Check out the wonderful world of insects

6 June 2024

What do you think when you hear the word insects?

Does your mind go to creepy crawlies or beautiful bugs?

Each year the Royal Entomological Society encourages people to celebrate all six-legged creatures as part of their Insect Week.

This year Insect Week is taking place from 24 June to 30 June.

Find out more about the world of insects below.

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Image source, Getty Images
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There are more than a million named insects in the world, with more than 24,000 species just in the UK.
Image source, Getty Images
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People who study insects like this ant here are called entomologists. Insects have antennae, six legs and a body with a hard shell which is divided into three parts.
Image source, Getty Images
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Some insects may also have wings
Image source, Getty Images
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Moths are often less brightly coloured than butterflies and their wings fold in a different way
Image source, Getty Images
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This is called a stag beetle because of the 'antlers' on its head
Image source, Getty Images
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This guy is also named for how it looks, it is called a shield bug because of its shape. It is harmless but gives out a smell a bit like marzipan if it feels threatened!
Image source, Getty Images
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Bees and other insects are really important for pollenating flowers and crops
Image source, Getty Images
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Ladybirds are small but easy to spot because of their bright colour, they eat thousands of tiny green bugs called aphids
Image source, Getty Images
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Crickets and grasshoppers have powerful back legs which they use to jump really high

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