Insects are a group of invertebrates characterized by their small size and by having three pairs of legs, two antennae and two pairs of wings. Still, not all insects are flying; in some, the wings have disappeared or been reduced, ending their ability to fly.
There are endless flying insects and here are their most common specimens:
Order Lepidoptera – Monarch butterfly
The monarch butterfly ( Danaus plexippus ) is perhaps the best known butterfly, easily recognizable by its orange wings with black lines. During its stage as a caterpillar, this insect incorporates in its body a type of glycosides by feeding on a plant called the Spanish flag that causes these butterflies to become poisonous to their predators.
This species is known to carry out one of the most extensive migrations among insects, traveling up to 2,500 kilometers to reach Mexico from the northern border of the United States, plus its return.
Order Hymenoptera – Honey bee
The honey bee ( Apis mellifera ), also known as the domestic or European bee, can be found in most countries of the world thanks to its ability to produce honey. Of European, African or Asian origin, it is the social insect whose colony can survive the longest.
They produce honey from the pollination of flowers and store it in combs to feed their larvae during the colder months.
They are usually confused with wasps, but apart from their different appearance, bees can only sting once before dying.
Order Diptera – Housefly
The house or common fly ( Musca domestica ) can be found in practically every country in the world.
This grayish-colored insect, about eight millimeters in size, does not bite, but it can still transmit many infectious diseases to humans.
Each female can lay up to 8000 eggs, barely a millimeter long, and several times each year, so they can become annoying pests.
Order Coleoptera – Common Ladybug
The seven- spotted ladybug ( Coccinella septempunctata ), the most common in Europe, is characterized by having a reddish color and seven black spots spread over its body.
Both adults and larvae feed on aphids. These are a frequent problem among farmers and the reason why ladybugs have come to be introduced to America.
When they feel threatened, they are able to fake their death.
Order Orthoptera – Desert locust
It is common to hear the name of the desert locust ( Schistocerca gregaria ) in the news because of the pests that this animal causes. This is due to the ability of this insect to swarm in large groups to fly and travel long distances in their migrations.
The recurrent appearance of these pests seriously affects the quality of life in African countries, threatening their agricultural production.
There are countless flying insects and these can be really different from each other, with their own characteristics between each of them and with their special importance in the environment.
