Fishfly Naiad

The Phlaeothripidae, are frequently misunderstood due to their minute size and elusive nature. Contrary to common belief, these tiny insects play a crucial role in the ecosystem, particularly in pollination processes. Many assume these creatures are merely pests, but their interaction with plants is complex, contributing to both pollination and occasionally plant disease.

Despite their minuscule size, members of the Thripidae family, play a substantial role in the ecosystem, both as pollinators and pests. Intriguingly, these tiny insects possess asymmetrical mouthparts uniquely adapted for piercing and sucking plant cells, often causing silvering leaves and stunted growth in plants. However, not all thrips are destructive; some are effective pollinators for various plants, including commercially grown onions and carrots.

The dragonfly Naiad is a juvenile stage of the dragonfly that lives in ponds and streams. It is a ferocious (and cannibalistic) predator that feeds on insects, invertebrates, small fish, and other dragonfly Naiad. It is an important food source for larger predators. The presence of this insect in freshwater indicates that the ecosystem is healthy and well-oxygenated.

Libellulidae are benign and play a crucial role in the ecosystem as natural pest controllers, devouring mosquitoes and other small insects. Another fascinating aspect is their astonishing flight capabilities; Libellulidae can maneuver in all six directions, hover in mid-air, and even mate while flying. Their unique wing structure and acute vision enable these breathtaking maneuvers. Libellulidae are not merely insects; they are ancient, having existed even before dinosaurs roamed the earth, making them a mesmerizing study of resilience and evolution.

Corduliidae exhibit fascinating flight abilities, capable of hovering like helicopters and even flying backwards, which not all insect species can achieve. A notable, yet often overlooked aspect of Corduliidae is their voracious appetite for mosquitoes, helping to naturally control populations that might carry diseases such as malaria and dengue. This not only showcases their ecological importance but also challenges the misconception that all insects are nuisances. Their presence around water bodies is indicative of a healthy environment, making them excellent bioindicators.

Belonging to the family Aeshnidae, dragonflies are not only master fliers but architects of the air. They prey on pests such as mosquitoes and flies, playing a critical role in controlling insect populations. Their two sets of wings operate independently, allowing for precise maneuvers and even hovering, a skill that has captivated observers for centuries. Despite their sometimes fierce appearance, Aeshnidae are a symbol of harmony and resilience in many cultures, reflecting their adaptability and ecological importance.

A captivating trait of Gomphidae lies in their bulbous, club-shaped tails, a distinctive design differing markedly from other dragonflies. Members of Gomphidae typically signify healthier water bodies as they are particularly sensitive to water pollution. This sensitivity makes them excellent bioindicators, providing valuable insights into the ecological health of their environments. Thus, these dragonflies not only dazzle with their aerial agility but also play a crucial role in monitoring ecosystem vitality.

Though bearing the serene name 'damselfly', the members of the Lestidae family are voracious predators in their nymph stage, hunting under the water's surface. Adults, characterized by their slender bodies and distinctive wing shape, predominantly feast on minute insects whilst in flight. A common misconception is that all damselflies are harmless, delicate creatures, but Lestidae species are skilled hunters with sharp mandibles since their larval stages. Their presence around water bodies is often a reliable indicator of ecological health, demonstrating their critical role in maintaining the balance of aquatic ecosystems.

Western honey bee（Apis mellifera） is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

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.

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

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.