Articles Index

The Giant Jewel Beetle That Mates With Beer Bottles

In the arid, open areas of western Australia lives a giant jewel beetle with a strange habit. The male beetles are known to ignore females, choosing instead to mate with beer bottles.

Insect Wing Vengation Diagram

When using a dichotomous or descriptive key to identify an insect, you may need to examine the pattern of the wing veins and cells. This diagram explains the terminology used to describe insect wings, and illustrates the location of each wing vein and cell.

Internal Anatomy of an Insect

Though tiny, the insect body contains organs and structures that control its vital life functions. In this article, you can see each of the insect systems - nervous, digestive, circulatory, excretory, reproductive, and respiratory - and learn the names and functions of each part.

The Parts of a Butterfly

Whether large (like a monarch butterfly) or small (like a spring azure), butterflies share certain morphological features. This diagram highlights the basic common anatomy of an adult butterfly or moth.

The Parts of a Caterpillar

Caterpillars come in many colors, shapes, and sizes. Some caterpillars are quite hairy, while others are smooth. Regardless of these varied features, all caterpillars share certain morphological features. These common features are labeled and described in this caterpillar diagram.

How to Keep a Caterpillar - What to Do When You Want to Keep a Caterpillar

Caterpillars are relatively easy to care for, and can be good first insects for young entomologists. Learn to provide appropriate housing, food, and care for caterpillars, and watch them pupate and emerge into adult moths and butterflies.

Types of Insect Metamorphosis

The physical transformation of an insect from one stage of its life cycle to another is called metamorphosis. With regard to metamorphosis, entomologists divide insects into three groups – insects without metamorphosis, insects with gradual metamorphosis, and insects with complete metamorphosis.

Ten Simple Questions to Help You Identify An Insect

Have an unknown insect that you want to identify? Use these questions to collect information about your specimen, before you try to use a key or field guide.