Beautiful Insects

To many, the concept may seem like an oxymoron, but those who study and appreciate insects know that beauty can be found in the most unlikely places. Insects are the largest group of animals on Earth, representing over half of all known organisms. Over a million different species have been described, but the true number of species is estimated to be between six and ten million. With the sheer volume of insect species that exist on our planet, it’s no wonder that the diverse group is home to so much beauty. As with anything else in this world, the more you can learn about the complexities of the insect world the more fascinating they become.

Madagascan Sunset Moth
Chrysiridia rhipheus

Butterflies and moths are typically the first thing people think of with regards to beauty in the insect world. The vibrant colors and large, delicate wings are easy to admire. This particular species is a favorite of collectors. Interestingly, it's spectacular coloration is due to optical interference, rather than to pigmentation in the wings. 

Orchid Mantis
Hymenopus coronatus

The orchid mantis closely resembles the flower for which it is named. Native to the rain forests of southeast Asia, this mantis is carnivorous, just like its less vibrant relatives. Here, an orchid mantis uses its camouflaged appearance to its advantage, catching and eating another insect.

Western Honey Bee
Apis mellifera

The western honey bee may not be brightly colored  or easily resemble a rare and delicate flower, but its importance to our ecosystems easily makes it one of the most interesting and beloved insect species. Not only are honey bees useful, pollinating multitudes of flowering plants including our crops, they are capable of forming a complicated society and even show signs of democracy. They display fascinating behaviors, such as the complex 'waggle dance' that tells other bees where to locate a food source, and, contrary to many people's fears, honey bees are unlikely to sting you unless threatened. They are in danger due to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), so take the pledge to help save them today!

Jewel Caterpillar
Acraga coa

The jewel caterpillar is actually the larval stage of the Acraga coa moth. It's translucence and geometric features make it seem more like a jewel-encrusted brooch than a living creature. However, those gummy spines all along its back easily break off in a predator's mouth, allowing the caterpillar a chance to escape. Here, you can see the subtle coloration of the caterpillar, which appears to shift as the caterpillar moves.

Peacock Spider
Maratus volans

While technically not an insect, the peacock spider is nonetheless a fascinating example of a typically unappealing animal that can show unexpected beauty. Named for the birds with similarly ostentatious coloring, peacock spiders display sexual dimorphism; the females and juveniles are brown, while the males display colorful patterns to attract females. Males also clap their legs together, vibrate their abdomen, and perform dances in order to attract mates. They are also non-venomous, posing no threat to humans.

There are more than a million species of insects that have been described so far, vastly outnumbering us mammals. The more you take notice and learn about them, the easier it becomes to find the beauty in our tiny neighbors. Whether it be purely aesthetics or more of an 'inner beauty', every insect has something to offer!