MP83

Making
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*18 U.S.C. 707

University of Arkansas, United States Department of Agriculture and County Governments Cooperating
 CONTENTS

Page

Equipment for Collecting Insects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

How to Make Your Net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

How to Make Your Killing Jar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Making a Pinning Block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Making a Spreading Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Boxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Where to Collect Insects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

How to Mount and Preserve Your Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

How to Relax Dry Insects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

How to Label Insects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Arranging in Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Identifying the Insects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

What Makes a Good Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Suggestions for Making a Good Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Protection of Collection From Insects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Recommended for Arkansas 4-H by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Extension
entomologists. DR. JOHN D. HOPKINS is assistant professor and Extension entomologist,
Little Rock, DR. GLENN STUDEBAKER is assistant professor and Extension entomologist,
Northeast Research and Extension Center, Keiser, DR. GUS M. LORENZ, III, is professor,
Extension entomologist and IPM coordinator, Lonoke, DR. KELLY M. LOFTIN is assistant pro­
fessor and Extension entomologist, Fayetteville, and DR. SCOTT AKIN is assistant professor
and Extension entomologist, Southeast Research and Extension Center, Monticello, all with the
University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service.

Gordon Barnes, Dr. Bill F. Jones and Dr. Donald R. Johnson, retired Extension entomologists,
are authors of previous editions of this publication.
 MAKING AN INSECT COLLECTION

By Dr. John D. Hopkins, Assistant Professor and Extension Entomologist,

Dr. Glenn Studebaker, Assistant Professor and Extension Entomologist,

Dr. Gus M. Lorenz, III, Professor, Extension Entomologist and IPM Coordinator,

Dr. Kelly M. Loftin, Assistant Professor and Extension Entomologist, and

Dr. Scott Akin, Assistant Professor and Extension Entomologist

Insects are small invertebrate (lacking a The following things should be obtained by
backbone) animals. They have all the body the beginner:
processes of the higher animals (vertebrates) and
are very interesting to study. Insects are classi­ 1. Insect net 4. Pinning block
fied according to the following series of categories. 2. Killing jar 5. Spreading board
An example of the classification of the housefly is 3. Insect pins 6. Storage boxes
given below. and display boxes

Kingdom Animal
Class Insecta How to Make Your Net
Order Diptera
Family Muscidae To help in collecting insects, a sweep net is
Genus Musca useful. It is especially useful in sweeping for
Species domestica small insects. Sweep nets may be purchased or
Describer Linnaeus made at home. A plan for making a sweep net is
Common name house fly as follows:
In some widely varying orders, there may be Equipment:
a classification of suborder. Some families may 1. Small wooden handle, about 3 feet long
have a classification category of superfamily (broom handle).
and subfamily. 2. Smooth stiff wire 5 feet long (telephone wire).
Insects make up the majority of the animal 3. A piece of cloth 3 x 5 feet (muslin or
kingdom. In Arkansas alone there are probably mosquito netting).
20,000 different kinds of insects. It is important 4. Piece of fine wire to wrap wire hoop ends
for anyone who wants to learn about the world to handle.
around him to spend a considerable part of his
time learning about insects. The best way to
begin is by making a collection.
Many insects are so distinctive that they are
easily recognized at a distance. There are many
others, however, which cannot be distinguished
from their near relatives unless specimens of
both are available together for comparison. This
is the great value of a collection. You will find
many of the insects which you lump together as
“May beetles,” “houseflies” or “grasshoppers” are
Insect Collecting Net
actually a mixture of many species, each with a
particular way of life. You will also find that every
tiny flying insect is not a “gnat.” You will be
amazed at the variety of insects you can find on On one end of the handle, cut two grooves
your own farm, in your town or even in your own lengthwise on opposite sides the depth and
back yard. the thickness of the wire. Make one groove
2 1/2 inches long and the other 3 1/2 inches long.
Drill a small hole into the handle at the end of
Equipment for each groove. Bend the wire to form a hoop.
Collecting Insects Cut the cloth a triangular shape with the top
circled. Hem the top and sew the sides together.
A small amount of inexpensive equipment is Attach to the wire circle. Wire the hoop to
necessary for collecting and mounting insects. the handle.

 2. Two pieces 1/2 inch x 2 1/2 inches x 16 inches

How to Make Your Own for the top pieces. These should be planed so
Killing Jar that one side of each is sloped down to
3/8 inch thick.
Any jar or large-mouthed bottle with a tight
lid makes a good killing bottle. Chips of rubber, 3. One strip of balsa wood, styrofoam, cork or
sponge, celotex, cotton or similar absorbent other soft material 1/2 inch x 1 inch
material should be placed in the bottom of the jar. x 14 inches for the pinning strip
A piece of corrugated cardboard should be cut the in the bottom of the slot.
size of the bottom of the jar and placed over the
4. A pinning board may be
chips to keep them in place. The bottle should be
made from styrofoam
charged as needed with killing agent. Many of the
by cutting a slot.
volatile chemicals are effective.
The moth body
is placed in
the slots
and wings
spread.

Boxes
Cigar boxes or similar type boxes with
corrugated board placed in the bottoms make
Insect Killing Bottle
good collecting and storage boxes. Exhibit or dis­
play boxes can be purchased or made. Arkansas
collections should be exhibited or displayed in a
Making a Pinning Block box 18 inches x 24 inches x 2 5/8 inches with a
plexiglas top.
A pinning block is used to get the insect and Bill of Materials
labels at the same height on each pin. A pinning
block may be made from a single piece of wood 1 piece masonite 18" x 24"
1 inch square and 4 inches long or by gluing 2 side pieces 1" x 2 5/8" x 24" – grooved
several 1/4-inch by 1-inch pieces together to form 1 end piece 1" x 2 5/8" x 16 1/2" – grooved
1-inch square steps, 1/4 inch, 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch 1 end piece 1" x 2 1/4" x 16 1/2"
and 1 inch thick. Small holes just large enough 1 end piece 1" x 3/8" x 16 1/2" – grooved
for the head of the insect pin to slip through are 1 piece styrofoam or celotex, 1/2" x 16 1/2" x 22 5/8"
bored through the center of each step. 10 screws
10 flat head box nails
1 piece plexiglas 17" x 23 1/2"

The two side pieces and one end piece are

grooved 1/8" wide and 1/4" deep 1/4" down from
inside the top. The end piece 1" x 3/8" x 16 1/2"
has a groove on one side 1/8" x 1/4" to fit over
plexiglas to hold it in place.

Making a Spreading Board 1” x 3/8” x

1/2” styrofoam
or celotex fit in
Sides and one
end grooved 1/8”
bottom wide, 1/4” deep
16 1/2” end and 1/4” from top
To spread the wings of moths and butterflies with groove edge
until they dry, a spreading board is needed.
Several sizes of spreading boards are used by the 18” total width
professional. For most insects, a good spreading plexiglass
board can be made. The bill of materials for a
spreading board is: 2 5/8” total height
End 2 1/4”
height for plexi- 24” length
1. Two pieces 5 1/2 inches long and 1 inch glass to slip
square for the ends. into groove masonite bottom

 leafhoppers, flies, stoneflies, mayflies,

Where to Collect Insects caddisflies.
Insects may be collected at any time during 8. Weeds and flowers along roadside:
the year. There is at least one species or kind of grasshoppers, stink bugs, beetles, scorpion
insect that feeds or lives on every kind of plant, flies, treehoppers, tree crickets, wasps, bees,
mammal and bird. Some plants support many dif­ butterflies, blister beetles.
ferent kinds of insects. The more places insects are
collected, the larger and more varied the collection 9. Special places:
is likely to be. The following insect habitats can be A. Boards and stones: ants, termites, beetles,
used as a guide to making a collection: crickets, springtails.
B. Lights at night: moths, beetles, lacewings,
1. Pastures: grasshoppers, butterflies, tree praying mantis, katydids, jarflies,
crickets, walkingsticks, leafhoppers, beetles, dobsonflies, assassin bugs, giant water
crane flies, wasps. bugs, caddisflies, mayflies, stoneflies.
2. Cultivated plants: butterflies, beetles, C. Greenhouses: plant lice, thrips, earwigs.
squash bugs, stink bugs and many other D. Dead or decaying bodies of animals: rove
injurious insects. beetles and other scavengers.
3. Woodlands:
A. Foliage of trees and shrubs: beetles,
wasps, praying mantis, walkingstick.
B. Decayed logs and stumps: beetles,

How to Mount and Preserve

termites, ants.
Your Collection
C. Loose bark of logs and stumps: beetles,
wasps, cockroaches, springtails. A display collection should contain only adult
D. Sap of freshly cut trees: moths, wasps, insects. All insects must be pinned or glued to
beetles. small card triangles.
E. Under damp leaves: springtails, beetles, Insects should be mounted on regular insect
leafhoppers, beetles. pins, not common pins. Any insect too small to
F. Flowers: butterflies, bumble bees, wasps, pin through the body should be glued to a card
beetles. point made by cutting a triangle 3/8-inch and
4. Buildings: 1/8-inch wide at the base from a file card or simi­
A. Newspapers: bristletails, booklice. lar material. The pin should be inserted at the
B. Flooring: termites, powderpost beetles. base of the triangle.
C. Basement: cockroaches.
D. Clothes closets: bristletails, clothes moths.
5. Domestic and wild mammals and birds:
biting lice, sucking lice, fleas, horse flies, horn
flies, bot flies.
6. Farm lot:
A. Manure: beetles, flies.
B. Stored grain: moths, caterpillars, beetles,
booklice.
C. Shocks of grain: crickets, beetles.
D. Straw piles: earwigs, crickets, beetles.
7. Water:
A. Ponds, lakes, streams: water striders,
whirligig beetles, water scorpions, giant
water bugs, springtails, water boatmen, All insects should be pinned so that the upper
back swimmers, dobsonflies, stoneflies, surface on the insect is 1/2-inch below the head of
mayflies, dragonflies, beetles. the pin. This is done by inserting the pin head
B. Mud, sandbars, gravel or clay banks: toad first through the 1/2-inch section of the pinning
bugs, pygmy grasshoppers, mole crickets, block after the insect has been pinned.
tiger beetles.
C. Weeds and leafy branches near water: Insects that are large enough should be
damselflies, dragonflies, beetles, pinned directly through the body, usually just off

center to the right. Different kinds of insects

have different locations on the body where pins
How to Relax Dry Insects
should be inserted. The following rules should All insects should be pinned while fresh if at
be followed: all possible. At times specimens may dry out
before they can be pinned. Dry specimens may be
1. Bees, wasps, flies,
relaxed by putting them into a relaxing chamber
etc. – Pin through the
for one or two days. A relaxing chamber can be
thorax between the made from a large jar with a wide mouth and a
bases of the fore wings tight-fitting lid. Place 2 inches of clean sand in
and just to the right of the bottom of the jar and saturate it with water
the middle line. to which two to three drops of carbolic acid have
been added to control mold. Place insects in an
open container on top of the wet sand and put the
2. Stink bugs – Pin lid on the chamber airtight. Pin insects just as
through the scutellum, soon as they are soft. Specimens left too long in
which is the triangular the relaxing chamber will be ruined.
area between the
bases of the wings. How to Label Insects
Insects should all be labeled with two labels
1/2 inch wide and 3/4 inch long made from file
cards. The location, date and the name of the
3. Grasshoppers, crickets, collector should be printed on the top label and
the common name, where possible, should be
etc. – Pin through the
printed on the lower label.
prothorax or “saddle”
just to the right of the Labels should be placed at uniform heights.
center line. Use the different sections of the pinning block to
obtain the proper height. Labels should be placed
parallel to the length of large insects, so that they
are read from the left side with insect facing
away. Labels on point-mounted insects should be
4. Beetles – Pin through parallel with points and read from the bottom.
the fore part of the
right wing cover near
the center line.

5. Butterflies, moths,
dragonflies, etc. – Pin Arranging in the Box
through the center of
the thorax between the A piece of blank paper should be fitted in the
bases of the fore wings. bottom of the box. Insects are then arranged in
columns in horizontal rows with not more than
four specimens of each kind to a row. Each Order
is separated by a label in the column at the top of
the first row of insects in that particular Order.
The Order name should be printed or typed on a
piece of plain white paper 1/2 inch wide by
The wings of moths and 2 inches in length and pinned to the bottom of the
butterflies should be box with two pins.
spread on a spread­
ing board.
Identifying the Insects
Twenty-five of the 31 total insect Orders can
easily be collected in Arkansas. At least one
species of these Orders is commonly present in all

6
localities. Keys and reference material should be
used to properly identify insects to Order.
Protection of Collection
From Insects
What Makes a Good Insect collections are often destroyed by other
insects which feed on dry insects. Collections may
Collection be protected by using moth balls placed in the
box. The box should be kept tightly closed.
A useful collection consists of many different
species of insects, neatly mounted, labeled and
arranged in good display boxes. Uniformity of
labeling, mounting and arranging is of utmost Order: Thysanura
importance in making an attractive collection. (Silverfish)
Insect collections will be judged according to
the following score card: Wings – None

1. Different Orders correctly identified. 25 points Mouthparts – Chewing

2. Pinning and spreading technique. 25 points Metamorphosis – None
a. Proper wing spreading. 5 points
b. Pins inserted properly. 5 points Added Note – Silver-colored insects with long
c. Uniform height on pins. 5 points antennae and two or three long antennae-like
d. Insects level and straight. 5 points appendages at the end of the abdomen. The
e. Condition of specimens. 5 points silverfish feed on rayons, starched clothes,
3. Identification and labeling. 25 points bookbindings and other materials having
starch or glue. Can be found in feed or flour
a. Labels neat and accurate. 5 points mills where starchy foods are handled or in
b. Labels uniform height on pins. 5 points sinks and bathtubs of homes.
c. Labels not twisted on pins. 5 points
d. Insects assigned correct Order. 5 points
e. Accuracy of common names. 5 points
4. General appearance of collection. 25 points
Order: Microcoryphia
(Jumping Bristletails)
a. Variety of insects. 5 points
b. No species duplication. 5 points
c. Grouping and spacing. 5 points Wings – None
d. Arrangement and background. 5 points
e. Educational features added. 5 points Mouthparts – Chewing

Metamorphosis – None
Suggestions for Making Added Note – Jumping bristletails are wingless
a Good Collection insects similar to silverfish. They jump
when disturbed and are usually found in
1. Use undamaged specimens. grassy or wooded areas under leaves, bark or
dead wood.
2. Spread the wings of Lepidoptera.
3. Place all insects the same height on the pins.
4. Use only regular insect pins.
Order: Collembola
(Springtails)
5. Use uniform labels placed the same height on
pins and kept straight. Wings – None
6. Group each Order in columns under the Mouthparts – Chewing
Order label and arrange the specimens in
neat, straight rows. Metamorphosis – None
7. Varnished and waxed display cases are more
attractive. Added Note – Very small insects less than
1/5 inch long. Flip themselves into the air by
8. Use white or light color background in the means of a spring-like part under the
bottom of the box to show insect specimens to abdomen. Found in damp places, such as
best advantage. under decaying vegetation, stones and boards.

Order: Ephemeroptera
(Mayflies)

Wings – Two pairs. First pair much larger than

second pair. Held vertically when at rest.

Dragonfly
Mouthparts – None Order Odonata
wing span 3 inches
Metamorphosis – Incomplete

Several different dragonflies exist in

Arkansas. Some common names are gray
darners, cordulegasters, club-tailed, common
darners. Distinguished by large size and
rapid flight; lives about fresh water, feeds on
other insects.

Added Note – Found near water and are attracted

to lights. Have two or three long antennae-
like appendages at the end of the abdomen. Order: Orthoptera
(Grasshoppers, Crickets)

Wings – Two pairs (camel crickets are wingless)

Order: Odonata Top pair – Leathery
Bottom pair – Membranous and folded under
(Dragonflies, Damselflies)
top pair
Wings – Two pair Mouthparts – Chewing
Mouthparts – Chewing Metamorphosis – Gradual
Metamorphosis – Incomplete

Added Notes – Two pairs wings same thickness Camel Cricket

with 12 or more cross veins; both pairs wings
same length. Tarsus (foot) with less than
five segments.

Damselfly
Order Odonata
wing span 2 inches
Red-legged Grasshopper

The different damselflies are known by the

family names; found about ponds and streams;
adult feeds on soft-bodied insects; nymph is
fish food.
Field Cricket

 Tree Cricket
Order Orthoptera
Short-horned length 3/4 inch
Grasshopper
Order Orthoptera
length 2 1/4 inches

Several species; delicate, slender, greenish;

Commonly seen hopping or flying in grassy lives in weeds, trees, bushes; punctures twigs
areas; voracious plant feeder, found world- and branches to deposit eggs.
wide. Several species (600 in North America)
including differential, red-legged, lesser
migratory, clearwinged and several others of
lesser abundance.

Stone or Camel Cricket

Long-horned Order Orthoptera
Grasshopper length 4/5 inch
Order Orthoptera
Wingless long-horned ’hopper; high-arched
length 1 1/4 inches
back like camel; eats plants in dark,
moist places.
Adult female; pretty, light green, called
“meadow grasshopper”; general feeder.
Several species including cone-nosed and
meadow grasshopper.

Mole Cricket
Order Orthoptera
length 1 1/2 inches

Katydid
Order Orthoptera
length 2 1/4 inches

Several species; general foliage feeder; Several species. Covered with fine, brown,
summer singer of “Katy did, Katy didn’t.” velvety hairs; burrows, nests in soil near
water; feeds on plant roots.

Order: Mantodea Order: Blattaria

(Preying Mantids) (Cockroaches)

Wings – Two pair Wings – Two pair

Mouthparts – Chewing Mouthparts – Chewing

Metamorphosis – Gradual

American or

German Cockroach

Metamorphosis – Gradual

Added Note – Cockroaches have flat bodies and

tend to be oval shaped. They are fast runners
and usually move about during the night.

Added Note – Preying mantids have front legs

with teeth-like structures for holding prey. Order: Isoptera
The head is quite moveable and mantid can (Termites)

look over its shoulder. Preying mantids catch

and feed upon other insects. Wings – Two pairs of the same length (workers

are wingless)

Mouthparts – Chewing

Order: Phasmida Metamorphosis – Gradual

(Walkingsticks)

Wings – None

Mouthparts – Chewing

Metamorphosis – Gradual
Termite
Order Isoptera
length 1 1/4 inches

Added Note – Kings and queens may be col­

lected while swarming, and workers may be
found infesting wood. Look under wood on
the ground.

Two pairs of wings same thickness and

Added Note – The body is long and sticklike and sturdiness; more than 12 cross veins with
the wings are usually absent or very reduced. both pairs equal width and length and much
The walkingsticks are slow moving, herbivo­ longer than body; wings milky white in color.
rous insects that are usually found on trees or
shrubs. They are very similar in appearance Winged adult, second-generation caste,
to a twig. walkingsticks are able to emit a worker, soldier; live in social colonies; infest
foul-smelling substance. house timber.

10

Order: Dermaptera Order: Neuroptera

(Earwigs) (Dobsonflies, Lacewings, Antlions)

Wings – Two pairs Wings – Two pairs, many fine net-like veins

Mouthparts – Chewing
Mouthparts – Chewing
Metamorphosis – Complete
Metamorphosis – Gradual
Dobsonfly
Added Note – Front pair of wings like those Order Neuroptera
wing span 5 1/2 inches
of beetles but very short, hind pair
membranous. Have a pair of pincers on end
of abdomen. Found on
plants, decayed matter
and sometimes in houses.

Reddish-brown; foul odor;

nests in decaying matter
in greenhouses and
buildings; feeds on Horned adult; larva, a fish food, called hellgram-
organic material. About mite by anglers; eats other insects.
20 species are reported in
North America but all
look very much alike.
Green Lacewing
Order Neuroptera
wing span 1 1/4 inches

Order: Plecoptera
(Stoneflies)

Wings – Two pairs

Added Note – Have long antennae. Found near
Mouthparts – Chewing streams, at lights or on trees and plants.

Metamorphosis – Incomplete

Added Note – Found near running streams.

Two pairs wings same thickness with 12 or

more cross veins; second pair wings broader Antlion
than first pair. Tarsus (foot) with less than Order Neuroptera
five segments. Length 1/2 to 1 inch. wing span 1 inch

Several different species (about 300 in North

Graceful adult; larva, doodlebug, digs pit,
America); vary in color and size. Adult proba­
partially buries itself in bottom waiting for
bly eats nothing; immature stages found in
ant victims.
aerated water, food for fish.

11

Order: Phthiraptera Order: Thysanoptera

(Chewing and Sucking Lice) (Thrips)

Wings – None Wings – Two pairs or none

Mouthparts – Chewing and sucking Mouthparts – Rasping, sucking

Metamorphosis – None Metamorphosis – Gradual

Added Note – Live on birds and to some extent on

mammals. Feed on hair, feathers, scales and
dried blood.

Cattlebiting Louse

Two pairs of wings, rod-shaped and fringed with

very long hairs.

Added Note – A sucking

louse. Head narrow
and long. Claws
pincer-like. Feed
on animals.

Thrips
Hog Louse Order Thysanoptera
length 1/20 inch

Very active, minute insects with piercing,

sucking mouth parts; attack all plants.
Several species (about 500 in North America)
Light tan to almost black; include flower thrips, gladiolus thrips, onion
found on chickens and thrips and others.
other fowl; skin contact
serious. Added Note – Very small insects, only 1/8 inch
long or less. Feed on many plants.

Chicken Body Louse

Order Mallophaga
length 3/16 inch

12

Order: Psocoptera
(Booklice and Barklice)

Wings – Some wingless, Damsel Bug

some with two pairs Order Hemiptera
length 1/5 inch
Mouthparts – Chewing

Metamorphosis – Gradual

Added Note – Found in old books and papers or Predatory insects on caterpillars and other larvae.
on bark of trees or on damp stored grain.

Wingless; not external

parasites of animals;

mouthparts for chewing;

no filaments or projec­

tions on tip of abdomen.

Minute, soft-bodied
Leaf-footed or Coreid Bug
insects found in old books
Order Hemiptera
and damp, dark, unused
length 1/2 to 3/4 inch
rooms. Different species

(about 150 in

North America); vary

Many species include leaf-footed plant bugs,
in size.
length 1/16 inch squash bugs and others that resemble these
very closely.

Order: Hemiptera
(True Bugs) Toad Bug
Order Hemiptera
Wings – Two pairs. Front pair is half leathery length 1/2 inch
and half membranous. Hind pair is
membranous.

Mouthparts – Piercing, sucking Common on muddy stream banks; protective

colors vary with soils; lives on insects.
Metamorphosis – Gradual

Hemiptera (true bugs): Two pairs wings; front

wing divided into two distinct sections – a
thick one toward base and a thin one at tip.
Sections are sharply divided and not just
tapered. Piercing, sucking mouthparts arising
at front-underside (anterior-ventral) part of Chinch Bug
head. Tarsus (foot) with two claws if insect Order Hemiptera
is wingless. length 1/5 inch

Attacks small grain, corn, soybeans, St. Augustine

grass; sucks sap, wilts and kills plants; bad
odor when mashed.

13

 Bed Bug
Order Hemiptera
length 3/16 inch

Feeds primarily on man at night; sometimes Flower Bug

found on caged animals and birds; rests Order Hemiptera
during day in cracks and dark areas. length 1/6 to 1/5 inch

Several species include insidious flower bug,

predaceous flower bug and others. Predators
on eggs and young larvae of caterpillars.

Giant Water Bug

Order Hemiptera
length 2 3/4 inches

Adult, comes to light; flies from pond to pond,

living on insects, snails and small fish. Assassin Bug
Order Hempitera
length 1/2 to 1 inch

Several species include wheel bug, masked

hunter, bloodsucking cone nose and others.
Negro Bug Mostly predaceous on other insects; few
Order Hemiptera species are bloodsucking.
length 1/10 inch

Dark, beetle-like adult; injures celery, corn, wheat

and other plants; deposits bad odor.

Lace Bug
Order Hemiptera
Stink Bug length 1/16 to 1/8 inch
Order Hemiptera
length 3/8 to 1/2 inch Several species (about 100 in North America);
include sycamore, egg plant and other lace
Many species include harlequin bug, green stink bugs. Suck sap on undersides of leaves of
bug, southern green stink bug, rice stink bug shade trees and ornamental plants.
and brown stink bug.

14

 Ambush Bug
Order Hemiptera
Water Scorpion length 1/2 inch
Order Hemiptera
length 1 1/2 inches

Predatory bugs feed on other insects. Several

different species but resemble each
other closely.
Adult lives concealed in shallow water; breathes
by keeping long tube at water surface. Added Note – Most live on land but a few live in
the water. Most feed on plant juices, but there
are some which feed on animals and others
which feed on other insects.

Water Boatman
Order Hemiptera
length 1 1/2 inches
Order: Homoptera
(Aphids, Scales, Leafhoppers, Cicadas)

Wings – Two pairs or wingless

Lives in ooze, feeds on minute animals at pond
bottom; air bubbles surround swimming body Mouthparts – Piercing, sucking
and glisten like silver.
Metamorphosis – Gradual

Wingless or two pairs of wings, same thickness;

piercing-sucking mouthparts arising at back
underside (posterior-ventral) part of head.

Plant Bug
Order Hemiptera
length 1/8 to 1/2 inch

Many species; includes tarnished plant bug, rapid

Aphid
plant bug, cotton fleahopper and others.
Order Homoptera
Flattened bugs suck sap from plants, usually length 3/32 inch
terminal growth or first buds.

Minute, soft-bodied, green, red or black insects;

attack vegetation; suck plant juice, secrete
honeydew. Many species (probably several
hundred in Arkansas); include turnip, peach,
wooly, greenbug, corn leaf, apple grain and
many others.

15

 Psyllid
Order Homoptera
length 1/8 inch

Scale
Order Homoptera
length 1/12 to 1/2 inch
Hopping insect resembles winged aphid;
Disk-shaped specks on tree bark; decreases vigor, carries plant disorder more damaging than
causes thin foliage. Many species (more than its feeding.
2,000); include San Jose, scurfy, oystershell,
euonymus, obscure, elm, cottony cushion
scale, mealybug, lecanium and others.

Whitefly
Order Homoptera
length 1/25 inch

Cicada
Order Homoptera
length 1 1/4 inches

Snow-white adult and pale-green nymph cover

many plants, suck sap, destroy vigor.
Shrill cry familiar in late summer; several species Species include greenhouse, citrus and
include periodical and annual cicada. other whiteflies.

Phylloxera
Order Homoptera
length 1/24 inch

Treehopper
Order Homoptera
length 1/4 inch

Complicated biology; injures roots and foliage Peculiar-shaped, light-green to multi-colored;

with galls, causes tissue disintegration. adult slits bark, depositing eggs; nymph feeds
Includes grape and pecan phylloxera. on vegetation. Several species in Arkansas.

16

 Spittlebug or Froghopper
Order Homoptera
length 1/4 inch

Ground Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/4 to 1 inch

Several different species; attack legumes, trees Very large number of species (more than 2,500 in
and shrubs; feeds in frothy mass of sap. United States); with wide variation in color,
size and shape. Very common everywhere;
feed on other insects.

Tiger Beetle
Leafhopper Order Coleoptera
Order Homoptera length 1/2 to 3/4 inch
length 1/8 to 3/8 inch

Several species are known; all are bright metallic

colored; found in dry sandy fields and
Many species; vary in color; include potato beaches. Predatory on other insects.
leafhopper, bean leafhopper and others. Sucks
juices from plants, causes hopper burn; found
on underside of leaves, transmits many of the
plant virus diseases.

Order: Coleoptera
(Beetles)

Wings – Two pairs

Front pair – Hard and shell-like
Hind pair – Membranous
Water Scavenger Beetle
Mouthparts – Chewing Order Coleoptera
length 1 1/2 inch
Metamorphosis – Complete
Many species may be collected. Common in quiet
Added Note – Two pairs of wings; front wings pools; swims or crawls on plant life; feeds on
hard and strong, forming a shell on the back decaying material in water.
and divided by thin line down the center;
mouthparts for chewing.

17

 Carrion Beetle Flatheaded Borer

Order Coleoptera Order Coleoptera
length 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches length 1/2 to 1 inch

Several species in Arkansas; wood boring insects;

Several species in Arkansas; vary in size and adult metallic colored; includes flatheaded
color. Buries dead animals in which eggs are apple tree borer.
deposited; adult, larva feed on decaying
animal matter.

Rove Beetles Attacking

Cabbage Maggot
Order Coleoptera Click Beetle
length 1/4 to 1 inch Order Coleoptera
length 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches

Several species (more than 1,000); black adults;

feed on fly maggots; common about decaying Many species (more than 500 in North
animal or vegetable matter. America); vary in size and color. Make click­
ing noise when placed on back; occur on
flowers, under bark and on vegetation.
Larvae are wireworms.

Powderpost Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/8 to 1/2 inch
Dermestid Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 3/16 to 1/3 inch

Several species in Arkansas; includes carpet Several different species (about eight); feed in
beetles that feed on woolen material wood and lumber. Adults are slender and
and larder beetles, a pest of meat and leave holes in flooring and furniture
animal products. when emerging.

18

 Leaf Chafer
Order Coleoptera
length 1/4 to 1/2 inch

Darkling Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/4 to 3 inches

The many species (about 1,400 in North America)

Many species in this group; include Japanese are mostly plant feeders found cutting off
beetle, rose chafer and grape beetle. Most are seedlings at soil line; confused flour beetle is
metallic colored and found feeding on plants. a grain pest.

May Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/4 to 3/4 inch

Many different species (150 in the United States) Whirligig Beetle

of May beetles. To this group belong the light Order Coleoptera
to dark brown beetles collecting around lights length 3/4 inch
at night.
Groups spin or dart rapidly on still water; some
emit fluid with disagreeable odor; feed on
aquatic creatures.
Dung Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/4 to 1 inch

Many species in Arkansas; most are black but

some are metallic green. Found feeding on
dung. Most common species are found
rolling ball of dung prior to burying it in
the ground.

Blister Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/2 to 3/4 inch

Rhinoceros Beetle Many species (about 300 in North America)

Order Coleoptera include striped, margined, black, ash gray and
length 1 to 2 1/2 inches others. All resemble each other in appearance
though they vary in color. Feed on various
vegetables and field crops.
Several species in Arkansas; brown to gray with
black markings; includes the unicorn beetle,
elephant beetle and rhinoceros beetle.

19

 Carrot Beetle
Order Coleoptera
Saw-toothed Grain Beetle
length 5/8 inch
Order Coleoptera
length 1/10 inch

Adult feeds on corn and celery stalks, potato and

carrot roots; larva is scavenger.
Beetle often found in stored food and dry organic
matter; adult and larva serious pests.

Cadelle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/3 inch

Found in granaries, mills, ships, railroad cars;

attacks stored grain, other dry food products;
larva often bores woodwork.
Lady Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/16 to 1/4 inch

Many species in Arkansas; include black lady

beetle, two-spotted lady beetle, convergent
lady beetle and others that feed on other
insects. Mexican bean beetle and squash lady
beetle feed on plants.

Cigarette or Tobacco Beetle

Order Coleoptera
length 1/3 inch

Adult light brown; serious pest to tobacco and

infests other stored products; widespread.

Long-horned Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/3 to 1 1/2 inches
Drugstore Beetle
Order Coleoptera
Many species (over 1,500 in the United States); length 1/10 inch
include locust borer, cottonwood borer,
prionus, twig girdler, sawyer beetle and Adult reddish brown, named for serious feeding
others. Found around living trees in the bark on pharmaceutical drugs; infests most dry
crevices where they lay eggs. Larvae are plant and animal products.
round-headed borers.

20

 Firefly or Lightning Bug

Order Coleoptera
length 1/2 inch

Grape Colaspis
Order Coleoptera
Elongate, flattish; appears at night; both sexes length 1/6 inch
emit light; larva called glowworm.
Adult flies about crops, feeds on foliage; grub,
root-feeder; also known as clover rootworm.

Giant Stag Beetle

Order Coleoptera Colorado Potato Beetle
length 2 inches or Potato Bug
Order Coleoptera
length 3/8 inch

Mandibles resemble stag antlers; night Yellow and black striped adult; larva reddish
flier; attracted to lights; larva lives in orange soft bug; feed on potato vines,
decaying wood. other plants.

Flower Beetle
Order Coleoptera Tortoise Beetle or
length 1/4 to 3/4 inch Gold Bug
Order Coleoptera
length 1/4 inch

Several species, most common of which is the

green June beetle and the bumble-flower­
beetle. These are found feeding on pollen Turtle-shaped adult and thorny larva feed on
or very ripe fruit or decaying fruit or sweet potato foliage, morningglory, bindweed.
plant material.

Spotted Cucumber
Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/4 inch

Flea Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/16 to 1/4 inch

Several different species in Arkansas, including

striped flea beetle, grape flea beetle, potato flea Yellowish green, black-spotted; attacks many
beetle; adult jumps about, feeding on foliage, plants; larva bores roots and underground
severely damaging plant; larva feeds on roots. stems.

21

 Ambrosia Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/8 inch
Striped Cucumber Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/5 inch
Several species; female tunnels oak; grows
ambrosia fungi for food; keeps larva under
Adult general foliage-feeder, spreads disease; protective care.
larva mines plant roots and stems.

Bark Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/4 inch
Bean Leaf Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/6 inch

One of the most destructive groups of insects

attacking coniferous trees; includes southern
pine beetle, black turpentine beetle; mines
Reddish, yellowish adult eats holes in leaves; under bark; many transmit fungi.
larva feeds on roots.
Engraver Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/5 inch

Asparagus Beetle
Order Coleoptera
length 1/4 inch
Bark beetle; several species; include Ips sp.; lay
eggs in inner bark tunnels, where larva
Cream, bluish-black, red adult deposits eggs on develop and feed.
plant stems; larva feeds on, stains asparagus.

Bean Weevil
Order Coleoptera
length 1/8 inch

Shot-hole Borer
Order Coleoptera
length 1/10 inch

Beetle deposits eggs in twigs, branches; larva Adult appears on plants, depositing eggs; larva
tunnels with grain or wood, exit holes look feeds on beans in field and in storage.
like shot-holes.

22

 Pea Weevil
Order Coleoptera Cowpea Curculio or
length 1/5 inch Pod Weevil
Order Coleoptera
length 1/4 inch

One of worst pests to peas; dark brown or Hump-backed weevil damages beans, cowpeas,
blackish adult feeds on leaves; larva develops seedling cotton, strawberries; grub develops
in growing pods. in green seeds.

Rice Water Weevil

Order Coleoptera
length 1/8 inch

Vegetable Weevil
Order Coleoptera
length 3/8 inch

Adult feeds on leaves; larva tunnels and feeds

on roots.
Spotted, grayish adult damages foliage of many
plants; grub feeds on plant roots.

White-fringed Beetle Rice Weevil

Order Coleoptera Order Coleoptera
length 1/2 inch length 1/8 inch

Attacks corn in field and many stored grain

products; many generations a year possible.

General plant feeder in southeast United States;

no males; larva or grub serious pest to
plant roots.
Sweet Potato Weevil
Order Coleoptera
length 1/4 inch

Clover Leaf Weevil

Order Coleoptera
length 5/16 inch Bad pest of sweet potato; blue-black and red
adult feeds on leaves, stems; grub
honeycombs tubers in field and storage.

In dry seasons may destroy alfalfa plantings;

larva curves body with head and tail
almost touching.

23

 Plum Curculio
Order Coleoptera
length 1/4 inch

Pest of stone fruits, apple; adult feeds on fruit,

Strawberry Crown Borer foliage; grub feeds inside fruit.
Order Coleoptera
length 1/5 inch

Larva tunnels through strawberry crowns,

stunting or killing plants.
Order: Mecoptera
(Scorpionflies)
Scorpionfly
Order Mecoptera
Wings – Two pairs, length 1 inch
long and narrow

Strawberry Weevil Mouthparts –

Order Coleoptera Chewing
length 1/8 inch
Metamorphosis –
Complete

Added Note – Mouthparts at the end of long,

broad snout. Found on low vegetation in
Damages strawberries, other plants; feeds in buds dense woods or sometimes in open fields.
and stems, causing fruit reduction.
Two pairs of wings, same thickness with 12 or
more cross veins; tarsus (foot) with five seg­
ments; head prolonged into a long beak.
Hangs suspended by fore legs from rank
herbage; hind and fore legs catch living
insects. Found along shaded streams and in
damp woods; feeds on dead or injured insects.

Nut Weevil
Order Coleoptera
length 5/16 inch Order: Trichoptera
(Caddisflies)
Several species attack different nuts; long,
curving beak bores in nut, deposits eggs Wings – Two pairs
singly; maggot-like larva forms on kernel.
Mouthparts – Chewing

Metamorphosis – Complete
Boll Weevil
Order Coleoptera Added Note – Wings covered with
length 1/4 inch short hairs and held roof-like over
body when at rest. Found near
water.

Two pairs of wings alike in thickness, with

less than 12 cross veins. Front pair of wings
as small or smaller than back pair.
Serious pest to United States cotton; grub Mouthparts small and inconspicuous.
and beetle feed on squares, bolls or Distinguished from moths by having hairs
instead of scales on wings.
terminal buds.

24

Order: Lepidoptera
(Butterflies, Moths, Skippers) Armyworm
Order Lepidoptera
Wings – Two pairs wing span 1 1/2 inches

Mouthparts – Siphoning

Metamorphosis – Complete

Two pairs of wings alike in thickness; wings or

wing veins clothed with scales appearing as Pale brown or brownish-gray with white dot in
“dust” when roughly handled. front wing center; larva very destructive.

Stalk Borer
Bollworm
Order Lepidoptera
Lepidoptera
wing span 2 inches
wing span 1 1/2 inches

Yellowish to brownish; larva infests many plants;

known also as corn earworm, tomato fruit­
worm, tobacco budworm. Several different stalk borers; include lesser
stalk borer, European corn borer and south­
western corn borer. Caterpillar bores into
Cutworm stems, feeding on heart of plant; migrates
Order Lepidoptera about field.
wing span 2 inches

Diamondback Moth
Order Lepidoptera
Several species in Arkansas; night-flying moths wing span 5/8 inch
attracted to lights; varying colors; larva cuts
plants off near soil surface.
About 50 species in North America; gray; male
fore wings yellow-striped to form diamond
shapes; larva is plant-feeder.

Green Cloverworm
Order Lepidoptera Fall Webworm
wing span 1 1/4 inches Order Lepidoptera
wing span 1 1/4 inches

Dark brown moth; slender, greenish larva attacks Hairy caterpillar, spins dirty-white web on shade
legumes and other crops. trees and shrubs, feeding on foliage.

25

 Oriental Fruit Moth

Order Lepidoptera
wing span 3/8 inch

Attacks peach, apple, other fruit trees; early

Forest Tent Caterpillar or
Forest Armyworm
larvae tunnel twigs; later ones feed in fruit.
Order Lepidoptera
wing span 3 1/2 inches

Larva defoliates many shade and forest trees.

Codling Moth
Order Lepidoptera
wing span 3/4 inch

Most important pest of apple; larva feeds in fruit

until full-grown.

Cankerworm
Order Lepidoptera
wing span 1 1/4 inches
Clearwing Moth
Male moth, wingless female; larva feeds on fruit Order Lepidoptera
and other trees; spring cankerworm is wing span 1 1/4 inches
similar species.

About 100 species in North America; wings have

transparent areas; larva chews into woody
plant parts; includes peach tree borer and
grape root borer.

Sphinx Moth
Order Lepidoptera Apple Leaf Skeletonizer
wing span 2 to 4 inches Order Lepidoptera
wing span 1/2 inch
Several species include tomato hornworm, tobacco
hornworm, catalpa sphinx and others. Adults
feed on nectar from flowers. Resemble
hummingbirds when flying early at night. Late summer and early fall injury to trees by
dark green, active caterpillar feeding in web.

26

 Indianmeal Moth
Order Lepidoptera
wing span 3/4 inch

Grape Berry Moth

Order Lepidoptera
wing span 2/5 inch

Pest of stored foods, grain; larva spins silken

tubes through meal, dried fruits and
other products.
Larva spins silken web over grape clusters; feeds
in and destroys grape berries.

Redbanded Leaf Roller

Order Lepidoptera
Melonworm or
wing span 3/4 inch
Pickleworm
Order Lepidoptera
length 1 1/4 inches

Translucent, yellowish-green larva feeds on

leaves, fruit of cucurbits; adult, iridescent,
pearly-white, black-bordered.
Early larvae roll leaves and spin slight webs;
later generations attack fruit.

Pistol Casebearer
Order Lepidoptera
wing span 1/2 inch
Angoumois Grain Moth
Order Lepidoptera
wing span 1/2 inch Brown worm enclosed in curved, silken case; eats
holes in leaves, buds and fruits of apple, pear,
cherry, plum, other trees.
Weathered straw-colored adult; larva, dangerous
common pest, infests grains in field, storage.

Mediterranean Flour Moth

Order Lepidoptera Clothes Moth
wing span 1 inch Order Lepidoptera
wing span 1/2 inch

Larva prefers flour and meal, attacks other Adult flies about, depositing eggs; larvae feed on
foodstuff; webs masses of flour in mills. fabrics, some forming webs, some cases.

27

 Promethea Moth
Order Lepidoptera
wing span 4 inches
Luna Moth
Order Lepidoptera
wing span 4 1/2 inches

Favorite with amateur collectors; delicate light

Giant silkworm; reddish-brown, whitish and
green with purple-brown band and
black lines, clay-colored margin; cocoons
transparent-center eyelike spots.
common sight in trees.

Black Witch
Cecropia Moth Order Lepidoptera
Order Lepidoptera wing span 6 inches
wing span 7 inches

Night-flying moth attracted by lights; eyes shine

in darkness; larva feeds on tree leaves.
Pale green, red and yellow larva feeds on foliage
of apple, other trees and shrubs.

Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly

Order Lepidoptera
Gypsy Moth wing span 5 inches
Order Lepidoptera
wing span 2 inches

Magnificent, tail-like edges on hind wings; black

Serious pest of evergreen and deciduous trees;
marked with yellow, blue or green.
larva strips foliage, often killing trees.

Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly

Order Lepidoptera
wing span 3 1/2 inches
Regal Moth
Order Lepidoptera
wing span 5 inches

Black wings are crossed by several bands of

Magnificent royal moth; olive, yellow, red, orange-
greenish-white; larva feeds on pawpaw.
red; larva, hickory horned devil, feeds on
leaves of trees and shrubs.

28

 Monarch Butterfly Cabbage Butterfly

Order Lepidoptera Order Lepidoptera
wing span 4 inches wing span 1 1/4 inches

One of the most common butterflies; wings

are dull-white with black spots; larva is
Ruddy brown, black-bordered; white-spotted; plant feeder.
larva feeds on milkweed; distasteful to birds.

Clouded Sulphur or

Roadside Butterfly

Viceroy Butterfly Order Lepidoptera

Order Lepidoptera wing span 2 inches
wing span 3 inches

Pale greenish-yellow, blackish-brown border;

underside sulphur-yellow; found in
Orange to cinnamon with black, white-spotted; muddy places.
mimics monarch in detail, perhaps for
protection.
Orangedog
Order Lepidoptera
wing span 5 inches
Great Spangled Fritillary
Order Lepidoptera
wing span 4 inches

Tawny, black-checkered, silvery-spotted; Latin

name means dice box; larva feeds on
passion flowers. Larva feeds on orange tree, prickly ash foliage;
red, protruding horns, emit bad odor.

Painted Lady
Order Lepidoptera
wing span 2 1/4 inches
Red Admiral
Order Lepidoptera
wing span 2 1/4 inches

Dark brownish-black, orange; eyelike spots on

hind wings; larva feeds on composite plants.

Purplish-black, bright orange band, white spots;

larva feeds on certain tree leaves.

29

 Giant Skipper Crane Fly

Order Lepidoptera Order Diptera
wing span 3 inches length 1/2 to 2 inches

Daytime flier with rapid, darting flight; rests

wings vertically; larva, stem-borer.
Many different species; resembles large mosquito.
Found in damp, dark places, around water or
in windows of houses; some come to lights.
Mourningcloak
Butterfly
Order Lepidoptera
wing span 2 3/4 inches
Soldier Fly
Order Diptera
Purplish-brown, yellow border, brown and blue length 3/4 inch
spotted; larva feeds on tree leaves, known to
strip large branches.

Adult widespread; larva may invade human body,

causing intestinal myiasis.
Order: Diptera
(Flies, Mosquitoes, Midges)

Wings – One pair

Mouthparts – Piercing, sucking or sponging Cheese Skipper

Order Diptera
Metamorphosis – Complete length 3/16 inch

One pair of wings, membranous, similar to

cellophane in appearance.

Shiny fly; larva infests meat, cheese, other foods;

bends body double to leap; world-wide.

Tachinid Fly
Order Diptera
Mosquito length 1/4 to 3/8 inch
Order Diptera
length 3/16 to 3/8 inch

Many species (more than 100 in United States),

include rice field, southern house, malaria, Many species in Arkansas; parasitic on
yellow fever, salt-marsh and others. Larvae other insects.
live in water; adult females suck blood for food.

30

 March Fly
Order Diptera
length 1/2 inch

Black Fly, Turkey or

Several species; adults common in early spring; Buffalo Gnat
fly in swarms; larva feeds on decaying matter Order Diptera
or grass roots. length 1/5 inch

Several species in Arkansas; small, dark-colored

flies with short legs and hump-backed
appearance; larvae live in water; female
Window-pane Fly adults suck blood and are serious pests of
Order Diptera livestock in some areas of Arkansas.
length 3/16 inch

Midge
Order Diptera

length 2/5 inch

Often found around windows of mills and

warehouses; preys on stored-grain insects.

Many species in the United States; appearance

like very small mosquito. All live around
water or in mud; some species, like the
Robber Fly punkies, suck blood. These are very annoying
Order Diptera
in Arkansas in early morning and evening
length 1 to 2 inches
during spring.

Many species (more than 500 in North America);

large, fierce fly capable of fast flight; adult,
larva feed on insects including large species.

Bee Fly
Order Diptera
length 1/2 inch
Seedcorn Maggot
Order Diptera
length 1/4 inch

Legless, yellowish-white grub with tough skin;

Adult feeds on flower nectar; about 500 species
severely damages seedlings; grows into
known in United States; rests on sunny
adult fly.
paths, sticks or stones; larva feeds on insects.

31

 House Fly
Order Diptera
length 1/4 inch

Blow Fly
Order Diptera
length 5/16 inch
Common in dwellings nation-wide; deposits eggs
Many species including green-bottle fly and in manure; disease carrier.
blue-bottle fly. Many are metallic green or
blue in color. Flesh flies are black with
stripes. Larvae live in carrion or decaying
animals. Screwworm fly is parasitic and
lives in living flesh. Horn Fly
Order Diptera
length 3/16 inch
Hessian Fly
Order Diptera
length 1/8 inch

Annoying, bloodsucking pest of cattle; deposits

Wheat, barley, rye are preferred food; legless, eggs in fresh cattle droppings.
headless maggots feed on plant sap.

Sheep Bot Fly

Order Diptera
length 1/2 inch
Stable Fly
Order Diptera
length 1/4 inch
Adult deposits larvae in nose of sheep and goats,
maggots develop in sinus area. Looks like house fly; attacks animals and man;
bites, especially on legs.

Horse Bot Fly

Order Diptera
length 2/3 inch

Adult annoys livestock by buzzing flight; larva

lives in digestive tract of livestock.

Sheep Tick,
Louse Fly or Ked Horse Fly and Deer Fly
Order Diptera Order Diptera
length 1/4 inch length 1/2 to 1 1/4 inches

Many species (about 300 in North America);

attacks man and animals in woods or
Wingless fly; lives in fleece of host, sucking blood marshes; painful bite.
through skin; attacks goats, sheep.

32

 Cattle Grub, Heel or Warble Fly

Order Diptera
length 7/16 inch

Adult deposits eggs on cattle hairs; maggots live

in body, bore out back, fall to ground, pupate
in soil.
Sawfly
Order Hymenoptera
length 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches
Order: Siphonaptera
(Fleas) Many species of sawflies in Arkansas, including
web-spinning sawflies, pine sawflies, horntails,
wood wasps, stem sawflies, sawfly leaf miners
Wings – None
and others.

Mouthparts – Piercing,
sucking

Metamorphosis – Complete
Honey Bee
Added Note – Live on animals. Collect them by Order Hymenoptera
length 3/4 inch
dusting a cat or dog with pyrethrum powder
and place the animal over a white cloth. Fleas
Builds nest in hollow trees or man-provided
will drop off on cloth.
hives; collects pollen, produces honey, pollinates
many crops.
Wingless; external parasites of birds and
mammals; body strongly compressed from
side to side; legs fitted for jumping.

Several species (about 1,100 known world­

wide); adult bites dogs, cats, man; common; Mud Dauber
may infest dwellings. Order Hymenoptera
length 1 1/2 inches

Several species in Arkansas; vary in color. Makes

Order: Hymenoptera mud nest on lower surface of stones or buildings;
(Bees, Wasps, Ants) feeds young on spiders or caterpillars.

Wings – Two pairs. Worker ants are wingless.

Mouthparts – Chewing Bumble Bee

Order Hymenoptera
length 1 1/2 inches
Metamorphosis – Complete

Two pairs of wings the same thickness with less Social family with queen, workers, males;
than 12 cross veins; first pair of wings larger queen often builds in deserted ground nests of
than second and mouthparts well developed. mice; pollinators.

33

 Sphecoid Wasp
Order Hymenoptera
length 3/4 inch

Many species; nest builder in earth or dead wood;

provisions nest with paralyzed insects or spiders.

Parasitic Wasp
Order Hymenoptera
length 3/4 to 1 1/2 inches
Carpenter Bee
Order Hymenoptera
Many species (more than 6,000) which are length 3/16 inch
parasites on other insects. Some are very tiny
parasitizing aphids and some are large
parasitizing wood borers.

Resembles bumble bee; builds solitary nest in

wood or hollow stems; pollinates plants.
Wingless Wasp or Velvet Ant
Order Hymenoptera
length 1 1/3 inches

Several species in Arkansas; most clothed in

velvet-like hairs; guest or parasite in nests of
wasps or bees; strong stinger.

Baldfaced Hornet
Order Hymenoptera
length 1 inch

Builds large, grayish, paper nest on tree limbs

and buildings; feeds on insects; vicious stinger. Ant
Order Hymenoptera
length 1/32 to 1/2 inch

Many different ants are common in Arkansas

Yellowjacket including carpenter ant, Pharaoh ant, southern
Order Hymenoptera fire ant, imported fire ant, harvester ant
length 1 1/4 inches and others.

Builds paperlike nest in ground; feeds and raises

young on other insects; has painful sting.

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MP83-PD-11-07RV