Insects and bugs are everywhere. They live in every kind of habitat and eat just about any kind of food. There's a lot of fun and interesting facts about bugs and insects such as a mosquito's wings beat an amazing five hundred times per second. Here's a look at more unusual information.
Insect with Shortest Lifespan
Mayflies have the shortest lifespan of any insect. Although they spend two to three years as nymphs in the water, they live as little as one hour as adults, just long enough to mate and lay eggs.
What is the Largest Group of Insects?
Beetles make up the largest group of insects. There are over 300,000 kinds of Beetles. This makes up 40% of known species of insects. The smallest beetles are tinier than a pinhead, with the largest being about six inches long. They also have the most armor of any insect.
What is the Oldest Insect on Earth?
The oldest known insect on Earth is the cockroach. Cockroaches date back 350 million years ago. They are extremely adaptable and can live everywhere from high in the mountains, to deep within the rain forest.
What is the Most Dangerous Bee?
Apis mellifera, more commonly known as the Africanized honey bee, is said to be the most dangerous bee of all. The reason for this is that when these bees attack, they attack in swarms. Their venom is not any deadlier than other bees, but, since they attack in swarms, more stings are received.
What Kind of Insect Can Fly Backward?
Dragonflies can fly both forward and backward. They are considered to be the most acrobatic of insects. There are around 5,000 kinds of dragonflies throughout the world. They are fast when they fly and go up to 30 miles per hour.
What is the Most Destructive Insect?
By far, locusts are the most destructive insect. They consume their weight in food each day. When swarms hit crops, the crops are destroyed as there's nothing left. Swarms can contain up to a billion locusts.
Do Bedbugs Really Exist?
Yes, bedbugs really exist. They hide during the day, then come out at night to eat. They feed on blood and can actually go for months without food. They don't live on their host, but mainly in birds nests. These small bugs are about 1/4 of an inch long.
What is the Largest Prehistoric Insect?
To date, the largest known prehistoric insect is the dragonfly Meganeura monyi. It existed over 280 million years ago. Fossil remains were found in Commentry, France. When measured, the wingspan was a whopping 2 ft. 3.5 inches.
There are lots of interesting facts about bugs and insects. Although most people don't like them, many play important roles in nature.
Sources:
- Insects, Laurence Mound, (Dorling Kindersley Limited,) 2000
- Simon & Schuster Children's Guide to Insects and Spiders, Jinny Johnson, (Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers,) 1996
- Guinness World Records 2009 , Editor-In-Chief Craig Glenday, (2008 Guinness World Records Ltd.,) 2008
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