Insect Orders

Entomologists have classified insects in 30 different orders, some of them, like beetles or flies, are familiar to everyone, but others are more obscure…
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Members of the Hymenoptera include familiar insects like wasps, bees, ants, bumblebees, and sawflies. Hymenoptera are of great economic significance as pollinators, agents of biological control of other insects, and household and forest pests.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/648  Image by Sean McCann via flickr (cc-by-nc-sa) Tawny Mining Bee, Bee Rocks, Sweat Bees, Different Bees, Insect Orders, Types Of Bees, I Love Bees, Bees And Wasps, Rare Breed
Halictid - Encyclopedia of Life
Members of the Hymenoptera include familiar insects like wasps, bees, ants, bumblebees, and sawflies. Hymenoptera are of great economic significance as pollinators, agents of biological control of other insects, and household and forest pests. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/648 Image by Sean McCann via flickr (cc-by-nc-sa)
Lepidoptera comprises the butterflies, moths, and skippers. For most Lepidoptera species, the vast majority of the life cycle is spent in the larval (caterpillar) stage. Most larvae feed on living plant tissue, while most adults feed on nectar, but many have atrophied mouthparts and do not feed at all.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/747  Image by Stanislav Krejčík via BioLib.cz (cc-by) Caterpillar Stages, Plant Tissue, Entomologist, Larvae, Mellow Yellow, Metamorphosis, Life Cycles, Beautiful Butterflies
Image of Aglia tau - Encyclopedia of Life
Lepidoptera comprises the butterflies, moths, and skippers. For most Lepidoptera species, the vast majority of the life cycle is spent in the larval (caterpillar) stage. Most larvae feed on living plant tissue, while most adults feed on nectar, but many have atrophied mouthparts and do not feed at all. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/747 Image by Stanislav Krejčík via BioLib.cz (cc-by)
Adult caddisflies (Trichoptera) are small, terrestrial, moth-like insects. The larvae, with very few exceptions, are aquatic and use silk to construct nets or tubes. Many build various types of portable cases, often incorporating sand and small pebbles, or bits of leaves and twigs.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1101  Image by Miroslav Fiala via BioLib.cz (cc-by-nc) Aquatic Insects, Encyclopedia, Moth, Bugs, Sand, Cases, Construction
Image of Limnephilus lunatus - Encyclopedia of Life
Adult caddisflies (Trichoptera) are small, terrestrial, moth-like insects. The larvae, with very few exceptions, are aquatic and use silk to construct nets or tubes. Many build various types of portable cases, often incorporating sand and small pebbles, or bits of leaves and twigs. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1101 Image by Miroslav Fiala via BioLib.cz (cc-by-nc)
Flies (Diptera) are minute to small, soft-bodied insects with sucking mouthparts and only one pair of functional wings.  They are of great veterinary and medical importance as vectors of diseases and as pests of agriculture, forestry and husbandry. Some species are useful to man as parasitoids and predators of insect pests and as plant pollinators. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/421  Image by Patrick Coin via flickr (cc-by-nc-sa) Insect Pest, Gnats, Forestry, Veterinary, Predator, Agriculture
Bombylius major - Encyclopedia of Life
Flies (Diptera) are minute to small, soft-bodied insects with sucking mouthparts and only one pair of functional wings. They are of great veterinary and medical importance as vectors of diseases and as pests of agriculture, forestry and husbandry. Some species are useful to man as parasitoids and predators of insect pests and as plant pollinators. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/421 Image by Patrick Coin via flickr (cc-by-nc-sa)
Fleas (Siphonaptera) are obligate ectoparasites of mammals and birds. Both males and females use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the blood of their host. Some species are vectors of human disease including plague (Yersinia pestis) and murine typhus (Rickettsia typhi).  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1062  Image by Natural History Museum (cc-by-nc-sa) Animal Medicine, Vet Tech, Horrific, Plague, Natural History, Fleas, Life Is Beautiful, Mammals
Image of Xenopsylla cheopis - Encyclopedia of Life
Fleas (Siphonaptera) are obligate ectoparasites of mammals and birds. Both males and females use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the blood of their host. Some species are vectors of human disease including plague (Yersinia pestis) and murine typhus (Rickettsia typhi). Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1062 Image by Natural History Museum (cc-by-nc-sa)
Scorpion flies (Mecoptera) range from 3-30 mm in length and have caterpillar-like larvae. Adults are mostly carnivorous on smaller insects, but will also eat some plant parts. Males court females by attracting them with pheromones and offering a food gift.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/928  Image by Luc Viatour via flickr (cc-by-sa) Weird Animals, Cute Animals, South Africa Photography, Small Insects, Africa Do Sul, Inner Mongolia, Creepy Crawlies, Parts Of A Plant
Panorpa cognata - Encyclopedia of Life
Scorpion flies (Mecoptera) range from 3-30 mm in length and have caterpillar-like larvae. Adults are mostly carnivorous on smaller insects, but will also eat some plant parts. Males court females by attracting them with pheromones and offering a food gift. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/928 Image by Luc Viatour via flickr (cc-by-sa)
The Strepsiptera (twisted-wing parasites) are obligate parasites of other insects. They have extreme sexual dimorphism. The short-lived males are free-living and winged, while females are wingless and resemble larvae.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1091  Image by Aiwok via Wikimedia Commons (cc-by-sa) Parasite, Microscope, Wikimedia Commons, Males, Biology, Extreme
File:Stylops melittae m1.jpg - Encyclopedia of Life
The Strepsiptera (twisted-wing parasites) are obligate parasites of other insects. They have extreme sexual dimorphism. The short-lived males are free-living and winged, while females are wingless and resemble larvae. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1091 Image by Aiwok via Wikimedia Commons (cc-by-sa)
The most unusual property of beetles (Coleoptera) is not some aspect of their structure or natural history, but their sheer number. There are more known species of beetles than any other group of organisms, with over 350,000 described species.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/345   Image by Patrick Coin via flickr (cc-by-nc-sa) Sheer Number, Insect Collection, Beetle Bug, Arthropods, Prehistoric Creatures, Arachnids, Bugs And Insects
Delta Flower Scarab - Encyclopedia of Life
The most unusual property of beetles (Coleoptera) is not some aspect of their structure or natural history, but their sheer number. There are more known species of beetles than any other group of organisms, with over 350,000 described species. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/345 Image by Patrick Coin via flickr (cc-by-nc-sa)
Adult Neuroptera (net-winged insects) are medium-sized to large, soft-bodied insects with four delicate membranous wings.  Neuropteran larvae are active predators with large mandibles that are greatly modified for piercing and sucking.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/937  Image by Shaun Winterton via flickr (cc-by-nc-sa). Pictures Of Insects, Delicate, Beaded, Entomology, Zoology
Glenochrysa opposita - Encyclopedia of Life
Adult Neuroptera (net-winged insects) are medium-sized to large, soft-bodied insects with four delicate membranous wings. Neuropteran larvae are active predators with large mandibles that are greatly modified for piercing and sucking. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/937 Image by Shaun Winterton via flickr (cc-by-nc-sa).
The larvae and adults of Snakeflies (Raphidioptera) are active, terrestrial predators. The short-lived adults have a long prothorax that gives them a snake-like appeareance.  The larvae live for several years under the bark of trees and shrubs or in soil detritus.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1059  Image by G Drange via BioPix (cc-by-nc) Bioshock, Garden Trees, Tree Bark, Trees And Shrubs
Image of Phaeostigma notata - Encyclopedia of Life
The larvae and adults of Snakeflies (Raphidioptera) are active, terrestrial predators. The short-lived adults have a long prothorax that gives them a snake-like appeareance. The larvae live for several years under the bark of trees and shrubs or in soil detritus. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1059 Image by G Drange via BioPix (cc-by-nc)
Alderflies, fishflies and dobsonflies (Megaloptera) are associated with a variety of freshwater habitats. The winged, short-lived adults are terrestrial, while the larvae live as generalist predators in ponds, lakes, streams, and swamps.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/934  Image by SarahMBruce via flickr (cc-by-nc-sa) Dobson Fly, Flying Lantern, Cool Bugs, Fear Of Flying, Just Relax, Habitats, Wikipedia
dobsonfly - Encyclopedia of Life
Alderflies, fishflies and dobsonflies (Megaloptera) are associated with a variety of freshwater habitats. The winged, short-lived adults are terrestrial, while the larvae live as generalist predators in ponds, lakes, streams, and swamps. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/934 Image by SarahMBruce via flickr (cc-by-nc-sa)
Mantids (Mantodea) are ferocious predators.   Insects form their primary prey, but large mantids have been known to capture and consume small scorpions, lizards, frogs, birds, snakes, fish, and even rodents.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/416  Image by Frupus via flickr (cc-by-nc) Beautiful Bugs, Amazing Nature, Beautiful Flowers, Nature Animals, Animals And Pets, Orchid Mantis, Mantis Religiosa, Fun Fact Friday, Praying Mantis
Spiny Flower Mantis threat pose - Encyclopedia of Life
Mantids (Mantodea) are ferocious predators. Insects form their primary prey, but large mantids have been known to capture and consume small scorpions, lizards, frogs, birds, snakes, fish, and even rodents. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/416 Image by Frupus via flickr (cc-by-nc)
Termites (Isoptera) are the only hemimetabolous insects that exhibit true social behavior. They build large nests housing an entire colony.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/742  Image by Lynette Schimming via flickr (cc-by-nc) Types Of Termites, Termite Inspection, Social Behavior, Invertebrates, San Antonio, Insects
Pacific coast dampwood termite - Zootermopsis angusticollis - Encyclopedia of Life
Termites (Isoptera) are the only hemimetabolous insects that exhibit true social behavior. They build large nests housing an entire colony. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/742 Image by Lynette Schimming via flickr (cc-by-nc)
Cockroaches (Blattodea) are mostly nocturnal insect, with biting mouthparts and legs that are adapted for swift running. The body is oval and dorsoventrally flattened, allowing the animals to hide in narrow spaces, for example under bark or in crevices of trees and rocks.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/413   Image by James Niland via flickr (cc-by) Cool Insects, Spider Species, Animals Of The World, Roaches, Cool Photos
Bush cockroach - Encyclopedia of Life
Cockroaches (Blattodea) are mostly nocturnal insect, with biting mouthparts and legs that are adapted for swift running. The body is oval and dorsoventrally flattened, allowing the animals to hide in narrow spaces, for example under bark or in crevices of trees and rocks. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/413 Image by James Niland via flickr (cc-by)
Hemiptera is a diverse order of hemimetabolous insects.  Members of this group are characterized by unique mouthparts modified to form an articulated beak (rostrum) for piercing and sucking liquid food.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/539  Image by Lynette Schimming via flickr (cc-by-nc) Stink Bugs, Potato Bugs, Shield Bugs, Writing Prompts For Kids, Little Critter
Stink Bug - Banasa dimiata - Encyclopedia of Life
Hemiptera is a diverse order of hemimetabolous insects. Members of this group are characterized by unique mouthparts modified to form an articulated beak (rostrum) for piercing and sucking liquid food. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/539 Image by Lynette Schimming via flickr (cc-by-nc)
Thrips (Thysanoptera) are tiny, slender insects with fringed wings.  They feed on a variety of sources, both plant and animal, by puncturing them and sucking up the contents. A large number of thrips species are considered pests, because they feed on plants with commercial value.  Learn more about them here:  http://eol.org/pages/1095  Image by  Miroslav Deml via BilLib.cz (cc-by) Harmful Insects, Garden Pests, Slender, Fringed, Contents, Species, Wings
Image of Parthenothrips dracaenae - Encyclopedia of Life
Thrips (Thysanoptera) are tiny, slender insects with fringed wings. They feed on a variety of sources, both plant and animal, by puncturing them and sucking up the contents. A large number of thrips species are considered pests, because they feed on plants with commercial value. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1095 Image by Miroslav Deml via BilLib.cz (cc-by)
Lice (Phthiraptera) are small, wingless insects, permanently parasitic on mammals and birds.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1002  Image by Gilles San Martin via Wikimedia Commons Head Lice Remedy, Lice Remedies, Head Lice Removal, How To Treat Lice, Head Lice Prevention, Hair Lice, Head Lice Treatment, Lice Eggs, Home Remedies
File:Male human head louse.jpg - Encyclopedia of Life
Lice (Phthiraptera) are small, wingless insects, permanently parasitic on mammals and birds. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1002 Image by Gilles San Martin via Wikimedia Commons
Barklice, barkflies, or booklice (Psocoptera) are minute insects that live hidden away under bark, in leaf litter, or sometimes in your old books.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1028  Image by Patrick Coin via flickr Litter, Flickr, Patrick, Wildlife
Barklouse - Encyclopedia of Life
Barklice, barkflies, or booklice (Psocoptera) are minute insects that live hidden away under bark, in leaf litter, or sometimes in your old books. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1028 Image by Patrick Coin via flickr
The insect order Orthoptera includes familiar insects like grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, and katydids.  The members of this group are readily identified by their strong hind legs which are modified for jumping. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/683  Image by USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory via flickr Cricket Insect, Summer Insects, Upper Marlboro, Insect Wings, 10 Things
Amblycorypha oblongifolia,-side_2012-07-26-17.10.53-ZS-PMax - Encyclopedia of Life
The insect order Orthoptera includes familiar insects like grasshoppers, locusts, crickets, and katydids. The members of this group are readily identified by their strong hind legs which are modified for jumping. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/683 Image by USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Laboratory via flickr
Stick Insects (Phasmatodea) are large, slow-moving insects that resemble sticks or leaves.     Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/645/details  Photo by Marco Bertolini via flickr (cc-by) Walking Sticks, Biodiversity, Disguise, Masters, Slow, Weird
Extatosoma tiaratum - Encyclopedia of Life
Stick Insects (Phasmatodea) are large, slow-moving insects that resemble sticks or leaves. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/645/details Photo by Marco Bertolini via flickr (cc-by)
Webspinners (Embioptera) use silk glands on their enlarged forelimbs to weave silk tunnels and chambers on rocks, the bark of trees, or in leaf litter.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/519  Image by chan.ethan.5 via flickr Beetle, Weaving, Glands
Oligotoma nigra (Black Webspinner) - Encyclopedia of Life
Webspinners (Embioptera) use silk glands on their enlarged forelimbs to weave silk tunnels and chambers on rocks, the bark of trees, or in leaf litter. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/519 Image by chan.ethan.5 via flickr
Adult stoneflies (Plecoptera) are terrestrial, but the nymphs live in the benthic zone of well-oxygenated lakes and streams. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1018  Image by Malcolm Storey via BioImages Malcolm, Nymphs, Adult, Clyde, Lakes
Image of Perla bipunctata - Encyclopedia of Life
Adult stoneflies (Plecoptera) are terrestrial, but the nymphs live in the benthic zone of well-oxygenated lakes and streams. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1018 Image by Malcolm Storey via BioImages
Zoraptera are minute insects that  live in small colonies of 15-120 individuals which they found in the crevices or under dead bark of moist, decaying logs.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1155  Image by David Maddison via Tree of Life Web Project Tree Of Life, Google Images, How To Find Out, Web Project, Animals
Zorotypus hubbardi, USA: Florida: Gainesville - Encyclopedia of Life
Zoraptera are minute insects that live in small colonies of 15-120 individuals which they found in the crevices or under dead bark of moist, decaying logs. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1155 Image by David Maddison via Tree of Life Web Project
Gladiators (Mantophasmatodea) are an enigmatic group of insects that was only recently discovered in southwest Africa. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/923  Image by P. E. Bragg via EOL Rapid Response Team English Wikipedia, A Bug's Life, Carnivorous, Namibia, Critter
"Mantophasma zephyra", from Erongoberg, Namibia, collected on first expedition to find living mantophasmids (March 2002) - Encyclopedia of Life
Gladiators (Mantophasmatodea) are an enigmatic group of insects that was only recently discovered in southwest Africa. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/923 Image by P. E. Bragg via EOL Rapid Response Team
Earwigs (Dermaptera) have a pair of forceps-like cerci at the tip of their abdomen. They are used to open the wings, to capture prey, and for defense.  Learn more about them here:  http://eol.org/pages/405  Image by G Drange via Biopix Earwigs, Forceps, Prey, Defense
Image of Forficula auricularia - Encyclopedia of Life
Earwigs (Dermaptera) have a pair of forceps-like cerci at the tip of their abdomen. They are used to open the wings, to capture prey, and for defense. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/405 Image by G Drange via Biopix
Ice crawlers (Grylloblattodea) are extremophilic insects that thrive in near-freezing temperatures.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/537  Image by OpenCage via Wikimedia Commons Crawlers, Thrive, Temperatures, Ice
File:Galloisiana nipponensis.jpg - Encyclopedia of Life
Ice crawlers (Grylloblattodea) are extremophilic insects that thrive in near-freezing temperatures. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/537 Image by OpenCage via Wikimedia Commons
Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) are charismatic insects that have captured the imagination of naturalists and artists across cultures.  Juveniles are voracious underwater predators, while the winged adults are fierce aerial hunters.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/952  Image by Katja Schulz via flickr Really Cool Photos, Pond Life, Damselfly, Tiny Treasures
Flame Skimmer - Encyclopedia of Life
Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) are charismatic insects that have captured the imagination of naturalists and artists across cultures. Juveniles are voracious underwater predators, while the winged adults are fierce aerial hunters. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/952 Image by Katja Schulz via flickr
Mayflies (Ephemeroptera) are an ancient lineage of winged insects.  Adult mayflies live only for a few hours, but nymphs live under water in ponds and streams for a long time.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/523/overview  Image by Chris Raper via Bioimages. Colorful Animals, Life Form, Oddities
Image of an unknown taxon - Encyclopedia of Life
Mayflies (Ephemeroptera) are an ancient lineage of winged insects. Adult mayflies live only for a few hours, but nymphs live under water in ponds and streams for a long time. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/523/overview Image by Chris Raper via Bioimages.
Bristletails (Archaeognatha) are wingless insects that hide under bark, in litter, and in rock crevices. They feed on algae, lichens, and plant debris. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1099   Image by G Drange via Biopix Leafhopper, Algae, Spiders, Debris, Fossils
Image of Dilta hibernica - Encyclopedia of Life
Bristletails (Archaeognatha) are wingless insects that hide under bark, in litter, and in rock crevices. They feed on algae, lichens, and plant debris. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1099 Image by G Drange via Biopix
The wingless silverfish and firebrats (Thysanura or Zygentoma) often live in people's houses, but are also found in habitats such as caves and nests of other animals, including ant colonies.  Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1097  Image by Miroslav Deml via BioLib.cz Ant Colony, Silverfish, Caves, Owls
Image of Lepisma saccharina - Encyclopedia of Life
The wingless silverfish and firebrats (Thysanura or Zygentoma) often live in people's houses, but are also found in habitats such as caves and nests of other animals, including ant colonies. Learn more about them here: http://eol.org/pages/1097 Image by Miroslav Deml via BioLib.cz