Hemiptera (True Bugs)
This is a large and highly diverse group of insects, especially in size and appearance. Adults have two pairs of transparent wings or forewings that are partially thickened at the base. They have piercing or sucking mouthparts, with most species feeding on plant juices, although some are predatory. True bugs undergo incomplete metamorphosis with immature specimens (called nymphs) closely resembling adults. They are predominantly terrestrial, although a few groups occur in freshwater habitats.
Orthoptera (Grasshoppers, Crickets, Katydids, and Others)
This is a group of larger, robust insects found entirely on land. Adults have two pairs of wings; the first pair is narrow, hardened and leathery and covers a larger, membranous pair below. Both pairs of wings are held over the back while at rest. The hind legs are enlarged and modified for jumping. These insects undergo incomplete metamorphosis with the immature ones (called nymphs) closely resembling adults. Both have chewing mouthparts and feed primarily on plant material.
Odonata (Dragonflies and Damselflies)
This is a small but diverse group of insects. Adults have two pairs of large, transparent wings with extensive veinlike features on them; large compound eyes; and long, slender abdomens. Many adults are brightly colored and showy. They are active, mobile predators with chewing mouthparts. Dragonflies and damselflies undergo incomplete metamorphosis. The immature ones, known as naiads, occur in freshwater systems where they feed on other aquatic organisms.
Blattodea (Cockroaches and Termites)
This is a small and primarily ancient group of insects. Cockroaches are characterized by oval and somewhat flattened bodies, very long antennae, and two pairs of membranous wings. They have chewing mouthparts and are generally considered omnivores.
Neuroptera (Lacewings and Antlions)
This is a group of delicate-looking insects with two pairs of heavily veined, transparent wings. Adults have chewing mouthparts and feed on other insects. The larvae are active predators and have modified jaws to capture prey and suck out the internal fluids. They undergo complete metamorphosis. The adults are weak fliers and are often attracted to artificial lights.
Mantodea (Mantises)
Mantises are large and very charismatic insects. They have an elongated body with a distinctive triangular head, large compound eyes, chewing mouthparts, two pairs of wings, and enlarged front legs that are modified with spines and enable them to capture prey. Both juveniles and adults are highly camouflaged, sit-and-wait predators. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis. Adults are often attracted to artificial lights.
Phasmida (Walking Sticks)
This is a group of large, primarily tropical insects with few species in North America. They have chewing mouthparts and very elongated bodies, legs, and antennae that help them resemble sticks or other vegetation for protection from predators. Most species in our area lack wings. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis.
Dermaptera (Earwigs)
Earwigs are a distinctive and somewhat primitive-looking group of insects. They have elongated, flattened bodies; chewing mouthparts; somewhat elongated antennae; and a distinctive pair of pincer-like features called cerci on the tip of their abdomen. They have two pairs of wings, with the front pair noticeably short and leathery. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis.
Ephemeroptera (Mayflies)
Mayflies are a small group of distinctive and delicate-looking insects. They have elongated bodies, two pairs of transparent wings with the forewings much longer than the hind wings, short antennae, and three elongated filaments off the abdomen. The adults are extremely short-lived and thus have no functional mouthparts. Immature specimens are aquatic. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis. Adults are regularly attracted to artificial lights.
Megaloptera (Alderflies, Dobsonflies, and Fishflies)
This is a group of medium- to large-size, primitive-looking insects. They have elongated, soft bodies with chewing mouthparts, elongated antennae, and two pairs of elongated wings. Despite their large wings, they are poor and quite clumsy fliers. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis. Immature specimens are aquatic. Adults are often attracted to artificial lights at night.
Trichoptera (Caddisflies)
Resembling small moths, caddisflies are primarily nocturnal, weak-flying insects. They have two pairs of transparent wings that are covered in dense hairs. They have elongated bodies; long, thin antennae; and reduced or vestigial mouthparts. The larvae are aquatic and may be predators, herbivores, or scavengers. They undergo complete development. Adults are often attracted to artificial lights at night.
Plecoptera (Stoneflies)
Stoneflies are a primitive group of drably colored, soft-bodied insects. Adults have elongated and somewhat flattened bodies, long legs and antennae, two pairs of membranous wings, and two prominent cerci off the tip of the abdomen. They tend to be short-lived and weak fliers. The nymphs are fully aquatic, requiring clean freshwater habitats. They undergo incomplete metamorphosis. Adults are often attracted to artificial lights at night.
Where to Look for Insects
Insects and their relatives can be found in virtually any terrestrial and freshwater environment and are generally common in and around the locations where people live. In other words, there are a great many insects and their relatives around to enjoy. However, due to their small size and often secretive habits, many insects can go unnoticed; that is, unless you know how and where to look. Observing and studying insects is like opening a treasure chest of natural history. You will quickly discover a hidden world filled with an amazing variety of form and function, including many unique interactions and bizarre behaviors. What is most exciting, though, is that this fascinating world is just outside your front door!
Of course, insects and their relatives occupy an amazing variety of ecological niches–a niche is the individual role and position an organism occupies in an ecosystem. Even a small space in the landscape or single object, such as a blooming plant or downed tree, can harbor a remarkable variety of species and offer hours of exciting exploration. In fact, many of the best places to look for this array of hidden biodiversity are under commonly encountered objects. The following provides a brief overview of where and how to explore these secret and often overlooked sites.
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