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Woodlands provide a rich habitat for a multitude of insects. Below are some common insect orders of Ryerson Woods. Click on a photo for more information about that insect order. |
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Coleoptera (beetles) One out of every three animal species is a beetle. Most beetles can be identified by their hardened forewings that form a protective shell over their body. |
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Diptera (flies) Flies possess only one pair of functional wings, the hind pair being greatly reduced in size. Their Latin name emphasizes this unique characteristic; di (two) + ptera (wing). |
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Dermaptera (earwigs) These serious garden pests are not common in the Midwest, but can be identified by the forceps-like "cerci" at their rear end. |
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Hemiptera (true bugs) Technically, the term "bug" only applies to this order of insects. Whether predators or plant feeders, all true bugs have sucking mouth parts. |
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Hymenoptera (bees, wasps, ants) While many in this group have nasty stings, most have fascinating life cycles... |
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Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) Lepidoptera means "scale-wing" and members of this group are covered in microscopic scales that give them color. This Monarch Butterfly is the Illinois State insect. |
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Mantodea (mantids) |
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Mecoptera (scorpionflies) Although some members of this group look like large flies, they have two functional pairs of wings. |
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Neuroptera (lacewings, antlions) Most members of this group are predacious, but some are non-feeding as adults. Some are used as bait among trout fishers. |
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Odonata (dragonflies, damselflies) Odonates hunt by sight, and capture their prey in midair. |
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Orthoptera (grasshoppers, katydids, crickets) This group is best known for singing ability. Members of this group usually sing to attract mates. |
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Insect Relatives (spiders, crustaceans, centipedes) Links to other insect sites
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