Insects & Arachnids

Both native and non-native species of ladybugs abound in New England. 

Massachusetts residents may see this large, harmless home invader come fall. They're not stink bugs but can release a pungent odor if alarmed, touched, or squished.

The Winter Moth is an invasive insect that can wreak havoc on our trees. 

Discover the fascinating world of cicadas—from their loud summer songs and tree-clinging exoskeletons to the rare emergence of 17-year periodical cicadas that captivate birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

Dragonflies and damselflies that make up the order Odonata are the largest insects you’re likely to see in Massachusetts.

About 600 species of ants reside in the United States, but none is perhaps more infamous than the large black carpenter ant.

Shiny black with bright white spots, the non-native Asian longhorned beetle feeds on a wide range of trees to the point of destruction.

Get the facts about ticks—their appearance, life cycle, how to identify them, and what to do if you find one.

The first systematic statewide butterfly atlas undertaken in North America focuses on butterfly status in the year 1990.

Japanese Beetle grubs make up about 90% of the white grubs that live in Massachusetts lawns.

Hummingbird Moths are members of the sphinx moth family, which have heavy bodies and long front wings.

Bees and wasps can inspire fear. However, they are vitally important to nature and to our economy. 

The Spongy Moth is a highly invasive, non-native moth that defoliates hundreds of acres of forests across the country.

There are some native moth species that defoliate trees; the damage is typically aesthetic and not harmful.

Fireflies are neither bugs nor flies; they are actually beetles that light up using a chemical reaction in their lower abdomen.

Monarchs are well known for their vibrant orange wings with black veins and black borders with a white polka dot outline.