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Photograph by Darlyne Murawski
Deerflies, like this one, are major pests! They are large, persistent, and aggressive, and their bites are painful. They can also carry diseases that hurt animals and humans. -
Photograph by Darlyne Murawski
Often in nature, appearances can be deceiving. Although this looks like a snake, it's actually a spicebush swallowtail caterpillar. What look like snake eyes are actually just markings intended to scare predators off. -
Photograph by Carsten Peter
A blue-eyed dragonfly in Bavaria, Germany, looks into the camera lens. Though they have a fierce name, dragonflies are completely harmless to humans. -
Photograph by Darlyne Murawski
The bright-colored head of the puss moth caterpillar, like this one in England, warns predators to stay away. This species can spray acid from its head when it is attacked. -
Photograph by Darlyne Murawski
A ladybug's bright colors send predators the message: "I taste awful." When frightened, these gentle insects release a bitter-tasting fluid from the joints in their legs. -
Photograph by Tim Laman
Katydids, like this large one in Borneo, Indonesia, make noise by rubbing parts of their wings together. In some parts of Asia, this call is considered to be as beautiful as a bird's song. In China and Japan, some people even keep caged katydids in their homes. -
Photograph by George Grall
Mantids, sometimes called praying mantises, are the lions of the bug world. These amazing predators have excellent eyesight to find their victims and lightning speed, sharp claws, and strong mandibles to snare them. -
Photograph by Paul Zahl
Some treehopper species, such as this South American one, look amazingly similar to the plants that grow where they live. This helps them hide from predators. -
Photograph by George Grall
Caterpillars, like this bright green one in North America, have sharp feet for holding onto leaves and sharp teeth called mandibles for munching.
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