

These beetles, adults and larvae alike, have a broad plant-based diet. Serious pest issues arise with species like Colorado potato, asparagus, cereal leaf beetle, mustard beetle, and flea beetle. However, some leaf beetles contribute positively by controlling invasive weeds.

8. Scarab Beetle (Scarabaeidae)

Scarab beetles exhibit usual antennae, ending in three club-shaped plates. These beetles, identifiable by their front legs adapted for digging, come in various sizes, from a diminutive 0.2 inch to a bulky 4.7 inches for some African species. 

Their diet is diverse, feeding on manure, decayed plant materials, roots, leaves, and even fungi. Some species, notably June beetles and rose beetles, are known to be agricultural pests. Despite their reputation, these beetles enjoy popularity among insect collectors for their large size and colorful, polished forewings. 

9. Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus)

The Monarch butterfly, famous across North America, is an essential pollinator. Distinguished by vibrant black, orange, and white patterned wings, it's hard to miss.

Its survival hinges on open landscapes. This butterfly species, intolerant to frost, relies heavily on the existence of milkweeds. These asclepiad flora form the center of their breeding habitats, vital for their growth and propagation.

Although these insects are not threatened, the migratory subspecies have a vulnerable status. Initially labeled Endangered, the classification was criticized owing to the modeling used to calculate population reduction over a decade. After reviews, experts suggest Vulnerable or Near Threatened categories are more suitable⁷. 

Major threats include habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and herbicide-resistant genetically modified crops, which affect milkweed plants' abundance, which is crucial for their survival. As we work towards better protection strategies, these elements remain the biggest obstacles to their conservation.

10. Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas)

The Atlas moth inhabits tropical and subtropical rainforests, with a significant presence in Southeast Asia. They have an impressive wingspan of nearly 10 inches and rank among the world's largest moths. Size variations exist between genders, with females tending to be larger.

Their wings, deep orange to brown at the base, display an intricate mix of white, black, pink, and brown. A white triangular spot accents the center of each wing. Noticeably, a distinctive protrusion extends from the anterior distal edge of the forewing.

The tan to brown cocoons of these types of insects are particularly notable. Their material bears a resemblance to the silk of silk moths. In fact, in East Asia, they weave this silk into a naturally brown textile known as fagara.

11. Periodical Cicada (Magicicada)

Periodical cicadas, like clockwork, surface the ground together every 13 or 17 years. These types of bugs keep time quite uniquely, living as nymphs beneath the ground for almost 99.5% of their lives. These nymphs find nourishment in xylem fluids from forest tree root⁹.

Sporting red eyes, a black thorax, and differently colored underbellies, these bugs emerge for brief, vibrant spells above ground, wrapping years of patience in mere weeks of activity.

12. Wheel Bug (Arilus cristatus)

The Wheel Bug is an impressive assassin bug. It's the only one of its kind found in the US. It ranks among North America's largest terrestrial true bugs, sizing up to 1.5 inches.

Its grey-toned camouflage merges well with leafy havens. It's often sighted amidst sunflower fields, cotton plants, or tree groves. Remarkably, its flight resembles a grasshopper's.

Organic gardeners value these types of bugs. They prey on various pests, proving an ecosystem's health. As entomologist Dr. Raupp states, they're the "lion" of your garden's food web - a testament to landscape vitality.

13. American Cockroach (Periplaneta americana)

The American cockroach stands out as the largest among common cockroach species. With a reddish-brown hue and a yellowish margin, it measures around 1.6 inches in length. This insect undergoes 6-14 molts, often 13, and lives about 700 days - the longest life cycle in its class⁵. 

But don't let its name fool you. This cockroach isn't native to America. Instead, it was brought from Africa in 1625. Thanks to human activity, its habitation now extends to tropical climates and is notably widespread due to global commerce. 

The American cockroach is a virtual petri dish carrying at least 22 species of harmful human bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoans. It also plays host to five species of parasitic worms⁸. So, while it's common, it's certainly not a guest you'd want in your home.

14. Dragonfly (Anisoptera)

Dragonflies are predatory insects that thrive on every continent except Antarctica. They start their lives as aquatic nymphs, a stage that lasts up to five years in some species. After maturing, they may fly for about ten weeks but often live just five weeks or less, depending on the species.

You'll often notice these strong-flying insects' striking iridescent or metallic colors, which make them stand out during flight. For a more detailed understanding, look up our article on these types of bugs.

Related Read: Dragonfly Facts, Types of Dragonflies.

15. Damselfly (Zygoptera)

Damselflies, easily confused with dragonflies, hold a distinct place in the world of odonates. Their slim bodies and resting posture, wings folded together over their back, set them apart from dragonflies. 

Finding a damselfly is not an everyday occurrence, though. Unlike dragonflies that boast wide habitats, these types of insects prefer smaller territories. Antarctica remains an exception where neither species resides.

16. Yellow Jacket (Vespula and Dolichovespula)

Yellow jackets are a common sight in the Northern Hemisphere. Naming them is a bit deceiving, given not all bear yellow and black markings. Instead, some display white, black, or even red patterns. Distinctive from other wasps, they settle in rest by folding their wings lengthwise. 

Their shelter of choice varies. Some species expose their nests, while others hide them underground or in sheltered cavities. Nests range in size, with bigger nests found in warmer climates. 

Like some other stinging insects, yellowjackets can sting multiple times, thanks to their small-barbed, lance-like stingers. Their venom usually harms those allergic to it or stung excessively. Beyond their stingers, they have strong mandibles for catching and munching insects and proboscises for slurping nectar and juices.

17. Grasshopper (Caelifera)

Grasshoppers, ancient herbivorous insects, originated nearly 250 million years ago alongside crickets during the early Triassic. 

Anatomically similar to typical types of bugs, these creatures possess three key body parts: a head, thorax, and abdomen. They are also equipped with compound eyes and sensitive antennae. 

Their jumping ability stems from the extension of their sturdy back legs against a substrate. Their anatomy allows them to leap impressive lengths, with a locust being able to jump about 20 body lengths.

Related Read: Grasshopper Facts, Types of Grasshoppers.

18. Cricket (Gryllidae) 

Crickets are small to medium-sized insects with cylindrical bodies that are somewhat vertically flattened. They possess spherical heads and are characterized by long antennae and large compound eyes. Depending on the species, their wings can be small or absent and lie flat on the body. 

With global distribution, crickets are found everywhere except colder regions. Despite their soft bodies and lack of defenses, crickets are primarily nocturnal, cleverly using daylight hours to hide in various natural habitats. 

Males are recognized for their distinctive sound to attract females and repel other males. They produce their well-known chirps by stridulation,  rubbing their textured front wings together.

19. Dobsonfly (Corydalidae)

Dobsonflies, typically large, span several continents from North to South America to Australia, Asia, and Africa. Possessing four similarly sized, net-veined wings, which vary from grayish to translucent among species, these insects belong to nine recognized genera.

They sport wide hindwing anal regions, usually folded at rest, creating a fluttery flight despite their formidable wingspan. Their bodies are soft, with coloration ranging from yellow to darker shades of brown. 

Short-legged and long-bodied, these insects are distinguished by the well-developed mandibles in males. These tools aid in fighting and defense. 

Their larvae, aquatic and fittingly known as hellgrammites or toe-biters, serve as prey for fish like bass. Anglers often use these larvae as bait. When it reaches maturity, the larvae leave their freshwater homes to form pupal cells in wet soils or decaying vegetation nearby.  

20. Meadow Scorpionfly (Panorpa vulgaris) 

The Meadow Scorpionfly, widely found in Central Europe, thrives in warm, dry habitats with ample shade, frequently residing near low shrubs. 

Females favor males who offer 'nuptial gifts,' like salivary secretions, during mating, while males reserve more of these gifts for healthier females³. It hints at both sexes aiming for partners with superior foraging skills, potentially enhancing their offspring's fitness. 

21. Termite (Isoptera)

Found worldwide except Antarctica, termites' species diversity peaks in South America. Misconstrued as "wood ants" or "white ants" in older texts, they are not actually ants.

These insects are eusocial species that feed on decaying plant matter, including wood, leaf litter, and soil. Eyes absent in most worker and soldier termites, their residences rise from unconventional resources such as feces, used plant material, and soil. These architectural wonders can be aboveground carton nests or concealed tropical subterranean domiciles. 

An unfortunate intersection with humans emerges from their wood-eating trait, causing significant damage to wooden structures. Alarmingly, around 83 out of 3,106 species are perceived as destructive¹¹, with an astounding $1.5 billion in annual infrastructure damage in the southwestern U.S. alone.

22. Louse (Phthiraptera)

Lice are tiny, wingless parasites. They divide into two groups: chewing lice, typically infesting birds and mammals, and sucking lice, feeding off mammals exclusively. Their body color ranges from whitish and yellow to brown or black.

These types of insects present an often overlooked risk. Mainly, the human louse, a type of sucking louse, flourishes in filthy, crowded environments. This insect is notorious for transmitting typhus and relapsing fever, especially during times of war and famine before the introduction of pesticides.

These parasitic types of insects can rapidly multiply, leading to severe skin irritation. Scratching for relief often results in secondary infections. In livestock, lice cause hide and wool damage and impair meat and egg production. Controlling lice is crucial — for human health and animal welfare.

23. Thrips (Thysanoptera)

Thrips are small hemimetabolic insects with a distinct elongated, cigar-shaped body. Their asymmetrical mouth sets them apart. Surprisingly, the right mandible is minimized and may even be absent in some species.

Their unique feeding process inflicts identifiable damage on their food plants. A single mandible cuts into the plant, followed by saliva injection. The aftermath is a distinctive silver or bronze scarring on the affected stems or leaves².

These notorious pests destroy commercial crops, causing discoloration and deformities due to their feeding habits and reducing the crop's marketable appeal. Additionally, some thrips are known to carry plant diseases.

24. Earwig (Dermaptera)

Earwigs are abundant creatures spread across the Americas and Eurasia. Their elongated bodies squeeze into tight crevices, like those found under bark. 

These types of bugs stand out due to their cerci - forceps-like pincers on their abdomen. These pincers, more curved in males, serve multiple purposes. From hunting prey and protection to folding wings, they showcase the earwig's adaptivity.

25. Silverfish (Lepisma saccharinum)

Silverfish, a nocturnal insect known for its fish-like shape, lives mostly in the dark. This insect transforms from a white hatchling to a metallic, grayish adult. Key features include two long cerci, a terminal filament, and, in a few species, small eyes. 

Lacking in wings, the silverfish displays a wiggling, fish-like locomotion. Its unique ability to digest cellulose comes from the cellulase-producing midgut, allowing it to consume a range of polysaccharide-rich materials. 

These bugs consume and damage a myriad of substances, from book bindings and carpets to adhesives and dandruff. As a result, they are considered household pests. Their redeeming trait is that they do not transmit diseases.

26. Mayfly (Ephemeroptera)

Mayflies populate the globe in clean freshwater habitats. The adult insects, characterized by their large compound eyes and short antennae, lack functional mouthparts or digestive tracts and hence do not feed in their winged stages. 

Their distinct wings, a larger, triangular front pair, and a smaller, rounded back pair, fold together upright, much like a butterfly's in repose. Adults boast two or three slender tails, often outmeasuring their bodies.

Their nymph stage is identifiable by the single claw on each leg. They have rounded bodies with external wing pads. Their long, slender abdomen houses gills on the segments' edges and usually ends in three thin tails. 

Their presence in the food chain is notable, serving as meals for numerous freshwater animals. Importantly, they play an environmental role in nutrient regulation. Bioturbation - the burrowing in lake beds and nutrient redistribution - undertaken by mayflies helps control phytoplankton and primary production⁴.

27. Antlion (Neuroptera)

Antlions possess two pairs of long, multi-veined wings, closely resembling dragonflies. Yet, their clubbed antennae, as long as their head and thorax, mark them unique. Wing venation differentiation and low daylight activity further set them apart. 

The insect larvae of Antlion are predatory in nature. Dubbed 'doodlebugs' in North America, they dig pits to trap their meal. While the larvae prey on ants and other arthropods, adult antlions opt for pollen, nectar, or fellow small arthropods.

28. Glowworm beetle (Phengodidae)

The Glowworm beetle is an interesting creature. The females exhibit bioluminescence, resembling their larval stage. They cast light through photic organs on each body segment and sometimes from luminous bands extending across the body. These females are spotted more frequently than the larvae.

On the other hand, male glowworm beetles have standard beetle-like features, their elaborate antenna standing out as their unique trait. They use these 'feathers' to trail female pheromones.

29. Tiger beetle (Cicindelinae)

Tiger beetles thrive in sandy habitats across many continents, notably the United States. They're nimble creatures, quick to take flight and have a near-perfect vision. Their bright hues adorn their bodies, earning them the label "butterflies of the beetle world." 

Each of these types of bugs brandishes bulging eyes, slender legs, and curved mandibles. They strikingly pursue prey—hurtling forward, then pausing to reassess their path, possibly because their high-speed dashes blur their vision. One species can even run up to 125 body lengths per second. To stay safe during these sprints, they stretch their antennae rigidly to feel their surroundings¹.

30. Flea (Siphonaptera)

Fleas, small and wingless, are armed with bristles and spines for navigation through host hairs. Their body, covered with hard plates, withstands scratching. Lacking complex vision, some species even thrive eyeless.

As external parasites, fleas rely on host blood for survival. Their diet covers a wide range of warm-blooded vertebrates, from dogs to humans. Their presence is not merely an annoyance. Flea bites, which form swollen nodules, can trigger flea allergy dermatitis, an irritating skin condition.

Potentially more alarming, fleas also transmit various diseases, ranging from murine typhus to bubonic plague, necessitating careful control and prevention.

Types of Bugs and Insects FAQs

Conclusion: Types of Bugs and Insects

In wrapping up, the various types of bugs and insects are rich with fascinating diversity we're only beginning to understand. 

Insects have proven their importance time and again, from a spectrum of adaptations that aid their survival to their indispensable roles in the ecosystem. Even as some carry dangers or cause inconvenience, they offer perspectives about the interconnectedness of life. 

We hope this article has deepened your understanding and fostered an appreciation for these small but mighty creatures. Their significance in maintaining life on Earth as we know it is beyond measure.