Insects
Find out everything there is to know about insects and stay updated on the latest insect research with the comprehensive articles, interactive features and insect pictures at LiveScience.com. Learn more about these fascinating species as scientists continue to make amazing discoveries about insects.
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Latest about Insects
Fuzzy caterpillar has sting 'like being hit with a baseball bat," and now we know why
By Sascha Pare published
Scientists have discovered proteins in the caterpillars' venom that fold up "like a little donut" to punch holes in the victim's cells, delivering extremely potent pain signals to the brain.
Ecologist Tim Blackburn: 'Moths pollinate a wider range of species than bees'
By Sascha Pare published
With colors ranging from candy pinks to golds and sometimes possessing wingspans as big as a bird's, moths are a fascinating group. Ecologist Tim Blackburn tells Live Science about the incredible, hidden world of moths.
Where do honey bees come from? New study 'turns the standard picture on its head'
By Carissa Wong published
DNA analysis indicates the world's most common bee originated in northern Europe around 780,000 years ago, before spreading into East Africa and Arabia around 120,000 years later.
World's most painful ant sting targets nerves in the same way scorpion venom does
By Sascha Pare published
Bullet and greenhead ants produce toxins they inject with every sting, which prolong nerve signals to the brain and lead to trembling, uncontrollable and long-lasting pain in mammals.
All butterflies evolved from ancient moths in North America 100 million years ago
By Soumya Sagar published
Scientists have revealed how butterflies evolved and took over the world in a new tree of life.
Why are insects attracted to artificial lights?
By Meg Duff published
Artificial lights can be deadly to the insects that fly around them, so why do these critters do it?
How do bees make honey? From the hive to the pot
By Ailsa Harvey last updated
Reference By producing masses of this sweet substance, honeybees can stay active throughout the winter period. But how do they make it?
Which animal kills the most people every year?
By Ethan Freedman published
Of all the creatures on Earth, one insect is responsible for the most human deaths.
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