Over a million insect species exist worldwide, comprising more than half of all living organisms. Insects have evolved into various shapes, colors, and behaviors. They possess three pairs of legs, antennae, and a chitinous exoskeleton
Lepidoptera is the second-largest insect order in the Insecta class. Contains 126 families and 46 superfamilies with over 180,000 species. Includes butterflies, skippers, and moths with scaly wings
Mosquitoes are approximately 3,500 species of insects. Adult mosquitoes have scales, long legs, and piercing mouthparts. Males and some females are pollinators, females need blood for egg maturation. Mosquitoes are attracted to hosts by moisture, lactic acid, and movement
Phlebotomus is a genus of sand flies in the Diptera family Psychodidae. Adult flies are 1.5-3.0 mm long, yellowish with black eyes. Females need blood meal before reproduction, males feed on plant nectar
Over 3,500 mosquito species exist worldwide. Originated as feral species in sub-Saharan Africa 200 million years ago. Name means "little fly" in Spanish and Portuguese
Insects are dominant life form on earth, with millions per acre. They are adaptable, living in most environments except oceans. Their success attributed to protective exoskeleton, small size, and flight. Less than 1% of insect species are pests, but many are significant agricultural threats