INSECTS

Indian cabbage white butterfly (left), luna moth (right).

What’s the Difference Between Moths and Butterflies?

Both develop from caterpillars and both have impressive wings, but if you know what to look for, it's easy to tell moths and butterflies apart.

The difference between bees, wasps, and hornets is subtle.

Bee vs. Wasp vs. Hornet: What’s the Difference?

Discover the differences among these similar insects, including their diet, body size, and behavior.

Why go by the jellyfish’s English name when you could go with its more delightful French moniker instead?

15 Delightfully Descriptive French Animal Names

En français, the name for ‘jellyfish’ comes from a famous figure in Greek mythology—can you guess which one?

Cricket, grasshopper, or '50s sci-fi monster?

The Differences Between a Cricket and a Grasshopper, Explained

Grasshoppers and crickets belong to the same insect order. But they aren't the same species.

Planning a Vacation? Here’s How to Make Sure You Don’t Bring Any Bed Bugs Home With You

A study shows that bed bugs love dirty clothes. Follow these tips to keep them from hitching a ride home with you.

10 Facts About the Spotted Lanternfly

Over the past decade or so, the spotted lanternfly has become one of the most notorious invasive species in the United States. Here’s how it got here, how to spot it—and most importantly, how to kill it.

If you've been here recently, this PSA is for you.

May Contain Rocks or Insects: Trader Joe’s Adds Falafel and Soup to Its List of Recalled Food Items

First it was almond cookies—now it’s Unexpected Broccoli Cheddar Soup and Fully Cooked Falafel.

Homicidal or harmless? iNaturalist can help you answer that question.

The iNaturalist App Is Like Shazam for Plants, Animals, and Insects

It has even led to the discovery of a new species.

6 Ways to Make a Bug Bite Stop Itching

Insects can interrupt a nice day outdoors by using your legs as a buffet table. Here's how to quell the itching.

Bee Wary: Why You Should Never Jump Into Water to Avoid a Bee Attack

Diving into a pool or lake to escape bees could result in a death worthy of a 'Final Destination' movie.

'Greasy, Gross' Cannibal Mormon Crickets Invade Nevada, Horrify Residents

Officials are using snowplows to clear the roads of the dead and objectively disgusting bugs.

Whether you're on a hike or at the beach, these items will help you stay safe along the way.

11 Essentials That Will Help You Stay Safe This Summer, According to Experts

Whether you're on a hike or at the beach, the best summer safety products will cover all the bases, and they're expert-approved.

(Not the actual insects who rained on Elton John's parade.)

Thirty Years Ago, Elton John Was Forced Offstage By a Swarm of Crickets

In 1993, Elton John had to abruptly end a concert in Melbourne 30 minutes early due to an uninvited swarm of insects.

Why Are Peaches Fuzzy?

Whether you enjoy the velvety skin on peaches or peel it off, you may wonder why they developed fuzz in the first place.

7 Tips for Growing a Native Plant Garden

Planting native flowers, shrubs, and trees instead of ornamentals or plain grass around your home has a number of long-term environmental benefits.

Brown marmorated stink bugs have a little something in common with cilantro.

12 Facts About the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Brown marmorated stink bugs first popped up in the U.S. in Pennsylvania in the late 1990s—and now, they can invade your home by the thousands.

Why You Should Never Squish a Stink Bug

The dime-sized insects require careful disposal in your home.

14 Fascinating Facts About Ladybugs

Did you know that their red color is a warning sign, their babies look like alligators, and they can change the flavor of your wine?

'Nature's Pitfall' by Samantha Stephens.

See 11 Stunning Images From the 4th Annual Close-Up Photographer of the Year Competition

Slime mold definitely had a moment—but it’s hard to beat two dead salamanders floating in a carnivorous plant.

Beekeepers may have one less thing to worry about.

Science Buzz: A New Honeybee Vaccine Could Help Save Colonies

This vaccine could help honeybees combat American foulbrood, a disease that can wipe out entire colonies.

A tree frog spits out a male wasp after being pseudo-stung.

Male Wasps Can Use Genital Spikes to Ward Off Frogs

Frogs trying to eat helpless male wasps are in for a nasty surprise.

Koalas might be cute, but they're definitely not bears.

34 Misleading Misnomers Explained

From Chinese checkers and Panama hats to koala bears and king crabs, and beyond, these names aren't quite what they seem.

Beech woolly aphids do the boogie-woogie (2020)

Watch the Hypnotic Dance of the Boogie-Woogie Aphid

The boogie-woogie aphid is nicknamed for an unusual defense mechanism.

A paper wasp nest is a thing of geometric beauty.

10 Sharp Facts About Wasps

Is that slightly menacing, buzzing insect a wasp? Hornet? Yellowjacket? Maybe all of the above.