Karen Griffiths
I want to introduce people further to the beautiful and fascinating world of insects and why I'm so obsessed with them. I thought it might be nice to share with you a few of my favourite kinds of insects. If you want to know more about what actually constitutes a insect are learn about them in greater detail, please check out my introduction to insects post here.
The teddy bear bee
The teddy Bear Bee, Amegilla bombiformmis belongs to the family Apidae, Order THymenoptera. This family has some Australia's largest bees. 1 I love these bees because they look so fuzzy and cuddly, just like a teddy bear!
Velvet Ants
Deceptively named for their appearance, velvet ants are in fact a family of parasitic wasps. The family Mutillidae are known in many countries as velvet ants, because the female is wingless and hairy, representing a furry ant. So yes, I like furry fuzzy things! Unless you know your insects it is quite easy to mistake the female for an ant.
Weevils | |
Weevils belong to the family Curculionidae, OrderColeoptera (beetles) and are the largest beetle family in Australia 1. They range in size from 1 - 6 cm. Why do I like these little guys so much? Because of their bent antennae and their rostrum. The rostrum is a elongate snout which extends the mouthparts of the weevil. The antennae are given a distinct elbow by having a long scape (base of the antenna). Weevils feed on wood and other plants often making them pests of economically important trees, vegetables and grains, however some beneficial species can be used in bio control of weeds. So even though they can be pests, I think they have such cute little faces! | Large grey weevil. Image from Trek Nature2 |
Lacewings
Lacewings, along with Antlions and Mantis flies belong to the order Neuroptera. I find that they have stunningly beautiful wings with intricate venation, indeed membranous wings with complex venation is a common trait. of the order. They are wonderous to look at under a microscope.
Well, that's all for now, please comment and share your favourite insect family or species!
References
1. Zborowski & Storey (2010) A field guide to insects in Australia 3rd Ed, New Holland Publishers, Australia
2. Trek Nature: http://www.treknature.com/
2. Trek Nature: http://www.treknature.com/