Top 20 Most Common Insects in Delaware
Insects, with their diverse shapes, sizes, and survival strategies, are a captivating spectacle of Delaware's ecosystem. Geographic variations across Delaware can significantly influence this insect diversity, sprouting a unique display of inter-species relationships. These tiny creatures have profound impacts on our lives, acting as both beneficial pollinators and worrisome pests. To further our appreciation, our forthcoming list will detail the 20 most common insects within Delaware and their significant roles in sustaining ecological balance.
Most Common Insects
1. Monarch butterfly
The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.
2. Blue dasher
The name Pachydiplax longipennis implies that the blue dasher has long wings due to the "longipennis" section literally translating to it. But this would be misleading, as the insect does not have particularly long wings. Instead, they stick out with vibrant blue colors. The dasher part of their name may be in reference to their voracious diet, as they can eat up to 10 percent of their body weight daily.
3. Eastern pondhawk
The eastern pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) has much in common with American fishermen, they love living near the sides of ponds. They are a beautiful insect that is easy to distinguish when it comes to different genders. Females are bright green with bands around the abdomen and the males are bright blue with a green face.
4. Eastern tiger swallowtail
Eastern tiger swallowtail (Papilio glaucus) is among the most recognizable butterflies in the eastern United States, where it inhabits a variety of habitats. This species is diurnal and usually solitary, preferring to fly high above the ground until the time comes to mate. Caterpillars display eyespots to deter birds in between some molting phases.
5. Fragile forktail
Ischnura posita, the fragile forktail, is a species of damselfly in the genus Ischnura. It is 21 to 29 mm long. It is native to most all of eastern North America. 
6. Common whitetail skimmer
Common whitetail skimmer has black bands on its translucent wings which make it easy to identify. The common whitetail skimmer is found throughout North America and serves a vital ecological purpose. The dragonfly’s compound eyes provide it with a 360-degree field of vision, allowing it to spot prey like spiders and other nuisance insects.
7. Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.
8. Sachem
The sachem (Atalopedes campestris) feeds on the nectar of many flowers, including milkweeds, peppermint, and red clovers. It often spends its time near pastures, meadows, roadsides, parks, and yards. The males spend most of their time on the ground, waiting for females to come.
9. Spotted Lanternfly
The spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula), also known as the "spotted wax cicada", is considered a pest due to its ability to reproduce frequently. As a nymph, it has a black or red body with small, white dots. However, as an adult, it develops white wings with black spots and orange underwings. It pierces plant stems for food, stunting plant growth.
10. Slaty skimmer
Adults are 5 cm long. Mature males are dark blue with black heads. Females and juveniles have brown abdomens with a darker stripe down their backs.
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