#insectfacts

[kinsectz]

Earwigs have hidden wings!!!

[daily-bug-stuff]

Atlas Moth

Atticus atlas

The Atlas Moth is a moth in the Saturniidae family named for its map-like wing patterns.

Atlas Moth fun facts:

Usually only native to rainforests along the equator, an Atlas moth has been spotted in the wild in England. Current predictions assume it has escaped from an English collector.

The wingspan of an Atlas Moth is usually up to 9 1/2 inches, the second largest wingspan of any moth. (The moth with the largest wingspan is the White Witch Moth, which will be posted soon!) The wings have a surface area of around 27 square inches, which is second only to the Hercules Moth.

Male Atlas Moths are slightly smaller but with larger and wider antannae. (see attached antannae image at the bottom)

Atlas Moths do not eat once they are out of the cacoon, and usually only live about a week or two after emergence from the cacoon or until the female lays her eggs.

In China and Hong Kong, the Cantonese name for Atlas Moths translates to "Snake Head Moth," named for the serpent like forewings that pretrude from the rest of the wing.

Some Atlas Moths are used for silk im India during their larva stage. Atlas Moth silk is less delicate and soft, making it a less common alternative to the domestic silkmoth. (Bombyx mori) Atlas Moth silk is said to be a sturdier than ordinary silk.

[kinsectz]

Earwigs have built in weaponry from birth called forceps!!!

[kinsectz]

MOSQUITOS KILL MORE HUMANS THAN ANY OTHER SPECIES 😨

[daily-bug-stuff]

White Witch Moth

Thysania agrippina

The White Witch Moth is a central American moth in the Erebidae family.

White Witch Moth Fun Facts:

The White Witch moth is the worlds largest insect when measured by wingspan! In terms of surface area, it is beaten only by the Hercules Moth and the Atlas Moth (information and facts posted earlier about the Atlas Moth)

The name comes from when naturalists would kill bats and birds with shotguns for later inspection. When this moth was spotted, naturalists believed it was a bird due to the size and attempted to shoot at it, but failed because of the gliding patterns of the White Witch moth. It got a reputation as the "Unkillable White Witch"

Some other names for the White Witch Moth are the Ghost Moth, Great Grey Witch, and the Great Owlet Moth, although White Witch Moth is the most widely accepted term.

The average wingspan is 30 centimeters (12 inches)

[daily-bug-stuff]

The Black Vine Weevil

Otiorhynchus sulcatus

The Black Vine Weevil, a species of beetle in the Circulionidae family, (AKA Otiorhynchus sulcatus) is a flightless nocturnal insect.

Black Vine Weevil Fun Facts:

Female black vine weevils can reproduce pathogenically - an asexual reproduction process where an embryo is formed in an egg without need for a sperm. Weevils can also produce sexually, and must in order to produce a female. All results of pathogenical reproduction are male insects.

While black vine weevils are grubs, they can dig into the roots of many agricultural crops. Many weevils are immune to harsh pesticides.

Black Vine Weevils are native to Europe, but made their way to North America via cargo ship and are largely unharmful to non-agricultural ecosystems.

[thetinytutors]

Where Do Insects Go in Winter? A Fun and Easy Guide for Kids

  When winter arrives and the weather becomes cold, have you ever wondered where insects go in winter ? It’s a fun question—and the answer

[aliciapridham]

Jumping spiders are small, fascinating creatures known for their agility and unique behaviors. While they may seem intimidating due to their

Jumping spiders (Salticidae) are small, agile arachnids known for their incredible jumping ability and sharp vision. With over 6,000 species worldwide, they hunt using precision leaps rather than webs. Found in diverse habitats, they display fascinating behaviors, from stalking prey to complex mating rituals. Learn about their anatomy, unique hunting skills, and why they’re one of the most captivating spiders.