Top 20 Most Common Insects in Owensboro
Insects, these fascinating creatures, are renowned for their unique characteristics and diverse habitats, including within the city of Owensboro. They play vital roles in Owensboro's ecosystem, from the nuisance-causing pests to the highly beneficial insects. As we navigate through our 'Top 20 most common insects,' we highlight the profound interplay between city environments and these tiny dwellers.
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. 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.
3. 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.
4. Silver-spotted skipper
The silver-spotted skipper (Epargyreus clarus) constructs a series of nests throughout its development that depends on its growth stage. Its caterpillar form is considered a major homebody, as they rarely leave the spot they call home. When they are adults, males perch on high branches in order to claim and defend favorable territory. Unusually, silver-spotted skipper adults never visit yellow flowers.
5. 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.
6. Spicebush swallowtail
The spicebush swallowtail (Papilio troilus) is a butterfly with an extreme love for plants in the Lauraceae family, such as spicebushes. Their preference is so strong that an experiment proved they would rather die than choose another host. Their two subspecies, *T. troilus *troilus and *T. troilus *ilioneus, differ based on location. The *T. troilus *ilioneus has more bluish spots and prefers redbay and swampbay plants.
7. Eastern Carpenter Bee
The eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica) is considered a pest and a benefit in the same body. It has earned its pest status from its ability to tunnel into human-made structures and weaken them. They can also stain their excrement on the building as they leave the tunnel. Their benefits as pollinators heavily outweigh any damage they do to structures.
8. Common Eastern Bumble Bee
The common Eastern Bumble Bee (Bombus impatiens) is one of the most important pollinator bees in North America. A decline in the bee population will lead to financial hardships for farmers and reduced food yield. Their efficiency in pollination and foraging comes from their ability to drop "traplines." These lines guide other bees to the correct path for food while informing them of depleted locations.
9. Yellow garden spider
The yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia) is an arachnid that connects itself to its web to feel vibrations that signal to him prey has been caught. Its venom is harmless to humans but perfect for catching smaller insects that might cause harm to your garden. Yellow garden spiders web construction process includes bridge construction and scaffolding, making it among the more complicated web patterns.
10. Brown marmorated stink bug
As evidenced by its name, brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) is most recognizable for its ability to exude a nasty, foul-smelling odor if disturbed. Capable of subsisting on over one hundred species of plant, it has become an enormous pest for many farmers in the U.S., costing over $30 million annually in apple crop losses alone. It often invades homes in autumn, as soon as the weather begins to chill.
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