Top 20 Most Common Insects in Oklahoma City

The american bumble bee (Bombus pensylvanicus) used to be a prevalent bumblebee that lived in farmlands and enjoyed sunflowers. However, they are currently considered to be a vulnerable species given their population diminishing. They like hanging around their nests, but have been known to return from more than a mile away.

Tan Jumping Spider is a very flat spider, which enables it to hide behind tree bark and other very narrow places. These spiders have very good vision and, as their name (Tan Jumping Spider) suggests, are known for their tremendous leaping ability. The tan Jumping Spider is able to jump five times its body length.

The white-Lined Sphinx ( Hyles lineata) is a colorful furry moth with striped wings. It has a similar size of a hummingbird, and behaves like a hummingbird as well. It can fly extremely fast, and instantly swing from side to side while hovering just like a hummingbird. It feeds on nectar from a variety of flowers including petunia, honeysuckle, lilac, clovers, thistles, and jimson weed.

The Asterocampa celtis, also known as the hackberry Emperor, can be easily found in moist places where its favorite Hackberry tree grows. These pretty and naughty creatures are always interested in bright objects, such as a piece of white paper held in the sun. Sometimes they fly to and land on people, in order to drink the sweat for their needs of salt. They also sip moisture and minerals from mud.

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.

The differential Grasshopper (Melanoplus differentialis) is considered a pest due to its love of grains. It is known to travel great distances in the search for food. One group released in South Dakota was found 20 miles from its released location after a 2 day period.

Seven-spotted ladybug (Coccinella septempunctata), known in North America as the "seven-spotted ladybug," is the most common species of ladybird in Europe and the official state insect of five U.S. states. While not native to North America, it has established itself there after being introduced to control aphid populations. Its bright coloring deters predators, and it may also play dead or secrete foul-smelling liquids to discourage consumption.

Hypena scabra, the green cloverworm or black snout, is a moth of the family Erebidae. The species was first described by Johan Christian Fabricius in 1798. It is found in North America from Canada south to Florida and Texas. It has also been reported from Great Britain. The wingspan is 25–35 mm. Adults are on wing from March to November or all year round in warmer regions. There are multiple generations per year. The larvae feed on low-growing legumes, including alfalfa, bean, clover, pea and soybean. They also feed on woody legumes such as false indigo and locust. Other reported hosts include birch, cherry, corn, elm, hackberry, New Jersey tea, poplar, ragweed, sida, strawberry and willow.

The common Buckeye (Junonia coenia) has distinguishable target-shaped spots on its dark wings, along with patches of orange and white. It produces multiple generations each year as it migrates to sunny landscapes. When it flies, it moves rapidly in an irregular pattern, often low to the ground.

The black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes) is one of the fastest swallowtails out there. With a lifespan that maxes out at 45 days, it has a limited amount of time to get a mate. As a result, courtship is only around forty seconds long. They can also put their abdomen at the top of their wings, keeping them warm during colder flights.