Entomology for beginners

Entomology is the study of insects. This page provides some basic information on insects. First a quick look at the anatomy of adult insects. Then a short story about the metamorphosis of insects.

Insect anatomy

To learn more about the anatomy, click on the different body parts of this insect !!

Insect

Metamorphosis of insects

In their development from egg to adult, insects change in form. The different instars are not alike, which is called metamorphosis. There are two general types of metamorphosis: simple metamorphosis and complete metamorphosis.

Simple metamorphosis

In simple metamorphosis the wings develop externally during the larval stages. The larval stages, which are called nymphs, look very similar to the adult insect. There is no pupal stage.

Simple metamorphosis

The figure shows the development from an egg via 5 larval instars to an adult bug.

Complete metamorphosis

In a complete metamorphosis the wings develop internally during the larval stages. The larval stages look quite different from the adult. Between the last larval stage and the adult stage there is a pupal stage which usually is inactive.

Complete metamorphosis

The figure shows the development from an egg via the larval stage (caterpillar) and pupa to an adult butterfly or moth.

Did you know that?

The world’s largest insect is a walking stick from Borneo. Including the legs, it is 20 inches (about 50 centimeters) long.
The heaviest insect in the world is the African goliath beetle. Large goliath beetles can be 4 inches (10 centimeters) long and can weigh a quarter of a pound (110 grams).
Already about 900,000 species of insects have been found and have received a name, but still many more insect species have to be discovered.

Learn more about insects

Insects are tiny creatures in a big world. Perhaps you have wondered how they can find each other? Learn more about how insects can find each other.

There are hundred thousands of different species of insects. How do we keep these insects apart? Learn more about Insect Classification.

For some people insects are beautiful, for others they are just pests who should be killed. Of course, bed bugs are no fun, and a mosquito or wasp can be a nuisance. And you don't want beetles or caterpillars eating the vegetables in your garden. However, if you have problems with insects, don't be an exterminator. Don't think immediately of using toxic insecticides, but try to use safer ways of pest control. Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) instead of pest control with insecticides. Learn more about Integrated Pest Management.

If you are interested in insects, perhaps you also like spiders? See Araneology for beginners (Araneology is the study about spiders)