Among the largest of the wolf spiders, Carolina wolf spiders come out at night to hunt prey.
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
At least 18,000 species of grasshoppers hop the world's continents. All have strong jaws used for chewing.
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
The twig pruner, a longhorned beetle native to North America, is considered a pest, as it attacks trees such as oak, hickory, and ash.
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
Widespread throughout Europe, North America, and Asia, the bee fly is a fly that looks like a bee. Like bees, the species is also a prodigious pollinator.
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
There are more than 4,000 species of orb-weaving spiders found worldwide, preferring humid habitats to build their prey-catching webs.
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
Abundant throughout North America, the great spangled fritillary has a beautiful checkered pattern that may serve as camouflage in dappled sunlight. Its scientific name is Speyeria cybele, meaning "earth mother".
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
There are more than 200 species of June beetles, also called June bugs. The insects emerge in early summer, when they're often seen flying around lights in the evenings.
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
Almost all spiders carry venom, but its purpose is to stun or kill their insect prey. Of the 37,000 known spider species, only about 25 are thought to have venom that's dangerous to people.
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
Grasshoppers are famous for their songs, which some make by rubbing their hind legs together.
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
Ground beetles come in an diveristy of colours—most are glossy and black, like this species, but others are iridescent, green, yellow, or orange.
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
Jumping spiders, a very diverse group well known for their colours and elaborate mating rituals, have sharp vision and an impressive awareness of three-dimensional space.
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
Leaf-footed bugs, named after the leaf-like protrusions on their back legs, are often garden pests in North America.
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
Bumblebees are crucial pollinators for human crops, including blueberries, cranberries, and tomatoes.
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
June beetles have a three-year life cycle, part of which includes one-inch long, stout-bodied white grubs.
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
Many Americans are familiar with the brown marmorated stinkbug, an invasive Asian species that has spoiled fruit harvests and invaded homes across the U.S.
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
Also known as the European fire ant, the common red ant is also found in North America. It can be aggressive and will bite intruders if threatened.
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
Squash bugs, common throughout the U.S., like to eat squash and pumpkin plants.
Photograph by David G. Fairchild, National Geographic Creative
